Firstly, there’s an important change to Anzac Day retail hours in 2025. As of 25 April 2025, all retail shops will be required to remain closed on Anzac Day. That includes supermarkets like Woolworths and Coles and bottle-shops. Some small shops and certain licensed venues may be able to open. So shop ahead!
Anzac Day, Friday 25 April
For all things Anzac Day in the Hills including dawn services, marches and 2UP see our article here.
Castle Towers school holiday activity. Mystic Hollow. Saturday 26 April and Sunday 27 April.
Step into a magical fairy woodland maze and embark on an enchanting adventure! As you wander through the winding paths, you’ll search for hidden fairy doors, each holding a special surprise. Once you have found them all and completed your fairy tale quest, enjoy the illuminated tracing table covered in critters and creatures for you to decorate and take home.
Visit Mystic Hollow on Level 2, outside David Jones at Castle Towers, from 12 – 27 April between 10am and 2pm.* *Excluding Good Friday (18 April), Easter Sunday (20 April), and ANZAC Day (25 April)
City of Parramatta’s Outdoor Cinema Series
Parramatta is bringing free movie nights to local parks during the April school holidays! 11 – 27 April | 4 – 9pm. Roll-out a picnic blanket and enjoy fun-filled activities with family and friends before catching your favourite Hollywood films on our pop-up cinema screen at sundown. There will be live music, kids arts and sports workshops, dog-friendly obstacle courses, jumping castles and so much more — it’s free with food options available for purchase.
Dates, Locations & Films:
- Saturday 26 April: The Wild Robot (PG) – West Epping Park, Epping
- Sunday 27 April: Sonic The Hedgehog 3 (PG)- F.S. Garside Park, Granville
Elude Escape Rooms Double Promo
Looking for something a little different to keep the kids enterained this last weekend of the school holidays? Elude Escape Rooms in Galston offers active challenges for teams of 2 – 6 people and Hills District Mums get $20 off bookings these holidays! Elude is one of the most popular escape rooms in the Hills and surrounds. Never done an escape room? Here’s what to expect. An Escape Room is an interactive and immersive adventure like starring in your own thriller. Your team of family or friends enter a themed scenario with the mission to solve the mystery. You will decipher clues, solve puzzles, unlock padlocks and hopefully escape the final door before time runs out!
Unlock your $20 discount! – Play Perpetual Motion with 4 or more players from 12 April – 27 April 2025 and used Promo Code: HDM25 for $20 off your booking. Also receive a FREE player ticket for Stumped, Elude’s outdoor escapade. Issued after playing Perpetual and valid for 3 months. Visit www.eludegames.com.au to book or call 8005 0077.
Visit Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park – KIDS GO FREE
Looking for an affordable and exciting family outing during the school holidays and Easter? Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park has the perfect solution! For the entire month of April, they’re offering FREE ENTRY for up to 2 kids (ages 3-15) with every paying adult. That’s right—bring the whole family along and save up to $28 per child! Plus, kids under 3 get FREE entry every day, making it the ideal time to visit!
Book your tickets here and create unforgettable family memories!
Markets
- Castle Hill Farmers and Fine Food Market – Saturday 26 April. 8am to 12pm. Castle Hill Showground.
- The Hills UPMarket – Sunday 27 April. 9am to 2pm. Castle Hill Showground.
Other ideas
- Powerhouse Castle Hill. Open every Saturday and Sunday in March. From 10am.
- Rouse Hill Estate open to the public. Every Sunday. 10am to 4pm.
- Go for a bush walk. Here are our favourite kid friendly bush walks in the Hills.
- Go for a bike or scooter ride. Parks in the Hills with bike and scooter paths.
Other articles that might interest you:
- Activities and Classes Guide: Term 2
- Best playgrounds for Under 5s
- Day trips from the Hills
- Parks & coffee – a mum’s perfect combination
