Spring into the School Holidays on the Central Coast

A child looking excited as they play in a colourful ball pit
A child looking excited as they play in a colourful ball pit

Spring into the school holidays this September and October when so much on the Central Coast is bursting into life after a long and cool winter.

We’ve created a list of things to put a spring in your step and keep you on your toes these school holidays.

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 local community events and 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!

A crowd sits outside watching amovie on a large screen with a sunseet in the background
Outdoor Movie Nights
Image of two acrobats from a show called into space
'Into Space'
Photo Credit: The Art House

Family Fun

Spring into planning family-centric activities

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, 4 and 5 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. 

Out of this world theatre

Strap in, space explorers! 'Into Space' at The Art House blasts families on a high-energy journey full of acrobatics, aerial feats, juggling and cosmic surprises. Join Val and the crew of September 30 or October 1, as they navigate asteroid fields, encounter alien life and discover courage, connection and a universe of wonder. Perfect for Spring Holiday adventures.

Tail wagging Fair Day

Come along to Umnia Beach on 5 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 friend and register them for the Puparazzi Pooch Parade! Bring a picnic rug and set up for the day. 

Outdoor Movies

Bring your comfiest cushions and rugs, and set in for an evening under the family favourite Lego Movie at 2 beautiful locations around the Central Coast. Be sure to visit the Outdoor Movie Night website to check out the dates and times of these free movie screenings.

Scarecrow spotting

Take a drive into the Yarramalong Valley in the picturesque hinterland and have fun spotting the scarecrows! This annual event is a wonderful thing to do and guaranteed to make you chuckle along the way!  The kids will love searching for these fun and quirky installations outside of properties, by farm gates and around community venues. See how many you can find! 

Grace Agnes artwork
Grace Agnes, Toukley

Creative classes

Cubist Creations

Get creative these school holidays at Woy Woy Library with Kooky Cubist Portraits! Kids aged 5-12 can experiment with shapes, colours and upcycle materials to make their own quirky, Picasso inspired portraits. A fun, hands on workshop full of imagination and artistic flare.

Little Pizzamakers at Kooindah

Calling all mini chefs! Kids can roll the dough, choose their favourite toppings and create their very own pizza masterpiece at Karinyas Restaurant at Kooindah Waters. Once bakes to perfection, kids can enjoy their pizza for dinner, paired with a juice and an ice-cream.

Garden art in a box

Unleash your inner artist at Umina Beach Library these school Holidays with the Colourful Garden Landscape workshop! Children aged 4+ can craft vibrant garden dioramas filled with animals and insects using colourful cardboard and collage materials. A great blend of nature and art for young minds.

Sip and paint for kids

Gosford Regional Library's mobile painting studio arrives in Mangrove Mountain Hall for a delightful paint and sip session. Children ages 8-13 can enjoy a refreshing drink while creating floral artworks. Just bring old clothes or an apron for any spills. Bonus: the Mobile Library will also be there to borrow a book!

Bright Ideas

At The Entrance Community Centre, teens ages 12-17 can turn plain pencil cases into vibrant art with sharpies and a splash of science. A bright session that brings colour and personality to everyday school essentials. All materials are included.

Local libraries and gallery

Our local libraries and gallery are brimming with creative classes from painting, weaving, gaming, science craft and so much more! Many of these activities are free and some require booking. Come along, meet new friends in a fun environment where little minds can set their imagine free!

treetops adventure park
Treetops
Photo Credit Destination Central Coast x Remy Brand

Adventure seekers

For the energetic kiddos!

Mighty Mariners Holidays Clinic

Practise football skills with games and drills over a fun packed two days. Coached by Mariners coaches, the kids will love this high energy team building activities and football drills. The program is for children aged 6 to 15 on 30 September at McEvoy Oval in Umina Beach and 1 October at Central Coast Regional Sporting and Recreation Complex at Tuggerah. Booking essential.

Roundabout Circus

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

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!

Iris Lodge Alpacas

For a hands-on farm experience, Iris Lodge Alpacas is a must-visit these school holidays. Kids can hand-feed alpacas, sheep and cows, plus wander the farm. It is the perfect way to connect with nature, create lasting memories and let little ones experience the joys of farm life.

Pelican Time the Entrance eco friendly experience Central Coast
Pelican Time, The Entrance
Image of a woman and a young girl eating breakfast Infront of a herd of alpacas at Iris Lodge Farm
Iris Lodge Alpaca Farm

Nurturing nature

Pelican Time

Pelican Time is an 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 these 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.

 

Glenworth Valley School Holiday Camp

Swap the screens for the outdoors these school holidays at Glenworth Valley. From horse riding and kayaking to abseiling and laser skirmish, every day is an adventure with Glenworth Valley's action-packed programs. Book early to secure a spot!

The Australian Reptile Park

These school holidays, embark on a wild adventure at the Australian reptile Park! Get up close with snakes, lizards and crocodiles! Watch live shows and discover fascinating facts about Australia's unique wildlife. Perfect for curious kids and families looking for a fun. hands on activity these school holidays. 

Junior ranger

Calling all junior rangers! Venture along the beautiful Bouddi Coastal Walk at Bouddi National Park with a NPWS discovery ranger and explore coastal bushland and scan the horizon for marine wildlife! Starting from Putty Beach, you'll follow the walking track to Gerrin Point Lookout spotting birdlife and wildlife along the way. Learn about conservation and preserving this special place. 

Walkabout activities

Come and be amongst the native animals these school holidays and while you are exploring the Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary, join in the morning and afternoon activities in the barn including boomerang painting, animal mask decorating and a leaf and seed scavenger hunt! And, your creative skills could you win you a lucky prize too! Find out more here.

Marine discovery

Have fun at the Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre at Terrigal learning about the wonders of the ocean. Become a junior marine scientist for the day looking through microscopes, touching marine creatures in the artificial touch pool, exploring the sea life and seeing fish being fed. Watch videos and immerse yourself in virtual reality dives. Keep any eye out for the rockpool rambles too!  

Adorable animal encounters

Celebrate Spring and all its possibilities for renewal at Moo to Ewe with one of their intimate sanctuary tours. These weekend 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.

Share the love

Do you have a school holiday activity suggestion we’ve missed, or want to see your local business featured? We'd love to hear it – simply get in touch here with a few lines about your idea, or jump on our radar by creating a free Central Coast business or event listing here.

 

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