Brokerage for activities
The Time for Grandparents Program may be able to assist eligible grandfamilies with funding (brokerage) for:
- School camps.
- Sports and recreational activities for grandchildren such as dance, Guides, Scouts, football, soccer, netball and more.
- Grandparent's recreational and leisure activities. This funding can give grandparents the opportunity to pursue activities that they are interested in, while taking some time out from their caring role.
- Enriching activities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Grandparent carers and their grandchildren to feel culturally included, safe and sensitive to their needs.
- School holiday care to help grandparent carers juggle the demands of caring during the school holidays.
Our support with financial assistance gives grandchildren and Grandparents an opportunity to participate in regular, fun and interesting activities at minimal or no cost to the Grandparents.
Activities for kids
There are many indoor and outdoor recreational, sport and fun activities available for grandchildren. See our list below for ideas. If your grandchild is interested in one of these activities, or perhaps has a different activity in mind, give us a call as we may be able to assist with funding for your grandchild to participate.
Junior Football is the next step for kids who are ready to move on from NAB AFL Auskick or other introductory school and/or community programs. It’s the perfect environment for kids to have fun learning through play, make new friends and create memories that last a lifetime. Rules of matches are modified so children can continue to develop their skills in an enjoyable, safe atmosphere. Kids are gradually introduced to competitive football in stages as they gain skills and confidence throughout their years of Junior Football participation. It is important that providers of Junior Football and participants alike are familiar with, and adopt, the “this is our game” philosophy. It is this philosophy that ensures participating boys and girls have a fun, safe and positive football experience that is suitable to their needs. Our Junior Footballers aren’t fully grown adults with the same skill level as AFL & AFLW players, so we modify gameplay to suit their needs. From modified tackling to smaller ground size and a smaller ball for junior hands! Many girls prefer to play Australian Football in single gender environments, and where possible we recommend girls over age 10 do so. However, should your daughter prefer to play in a mixed-gender team or competition they are permitted to do so until age 14.
Little Athletics is a fun, social and active program for girls and boys aged 3 to 17. The program teaches a wide range of skills in events from running, jumping and throwing. Some Centres in Queensland run a Tiny Tots Program which starts at 3 years. Parents, grandparents and friends can also be involved by helping with the various events. Little Athletics Queensland has a summer season and a winter season but Centres do not operate in both seasons. Our summer season runs from August – March and all Centres in the Metro Brisbane Area, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and Central Coast area operate during these months. The winter season runs from February – September and all Centres in the Northern Queensland, Maranoa area and North Queensland operate during these months.
We love baseball and think it is one of the best team sports to be involved in. We understand that starting a new sport can be daunting and learning new skills can be scary but rest assured baseball offers a fantastic environment to learn the basics and grow new skill sets.
Baseball is a team sport that engages hand eye coordination, team work and strategic thinking. Starting in the under 8’s age group we have new players playing in a T-Ball program to initiate hitting, catching, throwing and base running. As players become older they will have opportunities to pitch and hit against pitchers.
Baseball is one of the USA’s, Japan’s and Central America’s premier sporting associations; playing baseball provides potential opportunities to overseas education, tours and experiences unlike any other sport in Australia.
Basketball is typically an indoor sport (but can be played outdoors) played with 2 hoops and a ball. Each team can have 5 players on the court at once and the goal is to try and get the basketball in the hoop (score) as many times as possible, while limiting that amount of times your opposition scores. The fundamental skills of basketball are dribbling, passing, and shooting, as well as, running and jumping.
Basketball is an extremely popular and well recognised sport, not only in Queensland, but Australia-wide. Opportunities exist for those of all age groups and abilities wishing to participate from the grass-roots right through to elite levels in basketball.
Basketball is a great way to be active and have fun. Players will make new friends, learn new skills, and improve balance and coordination. The skills learnt are not only basketball specific, but also include life skills. Some key life skills learnt through basketball include how to work well with others, leadership, decision-making and communication skills.
BQ Associations run a number of introductory programs designed to make learning to play basketball fun, safe and easy for boys and girls.
Junior programs such as Aussie Hoops and Mini Ball aim to introduce children to basketball in a structured program, with the best possible learning and playing experience to develop a positive introduction to the sport of basketball.
Our junior programs provide an environment where children of all abilities can achieve on the court – and reap the rewards of skill development, enhanced self-esteem, social cooperation and grassroots sports participation. Your child can start playing with your local Association from 5 years old.
There is something for all boys at Boys’ Brigade – from learning and refining skills, getting outdoors with camping and expeditions, making friends, developing hobbies, serving in the community, and becoming a leader. Whatever your interest, you can find it at Boys Brigade. Each group provides boys with a mix of fun, adventure and challenge for boys aged from 5 – 18.
Get the kids up and active at the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast Recreation Centres during the school holidays. We run daily activity sessions packed with exciting, challenging and safe activities. Sessions are delivered by experienced and friendly staff members and are perfect for kids aged 8 and over.
Our indoor rock climbing centres and pools are also open extended hours during school holidays if you want to squeeze in some extra adventure, and our Family Escapes offer affordable beach-side accommodation.
Cricket is a game for everyone and there’s no better way to enjoy cricket than to get involved! Junior Blasters (ages 5 – 7) is for kids new to cricket, to learn the skills to play cricket through fun game based activities. Master Blasters (ages 7 – 10) is for boys and girls ready to progress from Junior Blasters and ready to play short games of cricket in a fun and social setting. Junior Club Cricket (ages 9 – 18) allows kids to play organised games of cricket at their local clubs and make new friends. Fun, active and plenty of opportunities to develop skills.
For 40 years, FAD Cheer & Dance studios have steadily earned a reputation as one of the most respected dance & cheer schools in Australia. With over 4000 students across 34 locations in South East Queensland, FAD Cheer and Dance has a program to help your child reach their potential!
FAD classes are fun, dynamic and affordable. Our program is ‘all inclusive’ allowing ALL of our students to perform and learn at their own pace.
With modern family lifestyles in mind, the FAD program offers recreational, semi-competitive and competitive classes. This allows our students and their families to choose the level of commitment. From participation in as little as one 45 minute lesson a week and perform like a star, through to competitive teams that compete at State, National and International levels. Classes operate during school terms.
FAD Cheer & Dance Studios offer a wonderful space for young and young at heart to learn to cheer and dance. Students appreciate the value of fitness, gain confidence and resilience, all while making new and lasting friendships. For many, classes at FAD have sparked a lifelong love affair with cheer and dance! We look forward to welcoming all new members to our #FADFamily.
Local library – Contact your local public library and see what programs they offer to entertain the kids during the holidays.
Local council – Your local Council may offer free or low cost school holiday activities. For contact details of your local Council search the ‘Queensland Local Government Directory’.
Queensland Museums – Find things to do at the Queensland Museums. You can visit the:
- Queensland Museum or the Sciencentre at South Bank, Brisbane.
- Workshops Rail Museum in Ipswich.
- Cobb+Co Museum in Toowoomba.
- Museum of Tropical Queensland in Townsville.
Bunnings – If you are looking for some ways to entertain the kids during school holidays, be sure to head into your local Bunnings for their school holiday crafts! These activities are usually free and are lots of fun. After crafts are finished, there’s usually a sausage sizzle, the Bunnings cafe and indoor playground nearby to pass the time. Contact your local Bunnings store for details.
QAGOMA Children’s Art Centre in Brisbane works with artists to create interactive installations, artist projects and activities for kids and families. Entry to the Children’s Art Centre is free. They also have a range of programs available online, especially for children under 5 years of age.
Girl’s Brigade is part of an international Christian youth organisation for girls aged from Prep to 21 years. It covers a wide range of activities, including camps, which help the physical, mental and spiritual growth of the girls. Starting with a simple scheme, the programme develops into a wider sphere of work, leading onto the full range of subjects and projects including the Duke of Edinburgh and Queens Award (the highest award in Girls’ Brigade).
The Australian Guide Program is a non-formal educational program based on shared leadership and decision-making at all ages.
There are four main elements in the Australian Guide Program: physical, people, practical, and self. The program includes a variety of fun activities that focus on self-development in the areas of practical skills, physical development and relationships with people, appropriate to age and interests.
Guides of all ages are involved in decision-making, planning, implementing and evaluating their activities. Within her Unit, a Guide will be a member of a small group, called a Patrol of 4-8 Guides. It is within this Patrol and Unit where a Guide’s adventures go forth in the spirit of teamwork and friendship.
Leadership evolves with the Australian Guide Program of: Discover, Decide, Plan, Do and Check.
A Guide will set herself challenges to carry out to the best of her ability.
There are badges and awards to be gained, however earning badges is only a small part of being a Guide.
Guides will participate in many activities where the greatest reward will be a sense of personal achievement.
The activities could be outdoor adventures such as canoeing, archery, abseiling, camping, skiing, hiking overnight, cooking damper over a fire or just sitting around a campfire singing, chatting and sharing a joke.
There are other times when Guides prefer indoor activities such as trying a special recipe, having a go at making something, being creative in the arts, working as a team to plan their next adventure, finding out about other cultures and religions or learning skills through games.
Guides plan their activities with help from their Leaders and can adapt the plans to suit their experience and ability, so their activities vary from week to week.
Guides also have opportunities to participate in activities outside the Unit meeting such as camps, outings, special events, and day trips.
Gymnastics is one of the most fundamental and exciting of all physical activities. Basic gymnastic skills develop attributes that are perfect stepping stones for other sports, activities and life in general. Some of the important areas developed through gymnastics include flexibility, balance, strength, coordination, confidence and agility. Gymnastics provides an excellent health and fitness program for any age. Within gymnastics there are seven official Gymsports recognised from the International level down. Each Gymsport provides its own unique style of gymnastics, involves different training programs and uses different equipment; however, all Gymsports provide participants with event opportunities at local, State, National and International level. These include: General Gymnastics (including cheerleading and Kindergym), Men’s Artistic Gymnastics, Women’s Artistic Gymnastics, Rhythmic Gymnastics, Sport Aerobics, Trampoline Sports, and Sports Acrobatics. These activities may vary between clubs.
Hockey is a great way for kids to have fun, keep fit, and make new friends! And who knows, one day they might even play at the Commonwealth Games or Olympics! Hockey is for all ages. You can play hockey for a club from the age of 5. Most clubs have junior competitions from Under 7 until the age of 17. You can then progress to senior competitions for Men & Women. Hockey is very accommodating to all new players. The sport caters for all levels from the beginner to the elite and encourages participation, fun and development. It is a true family sport for all ages.
The Time For Grandparents program currently has several martial arts studios registered as activity providers around QLD. Others are currently being explored, and the program is happy to receive other suggestions. In addition to martial arts studios, many PCYC clubs also offer martial arts programs including tae kwon do, jiu-jitsu, judo and karate.
GKR Karate
GKR Karate is the largest martial arts organisation of its kind in the world with over 50,000 students training each week across Australia, New Zealand, UK and the USA.
GKR has always prided itself on being a ‘family club’. The classes cater for all ages ranging from 5 to 75, with approximately 40% of our students being female! Traditional karate is great for confidence building, fitness, stress relief, self esteem, concentration, mental and physical coordination and of course self defence. As with most traditional martial arts systems, GKR is a ‘non-contact’ style of karate. This helps to develop student focus, control and self-discipline. Studios are available from the southern QLD border up to Gympie, and from the East coast across to Toowoomba.
Aussie Kids Karate
Aussie Kids Karate, as its name suggests is a program designed for young students (4-12 years). Aussie Kids Karate uses the martial art form of Renbukan Karate which is of the Shito-Ryu style, one of the four original forms of martial arts, which was introduced into Australia in 1974 by renowned Japanese Karate Master, Mr Katsumi Iba.
In essence, the Aussie Kids Karate program is designed to escape the monotony of endless repetition of techniques that are the norm in some martial arts classes. Our classes have been adapted from a program devised by Sports Karate Australia principals, Rene Rogeveen, 5th Dan and Warren Hickey, 5th Dan. We have found that children learn more quickly through games that have a martial arts bearing and enhance the child’s skill level. The games range from simple balance exercises to “Power Games” which serve as an introduction to competition training. All the games that are played are designed to develop the skills that are required to excel in the sport in the future.
Studios are located in Mitchell, Roma, Dalby, Toowoomba, Warwick and Stanthorpe.
Gojurya Kenrenkan Karate
Located in Scarborough on the Redcliffe Peninsula, we practise authentic Japanese Goju Ryu, which is one of the four main karate styles in the world today. We are members of Seiwakai Japan and the Japanese Karate Federation Goju Kai.
Our classes focus on developing people with confidence, effective self-defence abilities, leadership, respect & humility. These life skills flow through to students becoming positive members in family, community and vocation. As well as life skills, within our dojo students make friends, develop fitness & health.
Free Trial Classes are offered.
Contact Sensei Harvey Baldwyn on harveybaldwyn@outlook.com Ph: 0455 557 134
Suncorp NetSetGO is Australia’s official starter program for girls and boys aged 5-10. It’s a chance to learn the netball basics, get outside and make some friends. For a lot of kids, this is the first time they’ll pick up a netball. It’s a fun and active learning experience. Suitable for 11 year olds and above, Club & Association netball provides a fun, competitive, team environment to develop skills, make new friends and learn from experienced coaches. There are plenty of pathway opportunities to develop as a player, coach or umpire – how and why you play netball is up to you!
Police-Citizens Youth Clubs (PCYC) Queensland is an award-winning charity providing youth and community programs, services and facilities. Whilst focusing on young people’s personal and leadership development, PCYC Queensland offers activities and programs for all ages and all levels. From outside school hours care and KinderGym for the younger years, to gymnastics, boxing, dance and martial arts, 24/7 gym+fitness centres and so much more. Simply find out what your local club has to offer.
The Time for Grandparents Program may be able to assist with the cost of ordinary school camps (year level camps rather than music camps, sports camps or inter-state etc.) that are at least one overnight stay.
Scouting, which has been in existence since 1907, and in Australia since 1908, has the aim of developing young people physically, intellectually, spiritually, emotionally and socially. Children are accepted into Scouting from 5 years of age, and may continue through the different sections until they are young adults at age 25. Scouting emphasises nature, adventure, citizenship, leadership and of course having fun. From the Cub Section onwards, young people are gradually given more opportunity to work in small autonomous (but supervised) groups in order to develop leadership skills. During their years in Scouts children aim to earn a series of badges, which give them a knowledge of basic Scouting skills and mark achievements in areas such as citizenship, campcraft, air and water activities and improving the environment.
Scripture Union works alongside churches and communities to give children, young people and their families opportunities to discover hope and life in God’s big story.
We do this through the provision of school chaplaincy services, camps, community-based missions, schools ministry, at-risk youth programs, and offer nationally recognised training programs in youth work at both Certificate IV and Diploma levels.
As part of its service delivery, Scripture Union provides a holiday program, meeting the physical, social, emotional and spiritual needs of each participant.
Ice Skating Queensland Inc. is the peak governing body for figure skating Queensland, incorporating all figure skating disciplines of Single Skating, Pair Skating, Ice Dance, Synchronized Skating and Theatre on Ice.
There are currently seven affiliated clubs throughout Queensland, both in Brisbane and in the regional areas of the Gold Coast and Townsville.
Ice Skating Queensland is affiliated to Ice Skating Australia www.isa.org.au. Ice Skating Queensland owns and operates both Iceworld Olympic Ice Rinks at Acacia Ridge and Boondall.
If you would like to try Figure Skating as a sport or if you just want to get fit, Learn to Skate classes for all ages are available in most ice rinks throughout the State.
Skate Queensland is a non profit organisation supporting and promoting skating in Queensland. Roller sports are divided up into 4 branches: Artistic (dance, figure, free skating, pairs and precision), Speed (track and road racing and banked track), Roller Hockey and Inline Hockey.
Softball seasons vary around the state between summer and winter. Softball is a high-tempo, low scoring game. It is a bat and ball sport, played between two teams, with the primary difference to baseball being a larger ball, smaller field, and under-arm pitching.
Swimming is Australia’s favourite sport and it’s no surprise why! Here in the sunshine state it goes without saying that not only is swimming an essential life skill, but joining a club can be a great way to stay active and get social in your community. After learning the important skills of swimming through learn-to-swim lessons, many children love to continue developing their skills and making new friends by joining a local club.
Every swimming club will be slightly different, offering different activities and participation opportunities. Most clubs will hold regular training sessions, generally grouped as ‘squads’ according to skill level and/or age. Training sessions are a great opportunity for swimmers to build fitness, skills, and technique.
Many clubs also run social activities and club nights, which provide a great introduction to racing, encouraging members to have a great time in the pool with their peers. As well as what your Club has to offer, there are also heaps of additional benefits of being a member of a Swimming Queensland (SQ) Club.
When you join as a competitive member, you’ll be able to compete in Inter-Club meets, which are a great opportunity to race against swimmers from other clubs and qualify to compete at Regional, State or National Championships. If you’re interested in being part of a club, your first step is to join a Swimming Queensland Club.
Our Clubs are spread throughout our seven regions; Brisbane, Central Queensland, Darling Downs, Far North Queensland, Gold Coast, North Queensland and Wide Bay. Because each club will be different we always recommend touching base with your local Club to find out what they offer.
Getting started in rowing is easier than you think. It is a sport for all age groups, skill and fitness levels, and provides many opportunities for those who are in the sport for fun, fitness, recreation and for those who are serious about becoming the best they can be through competition and well-structured development pathways.
Rowing is an excellent way to keep children of all ages active. Physical activity provides your child with many lasting health benefits, including:
- strong bones and muscles
- healthy heart, lungs and arteries
- improved coordination, balance, posture and flexibility
- a reduced risk of becoming overweight or obese
- a reduced risk of later developing heart disease, cancer and diabetes (type 2 diabetes is increasingly being found in adolescents) source.
The sport of rowing also provides participants with valuable life skills such as goal setting, discipline, friendship and belonging, teamwork.
Anyone can join a rowing club, no matter what fitness or ability level they are currently at. Rowing clubs provide the opportunity for individuals to row recreationally (for fun and fitness), and / or for those who want to row competitively to achieve their personal best!
Rowing Clubs and Schools across Queensland open their doors to give you a taste of rowing on the water and the rowing machine. Come and learn essential basic rowing technique, teamwork, as well as build strength, flexibility and endurance.
Playing team sports such as Rugby League is a fun way for kids to build upon their social skills such as teamwork, communication, problem solving and relationship building. This is achieved while completing regular exercise, contributing to a range of mental and physical health benefits. Rugby league seasons are generally held during winter (March to September). Clubs offer team training during the week, as well as competitions within each zone, usually held during the weekend. The program covers clubs affiliated with Rugby League QLD.
Rugby Union (Rugby) is a global game for all ages, genders, sizes and backgrounds. There are many varying formats for all Australians to enjoy, from non-contact Sevens (7s) to Fifteen-a-side (XVs) with elite and social competitions available, it delivers significant social and health benefits. Rugby Union seasons are generally held during winter (March to September). Clubs offer team training during the week, as well as competitions within each zone, usually held during the weekend. The program covers clubs affiliated with Rugby Union QLD.
If you’re thinking of introducing your child to lifesaving, then Junior Activities (Nippers) is for you. Junior Activities is open to children from age five up to 13 years (age for a season is calculated as of midnight September 30). Every club in Queensland offers a Junior Activities program, all with various styles and sizes.
Lifesaving is something for the whole family to get involved in and there are many supporting roles that you can play as a parent of a child involved in Junior Activities. Surf lifesaving is an amazing activity for growing a child’s confidence, knowledge and skills in the beach environment. Not only will your child have fun and meet new friends they will become part of an iconic organisation that has served the Australian community for over 100 years.
The program is focused on play, participation and fun. It offers an educational pathway through the delivery of the Junior Development Resource Kit which is designed to ensure children have fun at the beach while participating in lessons that will develop them to become a knowledgeable participant in both lifesaving and sport. As they progress through the various age groups, nippers will undergo lessons in wading, running, swimming, board paddling and lifesaving skills including working towards resuscitation and first aid.
Practising these skills allows children to compete in club, regional and state surf lifesaving carnivals representing their clubs.
From age three and above, there are plenty of ways for your child to get started in the beautiful game.
MiniRoos (ages 4 – 11) is a nationwide program which uses short, game-based sessions to help kids of all abilities learn new skills, become active and make life-long friends.
Core values of teamwork, cooperation, fair play and respect for others are at the heart of all MiniRoos programs.
From ages 12 and up, clubs typically field numerous teams in regional competitions. These competitions are contained within Football Queensland’s 9 zones, which are:
- Gold Coast
- Brisbane
- Sunshine Coast
- South West
- Wide Bay
- Central
- Mackay
- North
- North West
Originally used as a training technique for rugby league, touch football has become a popular sport in its own right as a safe and social game. Clubs generally operate all year round, either based on a calendar year or operating in Summer and Winter seasons. Some clubs may offer Rugby League during Summer seasons and Touch Football during Winter seasons. Most clubs around the state are affiliated with QLD Touch and can be funded by the program.
The juggle to manage grandchildren’s care during school holidays can be a huge challenge for grandparent carers. But your grandchild is sure to have an exciting time with some of the programs on offer at school holiday care these days.
Also called Outside School Hours Care (OSHC), these care arrangements cover full-day care during school holidays. OSHC is a supervised environment and programs must comply with legislative requirements. All school-aged children are eligible to attend, and school holiday care programs can be run at schools themselves or at youth clubs or community centres. The programs usually have a set schedule of activities locked in for each day of the school holidays. Grandparent carers can go over the schedule with their grandchild so they can choose the days when activities they will enjoy the most will be held.
School holiday care is a paid care arrangement like day care or child care. There may be additional charges on the days that excursions or external activities are scheduled. Some grandparent carers may also be eligible for the Child Care Subsidy from Services Australia to help with the cost of school holiday care.
Enquire now
If you would like to seek financial assistance for activities, please call the Grandparents Information Line/Seniors Enquiry Line on 1300 135 500 and ask for Time for Grandparents to discuss your eligibility and individual requirements; or fill out the enquiry form below.
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