Our one stop guide for Blue Mountains Summer school holidays activities will give you plenty of family friendly ideas and inspiration for the upcoming school holidays. From classes, great ways to keep cool, special events and Christmas activities, our Summer School Holidays Activities Guide 2021 / 2022 aims to equip you with all you need for a wonderful and memorable break.
Blue Mountains Summer School Holidays Activities 2021 / 2022
Build-A Mind – Build and code robots!
Penrith Conservatorium Music Programs – Private lessons and applications now open for the Penrith Youth Orchestra.
Raging Waters Sydney – Keep cool this Summer at Sydney’s best family amusement and water park with a special discount code just for you!
Centennial Glen Stables – Horse and pony riding in the beautiful Kanimbla.
Wacky Workshops Glenbrook – Make ‘Sensational Sculptures’ & ‘Garden Creations’.
Wascoe Siding – Ride miniature trains on December 5!
Valley Heights Locomotive Depot Heritage Museum – See Santa arrive on a steam train and ride a heritage tram!
Blue Mountains Library Summer Reading Challenge – Win a $50 book voucher!
Blue Mountains Christmas Markets – Enjoy shopping locally this Christmas.
Water Play In And Around The Blue Mountains – Discover 26 Spots To Cool Off This Summer.
What’s On For Christmas In The Blue Mountains 2021 – Local community carols and events.
Build A Mind
MAKE, CREATE & INNOVATE WITH
BUILD-A-MIND!
Free with your Creative Kids voucher. Full day holiday workshops on the 20th (Years 1 & 2), 21st (Years 3 & 4) and 22nd December (Years 5 &6) in Yellow Rock.
Join us as we have fun exploring engineering concepts and building LEGO® models using levers, axles, pulleys and gears. You’ll also learn some cool coding concepts and get to apply them to motors, lights and sensors as you program robots and create new and amazing devices that may one day help you rule the world!
WHEN: 9.30AM – 3.00PM Saturday 20 December, Sunday 21 December & Monday 22 December, 2021.
WHERE: Girl Guides Hall, Singles Ridge Rd, Yellow Rock, 2777 (map).
SUITED FOR: Years 1 & 2 on 20/12; Years 3 & 4 on 21/12; Years 5 & 6 on 21/12
COST: $100 or FREE with your Creative Kids voucher.
HOW TO BOOK: Online
WEBSITE
SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook
Penrith Conservatorium
Music Programs
PRIVATE MUSIC LESSONS & APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN TO JOIN PENRITH YOUTH ORCHESTRA IN 2022!
PRIVATE MUSIC LESSONS
Ignite a lifelong passion for music at Penrith Conservatorium, Western Sydney’s heart of music education.
Whether you’re learning for leisure, or are determined to become the next musical prodigy, our professional teachers will help you develop your practical and theoretical music skills and achieve your goals.
Penrith Conservatorium offers private lessons for students of all ages, skill levels and abilities in the following instruments:
VOCAL AND KEYBOARD: Singing or Piano Lessons;
PERCUSSION INSTRUMENTS: Drum or Percussion Lessons;
STRING INSTRUMENTS: Guitar, Cello, Viola or Violin Lessons;
WOODWIND INSTRUMENTS: Clarinet, Flute or Saxophone Lessons; and
OTHER: Speech and Drama Lessons or Performance Enhancement and
Anxiety Management Lessons.
Our experienced music teachers are qualified to prepare all students in AMEB and/or HSC examinations.
BOOKINGS ARE NOW OPEN FOR TERM 1 – SECURE YOUR SPOT NOW TO
AVOID THE DISAPPOINTMENT OF MISSING OUT!
PENRITH YOUTH ORCHESTRA
Build your ensemble skills in a dynamic and supportive environment led by tutors from Penrith Symphony Orchestra, Penrith Conservatorium and the world-renowned Australian Chamber Orchestra.
Successful applicants are given the unique opportunity to participate in rehearsals and workshops each term and build towards performances, in which students play alongside professional musicians under the guidance of Penrith Symphony Orchestra’s Artistic Director, Dr Paul Terracini. On occasion, the orchestra also performs in public concerts alongside Penrith Symphony Orchestra.
APPLY NOW TO JOIN PENRITH YOUTH ORCHESTRA IN 2022!
WHEN: Private Music Classes run during school term. Term 1 runs from Monday 31 January – Saturday 9 April, 2022.
Penrith Youth Orchestra meets three Sunday afternoons per term – Please see the website for dates.
WHERE: Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, 597 High Street, Penrith NSW 2750 (map).
SUITED FOR: Private Music Lessons are suitable for all ages.
Penrith Youth Orchestra is suited for young musicians, 6 – 18 years old in Western Sydney.
COST: Private Music Lessons cost between $39 – $51 (plus $10 admin per term). Penrith Youth Orchestra – Term 1: (PYO Academy Weekend): $150. Penrith Youth Orchestra – Terms 2 – 4: $120 per student, per term. Discounts are available for siblings participating concurrently.
ENQUIRIES AND BOOKINGS: For Private Music Lessons call (02) 4723 7611 or email conservatorium@penrith.city
To contact Penrith Youth Orchestra, call (02) 4732 8686 or email pyo@penrith.city
WEBSITE: Private Music Lessons penrithconservatorium.com.au/private-lessons/
Penrith Youth Orchestra pyo.org.au
SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook, Instagram
Raging Waters Sydney
USE PROMO CODE ‘BMM’ FOR $15 OFF GATE PRICING FOR DAY TICKETS*!
Raging Waters Sydney is so much more than a water park!
We have over 30 slides and attractions including a whole zone dedicated to little water adventurers and adrenalin pumping action on some of the tallest and fastest water rides in the world.
We are the biggest and best water theme park and home to the best water slides and attractions including the heart pumping and thrilling 360Rush and the best beach ever with white sandy shores and no rips or sharks.
There’s something for everyone from Raging Waters Jnr, Australia’s largest kid friendly water area, to adrenaline pumping slides for the thrill seekers. Don’t miss the newest addition to the Park, the first-of-its-kind-slide which takes riders on a thrilling 206-metre long journey – Whirlwind!
WHEN: Saturday 18 December 2021 – Sunday 24 April 2022.
WHERE: 427 Reservoir Rd, Prospect NSW 2148 (map).
SUITED FOR: The whole family!
COST: Day tickets start at just $49.99 (vary throughout the season) and season passes start at $79.99.
HOW TO BOOK: Online or at the gate!
WEBSITE: https://ragingwaterssydney.com.au/en
SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook
* Visit https://ragingwaterssydney.com.au/buy-tickets/tickets
Click ‘Buy Now’ on Day Ticket
FOR DESKTOP: Click on the “Promo Code” tab in the middle of the pop up box
FOR PHONE: Click on “Menu” in the top left corner and click into the “Promo Code” box
Enter “BMM” as your promo code
Select the product you wish to purchase and number of tickets
Follow the prompts to checkout
Make sure you present your RAGING WATERS confirmation on arrival.
Centennial Glen Stables, Kanimbla Valley
BEAUTIFUL HORSE & PONY RIDES THESE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
Enjoy fantastic views of Blue Mountains escarpments, open paddock, bushland and mountainside horse trails. We have very quiet horses and friendly guides – you will have a great ride. Our riding groups are small to better to enjoy the peace a quiet of the beautiful valley.
First time riders, your safety is our main concern, experienced riders catered for. You will get the chance to have a trot or canter if the guide thinks it safe to do so.
All of our rides are guided by experienced and friendly guides and all staff have Working with Children checks. For your safety, all senior guides are accredited with Horse Safety Australia. Centennial Glen stables and site have accreditation with Horse Safety Australia.
WHEN: Every day, except Wednesdays.
WHERE: Centennial Glen Stables, Kanimbla Valley Drive via Shipley Road, Blackheath NSW 2785 (map).
SUITED FOR: Horse riding: 8 years +. Weight limit is 110 kgs (242 pounds). Minimum age for lessons, 8 years and up.
Pony rides: 4 years and up. The ponies will be led by one of our staff. If the child is less than 6 years, a parent is needed to walk beside the pony providing support for the child.
COST: Horse riding: ‘Per Person’ Half hour $60; 1 hour $80; 1.5 hours $120; 2 hours $150. Private ride requests add 50% to these prices.
Pony or lead rides: 30 min lead ride $55
Sunset Rides: 1.5 Hour ride (per rider): $140
Riding lesson: half hour $80; Lesson plus ride: $140
Carriage Driving: $150 per hour for 2 adults, or 1 adult and 2 small children.
HOW TO BOOK: Online.
Or for more information contact Jim Commens on 0417273438;
enquiry@CentennialGlenStables.com.au
WEBSITE: https://www.centennialglenstables.com/
SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook; Instagram
Wacky Workshops Glenbrook
SENSATIONAL SCULPTURE & GARDEN CREATIONS SCHOOL HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS
In the Sensational Sculpture Workshop, students will make and take home several fun sculptures made with air dry clay, wire, cardboard and more.
In the Garden Creations Workshop, kids are just going to love this fun workshop and they don’t even need a green thumb. They’ll be taking home their beautiful creations of stepping stones, sun catchers, a sun clock, leaf impressions, and more.
All materials, tools and even aprons are supplied. Students are welcome to bring a drink and a snack.
WHEN: Sensational Sculpture: 10.00am – 11.30am. Wednesday 5 January, 2022; Garden Creations Workshop For Kids: Wednesday 12 January, 2022.
WHERE: Wacky Workshops Glenbrook Studio, 88A Glenbrook Rd, Glenbrook NSW 2773 (map).
SUITED FOR: 4 – 10 years
COST: $35 – all materials included
HOW TO BOOK: Online: Sensational Sculptures Register here. Garden Creations Register here. Contact Tami on 0402732859; wackyworkshops1@gmail.com
WEBSITE
SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook, Instagram
Wascoe Siding, Blaxland
RIDE A MINIATURE TRAIN ON DECEMBER 5
Wascoe Siding Miniature Railway, Blaxland, is a Blue Mountains school holidays 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 5 December, 2021.
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
Valley Heights Locomotive Depot Heritage Museum
SEE SANTA ARRIVE BY STEAM TRAIN!
See Santa arrive at the Valley Heights Locomotive Depot Heritage Museum aboard a Heritage Train at 10am or 1pm on the 4th, 5th, 11th & 12th of December. Visit in December and travel on a rare working steam tram which will huff and puff as it takes you back to the beginnings of Sydney’s public transport history and brings Santa to visit.
Enjoy the rattle as you run up and down in the train or tram carriage, on the dedicated track for a 15 minute ride*, straight out of the 1890s! (*Subject to operational factors e.g. adverse weather, breakdown, crew/rolling stock unavailability etc.)
WHEN: 10am & 1pm on Saturday 4 December; Sunday 5 December; Saturday 11 December; and Sunday 12 December 2021.
WHERE: Valley Heights Locomotive Depot Heritage Museum, 17b Tusculum Road, Valley Heights, NSW 2777 (map).
SUITED FOR: All welcome
COST: Adults: $16; Seniors, Pensioner & Student Concession: $14
Children (aged 5 – 16 incl): $12; Children (under 5): FREE; Family: $50 (includes: 2 adults & 2 children or 1 adult & 3 children).
HOW TO BOOK: Online. Bookings are essential via TryBooking. Booking fees apply. Contact 0414 764 178 for more details.
WEBSITE
SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook
Blue Mountains Library
Summer Reading Challenge
READ AND WIN THESE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS!
This Summer, get into books on those rainy days and enter the Blue Mountains Library Summer Reading Challenge! There are book vouchers and postcards to earn, token prizes to receive and activities to complete to go into the draw to win a $50 book voucher.
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 starts Thursday, December 1, 2021.
Blue Mountains Library updates its School Holiday Programs HERE.
WHERE: Online and various Blue Mountains Library locations.
SUITED FOR: Summer Reading Challenge suitable for 0 – 16 years
COST: FREE
CONTACT: bmlibrary@bmcc.nsw.gov.au
WEBSITE: https://library.bmcc.nsw.gov.au/
SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, Tumblr,
Blue Mountains Christmas Markets
ENJOY SHOPPING LOCALLY THIS CHRISTMAS
The Wollemi Artesian Market – Christmas Twilight Edition and The Village Twilight Christmas Markets are happening this December as well as many other wonderful local markets throughout the Blue Mountains!
Water Play In And Around The Blue Mountains
26 PERFECT 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 are free or low cost? We have found 26 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 2021
LOCAL COMMUNITY CAROLS AND EVENTS
After the year that has been, many of us are looking forward to ending the year with joy, hope and jubilation. With restrictions mostly eased by Christmas, we are able to enjoy many events together as a community.
We hope that our Blue Mountains Summer School Holidays Activities Guide gives you plenty of inspiration for the holidays. We wish you all a safe, happy and memorable Christmas and Summer holiday and look forward to sharing more family friendly activities in the Blue Mountains with you next year.
