School holiday guide – rest of Australia edition

Kids and adults alike will be kept entertained with our guide to the best activities and events happening in Australian cities these school holidays.

Sydney

From parkour clinics to backstage theatre tours, there’s sure to be an activity to entertain the fussiest of children in Sydney these school holidays. Sports stars will be run ragged at Sydney Olympic Park’s Urban Jungle, while The Big Adventure event at Sydney Park and the famous Bondi to Coogee coastal walk will keep the whole family moving. Take your budding theatregoers to the Sydney Opera House for an exclusive Junior Adventure Tour, where both kids and adults get to dress up in costume as they learn backstage secrets. If you’re looking to cater to kids with a range of interests, consider the school holiday camps run by The KidFit Club. The Grounds of Alexandria, one of Sydney’s most popular restaurants, is also hosting a range of kids’ workshops focusing on everything from honey making to yoga – drop the kids off before settling in to sample the venue’s excellent menu.

Brisbane

Welcome the warmer spring weather by taking the kids to South Bank parklands or Robelle Domain park for awesome playgrounds and plenty of green space. The whole family will enjoy The Brisbane Powerhouse’s adaptation of Paul Jennings’ novel The Gizmo at the Visy Theatre, as well as the various shows being screened at the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium. The kids will burn off plenty of energy at The Inflatable Factory, where they can play on everything from the Zorb Ball Ramp to the Superman Slide. For those working within a budget, consider taking the kids to Logan for the Imagination Festival – there’s over 170 free and low-cost activities running over the school holidays, spanning from culture and poetry to robotics and sport. If you’d like to do something different, join the daily History tour at Boggo Road Gaol for a unique educational experience.

Adelaide

There’s plenty on offer in Adelaide to keep the kids (and adults) engaged these school holidays. Scoffed Cooking School is running various cooking classes that cater to budding chefs of all abilities – that includes adults too! The holiday programs at Theatre Bugs will delight creative types, while burgeoning history buffs can learn about the city’s naval past at the South Australian Maritime Museum’s Sunken Secrets exhibition. Young sports fans will love the Adelaide Oval tour (which is free for all Oval and SACA members), while Pumpt indoor skate and bike park will keep the most energetic of children entertained. Trying not the break the bank these holidays? Head down to Eighty-Eight O’Connell, where kids can work their way through the numerous play areas and activities within the free Pop Up Nature Maze.

Canberra

Our nation’s capital is full to the brim with exciting activities and events these October holidays. Take the kids to one of the National Arboretum’s workshops for a taste of nature or enjoy the fun and games on offer at the Museum of Australian Democracy’s free Open Air PlayUp event. The school holiday programs at Questacon are always a winner, with everything from App Design to Floating Cranes workshops being held this October. Cricket fans will enjoy watching some of the world’s best at the T20 International Women’s Series match between Australia and New Zealand on 5 October – make sure you wear plenty of green and gold! If you’re looking for some cheap ideas that don’t skim on entertainment, try The LEGO Movies screenings at Parliament House or the mixed multimedia activities on offer at the National Portrait Gallery’s Art Cart.

Hobart

Kids of all interests will enjoy the Bricks 4 Kidz LEGO workshops in New Town – the range of half and full day programs provide something for everyone, whether that be robotics fans or budding film makers. Keep active types engaged with the laser tag and arcade school holiday special at Zone3 or venture out to Glenorchy to trial Ice Skating Tasmania’s holiday budget sessions. Entertain animal lovers by taking them to the Bonorong Sanctuary – arrive early to make the daily guided tour or schedule in a night time visit to see wildlife such as the famous Tasmanian devil. If you’re still stuck for ideas, why not head down to the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA)? Kids can immerse themselves in age-appropriate art such as the Musical Trampoline, ZiZi the Affectionate Couch and the Dot Obsession exhibit.

Darwin

Holidaying Darwinians will have plenty to do this October, with a range of activities and events happening in and around the city. City of Darwin Libraries and Darwin Waterfront are each running their own holiday programs, so make sure to head along to some of the free workshops and activities during the school break. Support the Leukemia Foundation by taking the family to Mindil Beach on 5 October for Light the Night – reserve a lantern and join the sunset walk before enjoying the live performances and food trucks on offer. Treat the kids to a unique educational experience by visiting the Royal Flying Doctors Service (RFDS) Tourist Facility, where they can learn about the RFDS’s history through state-of-the-art technology such as holograms and virtual reality exhibits. If the kids still have some energy to burn, consider The PlayShack recreation centre in Palmerston or Darwin Squash Centre’s school holidays program in Marrara.