Youth Activities and Resources
- Dec 6, 2025
- 7 min read
Updated: Dec 14, 2025
Young people thrive when they feel connected to friends, community and positive experiences. In response to new social media age restrictions, we’ve created this resource to support young people aged 12–25 to stay engaged during the summer holidays. Here you’ll find free and affordable activities, youth programs, fitness options and local events designed to encourage connection, wellbeing and belonging.
This post will be updated as new resources are known.
On this page:
Free & Low-Cost Activities
Friday 12th & 19th December 5:30-7:30pm
Sunday 21st December 3-5pm
Performing as part of the Christmas in Ballarat 2025 entertainment programme. We are a 30 piece, traditional Brass Band playing both brass instruments, including cornets, trombones, basses and percussion. Sturt Street, Ballarat Central.
Presented by Kathy Holowko, in collaboration with the City of Ballarat, follow the Christmas in Ballarat Art Trail and complete the Art Trail questions for a chance to win one of three fantastic prizes.
Visit the website to download the map and enter the draw.
This exhibition features a series of works which has been created over the course of 18 months, each work depicting an animal found within the region of Africa.
At Maggie and Kate, 403 Warrenheip Street, Buninyong VIC 3357. 6:30am–2pm until Jan 17
Thursday 8th Jan 4pm - 6pm
Come along to our FREE indoor rock-climbing session at Friction Bouldering in Delacombe!
Age: 12-25
All equipment is provided
Friday 9th Jan11am - 1pm
Turn blank canvases into masterpieces at our playful, paint-splattered FREE youth workshop! An interactive session where young people are walked through the process to create a beautiful piece of art.
Age: 12-25
Pinot & Picasso Ballarat Central
Wednesday 14th & 21st Jan 1pm-4pm
Come and get arty with The Y Ballarat this holidays!
Cost: Free
Age 12-25
Barkly Square Ballarat
Thursday 15th & 22nd Jan 1pm - 4pm
Join us for a gardening session - paint and plant a pot to take home!
Age: 12-25
Barkly Square Ballarat
Tuesday, 20th Jan from 2pm
Join our Paper Plane Challenge and see whose plane can fly the furthest, loop the highest or land with perfect precision. Fold and test different designs then join in a friendly competition to crown the ultimate pilot.
Age: 8-12 years
18 Donegal Dr, Alfredton VIC 3350, Australia
Monday 19th Jan from 2pm
Let your creativity shine in this hands-on workshop. You’ll design and craft your own suncatcher using a vibrant mix of colours and shapes. Hang them by a window and watch as sunlight turns your artwork into a rainbow of colour. All materials provided.
Age: 6-12 years
18 Donegal Dr, Alfredton VIC 3350, Australia
27 Dec–26 Jan: 10am–4:30pm
Get lost in the 30-year-old traditional hedge maze which is actually two degrees cooler in summer. Find all the clues in the summer maze hunt to win a prize. Play old-time carnival games dotted throughout the shady garden.
Cost: $12 - $14
Where: Maze House 3155 Midland Highway, Newlyn North VIC 3364
Tuesday 10th February from 4pm
Let your creativity flow in this art session for all skill levels. Paint, draw, make and create in a variety of mediums including digital and multi-media.
Ages 12-18
Saturday 7th February 10am - 11:30am
Are you looking for a new fixation or just something to do with your time? Come along to a Date with a Hobby discover a new passion.
Have you ever wanted to paint miniature figurines but don’t know where to start? Then come along to this casual session to learn the basics of painting a small fantasy miniature.
All materials provided.
Fitness, Fun & Wellbeing
All classes are free for young people aged 16 and under from now until January 31st, 2026. Please still book in for numbers, and choose Pay in Person.
Wrap up your week with live music, food trucks and a pop-up Garden Bar in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens.
Sunday 4, 11, 18 & 25 January 2026
Roller-derby league with junior teams - great for sport, fitness, social connection and trying something different
Tuesday 3rd February 10am - 12pm
Join the African drumming workshop with Mishael Gyabeng, a master drummer from Ghana with over 25 years of experience. Drumming reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and enhances motor skills: plus, it's fun! No experience needed. Drums provided, but feel free to bring your own.
Saturdays 10am - 4pm, and every day during school holidays: Art Club Hub Bridge Mall
Cost: $20-$30pp, 2 hour session
No pressure, just a few hours of painting with friends. Choose from one of the pre-drawn canvas designs and add your own flair, or start with a blank canvas. All materials supplied. All ages welcome.
Creative Spaces & Social Hangouts
Work alongside other community creatives using our 3D printer, sewing machines/overlocker, sublimation printer, heat press and badge makers. Bring your own project idea and adventurous spirit. From Saturday 13th December - Saturday 28th February 9:30am - 12pm
The Maker Space is a communal workshop in which makers can access equipment and technology to learn and create projects. To access equipment in the Maker Space, you must:
Be a current member of Ballarat Libraries (it's free)
Have completed a safety induction
Be aged 15+
Do you love building or making things with your hands? We provide a local library of over 1000 tools - both used and new - garden tools, construction tools, kitchen tools, woodworking tools and artist tools.
Cost: $33 per year for concession
Holiday Programs & One-Off Events
Thursday 18th December 7pm - 9pm
Stitches and Screenings is a warm and welcoming craft-and-cinema event held at Palace Regent Cinemas in Ballarat. Designed for knitters, crocheters, embroiderers and textile artists of all skill levels, this relaxed evening invites guests to bring their current projects and enjoy a film with the lights kept up for stitching comfort. Cost: $25 - $30
Friday 19th December 7pm - 9pm
Buninyong Town Hall
Primary school age disco, proudly run by local Police & Volunteers.
Age: Primary School Attending Children (All grades ok but preferably Grade 4-6)
Cost: $10
Saturday 20th of December 9am - 1pm!
With a visit from Santa and Mrs Claus, the Smythesdale Country Market will be abuzz.
Smythesdale Historic Precinct: Brooke Street Smythesdale
Tuesday 13th & 20th Jan 1pm - 4pm
Join us for a fish these holidays!
Age: 12-25
13th - Lake Wendouree
20th - Lake Esmond
Wednesday 14th & 21st Jan 10am - 12pm
Learn and play Ultimate Frisbee these holidays!
Age: 12-25
Barkly Square Ballarat
Starting in January 2026, the programs include cooking, photography, a pool party, a visit to Scienceworks and more.
BALLARAT YOUTH SERVICES GO TO FLIP OUT!
Flip Out has an EPIC trampoline arena and a whole world of indoor fun to explore – like foam pits, parkour courses, running walls and more!
Age: 12-25
Flip Out Ballarat
Thursday 22nd January 10am - 11:30am
Mix it up with a bit of art, craft and handmade collage to set focus on goals and dreams for 2026. We'll have magazines to cut out pics and words to represent your goals, and bits and pieces to decorate. Materials and snacks provided.
Age: 12-18 years
Looking for adventure and new friends? Try Cave Hill Creek's Summer Camp. Enjoy outdoor activities like canoeing, gliding, biking, and archery. Climb crate stacks, balance on low ropes, and tackle the vertical challenge. Gather around the campfire, sleep under the stars, and build friendships. It's a giant sleepover filled with fun and adventure! Ages: 8-14 years Dates from 7th - 23rd January.
Every day during school holidays
Looking for a fun, up-close experience the whole family will love? Come spend 30 unforgettable minutes with our adorable farm animals; perfect for kids, animal lovers, and anyone wanting a taste of farm life
Age: All
The Mill, Creswick
Sunday 22nd February 2026 from 11:00am till 4pm.
The Shelford Duck Race is the school’s major annual fundraiser and a fantastic family day out, attracting over 3,000 attendees. Enjoy market stalls, gourmet food, local wines and craft beers, Show n’ Shine, and entertainment, with the main event being the Shelford Duck Race. Hundreds of rubber ducks will race down the Leigh River, with spectators cheering them on to win prizes. It's a fun event for all ages, especially the young and young at heart.
Online & Anytime Resources
iNaturalist is a free app that helps you record plants, animals, fungi and other living things you see. Your observations help scientists and communities learn about biodiversity.
Download the App Search iNaturalist in the App Store or Google Play.
More info: click on the image to download a how-to flyer!
Youth Services believes in the vision, voices and creativity of young people. We provide an exciting range of programs for young people aged 12-25.
Social connection, life skills, learning and empowering young people 12-25 to lead the charge on the things most important to them.
The Rural Youth Network provides an ongoing source of connection, social support, and community tailored for rural young Victorians. Ages 16+ for an account, but can access events & opportunities without one.
A directory of online and offline resources and options for young people needing help across a variety of important topics: mental health, financial and legal, health, study and school, and more.
Leadership, Volunteering & Skill-Building
A 3-hour experience hosted by some of the Wildlife Park’s experienced keepers. From preparing food, to raking up roo poo, Junior Keepers will learn to work as a team and get a great incite in to what it takes to care for the animals.
Age: 6-15
Cost: $99
Social and recreational activities for 12-25 year olds from culturally diverse backgrounds. Get involved to discover meaningful and fun volunteer opportunities, upcoming projects and workshops you can be part of.
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