Our Blue Mountains Summer School Holidays activities guide is packed with the best fun for kids these school holidays. From family friendly Christmas carols, creative workshops, fun at the Fairmont, solving mysteries at the Narrow Escape Rooms or gazing at our spectacular night sky, this Summer is set to be the best yet!
Click on the quick links below or enjoy browsing these amazing activities and adventures for a truly memorable Summer break!
Blue Mountains Summer School Holidays Activities 2023/2024
Narrow Escape Rooms – Step into a world of thrills this Summer as you discover clues and solve puzzles to complete exciting missions!
Art Workshops At Penrith Regional Gallery – Explore portraiture, painting, digital art and sound sculpture through engaging gallery visits and artmaking activities.
Drama Workshops For Ages 5 – 18 – Escape into a world of imagination and adventure with Q Theatre’s fun-filled workshops at The Joan.
Blue Mountains Stargazing – Award winning stargazing experiences with an exclusive 5% off for Blue Mountains Mums followers!
Fairmont Resort’s Christmas School Holidays Program – Stay at the Fairmont this Summer to enjoy cupcake decorating, rock painting, kids’ disco, hair braids, nail painting, high tea, movies, magic, drumming and much more.
Blue Mountains Christmas Markets – Enjoy shopping locally this Christmas.
Water Play In And Around The Blue Mountains – Discover 31 Spots To Cool Off This Summer.
Christmas In The Blue Mountains 2023 – Local community carols and events for the whole family.
Wascoe Siding – Ride miniature trains in Blaxland on December 3.
Blue Mountains Library School Holiday Creative Workshops – Art and craft workshops for ages 5 – 18.
Blue Mountains Library Summer Reading Challenge – Win book vouchers by reading this Summer.
Aboriginal Games For Kids, Blackheath – Kids will learn to play a range of Aboriginal games at the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre.
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Junior Ranger Program – A fun orienteering tour at Blackheath.
Narrow Escape Rooms
AN EXCITING, INNOVATIVE AND IMMERSIVE ADVENTURE FOR TEENS AND FAMILIES THESE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
Whether you want to do an activity with your kids or sit and relax while your teenagers are playing, we have you covered. An escape room is an indoor game where you and your team work together to discover clues, solve puzzles to complete a mission.
Narrow Escape Rooms have two games suitable for families and teenagers:
Launch – The aliens have arrived, it’s up to you to launch the missiles and save the world. Are you the heroes we are looking for?
Undetected – You have been contracted to steal a piece of revolutionary technology, can you get in, steal it and get out Undetected?
WHEN: Open every day by appointment
WHERE: Suite 4, First Floor, 2 Castlereagh St, Penrith
SUITED FOR: Our Launch and Undetected Escape Rooms are suitable for teenagers, family groups with children 8+ and children’s birthday parties!
COST: Depends on the number of players – 4-6 players = $50 per person | 2 or 3 players = $60 per person
HOW TO BOOK: Bookings are essential and can be made on our website.
WEBSITE
SOCIALS: Facebook Instagram Tiktok Youtube Google Reviews
Art Workshops at Penrith Regional Gallery
FOR AGES 1 – 16
Paint, draw, sculpt, and play at Penrith Regional Gallery these school holidays with a range of fun workshops inspired by our summer exhibition program. Kids and families can explore photography, portraiture, digital art and sound sculpture through engaging gallery visits and artmaking activities.
When: 16 – 25 January 2024.
Where: Penrith Regional Gallery, Home of The Lewers Bequest, 86 River Road, Emu Plains, NSW, 2750 (View Map).
Suited for: Ages 1 – 16 years.
Cost: $25 (60-minute workshops) or $40 (2-hour workshops).
How to book: Book via the Gallery’s website here or call (02) 4735 1100.
Website: Website
Social Media: Facebook, Instagram,#PenrithRegionalGallery
School Holiday Drama Workshops with Q Theatre
FOR YOUNG PEOPLE AGED 5 – 18
Beat the summer heat and escape into a world of imagination and adventure with Q Theatre’s fun-filled holiday workshops at The Joan.
Young people aged 5 – 8 can explore fantasy storytelling in The Sorcerer’s Spell, or bring their favourite animals to life in Zoo Tales. Ages 9 – 12 can get crafty in our Recycled Puppet Making workshop or pick up their magnifying glasses and follow the trail of clues in The Unsolved Mystery.
Teens can try their hands at electronic music production in our Beat Making Workshop, practice working in front of or behind the camera in Short Filmmaking, or prepare to ace that big audition in our Audition Intensive.
No matter your age, interest or level of experience, there’s something for everyone these school holidays at The Joan!
When: 22 – 25 January 2024.
Where: Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, 597 High Street, Penrith, NSW, 2750 (View Map).
Suited for: Ages 5 – 18.
Cost: Please see The Joan’s website for individual workshop prices.
How to Book: Book via The Joan’s website here or call Box Office on (02) 4723 7600.
Website: Website
Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, #TheJoan #QTheatre
Blue Mountains Stargazing
AWARD WINNING SUMMER STARGAZING EXPERIENCES LED BY AN ASTRONOMER!
+GET 5% OFF WITH DISCOUNT CODE ‘BMMUM’
Stargazing tours with telescope and binoculars in the Wentworth Falls picnic area (90 minutes)
Embark on an enchanting celestial journey with a Blue Mountains Stargazing experience, tailor-made for curious young minds! Nestled in the heart of nature’s wonderland, this adventure is designed to ignite your child’s imagination and foster a love for the cosmos.
Blue Mountains Stargazing’s expert guides will lead your little astronomers through an unforgettable night, where they’ll learn about constellations, planets, and distant galaxies through engaging stories and checking out the sights with a state of the art digital telescope. Tours include:
- Naked-eye Astronomy,
- Tips and hacks on how to identify stars and constellation storytelling,
- Introduction to the celestial dance of planets, satellites, navigation, the Universe, our home Galaxy and beyond…
- Observations through the professional-grade telescope objects such as (depending on the time of year and night):
– The Moon and its craters and seas
– Saturn’s rings
– The moons of Jupiter
– Mars & Venus
– The Orion Nebula
– Star clusters
– Double & triple stars
– Deep space objects such as galaxies and our fabulous Milky Way
– Shooting stars
Indoor planetarium astronomy tours (inflatable dome and powerful projector) in Sinofield, Leura (90 minutes). This journey will include:
– Tips and hacks on how to identify stars,
– Introduction to the celestial dance of planets, satellites, navigation, the Universe, our home Galaxy and beyond…
– Astronomy from different cultures around the world,
– Constellation storytelling and star signs,
– Q&A with our astronomer.
Join Blue Mountains Stargazing for a night that promises not only awe-inspiring sights but also an educational and unforgettable experience for your children (outdoor or indoor depending on the weather).
SUITED FOR: From 4 years old
COST: Adults $85; Children (4 – 15 years) $55; Family 2 Adults + 2 Children $230 ($50 discount); Family 2 Adults + 3 Children $285 ($50 discount); Children under 3 are free.
CONTACT: Caroline at hello@bluemountainsstargazing.com.au
WEBSITE
SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook, Instagram
FIND OUT MORE
Fairmont Resort’s Christmas School Holidays Program
THE BEST FUN FOR KIDS IN THE BLUE MOUNTAINS THIS SUMMER
It’s school holiday time at the Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains! As in-house guests, children are welcome to have fun and participate in our Christmas School Holiday Program. With activities* in abundance, there is something for everyone these holidays.
Have your children be creative with cupcake decorating and rock painting, get their groove on at the kids’ disco or be pampered with hair braids and nail painting. A scrumptious children’s high tea will have young bellies full, as they make new friends around the table.
Strategise with a Dungeons and Dragons session or head to the auditorium as it comes alive with entertainment featuring Magic Craig and movies. A fun and educational drumming session and Sunday morning yoga will be available for the whole family to enjoy. And on top of all that, don’t forget to chill out at the Ice Rink or get your face painted in the Club Room!
Don’t forget to make your booking at reception or the booking booth located in the foyer to secure your spot in your chosen activities.
We look forward to seeing you as we play, laugh and learn together!
T&C’s
Participation in activities excluding ice skating is open to in house guests only.
Activities must be pre-booked as required at our reception or school holiday booking booth for all activities excluding free and ice rink activities.
*Activities may require a participation fee which will be added as a room charge. Please see the activity schedule to see applicable costs.
WHEN: Friday 22 December 2023 – Sunday 21 January 2024 (activities will differ between dates)
WHERE: Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains – 1 Sublime Point Rd, Leura NSW (View map)
SUITED FOR: 3 – 16 years for most activities unless indicated otherwise below.
COST: Various costs depending on Activity. Please see below:
HOW TO BOOK: Book at reception for:
Cupcake Decorating: $10pp
Children’s High Tea: $25pp
Rock Painting: Gold Coin Donation
Braids and Nails Package: $15pp
Drum Session: $20pp
Yoga: $20pp (also open to adults)
Dungeons and Dragons – $30pp
Children’s Disco – Gold coin donation
Book at Concierge for:
Train Rides – $5
No booking required for:
Movies in the auditorium: Free
Magic Craig Show: Free
Face painting: Free
Booking online at Blue Mountains Ice Skating Rink | Family Resort Blue Mountains | Family Hotel (fairmontresort.com.au) for:
Ice Skating: Adult: $25, Child – $20, Infant $10 (ages 2 – 4yrs), Family $65 – 2A/ 2C or 1A/3C (ages 2 years to adult)
WEBSITE: Specials & Events | Fairmont Resort | Accommodation Blue Mountains
SOCIALS: Instagram Facebook
Blue Mountains Christmas Markets
ENJOY SHOPPING LOCALLY THIS CHRISTMAS
Discover local Christmas markets happening this December as well as many other wonderful local markets throughout the Blue Mountains.
Water Play In And Around
The Blue Mountains
31 SPOTS TO COOL OFF THIS SUMMER!
Are you looking for ways to keep your family cool this Summer? Where can you find water play fun in and around the Blue Mountains that is free or low cost? We have found 31 perfect spots to cool off this Summer. Check out the best places in and around the Blue Mountains to take your family this Summer for water fun.
FIND OUT MORE
What’s On For Christmas
In The Blue Mountains 2023
LOCAL COMMUNITY CAROLS AND FAMILY EVENTS
End the year with joy, hope and jubilation with one of these local Christmas events. Christmas in the Blue Mountains 2023 features community carol events, late night shopping in the Blue Mountains, Christmas church services, gingerbread decorating and other special events and activities for the whole community to enjoy.
Wascoe Siding, Blaxland
RIDE A MINIATURE TRAIN ON DECEMBER 3
Wascoe Siding Miniature Railway, Blaxland, is a Blue Mountains school holiday classic. Riding the miniature trains at Wascoe Siding is a fun and unique family activity in the lower Blue Mountains, suitable for all ages. Learn about steam engines from local miniature railway experts and create wonderful memories at the historic Wascoe Siding Minature Railway.
WHEN: Sunday 3 December 2023.
WHERE: 15 Grahame Street, Blaxland NSW 2774 (map).
SUITED FOR: Primary aged children aged 5 – 12 years
COST: Train ride tickets are for up to 4 people per carriage (purchase one ticket for $15). Entry Fees: Children up to 3 years: FREE; Ages 4 to 16 years: $2; Ages 17+: $5; Pensioners/concession holders: $2.
HOW TO BOOK: Train ride tickets are only available on the day from our ticket office – no bookings are required for train tickets. Book online for undercover table bookings; Contact: wascoesiding@gmail.com
WEBSITE
SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook
Blue Mountains Library School Holiday Workshops
ART AND CRAFT WORKSHOPS FOR STUDENTS AGED 5 TO 18
Blue Mountains City Library is excited to offer workshops for kids during the Summer school holidays! View these exciting activities here on the Library’s website.
WHEN & WHERE: Katoomba, Springwood and Blaxland Libraries
SUITED FOR: Students from Kindergarten to 18 years
COST: Free or low cost / $6 per session
HOW TO BOOK: Online
CONTACT: bmlibrary@bmcc.nsw.gov.au
WEBSITE
SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, Tumblr
Blue Mountains Library
Summer Reading Challenge
READ AND WIN THESE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS!
Summer wouldn’t be the same without Blue Mountains Library’s Summer Reading Challenge. Read great books over the summer, record them on your reading logsheet and earn book vouchers. The Summer Reading Challenge is open to kids and young adults aged from 0 to 18 years. The challenge runs from December 1, 2023 – January 31, 2023.
When you have completed a logsheet return it to any library branch during opening hours to receive a book voucher. Vouchers will be sent via post if log sheets are submitted via email src@bmcc.nsw.gov.au. There is a limit of 4 vouchers per participant. Vouchers must be redeemed by 31 March 2024. Discover more here.
These Summer School Holidays, the Blue Mountains Library’s eLibrary is always open. It provides FREE online entertainment and information options including eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines, streaming movies and documentaries on Beamafilm, Creative Corner Online, eLearning games, fantastic At-Home Activities for kids and a wonderful Storybox Library.
WHEN: The Blue Mountains Library Summer Reading Challenge runs from December 1, 2023 until January 31, 2024.
SUITED FOR: Summer Reading Challenge suitable for 0 – 18 years
COST: FREE
CONTACT: bmlibrary@bmcc.nsw.gov.au
WEBSITE: https://library.bmcc.nsw.gov.au/
SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, Tumblr
Aboriginal Games
For Kids
FUN ABORIGINAL GAMES FOR
CHILDREN 7 – 11 YEARS
Looking for a fun-filled kids’ activity these school holidays? Learn to play a range of Aboriginal games at the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre, near Blackheath.
WHEN: Wednesday 10, Monday 15 and Tuesday 23 January 2024, 10am to 12pm. Meet at 9.45am.
WHERE: Blue Mountains Heritage Centre, Blackheath, 270 Govett’s Leap Road, Blackheath NSW 2785 (View Map).
SUITED FOR: Recommended for children 7 to 11 years.
COST: Child $20 per person. Adults free.
HOW TO BOOK: Bookings are required. Phone 1300 072 757 for more information or book online.
WEBSITE
SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube
Become a NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Junior Ranger!
A FUN ORIENTEERING TOUR FOR
CHILDREN 8 – 14 YEARS
Become a Junior Ranger this school holidays, on this fun orienteering tour at Blackheath. You’ll learn some useful navigation skills along the way.
Come along on this 2hr exploratory adventure at the heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park.
Walking alongside an NPWS Discovery Ranger, you’ll navigate the picturesque Grose Wilderness, while learning some important bushwalking skills, like how to read a map and how to use a compass.
Once we’ve mastered the basics, your ranger will put your skills to the test!
WHEN: Thursday 4, 11 and 18 January and Wednesday 24 January 2024, 10am to 12pm. Meet at 9.45am.
WHERE: Blue Mountains Heritage Centre, Blackheath, 270 Govett’s Leap Road, Blackheath NSW 2785 (View Map).
SUITED FOR: A medium grade guided class. Recommended for children 8 to 14 years old. You will go on a short hike with some stairs and uneven ground.
COST: Child $20 per person. Adults free.
HOW TO BOOK: Bookings are required. Phone 1300 072 757 for more information or book online.
WEBSITE
SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube
What an exciting lineup of events and activities in our Blue Mountains Summer School Holidays Activities Guide! We hope that it inspired great adventures for you this Summer with cherished memories made.
We wish you and your family a wonderful Christmas and New Year filled with joy, hope and plenty of Summer fun together!
