The never ending summer school holidays. It’s when parents cave and take off screen time passwords just to have a reprieve from the endless requests for snacks and the non-stop whining. To help keep your sanity these holidays, we’ve put together a list of activities to keep the kids busy and some of them you might even enjoy!
PULSE CLIMBING WARNERS BAY
An indoor bouldering gym where there’s no ropes or belaying required making it perfect for kids and novices and even those scared of heights.
PROS: No need to book and all equipment provided makes it great for a last minute activity.
CONS: It’s tougher than it looks and there’s a very high chance that your kids will be way better than you at it.
Splash Waterpark Lake Keepit
What could be more fun than an inflatable obstacle course on the water? Swing, slide, jump, bounce and climb your way around the course.
PROS: Thanks to the trusty lifejackets it is suitable for all swimming abilities and it is a great way to cool off on a hot day.
CONS: It’s a lot more exhausting than it looks and be prepared for massive wedgies.
GO KARTS GO HUNTER VALLEY
The Hunter region’s biggest and fastest 4-stroke go kart hire track with a massive 850m long track. It also has a putt putt golf course which is a scaled model of the Mount Panorama racing car track.
PROS: A ripper of a track and an activity where you can finally show the kids who’s the boss especially if you know how to drift.
CONS: A pricey activity if you have a big family so you can always leave the kids at home and go with a mate instead.
MUDGEE OBSERVATORY
A visit to the Observatory is both educational and entertaining as you learn about the night sky, the Sun and space missions.
PROS: A good variety of telescopes and binoculars allow you to see the night sky like you’ve never seen before.
CONS: Located outside of town where the sky is darkest makes for a great viewing of the night sky but can make it tricky getting there in the pitch dark!
TREETOPS ADVENTURES CENTRAL COAST
At the Central Coast location you not only can tackle the tree ropes courses, but also fly on the 500m long zipcoaster or bounce around on a maze of net-like trampolines.
PROS: A great activity for the whole family to do together though there are minimum age requirements for the tougher ropes courses.
CONS: High chance of being humiliated when your arms give up mid-course and you have to be belayed back to the ground.
CHAPMAN VALLEY HORSERIDING
Chapman Valley offers a wide range of horse riding options from pony rides and beginners rides to cattle mustering experiences and multi-day trail rides.
PROS: Gentle horses, beautiful countryside and friendly guides make for an idyllic experience.
CONS: Not so peaceful if you have a child that just won’t shut up…
ESCAPE REALITY NEWCASTLE
It’s a race against the clock as you have 60 minutes to escape the room by solving puzzles and overcoming challenges. Four different themed rooms to choose from.
PROS: Fun, challenging and a great bonding experience for the family.
CONS: There’s always one person who a bossy know it all.
GRAVITY X RUTHERFORD
Rows and rows of inbuilt trampolines all over the floor and even the walls make for plenty of bouncy, jumping, flipping and falling fun.
PROS: With an under 5’s area this one is great if you have young kids.
CONS: Discovering that you can’t do back somersaults anymore and having to call a personal injury lawyer.
Tamworth Marsupial Park and Adventure Playground
Get up close to kangaroos, wallabies, cockatoos, emus and peacocks at the park and then hit the playground that boasts a climbing wall, slides and picnic tables.
PROS: It’s a great day out for the family no matter what age your kids are and it’s all free.
CONS: It can get very busy, so get there early if you want to use the barbecue facilities.
