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

Free School Holiday Activities Central Coast

Let’s face it, with the rising cost of living, school holiday activity costs can feel like they will break the bank!  And, while there are some epic ones to choose from sometimes we need some budget-friendly aka free school holiday activities to choose from.

We’ve hand-picked and tried and tested the best free (yes, we repeat free!) activities on the Central Coast so you can spend quality time with the kids without having to spend a cent. Now, that’s a win.

1. Chase Waterfalls and get back to nature

Our favourite is the Somersby Falls picnic area and walking track recently reopened after receiving a facelift. Be warned there are quite a few stairs but we think this is still pretty well suited to all levels of ability, even for our really little ones (with some help). This beautiful walk takes you down to the bottom of the falls. Nice and cool in summer and especially breathtaking after rain and lots of native wildlife to look out for like water dragons, frogs and goannas.

A bushwalking adventure is a sure-fire winner for kids of all ages. For the little ones, why not make it a scavenger hunt?

For a walk even the toddlers can manage (with some help), we recommend Kanning Walk on Kincumba Mountain (entry via Island View Drive Kincumber). It’s about a 900-metre loop walk that will take you past a large cave that kids just love looking around in. If there’s any extra energy to burn off once you’re done, Hoseman’s Reserve just near the start of the track is an excellent spot to run it off!

2. Hit the Gallery

We can’t go past the Gosford Regional Gallery, not only will you get an art fix but with most exhibitions, there are often 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).  Plus there is a cafe onsite as well as the Edogawa Commemorative Garden meaning a true crowd-pleaser for both parents as well as the kids.  A highlight every time with the litter kidlets has to be feeding the fish.  Oh and, having a little picnic in the exquisite gardens.

Fish food can be purchased in the gallery gift store for about $2.

Free things to do with the kids these Summer Holidays

3. Do a Park Date

The Central Coast is a total box ticker when it comes to parks and play spaces. With so many young families calling the Coast home, it means the kids can hardly “be bored” by their local park. And, if they are… well, we say get out there and explore.  There are so many epic public recreation spaces that are top class, 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. 

RELATED: Playground Upgrades on the Central Coast

4. Jump on a bike

Bike riding is another great reason 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. Start from Carrack Road, Kincumber.

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

RELATED: Five Central Coast Cycle Tracks to Suit Every Age and Ability

5. Pretty Parklands

If you want to slow down 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.

KEEP READING: Here’s the Best Kids Friendly Cafes on The Central Coast