Spring is well and truly in the air and with school holidays looming on the horizon, Central Coast Council has released its much-anticipated program of activities of a fun filled break for all ages.

During the school holidays (Monday 25 September – Friday 6 October) a huge selection of activities will be available across the community with the vast majority of these being free or at minimal cost.

Activities to boost the imagination – Central Coast libraries will be a whirlwind of activity throughout the holidays with a dazzling range of activities. Some of the highlights include the Tween and Teen Clay Jewellery Dish booking at Gosford Library (Tuesday 3 October), Petting Zoo at Kincumber Library (Wednesday 4 October), and Geode Bath Bombs at Tuggerah Library (Thursday 5 October). Lovers of Blinky Bill and Peppa Pig are in for a treat at Memorial Park, The Entrance with rotating performances of the popular characters at live stage shows between Monday 25 and Friday 29 September.

Activities for the animal lover – Council’s Charmhaven animal care facility will host two exciting ‘Pet Pal’ workshops on Wednesday 27 September and Tuesday 3 October. During the workshops participants will learn about responsible pet ownership and safety around animals. Activities will include Parker gets a Pet Storytime, dog toy making workshop and get the chance to get up close and personal with puppies and kittens.

Activities for the aspiring artist – Our galleries are amazingly creative and reflective spaces. There are several classes to help the next generation of artists who can also wander round and get inspiration in the meantime! Some activities include painting whales, creating a fish sculpture out of recycled plastic, and spooky jewellery ahead of Halloween.

Activities for the young and brave – Council’s dedicated Youth Services Team have planned 5 action-packed holiday workshops. Take part in a jam session, learn how to skate at a free workshop (the Olympics of Brisbane 2032 are calling!) or attend a digital and illustration art workshop.

Activities to boost the heart rate –it’s shaping to be a hot holiday so why not let your youngsters cool off in the pool? Gosford Pool, Peninsula Leisure Centre and Lake Haven will all be holding activities. Practice swimming and diving ahead of the school sport season, get on the Water Slide and Water Park at Woy Woy, or shoot hoops and improve your basketball game at Lake Haven.

Activities for the scientific minded – September is biodiversity month with the Environment team staging 8 workshops that will foster a life-long appreciation of the unique flora and fauna of the Central Coast. Learn about the importance of bees, how to spot a whale, or join a hunt for wild bugs!

Central Coast Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said the activities have been designed to cater for a wide range of interests and passions.

“Council is conscious of the need to have a range of activities that are suitable for young children during the school holiday period and we’re also mindful of the cost of living and not wanting to put additional pressure on the family budget.”

“I encourage all parents to check out the listing of activities on our website and to register their interest early,” Ms Smith said.

Council Administrator Rik Hart is looking forward to another successful school holiday program.

“This comprehensive program showcases the expanse of Council’s facilities and community services across the region, which are delivered by our libraries, Gosford Regional Gallery, leisure centres, theatres and youth services, as well as other areas of Council such as environmental management and town centre management.

“Staff have worked hard to develop high quality community offerings, that contribute to the high level of liveability on the Coast, support families and foster creativity and community connectiveness.”

School holiday, events and activities are listed on Council’s 'what's on' webpage, where you can easily select the 'school holiday' category to show the full program on offer, or sort by dates, or location.