Learn about fantastic fish and rocking reptiles at Whanganui pet store

Bored kids on your hand these school holidays? A Whanganui pet store can help.

Animates is hosting special holiday workshops for kids to learn all about fish and reptiles. The workshops will be held on Thursday, July 19, at 11am and 2pm.

Animates have run the workshops since 2013, with each school holiday workshop focusing on a different species of animal.

The theme for these school holidays is Fantastic Fish and Rocking Reptiles, with the workshops teaching children the essentials including how to feed, decorate and maintain their tanks and habitats.

"Fish are the most popular pet in New Zealand, with 28,000 different species identified to date," Animates national manager Jacqui Baigent said.

"We'll be taking children for a deeper dive into what it takes to look after these and other scaly and slimy friends such as frogs and turtles.

"Our staff love passing on their knowledge and love for animals, and the school holidays are the perfect opportunity for us to engage with the smallest members of our community.

The free workshops will also include interactive activities such as face painting, treasure hunts and colouring-in competitions. Children who complete the workshop will take home a certificate at the end.