The Ultimate Guide to Summer School Hols
The Central Coast is the place to be during the summer school holidays.
From the beach to the bush, we’ve got the world’s best outdoor playground, offering hours of fun in the sun (or shade).
And whether you have an intsy Indiana Jones, a petite Picasso, a little LeBron or a mini Mozart in the family, rest assured, there is an awesome activity to keep them entertained.
Here’s our guide to surviving the summer school holidays in style…
Bouddi National Park. Photo: Travel With Meraki
For active kids…
Getting out and about in nature is some of the best free and active fun kids can have during the holidays. The Coast is home to loads of stunning tracks which hug the coast and wind through the bush from the Bouddi Coastal Walk to the Patonga to Pearl Beach stretch of the Great North Walk.
Niagara Park Stadium is hosting myriad sports activities including basketball clinics and indoor inflatable play, which will go off on a rainy day. There’s also sensory friendly play for kids who like to be active in their own way.
The Rotary Park in Terrigal is a great place for kids to burn some calories while parents sip on a single-O latte from trendy new kiosk, Parklife. The health-conscious cafe is all about clean eats, like orecchiette with kale and activated almond pesto, and there’s even a new bike delivery service for kids keeping active at nearby Banjo’s Skatepark.
Chalk the Walk at the Entrance
For arty kids…
They say the world is your oyster but it can also be your gallery. From Jan 17-20, kids are invited to ‘chalk the walk‘ at The Entrance as part of an exciting, new, interactive art event. Renowned street artist Anton Pulvirenti will be creating 3D masterpieces for fun selfies or kids can express themselves as they help to transform the Waterfront Plaza pavement into a giant canvas of chalk art.
Coastie kids can find their inner artiste during a bunch of workshops at Gosford Regional Gallery including weaving, animal portraits, decorative wreaths, mandala patterns, monochormatic prints and clay creatures.
The Coast’s libraries are also a great place to get arty with workshops ranging from adding designs to a skateboard deck to creating creatures with crayons.
Forresters Beach. Photo: Lisa Haymes
For explorer kids…
For a fun outdoor adventure, lace up your sneakers and trek to some of the less-trodden Central Coast beaches this summer. Lobster, Tallow and Little Beach are begging to be explored.
Don’t forget about Somersby Falls, one of the Coast’s hidden natural treasures. It’s at its most spectacular after a big downpour but also makes for a nice bushwalk and a lovely picnic spot on a sunny day.
A scavenger hunt will take place in the Coast’s libraries between Jan 14-25. Kids can collect a check list from their local library and track down all the creatures who have escaped.
The Australian Reptile Park is stepping back in time to the Jurassic and Cretaceous ages with a dinosaur display. This is the best chance to get up close and personal with T-Rex or get down and dirty on a dinosaur dig.
String kids
For musical kids…
Kids can dance to the beat of their own drum during an African drumming session at Memorial Park at the Entrance.
For those who like a bit of song and dance, Toukley Library is hosting Sing and Stomp sessions.
The Rhythm Hut at Gosford has loads of musical classes and workshops for kids of all ages who want to find their rhythm.
School holiday fun at The Entrance waterfront
For fun kids…
Weekend on the Greens is offering a new kind of family friendly fun these school holidays. The weekly pop-up event at Woy Woy Bowling Club will bring together food trucks, drinks and live music on Woy Woy’s sparkling waterfront, starting on Dec 28/29 and running every weekend after that.
The Entertainment Grounds has a few family friendly events over the holidays including its annual NYE Family Raceday (free entry) which features pony rides, rock climbing, face painting, jumping castle and some special guests from the Australian Reptile Park. There will also be free fun for little fillies at the race events on December 28 and January 17.
Taking fun up a notch at the pool, Peninsula Leisure Centre and Gosford Olympic Pool will be offering an inflatable water course including slides.
The Entrance is fun central these school holidays with live entertainment most days, a special Dinosaur Train Show, a slime workshop and all the usual good times at the waterfront carnival which offers hours of play on amusement rides, a Ferris wheel and bouncy castle.
Coastal Chic Tip: For more school holiday activities on the Coast check out Central Coast Council’s full guide https://www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/council-school-holiday-program
