Free Perth Family Activities in August 2012

Free Perth Family Activities in August 2012

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Posted 2012-07-26 by Judith Wfollow

Wed 01 Aug 2012 - Fri 31 Aug 2012

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Hang on there, folks. Winter is almost over. One more month and spring will officially start. Imagine all the riots of colour that will show up then, the pink of cherry blossoms, the yellow of warm sunrays, the green of tiny shoots sprouting from the ground, any colour but blues.

While waiting for that imagination to come true, why not check out the following free activities that would help time pass in a more pleasant way for your family (not to mention educational - but hey, don't let your kids hear that).

I thought that at the end of winter, free community events would be sparse as everyone just wait till spring to start launching their event. But I couldn't be more wrong. August is choc-a-block with activities, mainly due to the two theme weeks: National Science Week and Children's Book Week. Just click one of the links provided below to start selecting activities that suit your family.

[SECTION]National Science Week[/SECTION]

August could be full of sparks and explosions, literally. August 11-19 is the National Science Week and there are tonnes of events listed in their website , with some scattered here and there outside of this week. Following are a few selections that are family-friendly, fun, and free.

**1. Curtin University Open Day
When:** Sunday, 5 August, 10am to 4pm.
Where: Curtin University, Kent Street , Bentley.
Website: openday.curtin.edu.au
A university open day is usually designed to attract high school students into its welcoming bosom. This one is no different in that matter. However, some of the activities would also be interesting for any kid (or adult) who is into science, such as DNA extraction in the Health Science Marquee, or the promise of "over 10 activities and demonstrations" in the Science Hub. So get over there, get your hands dirty and brain busy.

2. Molecular Origami
When & Where:
- Saturday & Sunday, 11-12 August, 11am to 5pm at PICA, Perth Cultural Centre, James Street, Northbridge.
- Thursday-Sunday, 16-19 August, 10am to 4pm at WA Museum, James Street, Northbridge.
Website: http://www.scitech.org.au/events/events/molecular-origami.html
This science and art activity combined would allow you and your kids to learn about the science of cellulose and polymers as well as the art of folding paper. Come along and spend as little or as much time as you'd like immersed in the giant paper molecules.

**3. The Sun – Powering Our Planet
When:** Sunday, 12 August, 2 to 7pm.
Where: Gravity Discovery Centre, 1098 Military Road, Gingin West.
Website: http://www.gravitycentre.com.au/national-science-week/1914/
A trip to the Gravity Discovery Centre is always a treat for any budding scientist worth their salt and this one has an additional benefit of being free. The family-friendly activities would include: solar cooking demonstrations, safe solar viewing, solar car/boat racing, and rockets launching. I'm no kid and even I'm excited.

**4. Rocket Girl - Rocket Show
When:** Wednesday, 15 August, 1:30 to 2pm.
Where: Bayswater Library, 25 King William Street, Bayswater.
Website: http://www.scienceweek.net.au/rocket-girl-rocket-show/
The whole community is invited to this rocket launching that would rock your day. Watch an entertaining demonstration of Water Rockets, Bicarb/Vinegar Rockets, and Burning Fuel Rockets. Needless to say, the science of it all would be explained, but no need to be shy about it, we know you're here for the explosions.


**5. Giant Science – World Record Attempt
When:** Wednesday, 15 August, 12:30 to 2pm.
Where: Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley.
Website: http://giantscience2012.eventbrite.com.au/
Fancy having a world record attached to your name? That would be a great conversation starter if ever there is one. To do that, simply register at the above website and join in the attempt for world record for the most people participating in a chemistry experiment. If that's not enough incentive for you, there would also be a draw to win a sciencey food hamper.

**6. Colours of Science Community Expo
When:** Sunday, 19 August, 10am to 3pm.
Where: Canning River Eco Education Centre, Kent Street Weir, Kent Street, Wilson.
Website: http://www.aaeewa.org.au/
This is a community fair with a science twist, as the activities are designed to encourage science amongst the lay people. Scitech would be there with their energy show, and other activities include animal encounters, sustainable energy activities, and free native plants giveaways.


[SECTION]Children's Book Week[/SECTION]

Slightly overlapping with the National Science Week, Children's Book Week 2012 officially falls between 18-24 August 2012. Children's Book Week is the longest running children's festival in Australia, where libraries, schools, and communities celebrate books and Australian authors and illustrators. 2012 is its 67th year and the theme this time around is "Champions Read."

Libraries around the state would have something scheduled for children to enjoy and here are a few samples. If you live too far away from any of these, check the libraries near you and I'm pretty sure they'd have something scheduled too.

**1. City of Joondalup
When:** Saturday, 18 August, 10.30am to 12noon.
Where: Duncraig Library (Corner Marmion Ave & Warwick Road, Duncraig).
Website: http://www.joondalup.wa.gov.au/Explore/Libraries/KidsCorner/ChildrensBookWeek.aspx
This is a special opening event for Children's Book Week and families with children 5 year or above are invited to join in the fun. Class Act Theatre will perform a play aptly titled "The Book Olympics." Bookings are required, so if you're interested, call 9400 4751 to find out more or book your family in.

**2. Shire of Kalamunda
When & Where:**
- Monday, 20 August: High Wycombe Library (Markham Road, High Wycombe; Phone: 9257 9974)
- Tuesday, 21 August: Lesmurdie Library (Reid Road, Lesmurdie; Phone: 9257 9976)
- Wednesday, 22 August: Kalamunda Library (7 Williams Street, Kalamunda; Phone: 9259 9969)
- Thursday, 23rd August: Forrestfield Library (Strelitzia Avenue, corner of Salix Way, Forrestfield; Phone: 9257 9975)
All sessions start 6pm.
Website: http://www.kalamunda.wa.gov.au/YourCouncil/News/NewsItems/EveningStorytimeduringChildrensBookWeek2012.aspx
Libraries throughout the Shire of Kalamunda will be celebrating Children's Book Week through an evening of special storytime. Quoting Shire President Cr Donald McKechnie, "This year, in tune with the Children's Book Week theme, we are inviting all children to bring your favourite "Champion" story to read aloud." Sounds good to me.

**3. City of Stirling
When & Where:**
- Monday, 20 August: Scarborough Library (Phone: & #8203 ;9205 7420).
- Tuesday, 21 August: Karrinyup Library (Phone: 9205 7400), Osborne Library (Phone: & #8203 ;9205 7900) and Dianella Library (Phone: & #8203 ;9205 7740).
- Wednesday, 22 August: & #8203 ;Inglewood Library (Phone: 9205 7700)
- Thursday, 23rd August: Mirrabooka Library (Phone: 9205 7300)
All sessions 6-7pm.
Website: http://www.stirling.wa.gov.au/bookweek
Targeting young children (6 years old or under), City of Stirling this year celebrates Children's Book Week through stories, rhymes, and songs plus Pizza. Interested? Call up one of the libraries (bookings required), come in your PJs, and don't forget to bring teddy, he wouldn't want to miss this one. If your kids are too big for this pizza party, and more into the popular "Extreme Adventures" and "Mission Fox" books, then don't miss the "Writing Adventures with Justin D'Ath" event to be conducted on Wednesday, 22 August (4-5pm) at Scarborough Library. Call 9205 7420 to book this event.


**4. City of Mandurah
When:** Saturday 25 August, 5-7pm.
Where: Mandurah Performing Arts Centre (Ormsby Terrace, Mandurah).
Website: http://www.mandurah.wa.gov.au/PyjamaParty.htm
This is not strictly an event within the Children's Book Week, and more linked to the Reading Hour initiative instead. But why split the hair, the important thing is that we are encouraging our children to read. In this "Reading Hour Pyjama Party," children are invited to come dressed in your best pyjamas (or as a book character) and join the ultimate bedtime story session. The first half of the two hour event is scheduled for supper, entry into prize draws, stalls, and displays; whereas the second half is dedicated to the story telling. You can RSVP online through the website above.

PS: Traditionally, the State Library of WA (Perth Cultural Centre, James Street, Perth) would display creations from the annual " Make Your Own Storybook " competition run by the WA Branch of CBCA (The Children's Book Council of Australia). Judging from previous years, the entries are so good that I'd never have thought the authors/ illustrators of those books were so young, some only in early primary schools. Although there is no official announcement on exact dates and times of display at this stage, we could look out for this happening during or around the Children's Book Week as well.

[SECTION]Others (Include Those Continuing from Last Month)[/SECTION]

If you have noted down all the previous activities in this article, your diary for August would probably be full enough already. However, if the following are of interest to you, you may want to jot it down anyway and make time to attend.

**1. Art n About Markets 2012
When:** Sunday 19 August 10am - 4pm
Where: Wanneroo Library & Cultural Centre (3 Rocca Way, Wanneroo).
Website: http://www.wanneroo.wa.gov.au/Lifestyle/Events/Art_n_About_Markets_2012
This is a family event not to be missed by those who just love art and craft. Other than market stalls, there will also be workshops lining up from 10.30am onwards with topics such as jewellery-making, cake decorating, and quilting. To avoid having bored kids around, make sure you let them participate in the kids-friendly activities such as puppet making workshop hosted by the Library, sand art activities in the Great Court, and face-painting.

**2. Fathering Workshops
When:**
- Wednesday, 8 August: Fathering in the Fast Lane
- Wednesday, 15 August: Dads and Their Daughters
- Wednesday, 22 August: What Kids Need From Their Dads
All sessions 7.30-9pm (Light meal and refreshments provided from 7pm).
Where: Hamersley Recreation Centre Playroom (Belvedere Road, Hamersley).
Website: http://www.thefatheringproject.org/stirling-events
Are you a father or a father figure? Not sure how you could play your role in this fast-changing environment? Then you may want to consider attending these fathering workshops, which are based on the books by award-winning fathering expert/ author Dr. Bruce Robinson. His credentials are pretty impressive as he has taught fathering for 20 years in 5 countries and he currently leads The Fathering Project team at The University of Western Australia. Bookings for the workshop are essential (call 9205 8555 or email [email protected]). Priority would be given to City of Stirling residents, but there is no harm trying your luck and registering your interest.
The following activities have been around from last month. If you have not had a chance to visit them, then August may be a good time to do so.

**1. Mirror - An Exhibition by Jeannie Baker
When:** Everyday until 28 Sep: Mon-Thurs: 9am-8pm/ Fri: 9am-5.30pm/ Sat & Sun: 10am-5.30pm.
Where: Ground Floor, State Library of WA, Perth Cultural Centre, James Street, Perth.
Website: www.slwa.wa.gov.au/whats_on/exhibitions
Starting in the month of July, this 3 month long exhibition features collages from the children's book "Mirror" that tell the mirroring stories of an Australian and a Moroccan boys' lives. Both the story book and the collages were created by the Australian author/illustrator Jeannie Baker. Visitors can easily follow the story as the collages are displayed in the same order as in the book, with platforms provided for our little ones so they will be able to observe the artworks at eye level.


**2. Bold Park Guided Walks
When: **9-10.30am on Saturday, 4 August/ Thursday, 9 August/ Sunday, 19 August.
Where: Bold Park, End of Wollaston Rd, Floreat.
Website: www.bgpa.wa.gov.au/bold-park/walks/free-guided-walks
Last month's article of Free Family Activities in July 2012 also had this Bold Park Guided Walk listed. However, please note that the starting point has changed to another entry of Bold Park. Volunteer guides would take you on a 90 minute walk in the coastal bushland and during the walk you would be able to see some native plants and wildlife. No booking is required. Just bring a hat and drinking water, and wear some sturdy shoes and sunscreen. As there is no toilet facilities available, you might wish to make a detour prior to or after the walk to use the toilet facilities in Perry Lakes Reserve' playground.


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#august
#kids
!date 01/08/2012 -- 31/08/2012
%wnperth
203138 - 2023-06-16 05:21:59

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