1. First stop: check out the Hills District Mums website. There are HEAPS of ideas and suggestions for things to do that will keep everyone entertained!
2. If you need a helping hand with care over the break, there are stacks of camps and classes on in and around the Hills, for all types of interests. Here’s a list.
3. Get your hair braided. Braidztyle is back for the school holidays – this time at Rouse Hill Town Centre and Macquarie Centre! The Autumn school holidays are a great time to do braids as there’s less swimming. Braidztyle braids are extremely professional and long lasting if you look after them! Book your apppointment to guarantee your spot. More info here.
4. Visit Meadowbank Regional Playground. We discovered this playground last year and WOW, it’s completely mind blowing! In terms of playgrounds it’s without a doubt one of the best we’ve ever seen. Our kids are so keen to go again. Find out about it here.
5. See a show at Riverside Theatres. There are two great shows on for kids and families! 360 ALLSTARS is a phenomenal physical performance exploring all forms of rotation – BMX, basketball, breakdancing, acrobatics, drumming and more. And The Story of Mr B – this surprise filled puppet show, set in a giant pop-up book, tells the story of Mr Bumblegrum. Find out more and book here.
6. Check out the newest park in the Hills. Stargazing Park at The Gables Box Hill opened in late 2022 and offers an out of this world amount of space-themed fun for kiddies! Autumn is a great time to do parks as it’s not too hot and not too cold. Read more here.
7. Visit your local library. There are great libraries in the Hills including Dural, Castle Hill and Vinegar Hill and there are often kids activities taking place.
8. Head out for the day to the Ian Potter Children’s WILD PLAY Garden in Centennial Park. If you haven’t been before, it’s well worth the trip from the Hills to the East! Find out more here.
9. Try camping in the backyard – Autumn weather is good for this kind of thing.
10. See creatures at Castle Mall. Meet spiders, lizards, crocodiles, snakes and so much more with Feature Creatures. 3 days only – Tuesday 18 April to Thursday 20 April. 10am to 2pm daily. Free!
11. Find a new playground in your area. We love a hidden gem! Sure, these little parks often don’t tick every box and because of their locations they’re on the smaller side, but they’re more than fine for a morning play in the sun and because they’re so hidden, are lovely and peaceful. Here’s a list of playgrounds you might not know about.
12. Test your skills at Castle Towers. Take part in the Skills Set and put your sporting skills to the test! There are 5 activities for kids to try! 10 – 23 April. Level 2 outside David Jones.
13. Say hi to PHIVE. PHIVE, at 5 Parramatta Square, is Parramatta’s new community, cultural and civic hub, located in the heart of Parramatta’s CBD. And it’s a great space to explore with kids, particularly with the Brickman Cities LEGO exhibition on until 23 April!
14. Check out what’s on at West Pennant Hills Sports Club. There are two great activities on – a LEGO workshop and tennis clinics! For full details click here.
15. Visit House Down Under. Australia’s only inverted house experience opened on 1 April at Rouse Hill Town Centre! Full details here.
16. Take a trip to Canberra! If you’ve never visited, it’s fabulous for families! Here’s a list of things to see and do.
17. Visit Inflatable World at The Centre in Dural! The Centre has onsite parking, toilets, level access and a café on site! 2 hour sessions. See website for opening hours. You also may like to call prior to your visit to check if there’s a vacation care group visiting when you plan to go, as this can make it busier than usual.
18. Take a bush walk. Autumn is great for bush walking as it’s not too hot or cold. There are lots of kid friendly options. Here’s a list.
19. See Fantastic Mr Fox at Sydney Theatre Company! This spectacular live production based on Roald Dahl’s classic tale is coming to Sydney Theatre Company these holidays from 19 – 30 Apr at Roslyn Packer Theatre. Matinee performances – 10.30am & 1pm and evening performances – 6pm. Find out more & book here.
20. Visit Berry Island Reserve. About half an hour’s drive from the Hills, Berry Island Reserve is a beautiful spot to visit for a day trip or picnic. There’s lots of space, harbour views, a playground and a short bush walk. Find out more here.
22. Get crafty with cardboard boxes! If you need a day or two at home to rest and recharge (and save $!), here are 10 awesome and easy things to make from cardboard boxes. These activities are great for free, cheap days at home, especially if it’s too rainy to go out, or if everyone just needs a rest day. Check out the 10 ideas and how to make them here.
23. Check out one of the refurbished playgrounds in Cherrybrook. Both the Lakes of Cherrybrook opposite Cherrybrook Shopping Village and Appletree Park (on Kanangara Cres) had large makeovers in 2022 and are looking awesome!
24. Enjoy a day trip to somewhere you haven’t been before. Here are some of our favourites.
