Racquets, movies, theatre, pool days, and plenty of creativity — the September school holidays are anything but boring!
School’s out from Monday 21 September to Friday 2 October, and families across Cooktown, Lakeland and Bloomfield will have plenty of reasons to get out, get involved and enjoy the holidays together.
Young people can pick up a racquet with experienced tennis coaches visiting from Cairns, settle in for a movie on the big screen, step into the spotlight with Box Jelly Theatre Co., cool off at the Cooktown Swimming Pool or get hands-on with creative activities at Cook Shire Libraries.
Whether the plan is to try something completely new, spend time with friends, build confidence and skills or simply find a fun way to fill the day, there is plenty happening across the two-week break.
And with most activities free, families can mix and match their favourites and build a school holiday calendar that works for them.
READY, SET, RALLY!
Wednesday 23–Friday 25 September | Cooktown Tennis Courts
Experienced coaches from Baseline Tennis Academy Cairns are heading north for three days of FREE tennis clinics for children and young people.
Sessions will run daily for Primary ages 5+ from 9am–12pm and Secondary ages 12+ from 1pm–4pm.
Equipment and refreshments are provided, and participants can book one day or all three.
Bookings are essential and places are limited.
Assistance provided by the Australian and Queensland governments through the jointly funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
MOVIE AFTERNOONS
Friday 25 September and Friday 2 October, 3pm at the Cooktown Events Centre.
Grab a blanket, pack the snacks and settle in for two FREE big-screen movie afternoons.
- Friday 25 September: Toy Story 5
- Friday 2 October: The Secret Life of Pets
No registration is required, making it an easy addition to the school holiday calendar. BYO snacks.
Parents or carers who do not stay to supervise their children will be required to sign them in.
TAKE CENTRE STAGE THESE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
Monday 28 September–Thursday 1 October | Cooktown Shire Hall
Box Jelly Theatre Co. returns to Cooktown with a four-day drama workshop for young people aged 10 and over.
From acting and improvisation to characters, costumes, movement and theatre games, participants can get creative, build confidence and work towards a short play.
Sessions run from 9am–3pm each day, with the full four-day program costing $25 per person.
Bookings are essential and places are limited.
MAKE A SPLASH AT THE COOKTOWN SWIMMING POOL
There are two ways to hit the water these holidays.
Splash N’ Play returns on Thursday 24 September and Thursday 1 October from 10am–12pm, with pool games, activities and free play. Standard pool entry fees apply and no registration is required.
Families can also take advantage of the FREE Learn to Swim Holiday Program, with Swim and Survive lessons available for children aged six months to 14 years, from Babies and Toddlers through to Primary swimming levels.
Lessons run across both weeks of the holidays, with families able to book one session or multiple lessons depending on their child’s swimming level and availability.
Bookings are essential and places are limited.
LET CREATIVITY GROW AT COOK SHIRE LIBRARIES
Cooktown, Lakeland and Bloomfield Libraries
Cook Shire Libraries are getting crafty with FREE garden-inspired activities across both weeks of the holidays.
Week One will feature decorated porcelain hanging baskets and mini terracotta pots, while Week Two will bring foliage and flower arrangements and nature collages.
Cooktown Library will also have a Community Collage and colouring-in competition running throughout the holidays.
Scheduled craft sessions require bookings. Call 4069 5009.
START PLANNING THE HOLIDAYS
From getting active and making a splash to movies, theatre and creative fun, there’s something for plenty of different ages and interests these school holidays.
Some activities have limited places and require bookings, so families are encouraged to check the full event details and plan ahead.
Explore the School Holiday Calendar and start planning your September school holidays across Cook Shire.