As the first signs of spring appear, all of a sudden, the term three school holidays are on the horizon.
The looming break brings a much-welcome change of seasons and presents an opportunity to get back outdoors. However, for many parents, two weeks of school holidays can be a challenge in keeping the kids entertained.
We’ve taken care of some of the planning for you by curating three options for family-friendly fun. Whether you’re planning to stay home, taking a few days leave for a Victorian getaway, or making the most of the two weeks with an interstate escapade, we’ve offered up three ideas to ensure these spring holidays are memorable.
Option 1: A homegrown holiday
If your family is staying home, term three is a golden opportunity to reconnect with the environment as spring begins to bloom. The “Just for Kids” section of the Junior Landcare website is a treasure trove of free and easily downloadable activities designed to spark curiosity and foster a love of the natural world.
The activities are thoughtfully designed by educators to provide a hands-on way for kids to explore their surroundings, connect with nature and learn about environmental concepts.
Some activities will take more planning than others. For example, the “grow your own pizza” challenge might involve buying some seedlings now, so that herbs and produce are ready in time for the holidays.
Other activities, such as colouring sheets, are more straightforward to implement. Kids can explore the world of propagation by using kitchen scraps, such as the tops of carrots or the bases of celery that are often already available around the house.
The resources are a godsend for parents who are juggling the demands of work whilst trying to keep a cap on screen time. These activities can fill hours; but even more importantly, they provide foundational lessons in sustainability, biology, and self-sufficiency.
Option 2: The Victorian Escape
If you’re planning to take a day or two’s leave, a short getaway to the historically rich city of Ballarat can provide a breath of fresh country air. Located an hour and a half drive from Melbourne, the undisputed jewel in Ballarat’s crown is Sovereign Hill.
Joyce Watts is the founder of the Victorian family travel site, Tot Hot or Not. She’s also a seasoned traveller and mother of two, so she understands the requirements for a stress-free family holiday. Joyce recommends Ballarat for its hands-on history experience that kids adore.
For the uninitiated, Sovereign Hill is an open-air museum that transports visitors back to the booming gold rush era of the 1850s. It’s a multi-sensory experience where children pan for real gold, watch blacksmiths forge red-hot iron, dip their own candles, and even experience the discipline of a 19th-century classroom.
The Ballarat Wildlife Park is another great addition to the itinerary. Home to a range of native Australian animals, the park has more than 35 koalas, plus wombats, emus, and over 100 free-roaming kangaroos, which you’ll have the opportunity to hand-feed.
If you’re looking for other Victorian day trips and adventures, head over to Tot Hot or Not for some inspiration.
Option 3: The Interstate Adventure
For those families with a bit more time to get away, a trip to Sydney offers a blend of natural beauty and big-city excitement. Catch a ferry across the sun-drenched harbour, visit the Opera House and Harbour Bridge or see exotic animals at Taronga Zoo. Darling Harbour’s aquariums and museums also offer a fun family day out.
If you are looking for an option to keep the kids entertained while you explore the city, Camp Blue offers day camps and overnight camps (up to 3 nights).
Located in Manly and Stanmore, Camp Blue offers a range of activities for kids to choose from, including art, surfing, cooking, drama, soccer, and basketball- bringing a taste of the American-style Summer Camp to Aussie kids.
These programs create windows of opportunity for adult-oriented activities, whether that’s tackling the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb, visiting a gallery or enjoying a leisurely lunch at a fine dining restaurant, ensuring the holiday is a refreshing and memorable experience for every member of the family.
So, there you have it: three options to keep the kids busy and inspired these school holidays. A memorable break doesn’t have to be complicated, it just requires a bit of forward planning. So, embrace the energy of spring, shake the winter chill and say goodbye to endless screen time.
