It’s school holiday time! Here’s a list of ideas to keep everyone busy!
First stop: check out the Hills District Mums website. There are HEAPS of ideas and suggestions, particularly in the ‘Play’ section, for things to do that will keep everyone entertained!
Holiday camps, classes & workshops. 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. Book soon as they fill up.
Gabby’s Dollhouse at Castle Towers
Gabby’s Dollhouse is bringing a world of surprises and meow-gical fun to Castle Towers these school holidays! It’s the purr-fect way to keep your little ones entertained. Kids can get hands-on with creative craft workshops. Week 1, little ones will decorate their own delicious DJ Catnip biscuit using colourful, edible decorations. Week 2, imagination takes the spotlight with Cakey Cat headband decorating, complete with colouring-in and sparkling jewels. Plus, families can enjoy the always-on LEGO play zone and capture memories at the Combi Van photo moment. 29 September – 12 October from 10am to 1pm on Level 2, opposite David Jones.
Plus, Join the special character meet and greet for Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie! 9 and 10 October. Check out times here.
Swing Bridge Loop Walk in Cherrybrook. We found a new bushwalk a while back thanks to a local mum. Swing Bridge Loop Walk is tucked in the very quiet back streets of Cherrybrook. This is a great option if you’re introducing kids to bushwalking. It’s a loop walk of approximately 800m and is described as ‘easy to slightly challenging’. It takes approximatey half an hour. For more info click here.
School holidays at HomeCo.
HomeCo. Kellyville Grove – Create a Secret Garden these school holidays! Wednesday October 1 and Thursday October 2. Kids can create their Secret Garden plus learn about the Mini Ecosystem they are making and how to make it thrive! Bookings Essential. 30 minute sessions (10am, 10.45am, 11.30am, 12.15pm). Book at https://www.trybooking.com/DESWE. HomeCo. Kellyville Grove. 2 Hector Court Kellyville.
HomeCo. Castle Hill – Science Rocks Hands On Workshops. Saturday October 11 and Sunday October 12. Free Kids’ hands-on Science Workshops to ignite curiosity and creativity through various experiments. . Bookings essential. 4 x 30min Sessions – 10am, 10.45am, 11.30am, 12.15pm, . Book here – https://www.trybooking.com/DESMR. Plus Face Painting & Balloon Twisting – 10am to 1pm Daily.
Stay in a tiny home! If you’re keen for a Spring escape that combines calm with connection, Into the Wild Escapes has a tiny home that’s perfect for you! and HDMs receive 10% off! Find out more here.
Get crafty with cardboard boxes! If you need a day or two at home, here are 10 awesome and easy things to make from cardboard boxes. These activities are great for free, cheap days at home. Check out the 10 ideas and how to make them here.
Echoes at Bella Vista Farm. Nightly from 5 September to Monday 6 October.
Step into Echoes to immerse yourself in the captivating story of Bella Vista Farm, brought to life through sound and light. Embark on a glowing adventure as you journey along the reimagined convict road, wander through fluorescent flower fields, and witness the stargazing stories of the Dharug People and early settlers. Bella Vista Farm will transform every night into a dazzling display of colour, light, and multi-sensory experiences from Friday, 5 September to Monday, 6 October. Make the most of the magic and treat yourself to a tasty meal from one of the on-site food trucks. Find out more here.
Go for a bike or scooter ride. There are many parks in the Hills that have paths or areas to ride on. Here’s a list.
Play Putt Putt – This is a great Spring activity as it gets everyone outdoors and off devices! We have some excellent courses nearby including Lynwood Country Club and Dural Putt Putt in the Gardens.
Visit Fernley Park in Beecroft. This is the latest local park to undergo a significant refurb and it’s looking great. Find out more here.
Monster Jump at Parramatta Park. 27 September – 12 October, open daily 10am – 4pm.
Bounce into the ultimate school holiday adventure with Monster Jump at Parramatta Park these school holidays! Experience the thrill of our colossal 280-metre inflatable obstacle course, packed with more than 30 unique challenges. Find out more here.
Spot On Children’s Festival at Riverside Theatres. From Saturday 30 September to 9 October.
This spring school holidays, experience an unforgettable line-up of family-friendly performances, high-energy circus acts, and immersive artworks as Riverside Theatres’ annual Spot On Children’s Festival takes over from 30th September to 9th October. Featuring four jam-packed shows with six artists, this extraordinary celebration of imagination, creativity and curiosity brings together the best in local and national talent for a thrilling week of family fun. Find out more about the shows here.
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. PLUS, Floriade is on until 12 October.
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.

School Holidays at Castle Hill RSL – there’s lots on!
- Labubu Painting Workshop – Tuesday 30 September. Held at Castle Hill Bowling Club. 11.30am to 12.30pm. Find out more here.
- Minecraft Painting Workshop – Tuesday 30 September. Held at Castle Hill Bowling Club. 10am to 11am. Find out more here.
- Coffee and Colouring with a Cop. Wednesday 1 October. 10.30am. Find out more here.
- Mosaic Coaster Workshop – Thursday 2 October. Held at Castle Hill RSL. 10.30am to 12pm. Find out more here.
- Circuit Builders Workshop – Tuesday 7 October. Held at Castle Hill RSL. 10am to 12.30pm. Find out more here.
- Bath Bomb Workshop – Thursday 9 October. Held at Castle Hill Bowling Club. 10.30am to 11.30am. Find out more here.
- Zoom and Putt Fun Day – Friday 10 October. Held at Lynwood Country Club. Kids will hop into the driver’s seat for an exciting go-karting adventure, zipping around the track in safe, kid-friendly karts under the guidance of trained staff. After the thrill of the race, it’s time to swap helmets for putters and take on 18 holes of mini golf at your own pace. It’s the perfect mix of action and chill! Find out more here.
Enjoy a day trip to somewhere you haven’t been before. Here are some of our favourites.
Make up a dance! Choreograph and perform a concert for mum and dad! Remember doing this? Dance, comedy sketches, magic or singing are great fun!
Visit Meadowbank Regional Playground. In terms of playgrounds it’s without a doubt one of the best we’ve ever seen. It’s about half an hour from Castle Hill and if you pack a picnic and the weather’s good, it makes for a fun day out. Find out about it here.