KEEPING idle hands busy these holidays is easy with heaps of events and activities being held around Warwick in the lead up to Christmas.

Finding entertainment in our own backyard is simple, as long as you know where to look.

So here are a few ideas when you've got some spare time on your hands with the little ones.

1. Attend creative workshops

Local photographer Teilah Skye McKelvey is holding workshops for children to express their creative side.

Crafts such as creating water colour wrapping paper, Christmas decorations, cards and crackers will be on the agenda.

Children between the ages of three and 15 can take part and are able to take home all the goodies they make.

WHERE: Warwick Artists Studio, 21 Willi St

WHEN: December 14, 19 and 21 between 10-11am and 2.30-3.30pm

COST: $17, to book call 0403 237 555 or contact Teilah through Skye Creative Studio on Facebook.

2. Enjoy free face painting

Children eager to get into the Christmas spirit can have their faces painted for free near Wendy's at Rose City Shoppingworld.

It's a nifty way to keep the little ones occupied and remind others of the magic of Christmas.

WHERE: Rose City Shoppingworld, near Wendy's

WHEN: Sunday and next Tuesday

COST: Free

3. Attend a sports clinic

Stay active over the holidays with a sports clinic at WIRAC, where children can play netball, basketball, futsal and do rock climbing.

It's today only so make sure you get in quick!

Children also get a free swim afterwards but need to be supervised by an adult.

WHERE: WIRAC, 29 Palmerin St

WHEN: Today 9am-3pm

COST: $25 for the day, book at reception

4. Spot fireflies

IT'S a magical sight that's right on our doorstep in the Southern Downs.

The fireflies appear in Killarney but only hang around until about mid-December.

There's an abundance of them this year, so it's an incredible natural wonder to behold.

WHERE: Queen Mary Falls, Spring Creek Rd, Killarney

WHEN: For the next week or so, arrive at 6.30pm for when the fireflies come out about 6.45-7pm

COST: Free

5. Get crafty at Christmas time

Christmas Down Under is paying a visit to the Rose City Shoppingworld in the week before Christmas to run free traditional festive crafts and activities.

There will also be storytelling and puppet shows at 11am and noon.

WHERE: Rose City Shoppingworld, near Palmerin St entrance

WHEN: From next Monday to Friday, 10am-1pm

COST: FREE

6. Visit Darling Downs Zoo

Take a look at wildlife from around the globe, including lions, snakes and baboons.

A few of the usual suspects from Australia are there too, such as emus and dingoes.

Just a short distance from Warwick, the zoo is bound to keep the whole family entertained with daily talks and feeding sessions as well as a daily sausage sizzle.

WHERE: Corner Gatton-Clifton Rd and Baines Rd, Pilton

WHEN: Open every day except Christmas Day, 9am-4pm

COST: Admission for adults is $35, children 3-15 years $21 and concession $28

7. Wander around Warwick Art Gallery

Three different exhibitions will be running over the holiday period to keep creative eyes intrigued.

The Burst2 Youth Exhibition will run until December 23, featuring work from young local artists aged 6-25.

Divergence, by Shanae Dittman, will also run until December 23, a collection of exquisitely created portraits and landscapes.

The Centenary of Federal Policing in Australia exhibition will run until January 5, as the force famously began when an egg was thrown at a prime minister right here in Warwick.

WHERE: 49 Albion St, Warwick

WHEN: Open Tuesday to Saturday, except public holidays, 10am-4pm

COST: Free

8. Write a letter to the North Pole

Rose City children can write a letter to Santa and drop it in his mailbox at Rose City Shoppingworld.

All letters posted before December 19 will receive a personalised response from Santa.

WHERE: Rose City Shoppingworld, in front of Rose City Jewellers

WHEN: During centre opening hours, 8am-9pm Monday to Friday, 8am-5pm Saturdays, 9am-6pm Sundays.

COST: Free

9. Take a hike

Jump in the car and go for a drive to Girraween National Park for a stunning yet active day out.

About 1hr 10mins from Warwick, the park is well worth the travel with stunning views and incredible boulders balanced upon one another.

There are trails to suit everyone, from the easy Wyberba Walk to a challenging full-day hike to Mount Norman and back.

WHERE: Pyramids Rd, Wyberba

WHEN: Any time

COST: Free

10. Ride the steam train

Take a step back in time by riding on an old-fashioned steam train through Warwick's picturesque scenery.

It's a stunning way to show the kids just how people got around back in the day.

Trips are running from Warwick to Clifton and Wallangarra during the school holidays, to book head to southerndownssteamrailway.com.au.

WHERE: Corner Hamilton and Fitzroy Sts, Warwick

WHEN: December 16, Warwick to Clifton. January 26, Warwick to Clifton

COST: To Clifton, $40 per ticket. To Wallangarra, $95 per ticket

11. Have a picnic

PACK up some delicious snacks and head to stunning spots in Warwick to enjoy them.

Leslie Dam and Connolly Dam are both great locations, especially if you enjoy swimming or taking your boat out for a spin.

They also have barbecues, so you can cook up some hot food while you're there.

Or throw in the fishing rod and see what you can catch.

WHERE: Access Leslie Dam via Leslie Dam Rd, off the Cunningham Highway. Find Connolly Dam on Connolly Dam Rd, off New England Highway

WHEN: Any time

COST: Free but fishing licence is extra