Discover the best-of-the-best school holiday festivals, pop-ups, camps, shows, festivals and events happening across the Central Coast and nearby region this summer!
Step into the sparkle at Hunter Valley Gardens’ Christmas Lights Spectacular – a glowing wonderland of 4.5 million lights, rides and festive magic!
The Coast is twinkling this Christmas with a stack of free festive events supported by Central Coast Council and Love Central Coast. From carols to craft, it’s the perfect way to get your jingle on. Plus, this January, get ready for a week of water play, games, music and festival vibes – Summerfest is back in Erina this January!
Get ready for a triple dose of school holiday fun at The Art House – a circus spectacular, a heartfelt shadow-puppet tale and a free wave-riding adventure. And, dino enthusiasts are in for a treat: roaring, stomping, larger-than-life dinosaurs are taking over the Australian Reptile Park these summer holidays!
Prefer action? Flip Out Gosford is serving up serious value these school holidays with free slushies and discounted birthday parties. Raw Challenge is bringing back their school holiday events this summer – and they're open to kids AND adults. And if you have a mini ninja warrior, you're spoilt for choice at both ends of the Coast with Ninja Kids Erina and Obstacle Course Racing School in Tuggerah both offering all-day camps and fast-paced workshop sessions.
Creativity more your thang? Launched in spring, Miss May’s school holiday art workshops are joyful sessions where young artists explore fresh techniques, experiment across mediums, and head home each day with a finished masterpiece.
Had a big year and want an easy vacation? Check out Glenworth Valley Wilderness Adventures for the ultimate staycation. It offers the best bits of camping – think campfires and river swims – with barista coffee, farm animal feeds and adventure fun like quad biking, abseiling and horse riding.
Keep reading to make sure your holidays are the best they can be – and book early to avoid missing out.
Plus, we're giving away a Family Pass (RRP $126) to this summer's Christmas Lights Spectacular at Hunter Valley Gardens. Scroll down to enter.
Christmas Events and New Year's Eve Fireworks these Summer School Holidays
Experience the wonder of the Christmas Lights Spectacular at Hunter Valley Gardens!
If you’re looking for a truly magical way to celebrate Christmas, get tickets to the Hunter Valley Gardens’ Christmas Lights Spectacular! This event is pure festive wonder – and it’s become a must-do tradition for our Playing in Puddles family.
There are over 4.5 million lights – the largest display in the southern hemisphere – creating a spellbinding sight. But it’s not just the scale that wows: it’s the craftsmanship and storytelling woven through every display that makes it unforgettable. You can walk through a twinkling gingerbread house surrounded by giant liquorice allsorts, lollypops and jelly beans; sit on Santa's reindeer-led; and dance to your favourite carols with beat-synchronised Christmas trees.
The lights are the pièce de résistance, but this is a full-blown Christmas festival, so there's far more too! Take a spin on the Ferris wheel or carousel, whoosh down the giant slide, watch the Nutcracker Story Time Experience stage show, sing carols along with a live four-piece band and soak up the festive cheer.
This year, they've extended the glow even further, with lights being erected in the Italian Grotto Garden for the first time. There’s also a range of dazzling new sculptures – from glowing poinsettias and mistletoe to garden elves, a festive HVG Day Test Match scene and a towering Christmas tree.
This event is so special. The size and scope and beauty of it can really only be appreciated once you've experienced it. We highly recommend you add a visit to your Christmas list.
When: Friday 7 November 2025 – Monday 26 January 2026 (closed 25 December 2025). Gardens open daily 9am-4.30pm; lights open 5.30pm-10.30pm (last entry 9.30pm). Rides are open 6pm-10pm.
Location: The Hunter Valley Gardens, 2090 Broke Road, Pokolbin.
Tickets and more info: Click here.
Price: Christmas Lights Spectacular Entry Adult $41 | Child (4-15 yrs) $31 | Children 3 and under Free | Companion Card holders free | Family Pass (1 Adult + 2 Children) $96 | Family Pass (2 Adults + 1 Child) $102 | Family Pass (2 Adults + 2 Children) $126 | Rides can be purchased at the venue for $6/ride or $30 for 6 rides.
Accommodation + Christmas Light Spectacular Entry Packages You can easily attend the Christmas Lights Spectacular from the Central Coast without the need for accommodation, but it also makes for a super lovely excuse for a night away. You can get accommodation/entry packages at Mercure Hunter Valley and Harrigan's Hunter Valley.
Christmas and New Year’s Eve: the big festive events supported by Central Coast Council
Christmas on the Central Coast feels extra magical this year, with a brilliant line-up of community celebrations supported by Central Coast Council and Love Central Coast. From sparkling carols to hands-on festive craft sessions, you can get your jingle on for free at a heap of festive events across the Coast.
Kick things off with Tinsel Time in Toukley, a joyful community event that brings The Village Green to life on Friday 5 December. Expect live entertainment (hello Reptiles on the Go!), festive markets, food trucks, a Santa meet-and-greet and the magical lighting of the Christmas tree. It’s free, family-friendly and guaranteed to get you in the holiday spirit.
If your kids love getting hands-on, Christmas Craft on the Village Green at Toukley (various dates throughout December) is a beautiful way to slow down and really soak in the season. Little makers can create wooden decorations, baubles, cards and keepsakes – all materials provided, just bring the imagination.
Carols lovers are spoilt for choice this year. Wyong Community Carols (14 December at Wyong High School) will bring families together for an evening of sing-alongs, food stalls, community fun and a fireworks finale at 9pm. Then on Christmas Eve, Carols in the Park at The Entrance's Memorial Park will fill the foreshore with live music backed by The House Band, roving performers, kids’ activities, food trucks, Santa and a dazzling fireworks show to finish.
Across the Coast, you’ll also find free Santa photos at the Toukley Gallery Container, a Christmas Window Trail through our town centres, and giant Christmas decorations in Gosford, The Entrance and Toukley.
And when the tinsel settles, the celebrations continue with two New Year’s Eve fireworks festivals (at Gosford and The Entrance) lighting up the Coast!
Kids Shows and Special Events Happening these Summer School Holidays
Get tickets to Splash Test Dummies: a hilarious, water-soaked circus show at The Art House!
Ready to belly-laugh your way through the school holidays? The Art House is bringing in the Splash Test Dummies – a wild, water-soaked circus adventure packed with stunts, acrobatics, juggling and the kind of slapstick comedy that leaves both kids and grown-ups giggling.
Think sun-drenched beach antics, bathtubs gone rogue, and a trio of world-class Australian performers who’ve mastered the art of being clever, chaotic and completely charming. The Dummies are internationally recognised as leaders in narrative-driven circus – scoring awards at the Adelaide Fringe and Edinburgh Fringe.
If your kids love fast-paced physical comedy, silly characters and gasp-worthy tricks – this is one of those shows they’ll rave about for days. And bonus: to get rid of those pre-show wriggles, The Art House will have free giant lawn games in the courtyard before the show.
Level up the fun: Summer Splash Circus Workshop
If you’ve got a child who loves to tumble, twirl or just give anything a go, The Art House is running a kids-only circus workshop inspired by the show. It’s designed for ages 6+ and focuses on creative play while learning real circus skills – hula hooping, poi spinning, plate spinning, ball juggling and acro balance – from the Splash Test Dummies' cast.
The workshop is only available as a Workshop + Show package, so participants get to see the performance and then jump straight into training with the performers.
Splash Test Dummies show
Show Dates: Thu 15 Jan 2026 - 2PM | Fri 16 Jan 2026 - 10AM | Fri 16 Jan 2026 - 2PM | Sat 17 Jan 2026 - 10AM.
Duration: 60 minutes, no interval.
Age group: Recommended for ages 5 to 12 (plus their adults).
Show Cost: Adult: $20 | Encore Member: $15 | Child Under 12: $15 | Family of 4 (2A, 2C or 1A, 3C): $60 | Vacation Care Group: $15.
Note: This performance will take place in our Studio which is general admission unassigned seating.
Splash Test Dummies - Summer Splash Circus Workshop
Workshop Dates: Fri 16 Jan 2026 - 11:30AM | Sat 17 Jan 2026 - 11:30AM
Duration: 60 minutes.
Age group: Recommended for ages 6+, no experience necessary.
Workshop + Show Cost: Only available as Workshop + Show Package (Kids only). Parents/guardians only require a ticket to the show performance, not the workshop. Workshop + Show Package (Kids Only): $25.
Where: The Art House, 19-21 Margaret Street, Wyong.
Phone: 4335 1485
For Vacation Care Bookings please email [email protected].
Meet life-sized dinosaurs at The Australian Reptile Park these holidays!
Get set for a Jurassic adventure of epic proportions – “live” dinosaurs are taking over the Australian Reptile Park these summer school holidays!
Life-sized, teeth-gnashing dinos will be roaming the grounds, roaring, stomping and towering overhead. Kids can wander through a prehistoric landscape filled with giant creatures (including a baby triceratops!), snap a selfie with a T-Rex, and burn off energy at the daily Dino Dance Party. Little palaeontologists can dig for fossils, take on the Dinosaur Discovery Challenge and get their faces painted – all included free with entry.
And of course, the Park’s real residents are always a highlight. From koalas and cassowaries to tortoises, alligators, Komodo dragons and Elvis the saltwater croc (who puts on a show at his famous daily feed!), there are encounters and keeper moments around every corner. Your entry ticket includes all the animal shows, talks and interactions.
PLUS – exciting news! The Kids 2 Keeper program has been given a summer spruce-up. The new-look K2K experience now runs 9am–3pm with even more hands-on activities, making it perfect for budding junior zookeepers keen for a behind-the-scenes adventure.
Roaring dinos and real wildlife! This is a school holiday combo that never disappoints.
Where: Australian Reptile Park, Pacific Highway, Somersby.
When: The Australian Reptile Park is open every day. The Jurassic Zoo experience will be from 20 December 2025 – 2 February 2026. The Australian Reptile Park is open daily 9am-5pm (except Christmas Day).
Cost: The Jurassic Zoo experience is FREE with your zoo entry ticket. Tickets from $37pp on a family day pass. See Australian Reptile Park’s website for ticket options (tip: check out their annual passes, so you can attend multiple times for a fraction of the daily rate). Remember, if you book online you save up to 21%.
Contact: For more details, visit their website or phone +612 4340 1022.
Enjoy a magical shadow-puppetry experience at The Art House: Spike The Echidna
This summer, The Art House is bringing Little Wing Puppets back to the stage with a heartwarming shadow-theatre adventure for families.
Told through shadow theatre, puppets and lively original music, Spike The Echidna is an interactive performance full of humour and heart. Featuring a cast of uniquely Australian animals, it gently opens up conversations about difference, belonging and resilience.
You’ll meet Spike – an echidna who hatches far from home. Lost, alone and without any spikes, he’s discovered by a young girl who helps Spike discover where he comes from. Along the way he accidentally finds himself in the nests of a crocodile, an emu and a turtle – each a little frightening! But at last, through their journey, Spike learns where he belongs, and the girl learns how to find her own “spikes” and stand up to anything scary!
This is a gentle, creative stage show that young children will surely love.
Plus, if you book into their Tuesday 20th or Wednesday 21st January performance, be sure to stick around for Waverider – a free, outdoor physical performance created with physical theatre legends Legs On The Wall. This free 30-minute show brings surf culture and jaw-dropping acrobatics together on a giant inflatable wave, capturing all the classic summer moments we love: catching waves, ducking under, swimming out beyond the break… and getting completely dumped. After the performance, the inflatable wave transforms into a play zone for families to enjoy.
Shadow Puppetry Workshop: Playing with Light
Have a child who loves nothing more than a scissor-glue craft activity? You can book into a creative workshop held after the show and led by the Little Wings Puppets puppeteer Jenny Ellis. In this workshop, kids will imagine, design and build their own puppet characters and then learn how to bring them to life on stage.
Working together in small groups, children will then create their own mini shadow-theatre shows and finish with a performance of their stories on The Art House Theatre main stage. And don't worry - there won't be tears, as the puppet they made can be taken home with them too.
Spike The Echidna show
Show Dates: Mon 19 Jan 2026 - 6PM | Tue 20 Jan 2026 - 10AM | Tue 20 Jan 2026 - 2PM | Wed 21 Jan 2026 - 10AM.
Duration: 60 minutes, no interval.
Age group: Recommended for ages 4-12.
Show Cost: Adult: $20 | Encore Member: $15 | Child Under 12: $15 | Family of 4 (2A, 2C or 1A, 3C): $60 | Vacation Care Groups: $15.
Note: This performance will take place in our Studio which is general admission unassigned seating.
Shadow Puppetry Workshop: Playing with Light
Workshop Dates: Tue 20 Jan 2026 - 11:45AM | Wed 21 Jan 2026 - 12PM.
Duration: 60 minutes.
Age group: Recommended for ages 4-12. Children under 6 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Workshop + Show Cost: Only available as Workshop + Show Package (Kids only). Parents/guardians only require a ticket to the show performance, not the workshop. Workshop + Show Package (Kids Only): $25.
Where: The Art House, 19-21 Margaret Street, Wyong.
Phone: 4335 1485
For Vacation Care Bookings please email [email protected].
School Holiday Camps on the Central Coast – book these this summer!
Summerfest is back! Fun and affordable day camps for kids and Evening camps for teens
Looking for fun and affordable activities your kids and teens can do during the Summer holidays? The 2026 January Summerfest Holiday Program at Erina (Monday 5 to Friday 9 January) is jam-packed with excitement and promises water fun, DJs, puppets, games, challenges, sport, performances, music, Bible stories, friendships, and a lot of fun for kids, babies and teens of all ages!
And did we mention it’s just $3 per teen and $15 per family, per day – for a whole week of fun! That’s spicy good! In Fact, it's gotta be the cheapest camp option on the whole of the Central Coast!
Summerfest Kids (Preschool–Year 4)
Each morning from 9am–11.30am, Summerfest Kids brings excitement for children from preschool through to Year 4. Kids can expect awesome games, creative challenges, music, craft, Bible talks, new friendships, and loads of summer water fun.
Parents, you can head to the Summerfest Café to enjoy great coffee, tasty treats, conversation and short pop-up talks while still being close by. Or, if your kids are in years 1-4, you can take off to catch up on work, shopping and the dreaded life admin. The choice is yours.
Cost: $8 per child per day or $15 per family per day
NEW for 2026 – Summerfest Vortex (Years 5–6)
For the very first time, Year 5–6 kids get their own afternoon program – Summerfest Vortex! Each afternoon from 3.30–6pm, tweens can dive into crazy games, epic activities, music, plenty of time to hang with friends, and a clear, engaging Bible talk. It’s the perfect summer hangout for kids stepping into their tween years.
Cost: $8 per child per day or $15 per family per day
Summerfest Nights (Teens Years 7–12)
A fun, festival-style hangout with music, a late-night café, water games, Bible talks and heaps of time to chill. Plus don’t miss PULP, the Friday night finale party with a DJ.
Cost: $3 entry Mon–Thurs | $5 for PULP Friday
Summerfest 2026
Pre-registration is essential for the Summerfest Kids and Vortex programs. Summerfest Nights - teens, you can just show up.
Where: EV Church, 331 Terrigal Drive Erina.
Contact: Call 4367 2100 or email [email protected].
Website: Visit the Summerfest Nights website for more information.
Check out Ninja Kids Erina’s epic summer holiday camps and new multi-day deal!
This summer, the Ninja Kids Erina team has changed it up and made their options even MORE awesome for busy parents. As well as their full 8.30am-3.30pm camp, they're now offering 2-hour afternoon workshops from 3.30pm-5.30pm. You can do this as a stand-alone 2 hour camp OR tack it on to the end of the full day camp to give your kids more play time (and you, two extra hours of uninterrupted work time). Now THAT is brilliant.
Lock in creativity this summer at Miss May's school holiday art classes in Terrigal!
A brand-new art camp popped up in spring and absolutely took off – and guess what? Miss May’s Paint Station is back for summer with a fabulously festive twist!
These holidays, local artist + educator Kirralee May is running joyful, hands-on art workshops in Terrigal where young creatives can experiment with new mediums and techniques… and take home a finished artwork every single session!
In December the theme is pure Christmas magic – think robins with rosy cheeks, reindeer portraits, Santa’s workshop, gingerbread houses and more. Your little artist will paint, sculpt, splatter and sparkle their way into full festive mode.
Parents you will absolutely love the flexible timetable (hello, sanity saver). You can book a full day (9am–3pm), a morning session (9am–12pm), an afternoon session (1pm–3pm), a special parent-and-child class or an evening Christmas disco art class!
So whether you’ve got work meetings, Christmas shopping, or just want a moment of peace before the elf mischief begins… there’s a time slot with your name on it.
Kirralee supplies premium materials, calm guidance and a big dose of playful energy. Kids walk away proud, confident and buzzing with ideas – and you get to display another gorgeous masterpiece at home.
Places are limited and these sold out last time, so we definitely recommend booking an easel early.
Miss May's Paint Station
Where: Terrigal Girl Guides Hall, 24 Hastings Rd, Terrigal.
When: December holiday sessions are running on: 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 December. Times: 9am-3pm, 9am–12pm, 1pm–3pm, 5pm–7pm. January workshops are also in the works, with new projects and themes coming soon – so keep an eye out here as we'll update this feature as soon as they're announced.
Cost: Prices start at $55.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 0450 937 972
Miss May's Paint Station's Facebook page
Miss May's Paint Station's Instagram page
Miss May's Paint Station's Website
Get muddy! Book into Raw Challenge's summer school holiday events, Doyalson
+ 25+ obstacles Raw Challenge camp – recommended for kids aged 5-10 years old, but any child aged between 5 and 17 can join this program (and their adults).
Please note, the cut-off age for these dates is not 10 years of age: they just recommend the 10-17 year old program for older kids as it includes some additional more challenging obstacles that older kids will likely enjoy.
Dates: Wednesday 14 January | Thursday 22 January.
Times: 9.30am-1pm (drop off 9.15-9.25am).
30+ obstacles Raw Challenge camp – for kids aged 10-17 years old (and their adults).
Dates: Thursday 15 January | Wednesday 21 January.
Times: 9.30am-1pm (drop off 9.15-9.25am).
Where: Raw Challenge, 110 Pacific Hwy, Doyalson.
Who: Kids aged 5-17 (plus adults can join in too).
Inclusions: Lunch (sausage sandwich and a soft drink).
Cost: $39.50/person (plus small booking fee)!
Raw Challenge's Website
Full-day action! Ninja programs + casual classes at Obstacle Course Racing School
Looking for a holiday activity that’s high-energy, strength-building and seriously fun? Obstacle Course Racing School (OCRS) in Tuggerah has something for every level of Ninja this summer – from curious beginners to teens chasing serious competition.
Full Day Ninja Program (5–14 yrs)
Perfect for kids who love climbing, swinging and challenging themselves (and working parents), this full-day program runs from 8:30am–3:30pm and is packed with games, relays, workshops, mini challenges, free play and ninja fun. They'll tackle spider walls, rope nets, monkey bars, Tarzan swings and the famous warped wall. It's challenging, muscle-burning and a whole lot of fun.
Details: 8.30am-3.30pm | Mon 22 December, Tue 13 Jan, Thurs 15 Jan, Mon 19 Jan, Wed 21 Jan, Fri 23 Jan | $70 per day (discounts for siblings). Use code PIP10 for 10% off!
Come-and-Try Casual Ninja Classes (crawling to 14+ yrs)
Through the holidays, OCRS run casual classes across all ages. These sessions are the perfect way for kids to dip their toes (and swing their arms!) into the world of Ninja or for kids keen to try a class before signing up for a term.
Details: 30- and 45-min sessions | Mon 12 Jan, Wed 14 Jan, Fri 16 Jan, Tues 20 Jan, Thurs 22 Jan | From $15/person. Use code PIP10 for 10% off!
Advanced Ninjas & Teen Challenges
For older kids and experienced ninjas ready to push their limits, OCRS will be running a series of advanced holiday sessions designed to test skill, speed, endurance and to get you comp ready. Multiple options and dates; check their website for details.
Get 10% off! Use Playing in Puddles' special discount code "PIP10" at checkout for 10% off OCRS's school holiday camps and term-time ninja classes!
Obstacle Course Racing School
Location: 2/5A Pioneer Ave, Tuggerah.
Age Group: There are different classes for different ages; classes for children from crawlers to 14+.
Contact: 0493 283 576 or [email protected]
Obstacle Course Racing School's website
Dates: See each section above for dates.
Special Deals and Discounts at the Central Coast's Top Attractions this Summer!
Free Slushies at Flip Out + 15% Off Birthday Parties This Summer!
If you’re hunting for a fun, action-packed activity these summer holidays, Flip Out Gosford is a winner. It’s the indoor mega-arena where kids can run, jump, scramble and flip off ALL of that school-holiday energy. Think trampolines, ninja challenges, parkour, soft-play for little tackers, sports courts, warped walls and more – it’s one giant, high-energy playground that’s been purpose-built for big days and bigger grins.
And they’ve dropped a seriously cool summer deal: grab a 2-hour session and score a FREE slushy in a brand-new Flip Out cup that your kids can take home. It’s a proper, reusable, dishwasher-safe cup and you can refill it for just $2 – which is half the usual slushy price. The free cup deal kicks off 10 December and runs until stock disappears.
Plus, Flip Out is running a 15% discount on birthday parties until the end of February – so if you’ve got a summer baby, consider your party planning sorted.
This is an attraction guaranteed to return your kids to you delightfully exhausted.
Flip Out Gosford
Address: 10 Hely St, West Gosford.
School Holidays Opening Hours: Daily 9am-6pm (closed Christmas Day).
Phone: (02) 4323 0162
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: Flip Out Gosford.
Website: https://flipout.com.au/locations/gosford/
Cost: General admission | 2 hour slushy deal | $30 general admission | 2 hours of play plus score a FREE slushy in a brand-new Flip Out cup that your kids can take home.
General admission | 1 hour | $20 per person. Free for children under 24 months.
It's $4 for grip socks on top of all costs above. We recommend you keep them in the car so you can use them again and again.
Glenworth Valley: the ultimate summer staycation for Coast families
If you’re craving an easy summer escape without the long drive, Glenworth Valley Wilderness Adventures might just be the staycation your family’s been dreaming of. This gorgeous private valley is only 20 minutes from Gosford – yet feels worlds away. It's a space of towering trees, lush open paddocks, a pebble-bedded river and "bush getaway” vibes – but with the happy comfort of modern amenities (think barista coffee and hot showers).
Glenworth Valley really nails that “best of both worlds” thing. Want to go all-in on the simple, magical fun of camping? You absolutely can. You can pitch a tent, bring a swag, or settle into one of their brand-new powered campsites (launched in October) if you’re rolling in with a caravan or camper trailer.
Kids can splash in the creek, feed highland cows, goats and chickens at the animal petting farm, and get a front-row seat to Glenworth Valley’s iconic Running of the Horses each afternoon. And, high fives all round, campfires are welcome! Hallelujah – so many places don’t allow them anymore, and what's camping without hot melty marshmallows?
Like the idea of camping… minus the whole “camping” part? Well, Glenworth has your back there too. They have luxury Glamping tents fitted with comfy mattresses as well as secluded cabins with valley views and wood-fired hot tubs – ideal for a kid-free night or a multi-generational getaway. The kiosk serves barista coffee and great food and is open daily throughout the school holidays, and there’s a well-stocked shop with all those comfort extras you’ll inevitably forget to pack, including a smores kit!
If you’re after activities, Glenworth Valley really shines. Here, you can do horse riding, lead pony rides, quad biking, abseiling, kayaking, laser skirmish and even axe throwing! There's even a range of half- and full-day school holiday camps on offer that focus on adventure, nature or horse riding.
Glenworth Valley Wilderness Adventures
Special offer: Stay 3 nights for the price of 2 (unpowered sites, valid until 18 December).
Where: Glenworth Valley Wilderness Adventures.
Glenworth Valley Wilderness Adventures' website
WIN a Family Pass to the Christmas Lights Spectacular!
Want to win a family pass to the Christmas LIghts Spectacular? Of course you do!
To be in with a chance to win, simply subscribe to our free newsletter by entering your details below*. Already a subscriber? Just add your details below so we know you want to enter this fabulous comp.
*COMPETITION TERMS & CONDITIONS
PRIZE: We are giving away one family pass to the Hunter Valley Gardens' Christmas LIghts Spectacular. The Family Pass is valid for 2 Adults + 2 Children and is valued at $126.
COMPETITION OPENS: 11am 12 November 2025.
COMPETITION CLOSES: Midnight 11 December 2025.
ENTRY TERMS: By entering, we’ll email future issues of Playing in Puddles’ weekly newsletter free to your inbox (you may unsubscribe at any time). This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with, Instagram or Facebook. Click here for extended terms.
PRIZE TERMS: This prize is valid for the 2025-2026 Hunter Valley Gardens' Christmas LIghts Spectacular. The winner will be notified by email. The Winner has 2 days to reply to redeem their prize. If the winner does not reply in that time, Playing in Puddles reserves the right to choose another winner. Prize is not redeemable for cash and not transferable. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Instagram or Facebook. Click here.
More Activities to Enjoy these School Holidays
Have you visited the Central Coast's 70 Attractions?
Be a tourist in your own town! We have animal and adventure parks, farms to visit, go-karting, laser tag, family entertainment centres and more. Start planning your visit! Check everything out here.
Indoor Adventures on the Central Coast
Escape the cold! Find fun play centres, trampoline parks, and indoor adventures here.
Discover a NEW Playground Today
We have more than 100 playground reviews on Playing in Puddles. Click here to discover a new playground near you.
Art and Digital School Holiday Camps on the Central Coast
Central Coast Creative Hub
What: One-day art camps (full days and half days available). From Water bead Puffy Slime and Picasso Mixed Media wall hangings to Clay pot Fairy Houses.
Where: Point Clare.
Ages: 4.5 years old - 15 years old.
Luna and Co art classes
What: One-day art camps. From air-dry sculpture to acrylic painting.
Where: Niagara Park.
Ages: Different ages across different classes.
Coding camps
There are multiple businesses that run online and in-person digital camps - from coding and website building to DJ and youtube workshops. These businesses sometimes run camps in person on the Central Coast. Check their websites for details.
+ CIY Club
+ Code Camp
Sport School Holiday Camps on the Central Coast
Motiv8Sports Central Coast
What: Two- and three-day sport camps plus 4-on-4 football tournaments.
Where: Multiple locations across the Coast. These can vary so check website for details, but generally Erina and Warnervale.
Ages: 5-15 years old.
MVP Football school holiday soccer clinics
What: One- to three-day soccer camps.
Where: Umina.
Ages: Under 6s+.
Brazilian Soccer Schools, Central Coast
What: Three-day soccer camps (half day and full day available).
Where: Tuggerah.
Ages: 5-16 years old.
Dean Heffernan and Central Coast United soccer camps
What: one- and two-day soccer camps (half day).
Where: Tuggerah.
Ages: Under 8s - Under 16s.
Rose Football Academy
What: Half-day soccer camps.
Where: Killarney Vale.
Ages: Kids aged 5-12.
Mighty Mariners Holiday Clinics, Central Coast
What: Three- and two-day soccer + activity camps (half day only).
Where: Tuggerah.
Ages: 6-14 years old.
Newcastle Jets community soccer clinics and Mini Olympic clinics
What: One- and two-day camps (half day only).
Where: Speers Point, New Lambton, Lochinvar, Maitland, Adamstown, Belmont.
Ages: 6-12 years old.
Skateboard, Scooter, BMX and Rollerskating school holiday camps at Slam Factory
What: One- and three-day camps in specific disciplines: skateboarding, rollerskating, BMX or scootering.
Where: Slam Factory, Tuggerah.
Ages: Kids aged 5+.
Horse riding and Animal School Holiday Camps on the Central Coast
The Outlook Riding Academy horse riding holiday camps, Terrigal
What: One-, two- and three-day horse riding and activity camps (full day only).
Where: Terrigal.
Ages: 5-16 years old.
Glenworth Valley Horseriding camps
What: Half-day junior beginner horseriding camp and full-day level 1 beginner horseriding camp. (This is a 1-day camp)
Where: Glenworth Valley.
Ages: 5-16 years - different ages for different camps.
The Australian Reptile Park's Little Kids to Keeper, Big Kids to Keeper and Inclusive Kids to Keeper experiences
What: One-day experience. A fully escorted workshop offering exclusive behind-the-scenes access and hands-on animal experiences.
Where: The Australian Reptile Park, Somersby.
Ages: Little Kids 2 Keeper: ages 7-12 years. Big Kids 2 Keeper: ages 13-18 years. Inclusive Kids 2 Keeper: ages 7-18 years.
Adventure and Active School Holiday Camps on the Central Coast
Raw Challenge
What: Raw Challenge is a high-energy outdoor obstacle course where kids spend 3.5 hours tackling 25–30 mud-filled, adventure-packed challenges. Think rope climbs, beams, tunnels, slides and pools of glorious mud. It’s hands-on, confidence-building fun – and one of the cheapest school holiday camps on the Coast at just $39.50 for a full morning.
Where: Raw Challenge, Doyalson.
Ages: 5-17 plus adults.
Glenworth Valley Adventure Max School Holiday Camp
What: One-day adventure camp. Activities vary depending on the season, but may include horseriding, quad biking, laser tag, kayaking, abseiling and team games (full day only).
Where: Glenworth Valley.
Ages: 7-16 years old.
Roundabout Circus school holiday camps
What: One-day, half-day and 1.5-2 hour camps are available in everything from aerial silks, trapeze and lyra to tumbling, juggling and hula hooping.
Where: Wyoming.
Ages: All ages. Different ages across different classes.
School Holiday Workshops (camps that run for just a couple of hours)
The following venues run school holiday workshops that kids can attend for a couple of hours. It's a great way to give kids the opportunity to learn a new skill or gauge their curiosity in a different activity.
Ice skating at Erina Ice Arena: 1.5-hour ice skating workshops for children aged 7-15 years old | Erina.
Ninja classes at Australian Warrior Fitness: 1.5-hours of "Australian Ninja Warrior"-style obstacle training for children aged 6-12 (split into age groups) | North Gosford.
Ninja classes at Ninja Kids Erina: 2 hours of fun obstacle course play for children aged 5-12 (split into age groups) | Erina.
Ninja classes at Obstacle Course Racing School: 30-45 minute classes of "Australian Ninja Warrior"-style obstacle training for people aged 3-14+ (split into age groups) | Tuggerah.
Art classes at Gosford Regional Gallery: 2-hour art classes in everything from jewellery making to expressive drawing. Different classes for different age groups from ages 6-adult | East Gosford.
Roundabout Circus: 2-hour classes in anything from silks and trapeze to tumbling and juggling. All ages (classes are split into different age groups) | Wyoming
Other Central Coast school holiday camps to look out for!
From time to time the following venues run school holiday camps and workshops. Check their website for dates.
+ Marine Discovery Centre
+ Charmy Indoor Sports
NSW School Term Dates for 2026, so you can plan your holidays!
We know it's tricky to plan vacations in advance and to get school holiday camps sorted so parents can continue to work. To make it that little bit easier, here are the school term dates for NSW public schools in 2026.
2026 school term dates
| Term | First day for students | Last day for students |
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 (Eastern division) | Monday 2 February 2026 | Thursday 2 April 2026 |
| Term 1 (Western division) | Monday 9 February 2026 | Thursday 2 April 2026 |
| Term 2 (Eastern and Western division) | Wednesday 22 April 2026 | Friday 3 July 2026 |
| Term 3 (Eastern and Western division) | Tuesday 21 July 2026 | Friday 25 September 2026 |
| Term 4 (Eastern and Western division) | Tuesday 13 October 2026 | Thursday 17 December 2026 |
Want to have your business found here too? To advertise your events or holiday camps on Playing in Puddles, click here.
Written By: KATIE STOKES
Founder & Editor
After working in print and online media for more than a decade, Katie launched Playing in Puddles in 2017. A mum of three young boys and local of the Central Coast, Katie loves discovering and sharing all that’s happening in our region.
This feature may also contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see our full disclosure for further information.
