It’s school holiday time! Here’s a long list to keep everyone busy!
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!
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.
Visit Waves. Hot summer days means swimming and water play! Waves is the perfect venue and local. Find out more here.
Visit your local library. There are great libraries in the Hills including Dural, Castle Hill and Vinegar Hill – they’re also nice and cool on warm summer days.
Book a private pool with Swimply. Looking for a fun, stress-free way to entertain the kids this summer? Swimply lets you book a private backyard pool by the hour, right in your local area. No crowds. No packed public pools. Just you, your kids and a private pool all to yourselves. And get $10 off your booking! Find out more here.
Visit the Hudson Hotel. There are lots of school holiday activities on! To book, click here.
Take a trip to Cockatoo Island. Hop on the Sydney Metro to Barangaroo and take a 9-minute ferry ride to Cockatoo Island. Cockatoo Island is a family-friendly destination and it’s free to visit!
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.
Check out what’s on at Castle Hill RSL. The club has some great holiday activities on and on hot days it’s a nice cool option! Check out what’s happening here.
Take part in a toy swap! Bring your pre-loved children’s clothing, toys and books to The Hills Shire Council’s swap event! Council is partnering with Soroptimist International of The Hills District to bring you a free children’s swap event on Saturday 17 January 2026 at 10am – 11:30am at Council’s Administration Building at 3 Columbia Court, Norwest. Tickets are free, but bookings are essential. For more information and to book your spot, click here.
See Garden of Sound at Riverside Live at PHIVE. Looking for something creative, playful and unforgettable these school holidays? Step into a magical garden where sound comes to life where kids become the creators. Don’t miss this playful, interactive adventure where families help bring a magical Garden of Sound to life through movement and imagination at Riverside Live at PHIVE. 7 – 11 January.
Visit a new swimming spot. Sydney is full of beautiful spots to swim and they’re not all surf beaches by the coast. Here’s a list of some of our favourites, perfect for a day trip over summer! They also double as good picnic spots.
Go for a bush walk in the Hills! There are a few lovely walks right on our doorstep. Check them out here.
Visit the putt putt course at Lynwood Country Club. Lynwood Links Mini Golf opened last year – it’s a great addition to Lynwood and perfect for families. You can find all the info here.
Got a new bike or scooter for Christmas? Test it out at one of the many parks that have paths or areas to ride on. Here’s a list of places in and around the Hills.
Hang at a water play park. There’s sure to be some hot days over the summer holidays and water parks are a great option if you don’t want to head to the beach. Visit one of the water play parks in and around the Hills.
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.
Enjoy a day trip to somewhere you haven’t been before. Here are some of our favourites.
Visit Fagan Park for the day. With the Children’s Forest opening last year, the park now has 3 playgrounds. Find out more here.
Check out the nature playground at Bobbin Head Reserve. If you don’t mind your kids getting dirty the upgraded playground at Bobbin Head, Mt Colah is for you! The playground is essentially one big sandpit! It includes a six metre high climbing net, a timber parkour deck challenge, swings, a couple of slides and tunnels to crawl in. It’s fully fenced and shaded in places. To find out more click here.
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. We discovered this playground this 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.
Get a bite to eat at a pub with a playground. If you’re wanting to eat out with the kids during the holidays for a special treat, here’s a list of pubs and restaurants in or near the Hills that have a play area. Everyone wins!
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.
Celebrate Australia Day in Parramatta Park from 4pm to 9.30pm and enjoy a vibrant evening of music, food and family fun.
Visit Aquatopia in Prairiewood. We’ve visited once and our kids are desperate to go again! We thought it was pretty good value for a family too! Find out more here.
