Alright mamas and papas, the school holidays are upon us, so it is time to get some plans in motion to keep the kids entertained, but most importantly worn out.
Whether you're seeking adventure or exploration, movement or mindfulness, or maybe just somewhere to veg out together as a family, (or even with a group of other fun-seeking parents) the Sutherland Shire has plenty of kid friendly activities and entertainment options that will keep their bodies moving and their minds ticking away for hours.
. . . until the time comes to head back to school again!
Try one or try them all, tell a friend or tell them all, but don't forget to tell us about your experience! We want to hear what you got up to with the kids, so tag us @shiretalk #shiretalk and we will keep an eye out on your adventures with the family.
Download the app here.
Miranda, Putt Planet will take you to Mombasa for an African-themed golf experience. The 18-hole miniature golf course is open for kids, teens, and adults to enjoy six days a week. Putt Planet is open from 10am until 10pm Monday-Friday and Saturday 10am until 4pm.
Prices start at $15 for a child and $60 for a family of 4. Putt Planet, is great to socialise and enjoy a friendly competition. Each hole on the course has a different theme to explore. This is a great day out for ALL.
Instead of climbing the walls while you pull your hair out, we have a solution for you, take the kids to Climb Fit. Ages 4 and up and the kids can build up some strength and stamina, while using their noggin to think about their next moves.
It is a great way to start a new hobby or head in with a group of friends to support each other with the climb. You don't need to book so you can literally just "rock" up (see what we did there) and get your kids climbing the walls!
Prices start from just $20 for kids under 18 years old, including harness hire and full safety briefing. No experience or special gear is necessary. Your child should wear comfy sports clothes and their own runners.
Cronulla Surfing Academy is the perfect solution for children who thrive in the ocean. And for those who are new to the art of surfing and are keen to learn.
CSA have thought of everything offering slow and steady programs for the younger inexperienced groms, small group learn to surf sessions and even have sessions dedicated to the more experienced wave riders.
If your kid is born to catch stoke, already lives in the ocean and is keen to socialise with like-minded surfers in the area, this is the program for you. From total beginners to the experienced, board or no board at all. This is serious fun at the beach and such a great way for the kids to make some new friends.
Download the app here.
So your kids are all about water but want to keep it indoors while it is cooler, why not set them up in the holiday intensive program with Little Fins?
Their swim school facilities are heated to a toasty 32.5 degrees to provide a comfortable year round experience for all their students.
This inflatable stadium is a great spot to head on the weekends to keep the kids motivated in between the Monday to Friday drag. If your kids LOVE ninja warrior they are going to love Inflatable world. Let the kids flip, bounce, slide, and roll themselves in to oblivion!
It’s all about having fun, so bring the whole family and bounce on in to Inflatable World. It’s not just for the kids – they encourage parents to have fun with their children too.
You can play on the inflatable activities as many times as you like during the session and their supervisors are there to make sure everyone is safe and gets a fair go.
I mean, this ones pretty obvious right?
Instead of the kids flipping out at home, jumping on beds, and bouncing off the walls with boredom, do yourself a favour and take them to Flip Out. They'll soon bounce off all that pent up holiday energy. Bye bye boredom!
Flip out is the perfect spot if you have a few hours up your sleeve and you're really looking to wear the kiddies out. And let's face it, you're taking the tramps for a spin too, don't lie.
Especially if the weather has put a dampener on your outdoor plans. Flip Out is here to save the day! Expect an EPIC trampoline arena and a whole world of indoor fun to explore – like foam pits, parkour courses, running walls and more!
The kids will enjoy hours of fun practicing tricks, and getting kicks out of their time outside of the house. Perfect for rainy days, big groups or even for mum and dad to have a play. Not to mention the amazing workout too!
The world is captivated by virtual reality. Furthermore, VR room allows users to live experiences previously only possible in their dreams. While offering fans a unique experience, gaming has adapted to several industries.
If your kids are avid gamers already they are going to LOVE this place.
As a result, Metavurx VR has rapidly grown to become a hub for VR experiences and outstanding VR games.
The capability of VR to produce immersive environments is one of its most important features. Players can travel to a virtual world that looks and feels like reality in VR.
Users can participate in activities they aren’t usually able to perform due to this level of immersion. VR rooms offer a unique experience, whether traveling to new cities, piloting aircraft, or slaying monsters.
The opportunities for team development, gatherings, and socializing are limitless. Participants can cooperate to resolve puzzles, engage in battle, or discover new worlds in a VR room. The experience is significantly more thrilling and enjoyable because of this level of engagement.
If you have a child that is a transport buff (or let's be real, maybe it's you...), who makes trips to Como just to catch a glimpse of the steam train on weekends, they will love a visit to the Sydney Tramway Museum in Loftus.
(ok, YOU'LL love it, but they'll learn to love it too)
The Sydney Tramway Museum is open to the public every Sunday and Wednesday and not only is it a great day out learning about the history of transport in the Sutherland Shire, it's a nice little adventure down memory lane admiring the historical locomotives and buildings from yesteryear.
Adults: $20 Concession: $15 School children: $10 Pre-school children: Free
In need of a coffee, some cake and maybe a little bit of a break? If you have young ones and they enjoy a play, then head down to Oli's Cafe in Miranda where wholesome food meets play time for the kids.
Their menu is expansive with delicious offerings, some a little indulgent, and incredibly inviting with their beautifully designed interior.
Oli's offers a casual, quick dining service. Characterised by a relaxed, neutral, simple and inviting feel. A space for families to enjoy delicious food, share memories together and take a moment to themselves.
Only moments out of the Shire in Helensburgh, you have Symbio wildlife zoo, Experience a slice of Country in the Symbio Farmyard. There is SO much to do here. Expectation: Get in early, leave early to late afternoon. First off, the main reason you're going here. . . Pet and feed the animals.
The Symbio Farmyard is one of the most exciting areas to be built at Symbio Wildlife Park, and is home to all your farmyard favourites such as goats, sheep, chickens, ducks, guinea pigs, alpacas and more.
Animal feed can be purchased upon entry which will have the farm animals literally eating out of the palm of your hand.
Symbio is MUCH more than just a Wildlife Park. Once feeding time is over let the kids run a muck in the adventure playground followed by a "cool off" in the Symbio Splash Park.
These two sections of the park are open all year long, you can spend the day interacting with animals whilst getting free access to the Splash Park and Adventure Playground as part of your standard entry ticket.
The Playground precinct is also the perfect spot for your family picnics due to the high number of picnic tables and large grass surrounds.
Download the app here.
Nestled on the banks of the Woronora River is a beautiful Cafe called the Woronora Boatshed. It's just a short drive out of the Sutherland CBD and has become famous for it's unique riverside location, amazing food and coffee and the best part of all... Canoe Hire!
Their menu has something for everyone, including delicious milkshakes, the breakfast stacker and you can TRY not to mention the lolly wall to the kids, but goodluck lol... but hey, if they DO happen to see it, don't worry, you can work off their sugar high by hiring out a canoe/kayak and send them cruising down the Wonny.
Supervised of course and you'll be able to jump in too if required.
They don't take bookings, so all hires are on a first in first served basis, however, they generally have plenty of crafts to go around so don't stress!
IMPORTANT NOTE: As the river is tidal, we recommend planning your trip around a high tide for the best experience.
You can even organise a guided kayaking tour. These tours are lead by their amazing local Boatshed staff who will give you a bit of insight on the area and what has happened in the history of the river banks.
It is honestly like you have taken a trip out of the Shire, but this beauty is right here on our footsteps, and they're on the Shire Rewards app too. Use your membership to see what offers and deals they have available.
Greenhills Skate Park offers a huge skateable area of approximately 1600m2. It has a bowl area featuring a large vertical transition, a street zone with stair sets and a snake run area that pays homage to the early days of skateboarding.
The skate park was designed and built by Convic in collaboration with Council, the developers, local skaters and Shire residents.
Skate park visitors are reminded to adhere to the advisory signage and be mindful when accessing the skate park. Entry to the skate park is via Lindum Road which will take you to the skate facility and adjacent car park.
You can ride or walk to Greenhills Skate Park from Cronulla on the Wanda Heritage Dunes walking track. The track starts at the end of the car park in Wanda Reserve, Cronulla and goes through the Wanda Heritage Dunes before finishing at the skate park.
From its small beginnings, HOYTS cinemas have become one of the world's leading entertainment corporations. HOYTS Australia and New Zealand owns and operates over 50 cinemas with over 400 screens and more than 50,000 seats.
The newly refurbished Cronulla Cinema now plays host to a swanky saloon style bar, lounge area and cafe, gourmet pizzas and cheese platters and a next level "Treat City" for all your classic movie snacks.
But that's not all. This particular Hoyts cinema has some exclusive "Cronulla Only" features not found in any other Hoyts location like their extra-comfy recliners to kick back on for the same price as a standard movie ticket (mind-blowing, right?)
But honestly, these seats are SERIOUSLY comfortable and are usually reserved for Hoyts cinemas offering LUX viewings. Read more here >>>
Cronulla Ferries sails from Cronulla to Bundeena on a regular basis, the earliest time slot is 5:30am on weekdays and 8:30am on weekends until 7:00pm, running every hour. A ferry ride is a great way to get into the fresh air this summer. Cronulla Ferries are located at the Public Wharf, Tonkin Street, Cronulla.
The Award Winning Ferry services operate on Port Hacking with its pristine waterways and exceptionally clean beaches. The Hacking is surrounded by the second oldest National Park in the world which is famous for its abundant wildlife and beautiful varied bushwalking experiences. This is the perfect day out, exploring the beautiful Sutherland Shire on the water.
Click here to view their timetable. Prices are as little as $3.80 for a child aged 4-15yrs and $7.60 for an adult, round trip.
Eat, Drink and Play at Vitaland Miranda. Vitaland provides a safe, clean, playful
wonderland to keep kids active and cheerful. They provide professional, healthy and tasty kids meal as well as delicious food for adults.
Vitaland Kids Cafe is open 7 days a week, weekdays from 9am until 5pm and on weekends from 9am until 6pm. The choo choo train, dance classes and face paint are just a few of the highlights that encourages creativity and increases engagement. Plan your trip to Vitaland today!
Carissa Pickering,
Shire Rewards | Shire Talk
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