Spring into the School Holidays on the Central Coast

Twin lambs born September 2023 at The Giving Farm, Peats Ridge

Twin lambs born September 2023 at The Giving Farm, Peats Ridge

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!

Bouddi Art Trail 2023
Bouddi Art Trail, Killcare
Photo Credit: Bouddi Art Trail
3 people out to sea for whales. Phot by Remy Brand
Whale Watching, Copacabana
Photo Credit: Destination Central Coast x Remy Brand
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,5 and 6 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. 

Spine tingling theatre

Experience the magic and comedy of the Little Shop of Horrors and follow the story of Seymour Krelborn who discovers an extraordinary plant with a dark secret! With catchy songs, witty dialogue, dazzling performances and an infectious energy, the family will love this live theatre performance these school holidays. To book your ticket, head to The Art House Wyong for more information.

Whale of a time

The end of September and early October are peak times to see the Humpback whales migrating south with their new calves. It’s one of most majestic wildlife migrations and the Central Coast is lucky enough to witness this special event. Terrigal Ocean Tours is an ecofriendly family tour operator based in Terrigal and takes small groups out to marvel at these wonderful creatures. The owner Andrew is qualified Marine Biologist who educates on the marine life, the effects of climate change and how we can help with conservation. 

Fair Day

Come along to Umnia Beach on 6 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 cushions and rugs, and set in for an evening under the stars watching the all-time favourite Shark Tale at 4 picturesque 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

Indigenous art workshop

Create your very own Aboriginal artefacts an art to keep these school holidays at Girri Girra. Learn about cultural connection practises and have a day of fun in nature. During the day a choice of three activates on each day including clap stick making, designing a fishing spear, clay pot and sculpture, paint up and dance for fun, weaving with gymea lily and story telling.

Bath bomb

Kiddies will love making rainbow natural bath bombs with Aroma Shak at Woy Woy these holidays. Add eco friendly glitter, sprinkles and crystals for pretty decorations. This fun workshop is fully organic and promotes relaxation and calm. Come and have some messy sensory fun!

Get crafty

The kids can get crafty for the day at Luna and Co's school holiday art classes in Niagara Park. Teachers will guide the kids through the creative process as they immerse themselves in 4 craft activities and cookie decorating during the day. The classes are action packed. To take advantage of this great day of art, make sure you book early. 

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 14 on 30 September and 1 October from 9am-12pm at Blue Haven. 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!

Pelican Time the Entrance eco friendly experience Central Coast
Pelican Time, The Entrance
Marine Discovery Park Terrigal photo by Bianchi photography
Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre, Terrigal
Photo Credit: Destination Central Coast x Bianchi Photography
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 this 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! 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.

Bluey at the Australian Reptile Park

Spring into the school holidays with your favourite blue heeler Bluey! Bluely will be at the Australian Reptile Park from Saturday 28 September to Sunday 13 October singing and ready to meet you with Bingo and other friends. Enjoy an interactive live show daily and also grab the chance to meet the Bluely and Bingo! And the fun doesn't stop there, explore the rest of the park and see all the fascinating animals and shows! 

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.

 

Don't forget – when sharing your love for local on the Central Coast, tag #LoveCentralCoast and mention us on Instagram and Facebook.