The Wonder Room has returned to the Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre, offering a creative space for children and families to enjoy over winter.

The Winter Wonder Room opened on Saturday and offers a children’s gallery and activity space for children aged 4 to 12, focusing on shape, colour, movement and creation.

Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre acting manager Ben Kilsby said the inaugural Wonder Room was trialled over summer this year and saw more than 3000 visitors engage with the space, demonstrating the importance of having a free and accessible place for local families and visitors to explore their creativity.

“As we know, indoor activity is highly sought after in Mount Gambier during winter, and we’re proud to be offering this free activation program in the heart of our CBD during this period,” he said.

Programming officer Emma Telford said the Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre team have created a space full of interesting and colourful activities to celebrate what makes winter in Mount Gambier special, encouraging children to roleplay, imagine and explore a range of hands-on or sensory-based activities.

“Come and explore a variety of creative activities, including musical storytelling, papercrafts, interactive rain displays, a giant puzzle painted by local artist Pippin Ellis, frog craft stations, a cosy cubbyhouse, selfie spots and more,” she said.

“Mount Gambier’s winter months have never seemed brighter for families.

“The Winter Wonder Room will be a haven from the cold at the Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre.”

The Winter Wonder Room is free and will be accessible during opening hours on weekdays from 10am to 5pm and weekends from 10am to 2pm until October 15.