With the kids back in regular schooling, the holidays are once again an exciting time to look forward to rather than a monotonous blip in your home-schooling efforts. And while it’s sometimes a hectic juggle for working parents, it’s a great opportunity to create lasting memories for your kids and embrace your inner child as you join in the fun! Not sure what to do this September? Don’t worry; we’ve trawled the internet for the 10 best activities to keep your kids entertained these holidays – so you don’t have to.
1. Bricks 4 Kidz
Dating back to the 1930s, the appeal of Lego remains strong. If your kids love building and creating, book them for a school holiday program at Bricks 4 Kids and let their creativity flow. With themes ranging from space to superheroes and amusement parks, your littlies will be engaged in play while learning some problem-solving skills along the way. Available in most states across Australia, find a location near you.
2. Melbourne Royal Show
After a COVID hiatus, this iconic event is returning and promises to be bigger and better than ever! While all the usual family fun like rides, show bags and cute animals to cuddle will be back, this year, the Melbourne Royal Show is introducing The Show After Dark. An 11-night live music program featuring some of Australia’s best artists – perfect for mums and dads to have a little fun once the kids are tucked up in bed! Tickets are on sale now.
3. Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria
Budget-friendly and accessible to Victorians, the Royal Botanic Gardens covers a whopping 38 hectares, ripe for exploration. The perfect way to burn off some school holiday energy, there’s a dedicated Children’s Garden with interactive and educational activities, free Seek and Find Nature Cards available from the Visitor Centre for a fun nature hunt, and the fabulous Jardin Tan eatery on hand for refuelling. Plan your day at the Royal Botanic Gardens
4. Visit Cockatoo Island
Taking a ride on a ferry is often pretty exciting for kids, so why not top it off with a trip to Sydney’s biggest island these holidays? Cockatoo Island is just a short 30-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay, and once you land on this UNESCO world-heritage listed site, you’ll find plenty to keep everyone entertained. There are guided tours on offer, kid’s activity books (which can be collected from the Visitor Centre), a giant outdoor chessboard and a lot to learn about this island’s intriguing history. Pack a picnic and enjoy a fun, affordable day out.
5. Darling Harbour Children’s Playground
Fitted out with balance ropes, giant slides, water features, a 21-meter flying fox, and a sandpit, you’ll find this kids’ wonderland right in the heart of Sydney. And best of all, a visit won’t cost you a cent. There’s always plenty to do in and around Darling Harbour, so check out what’s on and get planning.
6. Queensland Art Gallery (QAGOMA)
With a dedicated Children’s Art Centre, QAGOMA has a range of interactive art installations, collections and activities specifically designed to get kids involved and engaged in art. With programs suitable for under 5s and bigger kids also catered to, it’s guaranteed to be a winner for the whole family. Find out what’s on for kids during September.
7. Perth’s Outback Splash
Make a splash without splashing the cash at this super affordable, all-ages family fun park in Bullsbrook. The waterslides and water attractions at Outback Splash are turned back on seasonally (from late September), but if you’re visiting before this, there’s mini golf, Australian native animals, multiple mazes and nature playgrounds to keep the family entertained. Visit during the winter season (until 23rd September), and you’ll pay just $10 for admission.
Looking for something else to do in Perth? Head to the Perth Royal Show.
8. TreeClimb Adelaide
Adrenaline junkies and thrill seekers, this one’s for you! Located in Adelaide City Park Lands, TreeClimb Adelaide has three dedicated children’s courses that allow them to build confidence as they progress between each course. With a minimum height requirement of 100cm, courses run every 40 minutes between 9 am and 3 pm during school holidays. Book a spot here.
9. Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs
A day trip from Hobart to the Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs is guaranteed to be something the whole family enjoys. Create memories as you explore the largest dolomite cave open to tourists in Australia and follow it up with a dip in the mineral-rich thermal spring swimming pool. Family passes (which include 2 adults and up to 3 children) for a guided cave tour and entry to the pools are just $60, so pack some sturdy walking shoes, your swimmers, and a picnic, and hit the road.
10. Fun across the Tasman in New Zealand
The New Zealand spring school holidays are a touch behind the Australian holidays, meaning if you’re hopping across the Tasman, you won’t be hit with the local school holiday crowds.
- North Island – for both NZ locals and visitors, the Hobbiton Movie Set is a must-visit for Lord of the Rings lovers and non-fans alike. Stepping into this otherworldly and enchanting village is truly magical. You’ll learn how the movie was made, explore the set and even have the opportunity to enjoy a banquet feast fit for a Hobbit. Best of all, the guided tour is free for kids under 8, making it more affordable as a family activity.
- South Island – set over 80 hectares, the Orana Wildlife Park is just a 15-minute drive from Christchurch Airport but feels a world away. The park specialises in getting visitors up close and personal with the animals, with the opportunity to hand feed giraffes, meet a rhino up close, drive through the Lion Reserve, and so much more. With a playground, picnic area and BBQ facilities on site, the only problem you’ll have is trying to fit it all in!
Schools out – it’s time to make some memories!
Let’s face it; the last few years have been light on the fun for kids and adults alike. Use these school holidays as an opportunity to create new memories with your family and inject some much-needed fun into your schedule. Looking for more things to do this September? Here are 12 Spring Attractions you won’t want to miss.
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