What To Do This School Holidays In The Shire
Stuck for ideas? We’ve got plenty!
The school term has flown by and once again, we’re heading into the long summer school holiday break. While the kids may be jumping for joy at the thought, for parents, it can seem like an endless stretch of time that needs filling. But don’t fret, the Shire is full of events and activities to keep those little minds and hands busy. So, if you’re wondering what to do this school holidays in the Shire, here are a few of our favourite picks.
MOVIE NIGHT BY THE BEACH
Cinema Under the Stars is lighting up Cronulla Beach Park on Saturday 24th January, for a relaxed, family-friendly evening by the beach. From 5:00pm, kids can meet Bluey and Bingo, get their faces painted, and dance along to live music from The Quokkas. As the sun goes down, its picnic rugs out for an outdoor screening of DogMan from 6:30pm. Sounds like the perfect Summer night to us!
South Cronulla Park
Coding And Crafts With Code Camp
Code Camp is back these summer school holidays, serving up hands-on fun for every curious kid. Think coding, Minecraft, robotics, AI, drones, and even creative crafts like crochet and macramé — there’s something for every kind of mini maker. The brand-new Robotics Masters program is also on offer for those ready to take things up a notch. Camps will be running at Jannali High School and Innaburra School.
School Holiday Mini Masterchefs Classes
Calling all mini chefs! These hands-on workshops with Grams of Health Cooking School in Gymea Bay take kids aged 4–15 on a flavour-packed trip around the globe, from Italian to Mexican to Asian-inspired dishes. The best part? After all the chopping, mixing, and stirring, kids get to sit down and enjoy their sweet and savoury creations together. Classes are filling fast, so book your spot before they’re gone.
Get Your Heart Racing with an Escape Room Adventure!
Scarborough Fair Escape Rooms is the Shire’s newest and only escape room experience, and it’s open all school holidays! Step into a world of mystery with your kids as you work together to solve puzzles, crack riddles, and take on thrilling challenges — all while having a blast. Think your team has what it takes to escape in time?
9 Resolution Drive, Caringbah
Get Creative At Cook at Kurnell
Cook at Kurnell is dialling up the creativity these school hols with beachside workshops for the kids. The Painting Workshop runs on the 5th, 7th, 9th, 13th, 15th, 20th and 23rd of January and is $25 per child. Parents? Kick back with a cocktail while the kids get crafty.
306-308 Prince Charles Parade, Kurnell
Affordable Fun By Feros Group
If you're looking for affordable activities to keep the kids entertained these school holidays, check out Feros venues Taren Point Hotel, The Botanical, and The Prince. They’re rolling out a fantastic lineup of entertainment — think slime making, a reptile zoo, build-a-bear and pizza-making. We consider this a win for parents too; arrive hungry and enjoy lunch and a cocktail whilst you wait.
Let Your Little Ones’ Imagination Run Wild With Westfield’s VR Gaming
Discover a first-of-its-kind virtual reality experience at VR Gaming in Westfield Miranda (right near JB Hi-Fi). Here, your little ones can explore ocean depths, brave ghost houses, and ride rollercoasters, all in one innovative setting. Offering more than just VR, it's a new kind of immersive entertainment that goes beyond the usual, blending imagination with reality.
KEEP THEM ENTERTAINED AT TIMEZONE
Cronulla’s Timezone has quickly become the go-to for school holiday fun — buzzing with arcade classics, racing games, claw machines, and prize walls to keep the kids entertained for hours. It’s one of those spots that keeps all ages entertained, and let’s be real, you’ll probably end up lining up for a turn too.
Immerse Yourself In Nature With Cronulla Ferries
Hop on board Cronulla Ferries for a fun-filled outdoor adventure to Bundeena. With hourly ferry services, the whole fam can enjoy the beautiful waterways before exploring the world's second-oldest National Park. The beaches, walks and wildlife are just a few of the reasons the kids will have a ball!
Learn A New Hobby With Shire Elite Cheerleading
Keen to keep your kids active during the school holidays? Shire Elite Cheerleading is offering several school holiday clinics throughout the Summer break. Suitable for all skill levels, from first timers to regulars, these classes are the perfect opportunity to get your kids out of the house and include games, tumbling, cheer stunts, obstacle courses, and more. Bookings are essential.
Units 1 & 2, 80 Bellingara Road, Miranda
Get Crafty At Hazelhurst Art Gallery
These school holidays, Hazelhurst is all about paper play and hands-on creativity. From mixed media and collage to watercolours, painting, clay, and more, kids, teens, and families can dive into fun art activities guided by art educators. With something for every budding artist, it’s the perfect way to spark imagination (and keep little hands busy). Browse classes and secure your spot here.
Scout Tip: Make a night of it, because kids eat free at Hazel on Friday and Saturday nights between 5:00pm and 7:00pm.
782 Kingsway, Gymea
Make The Most Of ThE Spring Sun With A MORNING HIKE
If your kids are the outdoorsy types, get ready to soak up the sun and take advantage of the Shire’s best hikes and walking tracks. The perfect way to get them moving, you can check out our 12 favourite walks in the Shire here.
Spend A Day Paddling The Woronora River
Spend a day paddling the Woronora River thanks to Woronora Boatshed. The Boatshed offers canoe and kayak hire, 7 days a week where you can paddle up the river, stopping at hidden beaches along the way. Make the most of the Boatshed’s old-school lolly bar and delicious menu on your return!
131 Prince Edward Park Road, Woronora
Rock Climbing At ClimbFit
This huge indoor rock climbing centre in Kirrawee is the perfect place for kids to burn off some energy — no sunscreen required. Open to kids aged four and up, ClimbFit offers plenty of walls to scale and stays open until 10:00pm on weekdays and 8:00pm on weekends. They’re even offering a two-week Kids Holiday Membership for $89, giving little climbers 14 days of unlimited climbing.
23 Waratah Street, Kirrawee
Catch A Flick At HoyTs Cronulla
Sink into the comfy recliners at Hoyts Cronulla while the kids get swept up in the latest releases. There are plenty of family-friendly flicks hitting screens just in time for the holidays — think Zootopia 2, Wicked: For Good, and The Spongebob Movie: Search for Squarepants, so be sure to check weekly for new screenings.
2 Cronulla Street, Cronulla
Jump For Joy At Flip Out
Flip Out is the coolest destination for kids and adults alike, with its epic trampoline arena and diverse range of indoor activities. From parkour courses and foam pits to climbing and running walls, there's something for everyone to enjoy. With the added bonus of being indoors, Flip Out is the perfect spot for a day of fun, rain or shine.
12 Parraweena Road, Caringbah
Let Them Get Their Hands Dirty At Part-Time Ceramics
One of our favourite ceramic studios in The Shire, Part-Time Ceramics, is letting the kids in on a little of the fun this school holidays. Suitable for little ones from just four years old, the team are offering a bunch of dates dedicated to kids’ clay classes, where they’ll be able to create a bowl, vase, or mug using simple techniques. Plus, for kids aged 10 and up, there’s a one-off wheel taster on offer — the perfect chance to try their hand at the potter’s wheel. Note: supervision is required.
Unit 2, 155 Taren Point Road, Caringbah
Bounce The Day Away At Inflatable World Miranda
Get ready to bounce the day away at Inflatable World Miranda — one of the biggest inflatable playgrounds in Australia! Kids can jump, leap, and play ‘til their heart’s content while you enjoy a coffee (parents can join in too). For a full-day option, The Rec Club’s holiday program has it covered: $90 gets you a full day of fun with daily access to Inflatable World, creative workshops, themed days like ‘Swiftie Day’, and even laser tag battles. Designed for ages 4–11, spots fill fast.
8/2-4 Kumulla Road, Miranda
Visit One Of Our Favourite Kid-Friendly Cafes
Sometimes a dedicated play space or specialised kid's menu makes all the difference. Click here for our list of 19 Of The Shire’s Top Kid-Friendly Cafes and Restaurants To Add To Your Bucket List.
Indoor Activities For Those Rainy Days
It’s bound to happen, right? There’s no need to go stir-crazy though! There is plenty to do in The Shire on a rainy day including indoor rock climbing and bowling. Pop on over here for a few more ideas.
SONGWRITING WORKSHOP FOR YOUR MINI MUSICIAN
Trophie Productions is hosting a two-day Songwriting Workshop at Kirrawee Library for kids aged 8–12, where they’ll explore lyric writing, melodies, song structure and even experiment with real music software. Led by former Universal Music recording artist Sophie Hanlon, the workshop is all about creativity, collaboration and having a go. By the end, each child will walk away with their own recorded song to take home and share! Pretty cool school holiday plans, if you ask us.
6 Kiln Road, Kirrawee
Full Day Of PCYC Sutherland
PCYC’s school holiday programs mix sport with creative fun, so there’s something for every little personality. Think gymnastics, mini olympics, futsal, disco dance and STEM challenges, plus high-energy Nerf and laser tag sessions. Multi-day bookings score you a discount, making it an easy win for parents.
Waratah Park, Eton Street, Sutherland
Try a free workshop at the local library
Things aren’t always quiet at the library! These school holidays, take the kids to your local library for fun clay art, story time, and disco dance parties. There's even a trip to the Sutherland Shire Animal Shelter to read with the cats! Check out timings and bookings here.
Become A Stand-Up Paddleboarding Pro
Cronulla SUP’s school holiday program is the perfect way to keep the kids entertained every Wednesday and Thursday. Kids can spend three hours at Gunnamatta Bay learning the basics, playing paddleboard games, joining in fun races, and soaking up all-round SUP action. The $99 program includes lunch, snacks, drinks, and sunscreen, so all they need to bring is their sense of adventure. Bookings are a must.
Up their swimming skills
Dive into fun at Sutherland Leisure Centre’s Splasher’s Program, running from Monday 5th January to Friday 23rd January. Choose from a 4-day program for $96 or a 5-day program for $120, with each option offering 30-minute sessions to level up your child’s swimming skills and build confidence. You can get the details and book here.
Sharks Basketball Holiday Camps
Keep your kids active and entertained these Summer school holidays with Sharks Basketball Holiday Camps. Offering a fun and engaging environment, these camps focus on skill development and gameplay, providing kids with the chance to learn new skills, make friends, and have a blast. Spots fill up fast, register here to secure their place!
Posted: 2025