The Central Coast is a great place to explore, regardless of the season – and what better way to keep the kids entertained than with some of the great activities Council has on offer these school holidays.

Returning to Kibble Park will be the purpose built outdoor ice rink located in the park from 7-15 July. The rink will be open every day with sessions every hour from 10am to 7pm daily.

The winter wonderland experience will be enhanced with special events including a Disney themed day on Saturday 8 July, a Family Fun Day on Sunday 9 July and two outdoor movies on Saturday 15 July starting with Frozen at 5pm and Mr Popper’s Penguins at 7pm.

Tickets are $10 and available either online or at the gate, sessions are 45 minutes and are limited to a maximum of 100 people. There are 15 penguins available on a first in first serve basis to help those a little unsteady on their skates.

Get your skates on so you don’t miss out. Bookings: gosford.starsonice.com.au

Gosford Library will open for longer hours with special activities, workshops and story times for kids while the ice skating is on in the park.

We will also be making The Entrance come alive with FREE weekday activities for all the kids. Join us from 10am at the Waterfront Plaza for activities, live music, amusement rides and the ever popular daily pelican feeding at 3pm.

For your chance to warm up and snuggle on a picnic blanket with the kids, The Entrance Winter Blues and Jazz Festival will kick off at 10am on Sunday 9 July in Memorial Park. There will be stalls and amusement rides in addition to a fantastic line up of artists performing across two stages.

Want something a little more active for those cooler winter days? Our CARES program on Wednesday 5 July is an interactive program run by the NSW Police about bicycle skills, road safety and fun!

Most of the day is outdoors where children practice on an obstacle course before heading to a simulated roadway to expose them to real-life situations such as traffic lights, roundabouts, hand-signalling and more. Cost is only $5 and is aimed at children in primary school (years 3-6 only). Book your child in today by calling 4350 5387.

Gosford Musical Society Juniors is presenting Bring It On The Musical, at various times between 4-8 July at Laycock Street Community Theatre. Bookings: gosford.nsw.gov.au/theatres or phone 4323 3233.

For budding artists, head to Gosford Regional Gallery for a full program of art activities and workshops to suit all ages and interests - find out more at gosford.nsw.gov.au/galleries

Don’t forget we also have more than 250 unique play spaces to choose from across the Coast, take a walk or ride along one of our shared pathways or take the skateboard, scooter or bike to one of our skate or BMX parks.

It’s also one of the best times of the year to see whales cruising up our magnificent coastline. There’s no need to even step foot on a boat – just take your binoculars, a picnic rug and some snacks and head to one of the many fantastic vantage points, from Norah Head and Bateau Bay to Terrigal and Copacabana and see what you can spot.

Happy holidays.