KEY DATES
- Daylight Saving starts – Sunday 5 October. More information on time changes here.
- Labour Day Public Holiday – Monday 6 October.
- School Term 4 starts on Monday 13 October.
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
Do you still need to arrange a camp, class or activity if you need to work or just need to fill in a half-day, a day or more? Here are some options in and around the Hills that may have some spots left.
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.
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.
Echoes at Bella Vista Farm. Nightly from 5 September to Monday 6 October.
Let there be light. 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.
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.
School Holidays at Castle Hill RSL
- 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.
WHAT’S ON
- Powerhouse Castle Hill. Open every Saturday and Sunday. 10am – 4pm.
- Rouse Hill Estate open to the public. Every Sunday. 10am to 4pm.
- Lifeline Giant Book Fair Castle Hill. Friday 10 October, Saturday 11 October and Sunday 12 October. 9am to 5pm. Oakhill College.
- Hills Food and Wine Festival. Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 October. Bella Vista Farm. 10am to 6pm.
- Angsana Early Learning Open Day. Saturday 11 October.
- Galston Valley Railway Open Day. Sunday 12 October. 9.30am – 3pm.
- Taylor Swift Themed Trivia. Bella Vista Hotel. Thursday 16 October. from 7pm.
- Savour the Flavour – Hawkesbury. Saturday 18 October. Richmond Park. 4pm to 9pm.
- Granny Smith Festival. Saturday 18 October. 9am to 8.30pm. Eastwood.
- Dural Public School Country Fair. Sunday 19 October. 10am – 3pm.. 622 Old Northern Road Dural.
- Nurragingy Miniature Railway. Sunday 19 October. 10am to 3pm.
- Kings Langley Village Fair. Sunday 19 October. Pearce Reserve Kings Langley. 9am to 3.30pm.
- Parramatta Lanes. Wednesday 22 October to Saturday 25 October. 5pm to 10pm.
- Wahroonga Food and Wine Festival. Sunday 26 October. 11am to 5pm.
- Beerhaus Oktoberfest Festival at Bella Vista Hotel. Sunday 26 October. From 11am.
- Halloween at Castle Hill RSL & Lynwood Country Club. Friday 31 October. Face painting, spooky meals, tarot card readings and kids disco. Find out all the details here.
- Glenorie RSL’s Halloween Spooktacular Kids Disco. Friday 31 October 5pm. $5 entry per child. More info here.
MARKETS
- Sydney Boutique Markets. Sunday 5 October. 10am to 4pm. Rouse Hill Town Centre.
- Castle Hill Farmers and Fine Food Market. Saturday 11 October and Saturday 25 October. 8am to 12pm. Castle Hill Showground.
- Dural Village Markets. Sunday 12 October. 9am to 2pm. Dural Country Club.
- The Hills UPMarket Sunday 26 October. 9am to 2pm. Castle Hill Showground.
STORYTIME
- After school holidays – FREE storytime sessions for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers are held by libraries in the Hills throughout the week. For the full calendar see here. Note: These session don’t run through school holidays.
Other articles that might interest you:
- Kid friendly bush walks in the Hills
- The Hills Sydney: Best playgrounds for Under 5s
- Pubs, Clubs or Restaurants with a Playground in the Hills
- Parks in the Hills with bike and scooter paths