School holidays come around quickly and, particularly if you’re a busy or working family, sometimes you need a hand with keeping everyone entertained and stimulated! And this one is the big one, with a minimum 6 weeks to occupy school aged kids! Check out our Summer School Holiday Guide to find out what’s available these school holidays in and around the Hills. There’s something for everyone so make sure you book in soon!
BOOK A CRU CAMP THESE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
Give your child an unforgettable summer holiday on a CRU Camp! Action-packed daytime program Day Camps (K-Y6) and residential Activity Camps (Y3-12) with exciting activities – sailing, tubing, laser tag, canoeing, paddle boarding, rock climbing, archery, abseiling, craft and heaps more!
There are also Study Camps (Y12, class of ‘25) to help students achieve their HSC and IB study goals (they may be able to tick off their Duke of Ed Gold Residential Project!).
- Dates: Various dates between 8 Dec 2024 – 23 Jan 2025
- Location: Various locations including Kellyville, Windsor, Terrey Hills, Galston, Gerringong, Collaroy & Lake Macquarie (transport available from North Parramatta)
- Cost: Day Camps start from $60/day, Residential Camps start from $130/day.
Book today at www.crucamps.com.au. Spots are limited!
SPECIAL OFFER: Use promo code HDM30 to get $30 off your camp fee. T&Cs: Promo code can only be used for new camp bookings made by 19 January 2025. Promo code can be redeemed on Activity Camps or Study Camps during the summer camp season. Excludes Day Camps and WA camps.
SPARK YOUR CHILD’S CURIOSITY THESE HOLIDAYS WITH SKILL SAMURAI
Are you searching for a holiday camp that’s more than just fun? Skill Samurai turns school breaks into powerful learning adventures where creativity and technology come to life. Imagine your child designing their own game, building a robot or creating digital art. It’s hands-on, engaging and most of all – it’s a blast! Here’s a sneak peek at what awaits:
- Artificial Intelligence: Hands-on projects that let kids explore the world of AI.
- Minecraft vs Roblox Coding: Kids can learn to code within the games they love.
- Junior Coding: Minecraft vs Pokémon: The perfect start for budding coders.
- Robotics & Engineering: Watch as they bring their own robot creations to life.
- YouTube Creator Camp: Where dreams of becoming a YouTube star begin!
- 3D Printing Workshop: From idea to creation, they’ll see it printed before their eyes.
- Experimental Science: Dive into wild and fun science experiments.
- App Developer: Create their very own mobile app!
Camps are designed for children aged 6-14, with small class sizes that allow every child the chance to shine. Choose from half-day or full-day sessions that fit around your family’s holiday plans. Plus, Self-Managed NDIS invoices are accepted, so every child can experience the joy of learning! Starting from just $79.95 – book now to secure your child’s spot!
Locations: Castle Hill, Rouse Hill, Carlingford, Eastwood, Burwood, Lane Cove. Visit skillsamurai.com.au or call them at 1300 726 872.
HAVE FUN AT INSPIRE’S VACATION CARE PROGRAM
Inspire’s Summer School Holiday Fun is full of amazing excursions, incursions and fun activities for primary school children of all ages and provides fantastic value. The program includes excursions to Raging Waters, Taronga Zoo, the Blue Mountains, Madame Tussauds, skateboarding workshops, thrilling science incursions, a soccer session with the Western Sydney Wanderers and much more!
Inspire’s Holiday program is available between 19 – 20 Dec 2024 and from 6 Jan – 5 Feb 2025.
Spaces are limited – visit Inspire’s website to see the full program and book your spot today!
1300 665 275 | [email protected] | www.inspireprogram.com.au/school-holiday-fun
BOP TILL YOU DROP THESE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
Join Bop till you Drop for two days of hands-on fun at their GLOW DANCE PARTY! Children will create glowing crafts, make their very own glow-in-the-dark slime and whip up some themed treats in a cooking class! Plus, they’ll enjoy DANCING, SINGING AND DRAMA classes that will let their creativity shine. With 6 x 45-minute structured classes per day, there’s something for everyone. And at the end of the workshop your child will showcase their new found skills in a fun, confidence-boosting performance! They will also receive a graduation certificate to boost their confidence even more!
WINNER: Best School Holiday Provider (What’s On 4 Kids Awards 2024)
Age: 5-12 years | Time: 9am – 3:30pm (free extended care until 5:00 PM on Day 1 + complimentary early drop off at 8.00am both days.) | Castle Hill | Mosman (Tues 14 & Wed 15 Jan) Bondi Beach | Gladesville (Tues 21 & Wed 22 Jan) | Cost: $99 per day ($198 for 2 days). Creative & Active Kids Voucher accepted.
To secure your spot fill in this BOOKING FORM. Don’t miss out on this glow-tactic workshop!
Phone: 1300 13 03 13 | Email: [email protected] | Website: Bop till you Drop – School Holiday Programs
GET SPORTY AT THE CENTRE DURAL
This January, The Centre is offering full or half day holiday programs for kids. Primary School Kids aged 7-12 years old are offered an intensive Netball or Soccer training program to introduce and refine core sporting skills, build fitness and have lots of fun! For younger kids in Kindy to year 2, a dynamic Multi-Sport Program is on offer, with a mix of games, gross motor, sports and play time offers a more nurturing, structured environment suitable for younger children. Both groups can choose to continue on to a full day program, with some down time eating lunch and watching a movie followed by a time of games including supervised time at Inflatable World.
School Holiday Bookings are open online now. Pack your own lunch or a pre-order from the Cafe. Places are limited, so get your registration in and save your spot!
Inflatable World Dural is also open at The Centre throughout the school holidays. Open 9.30am – 4.30pm every day.
The Centre, 1 Pellitt Lane Dural | For more information call 8989 0000 or email [email protected]
GET WICKED THESE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS WITH APAC
This January, join the Australian Performing Arts College for an unforgettable 2-day musical theatre workshop inspired by the iconic ‘Wicked’ the Musical!
- Sing, Dance, Act: Step into the world of Glinda, Elphaba, and the magical land of Oz. Learn the powerful songs from ‘Wicked’ and master the moves to bring these legendary characters to life! You will learn acting techniques and scenes together with the hit songs and choreography from Wicked, as well as performance coaching and advanced musical theatre skills for those with more experience and a passion for performance.
- Embrace the Magic: Channel your inner Glinda or Elphaba as you explore themes of friendship, identity, and standing up for what you believe in. Discover the power of defying expectations and finding your true voice!
- Wickedly Fun Activities: Get creative with magical crafts, games, and activities inspired by the show. Design your own “Wicked”-style accessories and immerse yourself in the world of Oz!
- Showtime: Take the stage and showcase your talents in a performance for family and friends.
When: Wed 22 & Thurs 23 Jan 2025, 9am – 4pm | Ages 5-14yrs | Cost: $210 | Where: The Australian Performing Arts College – 40 Carrington Road, Unit 5, Castle Hill.
YOGA WORKSHOPS WITH OFF THE MAT LIVING
Would you like your kids or teens to build confidence, improve their strength and flexibility and learn about Mindfulness in a FUN and interactive way? Join the Kids & Teens Yoga Program hosted by Off the Mat Living these Summer School Holidays! Designed for kids age 5-12 yo (Young Yogis) and 12 – 17yo (Mindful Teens), these 3 workshops are perfect for both new and experienced students. Through engaging and mindful activities kids & teens learn how Yoga practice can support their physical and mental wellbeing, on and off the mat! The sessions include:
- Purposeful yoga postures (asanas) = Build strength, flexibility and balance
- Yoga therapy exercises = Support healthy immune system, digestion and sleep
- Breathing and relaxation techniques = Improve self- regulation and sense of calm
- Yoga games, partner and team work = Boost social skills and confidence
- Blissful relaxation = Help quieten busy mind and rest the body
- Mindful craft & reflection session = Encourage positive thinking and self esteem
Where: MNM Creating & Performing; Level G – Grove Square, Baulkham Hills.
Young Yogis (5-12 yo): Wed 15 Jan 9.30am – 12.30pm, Wed 22 Jan 9.30am – 12.30pm | Cost: $50/ child.
NEW – Mindful Teens (12-17yo): Thursday 16 Jan 10am – 12pm | Cost: $40/ child
For more information and to book visit www.offthematliving.com.au, contact [email protected] or 0450 902 527.
PLAY BALL WITH HORNETS THESE HOLIDAYS
Summer Holidays are coming up and there’s something for everyone in the HIVE this holiday season! There are a variety of camp options from beginner to advanced. The Hills Hornets passionate and professional basketball coaches can help your child become a better player and a more inspired athlete. Camps provide the perfect environment to improve skills, meet new friends and have fun during the school holidays! Spots are booking fast so get in quick to be a part of the action.
- Hornets Academy Camps | 2 day and 1 day options | 5-16 year olds | Various dates both before and after Christmas.
- 3X3 Tournament | Wed 22 Jan (U8 – U12) & Thurs 23 Jan (U14 – U18)
- Hornets Development Program (HDP) Camp | Wed 15 Jan | U9 – U18 age groups
- Court bookings are also available at Castle Hill and Kellyville.
For more info: https://hillshornets.com.au/train/holiday-programs
BEND, FLIP AND TUMBLE AT SYDNEY HILLS GYMNASTICS
The Sydney Hills Gymnastics Holiday Program is designed for kids aged 4 to 13 to keep them fit, happy and healthy and of course to have fun! Gymnastics sessions include trampolines, trapezes, bars and rolls, flexibility, coordination, strength, cartwheels and more. There are half days, full days and long days to fit in with parents’ busy schedules. And there are sessions at their Castle Hill and Bella Vista locations. Sessions are available both before and after Christmas.
1, 1.5 and 2-hour School Holiday Skills Clinics are coming to Bella Vista these holidays! Children aged 5 to 15 have an opportunity to learn specific skills in these fun and engaging clinics. There will be a variety of themes dedicated to certain skills. The 1.5 and 2 hour clinics will cover ACRO/Tumbling components with Junior (6 – 8 yr olds) and Senior (9 – 15 yr olds) options. Clinics are perfect for kids that want to learn or improve certain skills or just want to keep up their gymnastics practice during school holidays. You can book one, two or all clinics – it’s entirely up to you. And for all the hard workers, Sydney Hills Gymnastics are offering the 6th session FREE! To find out more or to book these skills clinics click here.
Special offer: Become a 2025 club member and get 15% credit back on your total spend. Find out more and book for the upcoming school holidays here.
SUPERSTARS HOLIDAY WORKSHOP WITH SISTER2SISTER SCHOOL OF SINGING
Join the 3 JAM-PACKED days of SINGING, DANCING, DRAMA, DISCO & PIZZA PARTY with the team of inspiring, experienced teachers. The emphasis of the Superstars program is FUN and fosters confidence and creativity while having fun and making new friends at the same time. Workshops are open to kids aged 5-12 years and offers a safe environment and embraces each child’s unique talents. Early Bird Discount Registrations are now open!
Details:
- When: Tuesday 21, Wednesday 22 & Thursday 23 January 2025
- Time: 9am – 3pm (8:30am registration)
- Where: Sister2Sister School of Singing – 11/22 Hudson Ave, Castle Hill (located next to HomeCo.)
- Price: Register by 22 December for the Early Bird Price of $240 for 3 DAYS (price includes pizza lunch on day 3). Registrations after 22 December are priced at the standard workshop pricing of $290. Creative Kids Vouchers accepted.
Registrations are available via https://www.sister2sister.com.au/superstars-school-holiday-workshop/
Limited spaces available, secure your spot now! Please contact us at [email protected] if you have any questions.
SCHOOL’S OUT AND FUN IS IN AT THE LITTLE GYM DURAL
The Little Gym Dural runs 3 hours of fun, themed sessions during the school holidays that children (and parents) love! Camps suit children aged 3 to 8 years and include a mix of supervised free play, structured group activities, arts and crafts and even time to re-energise with snack time. Skill Thrill sessions are for children aged 6 to 12 years. These sessions involve development of gymnastic skills, mixed in with free play and games. All skill levels are welcome. Spaces are limited and their sessions do book out! Bookings are essential.
Full details on the schedule for Dural can be found here. Call the team to book your spot as spaces are limited.
Contact: Dural 8443 0160 | Website: dural.thelittlegym.com.au | Facebook: The Little Gym Dural
MAKE AND MOVE WITH CAPER
Join Caper School of Performing Arts for a day of dance, hands-on craft activities and fun at their Make & Move Workshop Holiday Workshop. Everyone is welcome to their holiday camps, you don’t have to be enrolled at Caper in order to attend.
When: 9am-3pm, Friday December 20 2024.
Cost: $85.00
Venue: Caper, Bella Vista
Age: Kindy – Year 3 (older children are still welcome)
More dates will be released for January 2025 soon.
To find out more click here.
THINK LIKE AN ENGINEER WITH YOUNG ENGINEERS
At Young Engineers, children learn to think like engineers by building motorised machines using LEGO®, motors, and batteries. For those who love a challenge, the LEGO® WeDo 2.0 app introduces coding, programming, and sensors like motion and tilt, providing an end-to-end robotics experience. This summer, Young Engineers @ the Hills & Surrounding Areas is hosting an exciting Engineering & Robotics Camp during the school holidays.
What to Expect:
- Three unique model builds each day (different models every day at each school!)
- Hands-on, creative learning for students aged 5 to 12 from any school
- Full-day workshops: 9 AM – 3 PM
- Flexibility to register for 1 or 2 days
Don’t miss this opportunity to spark your child’s love for STEM! Register now to secure a spot for this unforgettable experience!
For dates and locations please see the image above. For further information and to enrol, please visit the registration page at www.hills.young-engineers.com.au/registration.
If you would like to learn more about the Young Engineers holiday program email [email protected] or call 0426 848 066.
NIDA OPEN SUMMER FOR BUDDING YOUNG CREATIVES!
NIDA Open school holiday classes are the perfect opportunity for budding young creatives to build confidence, acquire new skills, make friends and have fun!
This Summer classes are held at NIDA Kensington, Mosman, Parramatta, Chatswood and Belrose. The range on offer for Grades K-6 includes the ever-popular NIDAWarts where children create their own wizard character, Mini Pop Stars, Heroes, Villains and Spies (Screen Acting), Drama School, Acting Boot Camp, Musical Theatre Boot Camp and The Peach Factory, inspired by the works of Roald Dahl.
Older children from grades 7-12 can explore Acting for Stage and Screen, Musical Theatre Boot Camp, Screen Acting Boot Camp, a comprehensive 5-day Drama School, Writer’s Boot Camp and many more.
Designed by experienced program managers, courses focus on practical skills and collaboration, providing an engaging learning experience for students of all ages. Teaching artists bring their creative practice and industry experience to classrooms to deliver contemporary student learning in a supportive class environment.
NIDA Open skills-based holiday courses have something for all young artists. Let your imagination soar this Summer and get involved with the NIDA Open Summer!
Find out more and book here.
