Fall into Autumn School Holidays on the Central Coast

From plaster painting and circus training to family friendly nature experiences and outdoor adventures, there is plenty of activities both indoors and outdoors to try on the Central Coast this autumn school holidays.

Be sure to check out our School Holidays 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. 

Without mulch-ado, let’s show you some of what the Central Coast has to offer during the Autumn School Holidays. Let the fun begin!

Outdoor Movie Nights

Bring the kids, pull out the picnic rug and baskets and enjoy one of the many outdoor movie nights across the coast being run by the Central Coast Council. Enjoy magical and a free family friendly outdoor screening of Disney classic Lilo & Stitch. 

Central Coast Regional Show

Central Coast Regional Show is coming back to Gosford Showgrounds on the 13 & 14 April! An epic family fun day filled with food trucks, live entertainment, fireworks, competitions, farm animals, rides, community groups and much more! Don't miss an epic fun family day out, come shop, browse and chat with our local makers and creators.

You Are A Doughnut

The kids will laugh out loud with this hilariously grosstacular journey of the human digestive system at The Art House. This performance by two biology teachers takes your kids through the wonderful world of our bodies through sketches, songs, and sensational science. Along the way they’ll encounter a frenzy of enzyme-powered ping pong balls, sing along with a rainbow collection of poop puppets, and witness the weirdest poetry performance you’ve ever seen. 

The Budgie

Whilst you enjoy a pub lunch the kids will be entertained by a range of experiences. From a magic show, meeting Bluey and Bingo, to animal encounters, The Budgie has a whole roster of FREE activities for the school holidays. Bookings essential.

Grace Agnes Art

Inspire the kids with local artist Grace Agnes at the Creative Spaces' Gallery Container currently at Toukley Village Green. Grace will be creating artworks, pet portraits, canvas paintings and a photographic studio space. Pop in these holidays with the kids to experience free art installations and free activities with the artist, colouring in, arts and crafts table.

Roll up

Roundup Circus has a whole range of workshops and holiday camps for the little kiddies, teens and even the adults! Learn acrobatic arts, aerial skills, circus activities or even magic, there's a little bit of fun (and exercise) for all skill levels, young and old.

Plaster fun - 23 April

Head to the Davistown RSL on the 23 April where this activity will plaster a smile on the kiddies faces. For only $10 they can grab a plaster and paint away to make colourful creations. There is limited session so bookings are essential.

Get potting - 16 April

Kids can get potting with this animal pot workshop for ages 4 and up at Burbank House and Garden. Each child will create their own mini animal garden pot complete with little plants, colourful pebbles and sand, and bring it to life with some (pretend!) wild animals. They'll be guided how to create their garden using use professional tools and materials which are included. 

Macrame - 16 April

The older kids will enjoy this creative outlet during the school holidays. Green Point Community Centre are running a macramé workshop where your kids can make a macramé pot holder to take home. Bookings essential.

Cookie decorating - 26 April

For those kids with a sweet tooth the Terrigal Neighbourhood Centre will be running a workshop that teaches your primary aged kids how to beautifully decorate cookies using fondant with a Mother's Day theme. The workshop will be run out of the Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre where kids can have a play in the Terrigal Rotary Park afterwards. Bookings essential.

Messy workshop

If your little one loves who love a sensory experience and getting hands on, these workshops are a great option. Central Coast Leagues Club are hosting Messy Makers for two messy workshops where the kiddies can make a plush toy, bracelet, keyring or even do some plaster painting.

Learn to sail

Learn to sail at Gosford Sailing Club with a 3-day course starting Monday 15 to Wednesday 17 April, 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. Bookings essential.

Climbing Trees

Get ready for an action-packed day to test your kids strength and challenge their minds at TreeTops. Experience one (or both) activities from the tree rope course or bounce around in the maze of nets and burn some of the kids school holiday energy. For children aged 3 years and up with adult supervision. Bookings required.

Walking tour - 16 April

Setting out from the Bateau Bay Beach picnic area be guided by a NPWS ranger on a scenic morning walk along the coast through the Wyrrabalong National Park.  Soak up the natural beauty of the Central Coast from the panoramic views at the Crackneck Point Lookout of The Entrance and Shelly Beach to spotting plants and animals unique to our region.

Sailing Tours

Enjoy sailing on a beautiful yacht with someone else at the helm on a sunrise or sunset charter from Lake Macquarie Sailing Tours. Departing from Summerland Point these 3hr tours make for a relaxing day on the water for the whole family. Bookings essential.

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 at 3:30pm every day during the school holidays, plus Saturday and Sundays. 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.

Junior ranger

Calling all junior rangers! Come along on a day of adventure in Brisbane Water National Park or Wyrrabalong National Park as you follow a track through beautiful coastal bushland or rainforest, learning about the unique plants and animals in our region. Led by a NPWS Discovery ranger there will be interactive games and nature art activities.

Deadly Creatures

Come along to the Australian Reptile Park with their Deadly Creatures feature for the April school holidays. To fulfill those curious and thrill-seeking kiddies their new Fang Frenzy show will have keepers showcasing the deadliest animals at the park. If your kid isn't a snake or spider fan, they have plenty of other daily shows and even a free gigantic inflatable obstacle course.

Basketball Holiday Camp

Practise basketball skills and drills over one or two fun packed all weather half days. Coached by Central Coast Basketball’s best Crusaders Players and Representative Coaches at Breakers Indoor Sports Stadium, this program covers all facets of basketball and are designed to improve their skills and maximise your child’s enjoyment. The program is for children aged 5 to 17 with six available days to attend. 

Soccer Holiday Camp

Are the kids looking to advance their soccer (or football depending on where you sit) skills and knowledge? These 3-day intense soccer development camp covers all areas of the game, designed for players who wish to advance their football skills and tactical decision-making. These camps are for kids 5 to 16 at ovals across Killarney Vale, Wyoming and Woy Woy, there are limited spots. Bookings essential.

Rugby Holiday Camp

Come join Jet Rugby League for a holiday camp designed to promote the growth, development and enjoyment of Rugby League for young players. The kids will be coached and mentored by former NRL players and coaches to improve skills and build confidence. Suitable for kids aged 6 to 17 years. Bookings essential.

Cricket Holiday Camp - 23 Apr

Cricket more your kids' pace? Cricket NSW are running a free full day program at Holgate Public School as part of the NSW Department of Education “Share Our Space” initiative. This program is aimed at children ages 5-10 years of age.

Keep the kids busy while you enjoy your stay at Mercure Kooindah Waters with movie nights, cupcake decorating, pizza making, and craft rooms, the activities promise to entertain. All their events are free except for pizza making which is $15 with ice cream and juice included!

If you are staying at Pullman Magenta Shores Resort they have some kids activities that are not to be missed Enjoy balloon twisting, doughnut decorating, pizza making, lawn games, facepainting and even messy play with a slime workshop! Bookings essential.

There are some lovely community events running throughout the Autumn 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 dragon drawing class, recognisable cartoon magna drawing, creating a mythical creature sculpture or a watercolour and collage art Koi fish 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 Autumn school holidays.