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 Winter!
You can zoom down a 45-metre ice toboggan, build snowmen, go ice skating and enjoy a full day of winter fun at Hunter Valley Gardens' Snow Time festival.
Magic, mystery and mind-blowing illusions await at Mada's Magic Marvels – a fabulous family show at The Art House Wyong.
Expect giant carrots, tumbling hay bales, circus stunts and laugh-out-loud chaos when The Farmy Farm rolls into Laycock Street Community Theatre.
Spend a day outdoors riding horses, learning horsemanship skills and exploring the paddocks at The Outlook Riding Academy's popular holiday camps.
Keep reading to make sure your holidays are the best they can be – and book early to avoid missing out.
PS. We've only just started creating this feature and we'll be adding more and more the closer we get to the holidays, so be sure to bookmark this page and check back later.
Special Events, Holiday Camps and Theatre Shows Happening these Winter School Holidays
Experience wintry fun at Snow Time – a fabulous winter festival at Hunter Valley Gardens!
Forget packing the chains and trekking across the state in search of snow fun, Hunter Valley Gardens' hugely popular Snow Time Festival is back, bringing snow play, ice skating, winter rides and the famous 45-metre ice toboggan to the Hunter these school holidays.
If your kids love a good adrenaline rush, the famous 45-metre giant ice toboggan is guaranteed to be the highlight of their day. Grab a tube, launch yourself down the icy track, then race black up to do it all over again (and again... and again!). Trust us – the kids become completely obsessed. Then it's time to build snowmen in the giant snow play zone, glide across the ice skating rink (with dedicated area for little learners, too – hooray!), help free the Frozen Yeti and keep an eye out for the festival's roaming polar bear, penguin and abominable snowman.
With a giant slippery dip, Ferris wheel, tea cup ride, swing chair and carousel all on site, plus multiple food trucks serving up tasty winter treats, Snow Time doubles as a full-blown winter festival and fun family day out.
It's perfect for winter fun and first snow touches – giving Coastie families a fabulous winter treat without the long drive, petrol bill or frozen cheeks.
Where: The Hunter Valley Gardens, Pokolbin.
Age group: All ages.
Dates: Open daily, 27 June – 26 July 2026, 9am–4pm. Book here.
Times: Gardens open 9am to 5pm – Last entry 4pm. Ice skating sessions from 10am – Last session 4pm. Snow Time activities 9:30am to 4:30pm – Last entry for activities 3pm.
Cost: Adult (16+ yrs) $42. Children (4-15 yrs) $31. Children (3 yrs. & Under) FREE. Family (1ad+2ch) $97. Family (2ad+1ch) $104. Family (2ad+2ch) $128. Extra Child (4-15yrs) $28. Companion card FREE. Snow Time activities (ice skating, giant ice toboggan and snow play) are included in your entry. Rides: $6 each or 6-ride pass for $30. You can get annual passes too; see website for details.
Love circus, comedy and big laughs? Get tickets to The Farmy Farm at Laycock Theatre
Circus, comedy and loads of laughs – this Laycock Theatre show is a winning school holiday pick for families of all ages.
Imagine two overalls-wearing farmers juggling giant carrots, tumbling from three-metre hay bales, and trying desperately to keep it all together. Yep… The Farmy Farm is exactly as chaotic as it sounds – and honestly, that’s exactly the kind of energy we want from a kids’ show.
Landing at Laycock Street Community Theatre these July school holidays, The Farmy Farm follows two Akubra-clad farmers trying to get through an ordinary day on the farm… except absolutely nothing goes to plan. One minute they’re tackling chores around the paddock, the next they’re somersaulting from trapezes, wobbling across slack lines and flying through the air in a whirlwind of circus chaos.
Created by the team behind Children Are Stinky in collaboration with Stunned Mullet Circus, this award-winning production combines proper circus skill with wonderfully ridiculous Aussie humour. You can expect jaw-dropping acrobatics, trapeze, juggling, somersaults, the splits, slapstick comedy and the kind of physical silliness that has kids absolutely beside themselves laughing.
And honestly? Watching someone attempt circus tricks while dressed like they’ve just walked off a working farm somehow makes it even funnier.
When: Wednesday 15 July – 11am & 1pm.
Duration: 50 minutes no interval
Age: Children 3+ (and adults).
Cost: Tickets $29 | Vacation Care $25 | Family 2A2C/1A3C $105.
Where: Laycock Street Community Theatre, 5 Laycock Street, Wyoming.
Contact: Phone – 02 4323 3233 Email – [email protected]
The Outlook's popular horse camps in Terrigal are for both beginners and experienced riders
Have a child who loves all things horses? Or one who would love the chance to become more confident around these beautiful animals? The Outlook Riding Academy's school holiday day camps are a wonderful winter activity for children aged 4–16 years.
Set across a beautiful 18-acre property in Terrigal, these camps combine horse riding, horsemanship, nature exploration and paddock fun, catering to everyone from complete beginners to confident saddle superstars. In fact, children don't need any horse-riding experience to attend – they don't even need to have met a horse before.
The day begins with games, icebreakers and pony-play activities designed to help children feel comfortable and settled before heading to the stables to meet the horses. Children then learn hands-on horsemanship skills such as grooming, plaiting and tacking up their ponies – a favourite part of the day for many young horse lovers who enjoy the opportunity to bond with their horse. Then it's time to ride: riders are grouped according to their age and experience level, allowing beginners to focus on building confidence, balance and trust in the saddle, while more experienced riders can further develop their skills through show jumping, jumping exercises and technical flatwork.
Beyond the riding arena, children can enjoy paddock games, obstacle courses, team challenges and plenty of fresh air.
Parents will love the flexibility too. You're welcome to stay, watch and be part of the experience, or simply drop off and pick up later – making it a great option for both working parents and those who love watching from the sidelines.
When: Children can attend a single day or multiple days. Camps run 8:30am–1pm on Wednesday 8 July, Thursday 9 July, and Thursday 16 July 2026.
Where: The Outlook Riding Academy, Gate 2, 256 Scenic Highway, Terrigal.
Age group: Children aged 4-16. Parents can stay and watch or drop 'n' run.
Cost: $220 per child, per day. Horses and helmets are provided.
Contact: Phone Sam and Lucy on 0427 189 678.
Add some magic to your winter school holidays!
Looking for a winter school holiday outing the whole family can enjoy together? Head to The Art House Wyong for Mada's Magic Marvels – a fast-paced magic and illusion show that will leave kids wide-eyed and wondering, "How did he do that?!"
Created by Australia's own Mr Magic, Adam Mada, this action-packed live theatre experience is perfect for families with children aged 5–12 years. Expect disappearing objects, incredible illusions, audience participation and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments as the impossible unfolds right before your eyes.
One lucky child may even find themselves helping create the magic on stage.
Adam Mada's illusion expertise has been featured in major productions including Australia's Got Talent and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and his family-friendly performances are designed to keep children engaged from start to finish.
He's doing one show only on the Coast, so grab your seats before they, too, disappear!
When: Monday 13 July 2026 – 11am.
Duration: 50 minutes no interval
Age: Children 5+ (and adults).
Cost: Adult $20 | Encore Member $15 | Child under 12 $15 | Family Pass (2A+2C or 1A+3C) $60 | Vacation Care $15.
Where: The Art House, 19-21 Margaret St, Wyong.
Contact: Phone – (02) 4335 1485.
For Vacation Care booking enquiries, please email [email protected]
Orange Picking at Cedar Farm, Dooralong
When: 20 June, 21 June, 27 June, 28 June and then daily during the winter school holidays (4-20 July 2026). Pony rides are from 10.30am-2.30pm daily except Mondays.
Where: 48 Dittons Road, Dooralong.
Age Group: All ages will have fun at Cedar Farm!
Cost: Oranges are $2.50 a kilo. Pony rides $10. There is no entry fee.
Tip and Contact: Please ALWAYS check their Facebook page – Pick your own oranges Dooralong – before heading to the farm to be sure they are open. BYO fruit ,veggies or bread if you'd like to feed the sheep and cows. No Bookings needed.
Flip Out Happy Hour Deal: Second Hour Only $3!
Flip Out Gosford is making school holiday outings a little more budget-friendly with a Happy Hour deal families will love.
During the school holidays, kids can jump for a second hour for just $3 when visiting Monday to Thursday from 4pm. It’s an easy way to turn a one-hour bounce into a much longer, energy-burning afternoon without the extra cost. Perfect for after-work fun, meeting friends, or tiring out the kids before dinner.
Of course, most Coastie families already know why Flip Out is such a hit. It’s the indoor mega-arena where kids can run, jump, scramble and flip off all that school-holiday energy. Think trampolines, ninja challenges, parkour, soft-play for little tackers, sports courts, warped walls and more – one giant, high-energy playground built for big days.
This is the kind of outing 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). Holiday deal valid from 4pm Monday-Thursday during the Autumn 2026 school holidays starting Monday 6.
Phone: (02) 4323 0162
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: Flip Out Gosford.
Website: https://flipout.com.au/locations/gosford/
Cost: 1 hour, $20 per person. Deal above for 2nd hour. 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.
Want to have your school holiday activities included 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.
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More school holiday camps
Art and Digital School Holiday Camps on the Central Coast
Miss May's Paint Station
What: Full day, half-day and 2 hour painting sessions. 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.
Where: Terrigal Girl Guides Hall.
Ages: 6-13 years old.
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
AFL
What: A six-hour footy camp in Woy Woy run by AFL NSW/ACT, the official organisation behind Australian Rules Football.
Where: 1 Dunban Rd, Rogers Park, Woy Woy.
Ages: Kids aged 5-12.
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, Ninja and Active School Holiday Camps on the Central Coast
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.
Ninja Kids Erina
What: Obstacles, warped walls, trampolines and monkey bars. Full days, Half days and 2-hour workshops available.
Where: Ninja Kids Erina, 3/5 Bonnal Rd, Erina.
Ages: 5-12 years old.
Obstacle Course Racing School
What: Obstacles, warped walls and monkey bars. Full days and come-and-try casual sessions available.
Where: 2/5A Pioneer Ave, Tuggerah.
Ages: children from crawlers to 14+. See their website for more details.
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
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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.
