Our Top Five School Holiday Must-Dos For The Whole Family
Source: Allen Taylor on Unsplash.
Congratulations! You made it halfway through the school holidays.
But now you’ve still got a week to go and the kids are starting to get bored… not to mention rowdy. They’ve already played some games - both the board and the video kind, done a few crafts, exhausted every park within a 5 kilometre radius, and had a few sleepovers.
So now what?
Don’t look any further for holiday ideas. We’ve rounded up the five best of the best activities happening around Sydney and beyond that the whole family can enjoy this July…
It’s a snow day every day at the Hunter Valley Gardens.
1 Snow Time In The Garden
Never been to the Hunter Valley? July is one of the best times to go! Just an hour from Sydney’s north shore and two hours from the CBD, celebrate winter by going to Snow Time In The Garden at the Hunter Valley Gardens in the town of Pokolbin - just an hour out of Newcastle.
There’s something for the whole family - have fun in a snow cave filled with antarctic creatures, glide around on an ice rink for all ages and abilities, toboggan down a 40-metre icy slide and start a snowball fight in the snow play area. With face painting and loads more entertainment, you’ll keep the kids happy for hours.
And while you’re there, you might as well check out the rest of the beautiful gardens, including the beloved Storybook Garden for children.
For more, visit: www.huntervalleygardens.com.au.
Join Moana, the cast of Toy Story 4 and their other Disney friends on ice this July.
2 Disney On Ice
Join Minnie, Mickey, Moana, Buzz and Woody, and all their other Disney friends at the mid-year school holidays staple, Disney On Ice.
Every year new Disney movies and characters come to life, so likewise each Disney On Ice gets better and better - and much more spectacular - than the last with each new kid in town.
With tickets from $33, you and your kids will have a ball at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney Olympic Park.
There are plenty of tickets left, so don’t forget to book ahead at www.disneyonice.com/au/en-au/disney-on-ice-celebrates-mickey-and-friends.
3 Winterlight Festival
This quaint festival in Parramatta offers so much for the whole family in one small space. You can expect a county fair meets Christmas in July here, with ice skating, carnival rides and loads of activities for kids, as well as good food, mulled wine and a cabaret show for the adults.
Better yet, the festival has free entry, with ice skating sessions priced at only $15 and different rides packages to choose - so you can tailor your experience to your budget.
Visit www.winterlight.com.au.
Source: goodmorningamerica.com.
4 The Lion King
It was a classic movie every ‘90s kid knew and loved, and now it’s coming back as a live-action film this holidays. And since the same ‘90s kids have families of their own now, what better way to introduce the next generation to a little bit of history than by taking them on a fun day out to the movies.
Join Simba, Nala, and all the beloved characters of the Pride Lands in Disney’s The Lion King, coming to a cinema near you July 17.
You’re cordially invited… Source: Supplied.
5 Join Claris the Mouse for High Tea
Ooh la la! Calling all mini-fashionistas and stylish young francophiles, Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour will be hosting decadent high teas this winter, inspired by Australian fashion illustrator Megan Hess’ acclaimed children’s book character, Claris, the Chicest Mouse in Paris.
Launching on July 13 and continuing every Saturday afternoon from 1-4pm through to October, the elegant Champagne Bar at the French-inspired Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour will be transformed into a wonderful world of tea cups, cupcakes, choux and macarons, filled to bursting with style, Parisian chic and plenty of roses in the prettiest pink – Claris’ favourite blooms, of course!
Claris is everyone’s favourite mouse, whose tales of compassion, courage and innate sense of style are brought to life in the beautifully designed and popular rhyming picture books of Claris: the Chicest Mouse in Paris and now the highly anticipated follow-up, Fashion Show Fiasco.
But nothing matches fashion quite like compassion, which is why Claris is inviting all her readers to share in her high tea and enjoy some of her favourite French pastries, all served on her specially designed, limited-edition fine porcelain plates with matching cutlery. And luckily for grown-ups, the experience is not just for children but for all those who appreciate a delicious French-inspired gourmet experience, washed down by the finest tea and French bubbles. Bon appétit!
The Claris the Mouse High Tea at Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour costs $69 per person ($35 for children 11 and under) and includes free-flowing tea and coffee, pink lemonade for younger guests, a selection of savoury and sweet treats, and a chocolate fountain. Younger guests attending High Tea will leave with a Claris the Mouse gift bag.
For more and to book, visit www.sofitelsydneydarlingharbour.com.au.
Now go and enjoy some family time - and remember to take lots of photos to show us what you did!
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