What’s happening?
From Monday, 30 June to Sunday, 13 July 2025, Grand Central Shopping Centre’s Centre Court will transform into a lively Grand Rodeo arena, offering free, daily activities for kids from 10am to 2pm. Families can look forward to line dancing, cowboy hat decorating, cactus crafts, and western-themed games.
Marketing Manager Julie Thompson said Grand Central aimed to give families “creative, active, and engaging experiences” these school holidays. “From energetic line dancing to country-style creative crafts, it’s the perfect chance for kids to wrangle themselves a whole ranch full of fun, for absolutely free,” she said.
Why it matters?
The Grand Rodeo brings an exciting, free option for school holiday entertainment in Toowoomba, helping families stay engaged without straining the budget. By offering hands-on activities, the event encourages children to get active, socialise, and tap into their creativity during the winter break.
Local Impact
Grand Central’s initiative supports local families by providing accessible holiday activities that encourage community engagement and foot traffic to the shopping centre. It also delivers unique opportunities for kids to build confidence, learn new skills, and enjoy themed entertainment close to home.
By the numbers:
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14 days of rodeo fun: Running from 30 June to 13 July, 2025.
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4 hours daily: Activities available from 10am to 2pm each day.
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3 featured activities: Boot Scootin’ Boogie, Cactus Crafts, and Cowboy Hat Customising.
Zoom In
The Grand Rodeo features themed zones designed for maximum kid-friendly engagement:
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Boot Scootin’ Boogie (30 June – 3 July): Children learn energetic line dancing moves with friendly guidance to upbeat country tunes.
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Cactus Crafts (4 – 6 July): Kids can create quirky cactus crafts to take home, with limited quantities available each day on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Cowboy Hat Customising (7 – 13 July): Little cowboys and cowgirls design and decorate their own hats, also limited daily.
Kids can also enjoy western-themed games including lasso toss, tin-can knockdown, and hobby horse riding, adding to the interactive, activity-packed experience.
Zoom Out
Free, themed holiday events like the Grand Rodeo strengthen Toowoomba’s family-friendly reputation and support local retailers by attracting visitors. With more families seeking affordable activities, Grand Central’s initiative demonstrates how shopping centres can create positive community connections while increasing foot traffic during key school holiday periods.
What to look for next?
Keep an eye on Grand Central’s upcoming seasonal events, especially as spring approaches. The centre is expected to announce more engaging programs that continue to provide families with memorable, interactive experiences.
