1. Movie magic
Who doesn’t love heading to the movies in the holidays?
Empire Cinemas in Bowral are well-priced compared to the bigass multiplex cinemas in the burbs.
Adults are $16 and concessions are $14. If you’re coming as a family of four you’ll need to search behind the back of the couch for some extra change as they offer a family rate for 2 adults and 2 concessions for $52.
Also, keep an eye out for special deals. When a movie is near the end of its run, the guys at Empire discount tickets! And sometimes for certain kid’s movies, they’ll drop the prices of Adult tickets to the price of a Concession ticket. Check their website for up to date dealios.
2. Local library fun
All three of our local libraries – Mittagong, Moss Vale and Bowral – are open and there are plenty of activities if you have a little one to keep entertained. Everything from Lego and Duplo building, Preschool Storytime and Baby Rhymetime. And during the school holidays, they often put on even more fun activities for the kiddos.
3. Dive in
A local pool is the perfect way to burn off school holiday energy and Moss Vale Aquatic Centre is open all year round. Take your own lunch or snacks to keep the price down but maybe treat the kids to an ice cream or hot chips (what IS it about pool hot chips that have been the best since the dawn of time??).
4. On yer bike!
Here’s a list of family-friendly bike tracks you can hit with the kids this summer. We’re big fans of the Bong Bong Bike Track between Moss Vale and Burradoo. It’s so great for kids [and safe!]. Head to the supermarket and ask the kids to pick out some treats, put together a packed lunch and cold drinks and head off for a ride!
5. Play time
The Murraural 4K Playspace in Bowral is EPIC for kiddos.
The design takes its cue from local stories, with water play that flows like Gurangatch’s rivers, rock-style structures shaped by the escarpments, native plants, and a yarning circle for storytelling and connection to Country.
On top of that, there’s a learn-to-ride track, accessible play equipment, pump track, flying fox, sensory walk, shady spots, comfy park seating, and easy-access paths for everyone.
6. Train whistle blowin’
Catch the train or the bus to another town – it’s always such a different perspective from the window of a train! – and have a coffee and cake date at a fave café. Then home for an afternoon of movies. Fun!
Or to keep the train times tootin’, every 3rd Sunday the whole fam can ride the Highlands Miniature Railway in Mossy. It’s so darn cute and so fun. Just remember to wear covered footwear for safety.
7. Green thumbs
Time to get dirty and create a kitchen garden for inside or an herb / veggie garden outside. Get researching about what grows well where (and in the crazy climes of the Highlands), then head to the nursery with $50 to buy plants, soil, pots or whatever you need to create a fab mini garden – Here’s a list of local nurseries and garden centres to visit.
8. Have a wheelie good time
If the kids love to jump on a skateboard or getting tricky with their scooters, head to a local skate park.
Bowral Skate Park is on Ascot Road, Moss Vale Skate Park on Donkin Avenue, Yerrinbool Oval has one or head to the Bundanoon Skate Park where the kids can tick-tack or kick-flip for hours.
Follow it up with an ice cream – here’s a list of places to get some yummo ice cream or gelato locally.
9. Step back in time
Got a mini history buff in the family? Harper’s Mansion at Berrima is an interesting look into what life in the Highlands was like back in the 1830’s. And there is an awesome garden maze – THAT will keep the kids busy!
Harper’s Mansion is open every Saturday and Sunday from 11am – 3pm. They have a family deal for $42 which includes entry for two adults and 2 children or 1 adult and three kids and can be bought online. Children under 5 years old are free
Finish off your visit to Berrima by popping into the Lolly Swagman for some traditional sweets.
10. Park it
So many fab parks and playgrounds for kids to get outdoors and for you to kick back in some green space while they swing, climb and jump.
We love the playground at what is called the Berrima Market Place, right in the centre of town. And the kids love it too – we reckon it’s the flying fox that makes it so popular! Lake Alexandra is also awesome to scoot around!
Here’s a list of local parks to head to for a picnic and a play.
11. Take ‘em to Tabatinga
Tabatinga is a fab Highlands play centre and you can find it inside Mittagong RSL.
Suitable for children under 12 years old it’s filled with climbing structures, a ninja course AND a café to keep the grown-ups fuelled (phew).
Oh, and they also do a ‘Drop and Dine’ service on Friday and Saturday evenings where you can drop the kiddos off for a couple of hours to play whilst the grown-ups head into the club for some dinner.
12. Bowl them over
Highlands Entertainment Centre is a haven of goodness for the kiddies (especially on a less-than-ideal weather day). Get a little healthy family competition going with a round of tenpin bowling here.
Or if you prefer to roll with a different-sized ball they also have a super fun mini-golf course that will keep everyone on their toes.
We also love the variety of new and retro arcade games they have here for some more good old-fashioned family fun.
13. Teen Artists
The Moss Vale Art Factory run by River Road Creative Academy offers a range of awesome paid creative courses for youngsters.
But did you know they also have free Creative Youth Drop-In Sessions on Wednesday nights?
These sessions are tailored for anyone aged 12-18 to learn about music, create art and music and just be themselves. Spots can be booked on their website. LOVE THIS!
14. Jump Around
Let them burn off all their (unlimited) energy at Flip Out in Mittagong. This is basically a trampoline utopia where kids and grown-ups can jump, and jump, and jump until their little hearts are content. FYI: If you are an adult planning to get your jump on, make sure to warm up first and don’t overdo it!
Prices start from $20 for an hour and they also run After Hour sessions sometimes, where kiddos can get a whole 3 hours for just $26!
15. Tech out
Geek out over everything tech at the Southern Highlands Information Technology Experience! This retro-tech wonderland is packed with an awesome collection of old-school gadgets and gizmos, from Atari and Commodore to
Palm Pilots and Blackberries. You’ll stumble across legendary brands like Amiga, Hanimex, AWA, NEC, and more, all lined up to give you a nostalgia overload.
And before you know it, you’ll be telling the kids, “This is what we used to play with back in the day!”
Whether you’re an old-school techie parent or just wanna blow the young’uns’ minds with the ‘ancient’ gadgets that once ruled the world, this collection is your perfect trip down memory lane.
16. Pump it up
We’ve got a couple of awesome pump tracks in the Highlands that’ll have them rolling around for hours.
Murraural’s 4K Playspace has just stepped things up with a pump track to go with its playground. Not far away, Casburn Park in Wingello doubles the fun with a pump track of its own, two playgrounds and BBQs – all the makings of a day-long adventure.
Or hit up the Kangaroo Valley Pump Track, which is an absolute cracker. While you’re there, treat the crew to a milkshake, ice cream or some lollies from Valley Fudge Teahouse or Sweet As Kangaroo Valley. Afterward, stroll by the river or, if it’s warm enough, take a dip under Hampden Bridge. There’s a sandy bank to set up camp, a gentle current, and upstream, a 70m pool awaits. A fab and affordable day out!
So, there you go! Plenty to do and lots of ways to keep the kids busy without breaking the bank!
Oh, and here’s some more low-cost Staycation ideas we put together – perfect for keeping the kids busy and you sane!