Spring into the School Holidays on the Central Coast

Keeping the kids entertained in the holidays can be tough but we've taken the stress out of that by providing a list of workshops, events and activities to keep the kids busy meaning you don't have to!

From family friendly outdoor adventures and nature experiences to art trials and acting showcases, the Central Coast is a vibrant region that will be buzzing with lots of things to do and new things to try! 

Be sure to check out our What's On page too because there are school holiday events being added daily and also take a peek at our kids eat free guide so you know where to fill their hungry bellies, for free, after an action packed day.  But in the meantime, let’s show you some of what the Central Coast has to offer during the Spring School Holidays. Let the fun begin!

Art trail

During the spring school holidays the Pearl Beach Arboretum will host a temporary public art exhibition on display around the theme of nature and nature. The Bouddi Peninsula Arts Trail will be on over the October long weekend, 30 Setpember-1 October from 9am. Follow the red flags to discover local artists' studios and take a look behind the scenes at how they work. Pick up a trail map or download it before you go. Enjoy the adventure of art and bushland as you explore. 

Turtle theatre

This immersive theatre production is about a new green turtle hatchling called Migi as she undertakes her journey of adventure, discovery and survival. Born on an island under the star illuminated skies of Torre Strait, this contemporary saltwater Lagaw Kazil (Island Childre) story performed by the Bangarra Dance Theatre centres around climate change, caring for the environment and traditional cultural values of respect and reciprocity. The 45-minute show is recommended for kids aged 3-7 years old and will be open to the public on Saturday 23 September. To book your ticket, head to The Art House Wyong for more information.

Whale of a time

The end of September and early October are peak times to see the Humpback whales migrating south with their new calves. It’s one of most majestic wildlife migrations and the Central Coast is lucky enough to witness this special event. Terrigal Ocean Tours is an ecofriendly family tour operator based in Terrigal and takes small groups out to marvel at these wonderful creatures. The owner Andrew is qualified Marine Biologist who educates on the marine life, the effects of climate change and how we can help with conservation. https://terrigaltours.com.au/

Aboriginal rugby

Show your support and watch the best rugby league talent across the country. The 51st NSW Koori Knockout Aboriginal Rugby League knockout will head to CCRSRC Tuggerah over the October long weekend. This not to be missed sporting game is the largest Indigenous sporting event and promises an exciting weekend of sport.

Fair Day

Come along to Umnia Beach on 1 October and soak up the vibrancy of the Central Coast. Coastie Carnie Fair Day is a family friendly festival that celebrates humanity, culture and diversity. Enjoy the culinary delights, art, entertainment, shopping and don't forget to bring your 4 legged friends too. Bring a picnic rug and set up for the day. 

Textured art

Drop the kids off and let them get creative at House of Ellery's Framed Textured Art workshop in Wyong. They will make one square framed textured art piece in colours of their choice. All materials included and light refreshments will be provided. Best of all, your mini creative will be able to bring home their artwork to hang in their room! This workshop run on 28 September and there is also a macrame workshop the day before.

Star of the show

Lights, camera, action! Palm Studios has two holiday workshops running for kids who love to be on the stage! Spend the week working on an entire junior musical learning everything from casting to performance or showcase your work singing acting and dance routines in a 2 day musical theatre workshop. 

Bath Bomb

Kiddies will love making rainbow natural bath bombs with Aroma Shak at Kariong these holidays. Add eco friendly glitter, flowers and crystals for pretty decorations. This fun workshop is fully organic and promotes relaxation and calm. Come and have some messy sensory fun!

Get crafty

The kids can get crafty for the day at Luna and Co's school holiday art classes. Teachers will guide the kids through the creative process as they paint a skate deck, treasure box or canvas, decorate cookies for morning tea, make an air-dry sculpture, create macrame keyrings, tie dye bags and slime! The classes are action packed. To take advantage of this great day of art.Make sure you book early. 

Modelling workshop

Come along to one (or all) of the workshops run by The Hobbies Factory where scale modelling is the vibe. With kit classes, diecast workshops and engineering fun, these will keep the kids engaged and involved. Build a pokemon with your choice of Rayquaza or Arceus on Tuesday 3rd October, Engineering Fun is a beginner to intermediate level course where you will learn how to assemble a gear box, test and see what moves and for kids aged 6-10 years old and new to scale modelling, this workshops teaches you how to paint, add custom tyres and build a scene for your hot wheel cars at the Diecast Hotwheel Cars workshop. Workshop run from Monday 25 September to 3 October, bookings essential.

Go Potty 

Kids will go potty for this pot painting workshop set in the beautiful Dooralong hinterland at Mollies Farm. Each child will receive a small ceramic pot and herb seedling. They'll be guided how to use professional painting tools and materials by local artist Elizabeth. There will be two workshops on offer one for 5-8 year olds and another for 9-12 year olds. Wear comfy clothes to walk around the farm afterwards and why not bring a picnic to enjoy the stunning views and scenery.

Learn to sail 

Learn to sail at Gosford Sailing Club with a 3-day course starting Wednesday 27 to Friday 29 September,  9:30am-4pm. For children aged 7-12 years, this introductory lesson will give your child the confidence and skills to help them throughout their sailing journey, delivered by accredited Australian Sailing instructors this is a wonderful opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge from leading professionals. Bookings essential.

Mighty Mariners Holidays Clinic

Practise football skills with games and drills over a fun packed two days. Coached by Mariners coaches at Industree Group Stadium in Gosford, the kids will love this high energy team building activity. The program is for children aged 6 to 14 on Monday 25and Tuesday 26 September from 9am-12pm. Booking essential. 

Pelican Time

Pelican Time is a brand new Eco-friendly Pelican Educational Experience at The Entrance.  In collaboration with Marine Wildlife Rescue Central Coast, Pelican Time is on every day during the school holidays, plus Sat and Sundays at 3:30pm. It provides fascinating facts about the birds & their environment plus gives you a chance to see this huge birds up close.  Hear all about the colonies at The Entrance and Tuggerah Lakes, the work done around protecting them and how you can help keep them and their environment free from dangers. A great and easy to listen to talk for all the family to enjoy.

Tresure Hunt fun

Calling all junior whale watchers! Come along on a treasure hunt walking alongside NPWS Discovery Ranger as you look for whales that are on their annual migration. Learn all about these magnificent giants and how they survive on their long and treacherous journey.  Don't forget to bring your binoculars. Adventures at Bouddi National Park and Crackneck Point. 

Junior Wildlife Keeper Amazement Farm and Fun Park

Another brand NEW program for the teens is springing into action at the Central Coast Zoo. While it is not yet open to the public, they offer memorable experiences and encounters to learn about the care and safety of wildlife. Tailored to older kids, the one day program focused on animal health, husbandry and enrichment.  It gives 13-17 year olds, a chance to see what a wildlife keeper does during their day of caring for wildlife. There is a also a program for younger kids 6-12 years. Get in quick, this new experience will be booked up quickly.

Kids Sustainability Workshop

As the seasons change, we need to care for our nature and none more than our little native bees.  The workshop will show you how to make a sustainable Insect hotel for our busy bees from a recycled plastic bottle while learning the importance of our native buzzing insects. Please bring a clear 1 or 2 litre plastic milk bottle with a lid. The workshop is run by Synergy Permaculture in Holgate on Wed 27 September. Bookings essential.

Adorable animal encounters

Celebrate Spring and all its possibilities for renewal at Moo to Ewe with one of their intimate sanctuary tours. These tours must be booked ahead and gives your family an opportunity to give some love back to the animals on the farm who have been given a second chance at life.

Dinosaurs and Birthday parties

Spring into the school holidays with a roar and come and see the dinosaurs at the Australian Reptile Park on 23-24 September. See the dinosaurs come to life allowing you to get up close and personal with the animatronic creatives. And the fund doesn't stop there, over the October long weekend, the park is celebrating 75 years fo family fun! It will be the ultimate birthday party with free face painting, jumping castle, and the unveiling of a mini replica of the famous icon Ploddy the Dinosaur! 

If you are staying at Pullman Magenta Shores Resort the kids will have a whale of time with the spring time school activities they have lined up. Enjoy balloon twisting, circus workshops, junior Paint and Sip, kids yoga and even a mini spa day! Bookings essential.

Keep the kids busy while you enjoy your stay at Kooindah Waters Resort this Spring school holiday. The resort will be offering a range of entertainment and fun including making your own Crazy Shakes, cupcake decorating, attending a specially prepared Kids High Tea, pizza making and craft activities.

There are some lovely community events running throughout the Spring school holiday break

What child doesn’t love art and getting a little messy! Gosford Regional Gallery has a huge range of art and craft activities for the creative types these school holidays. With a large array of different workshops, you’ll have a hard time choosing which ones to pick. From a Mythical creature drawing class, painting circles in the style of artist Kandinsky, sewing a Babusjhka doll, making an adorable Spring bird chime, creating textile bowls or attending, making a recycled fish sculpture or attending a watercolour whale workshop, the gallery offers wonderful opportunities to learn new skills. Bookings to all classes are essential.

Be sure to check out the local libraries and the list of activities they have on these Spring School holidays.