The Ultimate Guide to Winter School Holidays on the Central Coast

Make core memories and plan some fun experiences to keep the family entertained these school holidays. From outdoor activities soaking up the fresh air and magnificent natural surroundings, to skill-building school holiday programs and indoor family fun, we have you covered with the ultimate guide to plan your adventures. 

You can also check out our kids eat free guide and deals page for some great special offers, or browse the region's events. 

Pelican Time

Come and learn all about the local pelicans. Pelican Time is an education talk lead by Marine Wildlife Rescue Central Coast and covers interesting facts on pelicans, including the care and rescue of pelicans in the wild, plus ways that we can all help protect their environment by being waste wise when fishing and visiting this area. The talks are on every day during the school holidays at Pelican Plaza, The Entrance at 3:30pm. Outside of the school holidays, Pelican Time runs on Wednesdays and weekends at 3.30pm.

Iris Lodge Alpacas

Have you ever had brunch with Alpacas in the hinterland? Book it in for the holidays! Before you sit down to enjoy your farm-fresh brunch, you can hand feed the 80+ alpacas, llamas and some sheep their breakfast. The experience is on offer every Sunday in July, or you can book an alpaca meet and greet any day of the week. Check Iris Lodge Alpaca's website for times, dates and prices.

Australian Reptile Park

Step into a Winter Wonderland at the Australian Reptile Park these holidays. The park will come to life with winter-themed experiences. Its usual residents - cute, cuddly and scaly animals - will be there, and you can learn all about them at the keeper talks. Meet their adorable animals with Dingo Puppy Playtime and hear their Tassie Devil Talks or get a front row seat to watch Australia's crankiest saltwater croc Elvis during the Elvis Show. Open 9am – 5pm every day.

The Giving Farm

The Giving Farm is a hands-on farm where kids can meet babydoll sheep, feed the lambs, hang out with feathered friends, collect eggs, meet a gaggle of geese, be udderly amazed by the cows and play plenty of farm games.  You can book in for a busy morning of farm animal cuddle, pat and feed experiences at the certified organic farm in Jilliby. Bookings essential. 

The Ary Toukley

 Across the school holidays, The Ary Toukley is hosting a variety of events for kids. From science workshops, to magic shows, kids discos and more, they'll have a ball. Bookings are essential for each workshop. Find out more information here.

Budgewoi Hotel

Budgewoi Hotel will be hosting fun events for school holidays. Parents can sit and relax while the kids have a ball! Check the website for more details.

Rockpool Rambles

Discover what is hiding rockpools; you'll be amazed at what is there! Join a Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre guide on an exciting marine adventure teaching you about the creatures that live in these fascinating pools. You can also visit the Centre for hands-on activities and daily fish feeds. The little ones will love being a marine biologist for the day.

Junior Ranger Bouddi Coastal Adventure Tour

Become a junior ranger for the day! Meet at Putty Beach on Tuesday 14 July at 10am and walk along part of the specular Bouddi Coast Walk to Gerrin Point Lookout. If you have binoculars, bring them along to spot magnificent wildlife and whales during their migration. National Parks and Wildlife Services (NPWS) will help you identify marine animals and local birdlife along the way. This fun and educational tour will last 2 hours. More information and book here. 

Brisbane Water Aboriginal cultural tour

Gain a unique insight into the wisdom of the world’s oldest living culture as you explore Brisbane Water National Park on Monday 13 July. Starting at Warrah lookout, join a ranger on a guided walk and discover the variety of plants that Aboriginal people used for food, shelter and medicinal purposes. Book your tickets here. 

Whale tales at Crackneck Point Lookout

Crackneck Point Lookout in Wyrrabalong National Park near the Entrance is one of several prime vantage points for spotting Humpback whales as they migrate past our coastline. Led by a NPWS guide, join this 2-hour workshop and coastal walk on Tuesday 7 July to learn about these huge mammals. Bookings are essential. Find out more here.

Erina Ice Arena

What feels more wintery than ice skating! Erina Ice Arena's school camp teaches kids to skate in small groups, play supervised games and enjoy free play/skate. Perfect for beginners and a great head start into the term time programs. Kids are split into age groups, 7-15 years will participant in a progressive classis to challenge themselves and build their skills while the younger children aged between 3-6 will enter the playgroup class full of fun activities that assist with building their confidence on the ice. The Cutting Edge Café offers $10 lunchtime meals options for hungry skates after their session

Glenworth Valley

The Valley Adventurers Camp will keep 5 to 12-year-old kids active and challenged with bushwalking, scavenger hunts, cooking, building, fun games and opportunities to meet friendly farmyard animals. The adventure max camp for 7 to 16-year-olds includes quad bikes, kayaks and laser skirmish. The camps run for one day and bookings are required, Families can also opt for free-range rides through scenic valley trails, lead pony rides for kids as young as three, casual quad biking, abseiling or kayaking experiences. Find out more here. 

Treetops Adventure

Swing and climb through the treetops of eucalyptus trees in Ourimbah State Forest at the Treetops Adventure Park. Challenge yourself on the adults and kids tree rope courses and get your adrenaline pumping as you take on the walkways and put your coordination and balance to the test!

Bungee Fitness

Located in Tuggerah, the Bungee Fitness studio is for all those thrill seekers who love to fly high and test their abilities! Running most days during in the July school holidays (check website for times), kids will get to have a go at the aerial silks, hoop, trapeze and even try aerial yoga using all the awesome anti-gravity apparatuses. The fun costs $25 and parents are encouraged to book a lesson have a go too! 

Roundabout Circus

Elevate your circus skills this holiday season and dive into a half day or full days of tumbling, juggling and aerial skills! With classes for beginners and those with experience, Roundabout Circus have several workshops for families, kids, teens and youth to embrace fun and playful challenges.

BattleKart Tuggerah

Rally up the kids these school holidays and visit BattleKart in Tuggerah for a real-life game of Mario Kart. Jump into electric karts and pick from a range of virtual games to play. Race across the track and beat your friends to it. It's also indoors, so a great option for a rainy day. 

Gosford Golf Club

For budding junior golfers and those wanting to learn the art of golfer, Gosford Golf Club hold winter golfing clinics where you will receive PGA coaching on the course and in the TrackMan simulator room. Workshops includes lunch and morning tea. All abilities welcome.

Sloties Slot Car Racing Centre

Bring the kids along to Sloties Slot Car Racing Centre in Charmhaven for some serious slot car racing fun! Keep your car on the track, race your opponents and walk out with a big smile on your face. Open from Wednesday to Sunday in the winter holiday, drivers get 1 hour of track time, a rental car and controller for just $10.

Chocolate Factory

Throughout the holidays, The Factory is holding on hour junior chocolatier workshops where young chocolate enthusiasts can learn how chocolate and delicious chocolatey sweets are made. Check website for dates and times. 

Davistown RSL Club

The Davo is hosting Christmas in July Markets on Saturday 18th July, 3pm - 7pm at the Davistown RSL Auditorium. Come along for a cosy afternoon of winter shopping and supporting local. 

Art Barn Plaster Painting

Choose from a large selection of plaster pieces to paint and turn it into your very own custom creation at Art Barn Plaster Painting. This art centre is great for little kids wanting to use their imagination and paint different pieces their way. Open 7 days a week and no bookings required, it's also indoors so a great option for a rainy day activity. 

House of Ellery

From mini preserved flower workshops, soap making, beaded keyrings and textured art camps, there is so much variety at House of Ellery. All classes are fun allowing creative minds to explore the art of their chosen workshop. Adults can check out the range of other classes too.

Soy Candle and Bath Bomb Workshop at Aroma Shak

Book in a soy candle and bath bomb making class with Aroma Shak and create a soy candle each and four bath bombs to take home and enjoy. Your little ones will have a great time choosing their own colours and scents for their little handmade creations. Bookings are essential. Find out more information here.

Teen DIY Natural Skincare Workshop at Aroma Shak

Perfect for the teens, Aroma Shak are also running a DIY skincare workshop. Using organic essential oils, flowers, crystals and natural ingredients, your teenagers can create their very own skincare body products, from scrubs to face masks and body oils. Bookings are essential. Find out more information here.

Pullman Magenta Shores

For guests staying at Pullman Magenta Shores Resort, there is loads of activities to keep the kids busy these school holidays. With entertainment, balloon twisting, face painting, movie afternoons, doughnut and cupcake decorating workshops and not to mention pizza making and firepit and marshmallow evenings, the kids will love having so much to do to keep them occupied. 

Mecure Kooindah Waters

Kids can join the fun at Kooindah Waters during the July school holiday and take part in loads of fun and entertaining events.

Gosford Regional Gallery, Central Coast libraries, theatres and leisure centres

The Central Coast theatre, gallery, libraries and leisure centres are hosting a huge range of workshops and activities for the kids and teens this winter school holidays. From sculpture and art classes, Lego challenges, animation workshops, theatre shows, story time and more. Check out what is on here and be sure to pre-book your tickets, many of which are free!