School holidays are fast approaching, and as always there is the choice of spending a few weeks relaxing or filling days with great activities that are always on offer. The Coast, Sydney and Mountain areas offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy school holidays with the kids, friends and extended family. We decided to help you take advantage of what’s out there. So, here are a few of our favourites for you to enjoy this holiday.

Sydney:

Introducing your children to this wonderful city is incredibly fun, and there are endless possibilities; Taronga Zoo, Sydney Aquarium, stunning art galleries (Art Gallery of NSW, Soho Galleries, Museum of Contemporary Art, White Rabbit, plus many others), new beaches, fun shopping experiences and great street entertainment can be a great way to spend the weekend or a day trip. Take the kids to the Harbour Bridge and let them walk under it, show them the Harbour Bridge and run the steps of the Opera House, wander through the Botanical Gardens and end the day exploring the sights, sounds and taste sensations of Chinatown. A beautiful day in the city is full of endless opportunities and, as a bonus, the little ones will sleep on the journey home!

Newcastle: 

Quieter than Sydney but still fantastic to visit, a stunning scenic drive will take you to a great place with more beaches, parks and playgrounds, great bike tracks and different cultural experiences. Wander around the foreshore and discover some new places to eat. http://www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/Home

For the Adventure-in-the-outdoors Families:

Beautiful national parks are filled with the sounds of nature, and even the possibility of wildlife spotting. Bouddi National Park, the Blue Mountains or Girrakool, are a few great National Parks to explore. We live in such an amazing part of the world has so much to offer.

http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/regions/sydney-and-surrounds

• http://reptilepark.com.au
• http://glenworth.com.au
• http://www.treetops.com.au
• https://www.lonelyplanet.com/australia/new-south-wales/hunter-valley

For the Movie Families:

A basic but exciting time is just sitting with your kids and watching a great new release or a classic. Local cinemas are great, but sometimes some hidden jewels are interesting to visit a little further away. Show your kids the world before Netflix and maybe even find a drive-in movie theatre! Add to the fun by letting them make their popcorn or healthy snack.

https://au.pinterest.com/explore/healthy-movie-snacks/?lp=true

• http://www.glenbrookcinema.com.au
• http://www.cinemaparadiso.com.au
• https://www.avocabeachpicturetheatre.com.au

For the Games Families

I’m a firm believer of inventing fun. What better way than to learn a new game or teach your kids an old favourite. Find your local Intencity/Time Zone, and watch their eyes light up like the pinball machines, or buy a new board game to engage their thinking and brain power in a great way. Ten pin bowling is always a family favourite too! https://www.gamesparadise.com.au

• http://www.intencity.com.au
• http://superstrike.com.au
• http://bateaubaybowling.com.au
• https://www.facebook.com/pages/Play-N-Games-arcade/102294469853751

For the Beach Families:

Winter isn’t typically beach weather but if you find a beautiful sunny day in the midst of our cold season, enjoy it! Drive and find a new beach there are plenty around, or rug up and have a picnic. Take the Ettalong to Palm Beach Ferry or go four-wheel-driving at Stockton Beach, you can make your adventures by the water that don’t involve swimming! Winter is also whale-spotting season, and our spectacular coastline doesn’t disappoint. https://www.fantasea.com.au/palmbeachferries-timetable/

• http://aquafun.net.au
• https://mr4x4.com.au/stockton-beach-camping-4×4-access-need-know/
• http://www.visitcentralcoast.com.au/activities/whale-watching-vantage-points
• http://www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/Explore/Recreation/Beaches-Baths