What’s On these Winter School Holidays in and around the Blue Mountains? We have an amazing bunch of local activities, programs, workshops and experiences to keep your kids and teens entertained the whole school holidays!
NSW school holidays run from Monday 4 July to Friday 15 July, 2022. You are sure to find plenty of inspiration in this edition of our Winter School Holidays Activities Guide 2022 to keep the whole family active, creative and happy.
Blue Mountains Winter School Holidays Activities Guide 2022
Click on the quick links below or scroll down to view the full Blue Mountains Winter School Holidays Activities Guide.
The Box Show At The Joan, Penrith – Drumming, dance, theatre, comedy performance & workshop for the whole family!
Penrith Regional Gallery – Painting & printmaking workshops for bubs, kids & teens.
Blue Mountains Stargazing – Captivating 90-min stargazing tour led by a local Astrophysicist.
Fusion Football – Three day skill-based football program for kids of all abilities.
LMAP Holiday Club, Glenbrook – Three mornings of games, drama, craft workshops & bible discovery!
Little Kickers, Katoomba & Penrith – Fun imagination based soccer classes.
Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains – Brand new ice skating rink is open these holidays!
Day Of Fun, Katoomba Sports & Aquatic Centre – Kids’ Kingdom, trampolining and bubble soccer!
Wascoe Siding, Blaxland – Ride miniature trains in the lower mountains.
Blue Mountains Library School Holiday Workshops – Art & craft workshops.
Snow Play In The Blue Mountains – Discover great spots to play in the snow this July!
Bathurst Winter Festival – 16 days in the Winter school holidays of illuminations, live entertainment, markets, ice skating and so much fun!
The Box Show
PERFORMANCE AND WORKSHOP
Get ready for the most sustainable fun you’ve ever had!
Be awe-inspired as the team from Junkyard Beats transform ordinary household items into extraordinary musical instruments and unwanted junk comes alive in exciting and surprising ways on stage.
Combining drumming, dance, theatre and comedy and featuring a language of gibberish and rhythm, The Box Show will captivate, entertain and spark the imaginations of your whole family!
Enhance your experience – See the show and participate in the interactive workshop (limited spots available) to learn how to create your own musical instruments.
WHEN: Friday 8 and Saturday 9 July, 2022
(Shows: 10am & 1pm; Workshops: 2:30pm daily).
WHERE: Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, 597 High Street, Penrith, NSW, 2750 (View Map).
SUITED FOR: Ages 5+ and their families (teens and adults will love this too).
COST: Standard Ticket $25, Family of 4 $90. Add the Workshop onto your child’s show ticket for an extra $10! Dine & Discover (when used before 30 June) and Parents NSW Vouchers accepted.
HOW TO BOOK: Book via The Joan’s website here or call Box Office on (02) 4723 7600.
WEBSITE
SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook, Instagram, #thejoan
Art Workshops for ages 6 months – 16 years
GET CREATIVE THESE HOLIDAYS AT
PENRITH REGIONAL GALLERY
Let your bubs, kids and teens get creative at the Gallery these Winter School Holidays with a range of fun painting and printmaking workshops.
Visit our current exhibitions before getting stuck into your own art project exploring acrylics, watercolours, lino printing or a special bub-friendly class.
WHEN: 5 – 14 July, 2022
WHERE: Penrith Regional Gallery, Home of The Lewers Bequest, 86 River Road, Emu Plains, NSW 2750 (View Map).
SUITED FOR: Ages 6 months – 16 years
COST: $15 per workshop for under 2 years. $35 per workshop for other age groups. Dine & Discover (when used before 30 June) and Parents NSW Vouchers accepted.
HOW TO BOOK: Book via the Gallery’s website here or call (02) 4735 1100
WEBSITE
SOCIA MEDIA: Facebook, Instagram, #penrithregionalgallery
Blue Mountains Stargazing
CAPTIVATING STARGAZING TOUR LED BY LOCAL ASTROPHYSICIST
Embark on a captivating 90-min stargazing tour located 1 hour 30 minutes drive from Sydney in the World Heritage listed Blue Mountains’ dark skies led by a local Astrophysicist. Includes naked-eye astronomy, constellation storytelling, telescope viewing of the Moon, planets and stars, starting with spectacular sunset overlooking the Jamison valley and the sound of the waterfalls with a hot chocolate in hand.
You will observe through the professional-grade telescope objects such as (depending on the time of year and night):
- The Moon
- Saturn & Jupiter
- Mars & Venus
- The Orion Nebula
- Star clusters- Double & triple stars
- Deep space objects such as galaxies and our Milky Way
- Shooting stars if you are lucky!
WHEN: Every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and everyday during NSW school holidays.
WHERE: Wentworth Falls lookout at Wentworth Falls picnic area, Sir Burrell Drive, Wentworth Falls NSW 2782 (View map).
SUITED FOR: Children aged 4+.
COST: $55 per child, $85 per adult and family packages available (one child for free). Discover and Parent vouchers are accepted.
Planetarium Astronomy indoor tours are available in case of cloudy skies, with a 360-degree dome, surround sound, powerful projector and cinema experience.
HOW TO BOOK: Book online
WEBSITE
SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook; Instagram
Fusion Football
3 DAYS OF FUN FILLED SOCCER ACTIVITIES SUITABLE FOR ALL ABILITIES
In this 3-day holiday program, professionally qualified coaches with Working With Children Checks will engage your kids in fun, challenging, game and skill-based football activities that will help develop and strengthen the fundamentals of Football.
All of the activities are designed to get your child thinking, moving, creating options, and developing core strength and coordination, all in a team environment.
WHEN: Monday 4 July – Wednesday 6 July 2022
WHERE: Penrith Christian School, 1 Simeon Rd, Orchard Hills NSW 2748 (View map).
SUITED FOR: Ages 6 – 13 years
COST: $150 for all three days
HOW TO BOOK: Book online. For enquiries, contact Mario on
0450 227 508; info@fusionfootball.com.au
WEBSITE
SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook, Instagram
LMAP Holiday Club
THREE MORNINGS OF PIRATE ADVENTURES AS WE HUNT FOR THE GREATEST TREASURE OF ALL!
LMAP Holiday Club is three mornings of swashbuckling pirate adventures full of games, drama, craft workshops & bible discovery as we hunt for the greatest treasure in the world!
All programs and activities will be based on a Pirates theme and children will be engaged in a fun, safe and welcoming environment. All leaders are trained in children protection and have current WWCC.
WHEN: 9 am to 12:15 pm on the 13th, 14th & 15th July (2nd week of school holidays).
WHERE: Lower Mountains Anglican Church, 1 Wascoe St, Glenbrook NSW 2774 (View map).
SUITED FOR: Kindergarten – Year 6. Parents are also invited to stay for a free parenting seminar held each morning, led by industry professionals.
COST: $10 per day or $25 for three days. You may pay on the day in cash or by card.
HOW TO BOOK: Register online; Call the Office on (02) 4739 1316 for more information; admin@lmap.org.au
WEBSITE
SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook
Little Kickers, Katoomba & Penrith
FUN, IMAGINATION BASED SOCCER SKILLS CLASSES!
Little Kickers run, imagination based soccer skills classes for boys and girls aged 18 months to 8 years. Join at any time!
Our motto is ‘Play not Push’. We give children a positive introduction to sport by teaching high quality soccer skills in a friendly, pressure-free environment.
What does Little Kickers offer?
- A fun, safe learning environment for kids providing a positive introduction to sport;
- Regular exercise reduces the incidence of the onset of childhood obesity and related conditions, and enhanced sleep patterns;
- Our imagination based program encourages the development of social and communication skills and introduces children to the concept of working as part of a team;
- Weekly activities build on the Early Years Learning Framework, we enhance a child’s appreciation of numbers and colours and develop their motor co-ordination.
WHEN: You can start anytime in the year. Classes run all year round including school holidays, excluding public holidays.
WHERE: Katoomba Aquatic Centre Indoor Basketball Courts. Catalina Avenue, Katoomba 2780 NSW (View map).
Our timetable extends further into the Richmond and Penrith regions.
SUITED FOR: Boys & girls 18 months to 5 years in Katoomba, with other areas up to 8 years.
COST: $72 per month with a one-off upfront membership fee of $55 (added to the first month for insurance & uniform).
HOW TO BOOK: Visit our website to view our timetable and to enrol. Call 0421 973 346 for assistance.
WEBSITE
SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook
Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains
by MGallery
BRAND NEW BLUE MOUNTAINS ICE SKATING EXPERIENCE OPENING SOON!
We are excited to bring you a 599 sqm arena with kiosk and skate shop. You will be able to hire skates and enjoy a fun, relaxed social time with others whilst learning new skating skills. Fairmont Resort guests, locals and visitors to the Blue Mountains region will be able to skate on the ice.
WHEN: The Blue Mountains Ice Skating Rink is scheduled to open for all in early August (TBC). Open July 1 for guests (until the carpark is complete).
WHERE: Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains, 1 Sublime Point Road
Leura NSW 2780.
SUITED FOR: Everyone – guests, locals and visitors.
COST: View pricing details here. The family ticket is for 2 Adults & 2 Children OR 1 Adult & 3 Children. Skate hire is $8 per person.
Penguin Skating Aid hire is $8 per session.
WEBSITE
Wascoe Siding, Blaxland
RIDE A MINIATURE TRAIN ON JULY 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 July, 2022. Wascoe Siding miniature-railway runs on the first Sunday of the month from February to December, 10.00 AM – 3.00 PM
WHERE: 15 Grahame Street, Blaxland NSW 2774 (View map).
SUITED FOR: Primary aged children aged 5 – 12 years
COST: Park entry fees: $5 per Adult (17+), $2.50 per Child (Ages 4 to 16),
3 and under are free.
Each train ride is $4 per person, per ride (ages 2 and under free with a paying ticket holder). Tickets are available on the day from the ticket office.
Book a picnic table for $30. Bookings are not required.
All transactions must be paid via EFTPOS/contactless means.
HOW TO BOOK: Bookings are not required. Contact: wascoesiding@gmail.com
WEBSITE: infobluemountains.net.au
SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook
Day Of Fun, Katoomba Sports & Aquatic Centre
PAY FOR ALL DAY FUN OR PICK AN ACTIVITY!
Day of Fun at Katoomba is four hours of fun on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for children 5 – 12 years these school holidays!
WHEN & WHERE: 10am – 2pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays of NSW School Holidays, at Katoomba Sports and Aquatic Leisure Centre (View map).
SUITED FOR: Students from 5 years – 12 years
COST: All day cost: $33.40
Supervised Kids Kingdom Play ($9.70) – 10am-12pm
Trampolining fun ($14)
12 – 1pm (5-7yrs) / 1-2pm (8-12yrs)
Bubble soccer ($9.70)
12 – 1pm (8-12yrs) / 1-2pm (5-7yrs)
HOW TO BOOK: Ph: 4780 5000
CONTACT: leisurecentres@bmcc.nsw.gov.au
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 July school holidays! Your kids can try their hand at Freeform Wire Sculpture, Zine Design, Beenie Making (SOLD OUT) and Texture Art. View the four workshops led by Naomi Oliver here.
WHEN & WHERE: Katoomba, Springwood and Blaxland Libraries
SUITED FOR: Students from Kindergarten to 18 years
COST: $6 per session
HOW TO BOOK: Online
CONTACT: bmlibrary@bmcc.nsw.gov.au
WEBSITE
SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, Tumblr
Snow Play In The Blue Mountains
DISCOVER THE BEST SPOTS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY TO ENJOY SNOW PLAY THIS WINTER
Snow play in Blue Mountains is becoming a very popular pastime for families near and far during Winter. Most Winters, the Blue Mountains transform into a majestic wonderland and families are keen to experience this rare and amazing occurrence.
Find out where to enjoy snow play this Winter and read our essential safety tips. View Oberon’s live weather cams here and here!
WHEN: Check the forecast at the Bureau of Meteorology for predicted snow for the Blue Mountains (Katoomba), Lithgow and Oberon during the July Winter School Holidays.
WHERE: Upper Blue Mountains, west of Lawson.
SUITED FOR: All families (please ensure that you read the safety information and tips for your adventure).
COST: Most parks and recreational areas for snow play are free to enter.
HOW TO BOOK: No bookings are required for snow play unless you need accommodation – it is best to book Blue Mountains accommodation in advance.
READ THE ARTICLE
VISIT AND FOLLOW THE BLUE MOUNTAINS MUMS FACEBOOK PAGE
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM
Bathurst Winter Festival
TWO WEEKS OF ILLUMINATIONS, LIVE ENTERTAINMENT, MARKETS, ICE SKATING AND SO MUCH FUN!
Celebrate ‘Creative Lives‘ at the annual Bathurst Winter Festival! It is wonderful family fun for all ages that extends across all sixteen days of the NSW winter school holidays.
Join us for the stunning light shows of the Illumination Light Walk around the historic heart of Bathurst, show rides, outdoor ice skating on the McDonald’s Bathurst Ice Skating Rink, a world of flavours at our signature food events, live music and more.
Bathurst Winter Festival Kids’ Day, supported by Bathurst City Centre, is two whole days dedicated to the kids! Dress up as your favourite superhero or book character, or with crazy hat and colourful socks.
You’ll find lots of things to do, with kids’ craft kits for some upcycling craft fun, while stocks last, face painting and don’t forget the family rides – all at the Winter Playground.
Find out more about illuminations around town, ice skating, Winter playground, Accessibility Day and pets day!
WHEN: 9 am – 9 pm, 2 – 17 July, 2022.
WHERE: 158 Russell Street, Bathurst NSW 2795. View map of road closures.
SUITED FOR: Everyone of all ages. Accessibility information can be found here.
COST: Free entry to Winter Playground. Ice skating, show rides, market stall produce, food, drinks, etc all at your own cost.
Ice skating: Adult (15 years and over) $15.00 per person
Children (6 – 14 years) $12.00 per person
Toddler (3 – 5 years) $8.00 per person
Skating Aid $8.00 per person
HOW TO BOOK: No need to book for the festival. Buy ice skating tickets here.
WEBSITE
Social Media: Facebook, Instagram
