School holiday family fun, Central West | Photos, pictures

We’ve done the research and have discovered some ‘must do’ events right across the Central West, all you need to do is jump in the car, head up the road and have fun.

These attractions are just a hop, skip and jump from your house and many promise a family fun experience that won’t break the bank.

THE Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 may be returning to Mount Panorama from October 4-7, but not all the action will be on the track. A highlight will be the annual Saturday Street Fair on October 6 in Kings Parade in the centre of Bathurst. Wander through the food and market stalls while being entertained by local artists. There will also be plenty of activities for the kids, including a LEGO Play Zone and $2 rides.​ Details here.

LOOKING for something for the kids to wrap up the school holiday break, then look no further than the Cowra Show which will be held on Saturday and Sunday, October 13 and 14. From sideshow alley to lawn mower racing, a demolition derby and rodeo action, there will be plenty on offer for all ages. A show highlight will be the fireworks from 8.30pm on October 13.

If you want to keep the children busy this week why not get them into the kitchen to prepare a creation for the cooking sections which include dedicated sections for children.

WHO wouldn’t love a day at Taronga Western Plains Zoo? Say hello to a meerkat, admire the lions and tigers and of course don’t forget the monkeys. Save up to 20 per cent on your tickets when buying them online. Details here.

OLD Dubbo Gaol is open these school holidays so you can step back in time along the cobble stones and check out the 19^th century buildings and artefact displays that tell the stories of prison life. Guided tours are available and check out some of the characters in costume. Save 10 per cent on general admission tickets that are booked online. Details here. 

LITHGOW City Band’s upcoming production 1918 – Back from the Brink is coming up with three performances this week. The play tells a story of love, sacrifice, and salvation – of ordinary lives in extraordinary times and features a cast of local performers and music of the time performed by Lithgow City Band. Details here.

SCULPTURES In The Garden is an exciting not-for-profit event that showcases Australian sculpture in a rural setting within a private garden and vineyard in Mudgee. Proceeds raised from the weekend exhibition on October 6-7 go towards a local arts initiative to create a public art sculpture walk in Mudgee’s Lawson Park. Entry is $5 per person and the garden is open 9am to 4pm both days.

SCHOOL students will be invited to trade their screens for some more traditional gaming on Friday with a Boardgame Day running at Orange City Library. Children over the age of six are invited to attend, with the library providing a huge range of new and old favourites to keep them entertained. Free entry. Details here.

BE amazed by astronomy talks at The Dish. Hear from one CSIRO’s astronomers at the Parkes Radio Telescope. Free talks at 11am and 2pm each weekday during the school holidays. No bookings required. All ages welcome. Details here.

TAKE a dip with free entry at the Parkes, Peak Hill, Trundle and Tullamore pools. This is Parkes Shire Council’s initiative to offer some respite for families from the stresses of the drought. The Parkes pool is already open, the others will open on November 3. Details here.

GET up close to some amazing cars during the Parkes Show And Shine and Swap Meet on October 13. Vehicles, motorcycles and machinery will be on display at Pioneer Park in Parkes. Details here.

GET active, play laser-tag, league-tag, gymnastics, parkour little ninja and loads more at Young PCYC Club these school holidays. Activities are mostly suitable for kids aged five years and older, however some are for certain age groups only. Costs range from $7 to $25. Details here.

YOUNG’S Southern Cross Cinema is also hosting plenty of holiday fun with two free movies on offer for Kids Club members. Memberships is for children aged 16 years and under, and the cost is $5. Details here.

THE Young Aquatic Centre centre will open in perfect timing these school holidays with the new season  to kick-off on Saturday, October 6. Gates open at 10am. Details here.