Over 1000 youngsters headed along to Council facilities over the recent school holidays, to make snow globes, use a laser cutter or take part in a winter challenge.

Activities were spread across the Ashburton Library, Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum and EA Networks Centre, and were mostly free – and aimed at keeping kids busy over the holiday break.

People and Facilities Group Manager Sarah Mosley said the high numbers encouraged staff working in the different facilities to keep thinking up new adventures and activities for future holidays.

“There’s a lot of hard work in organising materials and activities, but it’s rewarding to see smiles on the kids’ faces and feel their excitement.”

The winter challenge, which involved ticking off four set tasks, also ended on a high note when a lucky winner was drawn and Rosie from Hinds School took home a boredom buster prize pack with games and goodies.

Nearly 700 children and 116 teens took part in activities at the Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum.

Youngsters made colourful snowflakes, learned about Mt Erebus, became junior newspaper reporters and made over 400 snow globes.

At the library, just over 400 children took part in organised sessions, from making board games and masks to watching a movie in their pyjamas or attending a live play.

One of the most popular activities was the Matariki escape room, that was fully booked. Teams of friends and family members had 45 minutes to brainstorm on their escape, and the fastest time recorded was 7 minutes 16 seconds.

The prize winner for the Kids Winter Reading Challenge was Sylvie – there were 58 entries and a total of 174 books read.

EA Networks Centre’s scavenger hunt was a hit with clues hidden over the whole complex and grounds, the holiday programme was well attended over the 10 days, and the stadium hosted two netball programmes.

In the pool, the first week was busy with learn-to-swim courses and the second week saw give-it-a-go water activities, a family fun morning, an obstacle course and a water safety morning.

There was also a low sensory morning, when the music was turned down and the atmosphere quieter.

The first Monday of the school holidays also marked a milestone for EANC, which notched up a record 512,838 visitors in the 12 months to 30 June (Council’s financial year).

Outreach days at Methven and Mayfield were also busy, with each of the Council’s facilities providing an activity, with Eco-Educate also joining the adventure.