Social media is out, and fun is in! Keep the children entertained with these school holiday ideas
‘Gone fishing’
Fishing is a hobby that has been growing in popularity over the past few years for. Drive past Narrabeen Lagoon and you’ll find teenagers lined up at the most popular fishing spots or riding the bus from home to the tackle shop. Perfect for those who love a chat, while still experiencing a thrill once a fish is actually caught.
Children under 18 do not need to pay the recreational fishing fee and bait is available to buy locally. So grab a fishing rod and some bait, and you’ve got the perfect all day activity – and maybe some dinner, too!
Kids on the Coast
Council’s Coastal Environment Centre (CEC) offers a great school holiday program, Kids on the Coast. Children from ages six to 10 can learn about the natural local environment.
Themes this summer include ‘Into the Wild,’ where attendees will explore the area around Narrabeen Lagoon, and ‘Fossil Fun,’ where kids can hunt for fossils and craft a keepsake, among many others.
Programs run from 10am to 3pm (unless otherwise noted) and cost $82 per child (per program). For more information, visit the council website.
Splashing fun
Those looking for the thrill of a total wipeout in person will love the inflatable obstacle course on offer at the Warringah Aquatic Centre these school holidays. On the course children can duck, jump and slip around the course, or even enjoy some friendly competition with friends.
Kids under 14 must complete a swim test first and follow the directions of lifeguards.
The centre also has a diving pool, where kids can use the one metre springboards from 10.30am to 3.30pm. You can even enrol your kids into a Springboard Diving Clinic, where they can safely learn different diving techniques. See the council website for dates and more information.
Visit a library
Libraries offer so much more than books in the school holidays. With movies and (supervised) computers also available for borrowing and use, alongside activities run by the staff, libraries are a perfect getaway from the summer heat. And it’s a great chance to read some books which can be added to the Premier’s Reading Challenge, a good incentive for children. See the council website to discover what’s on at your local library.
Catch a ferry to the Central Coast
If you’re itching to get off the Northern Beaches but want to avoid a long drive, a ferry ride to the Central Coast takes only 30 minutes from Palm Beach, dropping you off at either Ettalong or Wagstaffe. From there, the local area is your oyster – take a trip to Woy Woy for some op shopping, spend some time at one of the numerous beaches, or even find your way to Wondabyne, with its iconic, scenic train station and only accessibly by boat.
See the ferry timetable at: palmbeachferries.com.au