Ah, school holidays. They’re the best of times (no more hustling kids to school!); they’re the worst of times (no more hustling kids to school… which means they’re left to run amok at home!). No matter whether you work in an office or at home, it’s likely vacation care programs will be a lifesaver when it comes to a) keeping the kids busy and b) keeping you sane.
Here are a few of the best Sydney vacation camps for kids:
Sparkle Cupcakery Kids Classes
Delicious play for any budding pastry chef. Best of all? A fresh dozen cupcakes to share at the end of the day.
Location: 132A Foveaux St Surry Hills, NSW 2010
Ages: TBC
Website: http://sparklecupcakery.com.au/classes/
Decorati Creative Workshops
From donut decorating to wood craft and paper mache, this craft studio just for kids has a class to get your little ones’ creative juices flowing.
Location: Grantee Building, Unit 19/369 Victoria Street, Wetherill Park NSW 2164
Website: http://www.decorati.com.au/#!events/csy2
Sydney Speaking School Debating Courses
Got a chatterbox in the family? Play to their strengths and enroll them in a debating course to develop their teamwork, speech structure, critical listening, and presentation skills.
Location: Shore School, Blue Street, North Sydney, or Knox Grammar School
Woodville Avenue, Wahroonga
Ages: From year three
Website: http://www.sydneyspeaking.com.au/?page_id=38
Rhubarb Jam Drama Workshops
Roll up! Roll up! Sydney’s coolest dancing, singing, and acting workshops start here. Cue applause.
Location: 142 Addison Rd, Marrickville (Addison Rd Community Centre)
Ages: Five to twelve years
Website: http://rhubarbjam.com.au/enrol/
Brickz 4 Kids: School Holiday Workshops
If you can remember building your LEGO empire only to tear it right back down, then this could be your chance to foster the same love of blocks in your wee one.
Location: Various around Australia
Ages: Five to eleven years
Website: http://bricks4kidzaustralia.com.au/program-events/camps/
Code Camp: School Holiday Kids Coding Classes
Since launching in 2014, Code Camp has hosted over 800 happy students. As well as games, puzzles, and tech, attendees meet successful tech entrepreneurs, work with friends, and learn skills needed in every industry on the planet. Welcome to the future.
Location: Ascham School, 188 New South Head Rd, Edgecliff, NSW
Ages: From Kindergarten to year twelve
Website: http://www.codecamp.com.au/#start
Alliance Française: French Holiday Courses
A dynamic one week French course which includes games, songs, role-play, and creative tasks such as making animal masks and posters.
Location: CBD or Chatswood
Ages: Seven to twelve years
Website: http://www.afsydney.com.au/language-centre/kids-holiday-courses
Junior Science Academy School Holiday Programs
Budding Einsteins will adore learning scientific concepts through art, drama, physical activity, craft, and other hands-on activities.
Location: Macquarie University, EMC2 Building, 3 Innovation Rd, NSW 2109
Ages: Eight to eleven years
Website: http://www.juniorscienceacademy.com.au/#!/
Pittwater Golf Centre: Kids School Holiday Camps
From mini golf to the driving range, if golf is your kid’s game then this is your jam.
Location: 1500 Pittwater Rd, Warriewood
Ages: Five to thirteen years
Website: http://www.pittwatergolfcentre.com.au/
Club Pero Holiday Gymnastics Programs
Worried that bad weather might put the kibosh on your holiday sports? Club Pero runs courses rain, hail, or shine, welcoming beginners to the world of rhythmic gymnastics.
Location: SCEGGS Darlinghurst or TARA Anglican School for Girls
Ages: From four years
Website: http://clubpero.com.au/our-programs/timetable.html
Judo Clinic
For little ones that bounce off the walls, Judo teaches one of the most important skills of all: falling safely.
Location: Eastern Suburbs PCYC, 26A Bunnerong Rd, Daceyville
Ages: Five to nine years
Website: https://eventdesq.imgstg.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=main&EventDesqID=8268&OrgID=8346
Image: Getty/Kinzie+Riehm
More summer holiday ideas:
