Here’s Five Free Ways to Entertain the Kids These School Holidays on the Central Coast

School holidays are the best kind of chaos – more time together, more freedom, and more activities to counter the inevitable cries of “I’m booooored”. While there are some amazing paid activities out there, they can add up fast, which is why having a go-to list of free school holiday activities on the Central Coast is the ultimate parenting hack.

The Coast is packed with plenty of easy, family-friendly (and budget-friendly) things to do that don’t cost a cent. So we’ve hand-picked and tried and tested the best free (there’s that word again!) activities on the Central Coast, allowing you to spend quality time with the kids without having to spend a cent. Now, that’s a win.

Bookmark this one for when you need ideas that are fun, flexible and genuinely free.

Free School Holiday Activities Central Coast

1. Chase waterfalls and get back to nature

If you’ve got kids who like to climb, explore and spot wildlife, a bushwalk is always a winner.

One of our favourites has to be Somersby Falls. The picnic area and walking tracks lead down to the base of the falls, but be warned there are plenty of stairs along the way – so while we think it’s pretty well suited to most levels of ability, little legs might need a helping hand. There are three levels to the falls, and this beautiful walk takes you all the way to the bottom, with plenty of spots to ooh and aah on the way down. Nice and cool in summer, especially after the rain, and there’s always lots of native wildlife to look out for like water dragons, frogs and the occasional goannas.

Can’t do stairs? Somersby Falls received a major facelift in 2024, which included new accessible viewing platforms.

Note: be sure to check NSW NPWS for any alerts or closures.

For a walk even the toddlers can manage (with some help), Kincumba Mountain is a great option, at the end of Island View Drive. The Kanning Walk is an easy loop of around 900-metres and takes you past a large cave that kids love poking around in. If there’s extra energy to burn off once you’re done, Hosemans Reserve just near the start of the track is an excellent spot to run it off!

Tip: turn your walk into a scavenger hunt and see how many leaves, bugs or birds the kids can find.

2. Hit the gallery (and gardens)

You really can’t go wrong with a visit to Gosford Regional Gallery. Not only will you get an art fix, but plenty of exhibitions come with free kids’ activities set up in the foyer. Also happening during most school holidays are art classes and workshops (these usually require pre-booking and come at a cost). Entry to the gallery is free, but you’ll need to pay to view some of their bigger exhibitions.

Outside, the Edogawa Commemorative Garden is always a crowd-pleaser. A highlight for the kids – or all ages, really – has to be feeding the colourful koi. You can purchase a bag of fish food from the gallery store for about $2. And if you’re lucky, you might spot some ducklings trailing around. Pack a picnic and spread out on the grass, or visit the onsite café. Effortless half-day outing that everyone will enjoy.

MORE: The Independent Heart of Art on the Central Coast

Free things to do with the kids these school holidays

3. Do a park date

The Central Coast is a total box ticker when it comes to parks and play spaces – from big open spaces for bikes and ball games to waterfront playgrounds, we’re absolutely spoilt for choice. With so many young families calling the Coast home, there are enough parks that your kids surely can’t claim to be bored. And if they are… well, get out there and explore some new ones! There are so many epic public recreation spaces, many of which have had recent multi-million dollar upgrades. And so many of which cater to kids of all ages too, not just the little ones. 

The Entrance Foreshore is always a crowd-pleaser, with play equipment for a wide range of ages, toilets nearby and plenty of space to spread out. It’s just as good for older kids as it is for toddlers. And right next to the playground is the iconic Vera’s Water Garden, which reopened in 2025 after a massive transformation.

Related: Vera’s Water Garden Reopens with a Splash

If you’re looking to slow things down a bit and connect with nature, it’s hard to beat Mount Penang Parklands. Eight hectares of beautiful outdoor space to explore complete with fountains, ponds, a steel footbridge and artistic sculptures. Admission is free and there are barbecues and picnic tables available. Somehow feels calm and spacious, even during the height of the busy holiday period.

4. Jump on a bike

Bike riding is another great way to get off the screen and get moving outside and let’s face it, in the right setting, it can be fun for everyone (mums and dads included).

The Kincumber to Davistown Cycleway is about as family-friendly as you can get, complete with a playground and amenities along the way at Broadwater Park. It’s about 3km each way and mostly flat so it’s pretty doable without breaking too much of a sweat.It’s a good one for younger riders finding their confidence. Start from Carrack Road, Kincumber.

Or try the Tuggerah Lakes Cycleway, a 12-kilometre shared pathway running along the foreshore from The Entrance down to Long Jetty and right through to Chittaway Bay. It’s mostly flat and there are playgrounds and amenities along the way.

And because three’s a treat! We also love the Ettalong Beach to Ocean Beach trail down on the Peninsula – mostly flat and totally scenic, hugging one of our stunning waterways, this is perfect for bikes or scooters.

RELATED: Family-Friendly Bike Paths on the Central Coast

5. Get a quiet win at your local library

Don’t sleep on your local library during the school hols – they’re absolute gold for free, low-effort entertainment.

Across the Coast, Central Coast Council Libraries run free school holiday activities like craft sessions, LEGO clubs, storytime, author visits and themed workshops. Most are drop-in, some need bookings, but they all give kids something new to do without spending a cent.

Even outside of scheduled activities, libraries are a win:

• Fresh books to keep them busy at home
• Quiet spaces when everyone needs a breather
• Kids’ zones that actually feel welcoming

Check your local branch timetable and enjoy a bit of quiet time.

So there you have it. School holidays don’t have to mean booked-out calendars or blowing the budget! Sometimes the simplest plans end up being the best ones.

KEEP READING: Best Kids Friendly Cafes on The Central Coast

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