Just like that, the school holidays are rolling around again. Keep it fresh so the kids are entertained with our options for kid-friendly dining, sports programs and family outdoor activities.
Kid-friendly dining
If you haven’t yet been to The Mill Café, pop it onto your must-do list for these school holidays. This local favourite is housed in a heritage-listed former flour mill and residence—which is the sole-surviving mill building in the Queanbeyan-Palerang and Canberra district. Not only will your kids get a taste of regional history, but they’ll also love the semi-covered play area with a cubby house, and the kid-sized table they can sit at and enjoy their babycino. Dogs are also welcome, with puppacinos on the menu too.
More formally known as the Queanbeyan Kangaroo Rugby League Football Club, the Roos Club has a dedicated play area and weekly activities for the kids. Enjoy some dinner and conversation in peace while the little ones tire themselves out crawling through tunnels, playing naughts and crosses and more.
Campbell & George, home to the historic Queanbeyan Bowls Club, is another lovely dining spot. The kids can run amuck in the Paddock or beer garden—and will be thrilled to know that that is where the police horses used to live!
Get active and creative at PCYC
For over 90 years, the PCYC has provided a safe and supportive environment for our young people in Australia. PCYC Queanbeyan is relatively new, having taken over from QPRC Indoor Sports Centre.
Every school holidays, they offer a phenomenal range of camps and structured activities at accessible prices. These school holidays, kids between 5-12 years old can battle it out with some Nerf toys, make friendship bands, play dodgeball and even disco their way into the weekend. There is also a Gymnastics Camp running. Both Active and Creative Kids vouchers are accepted.
Looking for an intensive swimming program for the water babies? QPRC Aquatics run school holiday programs depending on student demand and teacher availability.
Go bush for a day altogether
When cabin fever hits, take the family out to Molonglo Gorge in the Kowen Forest. The Gorge was formed 15 million years ago and today, is a natural wonderland of the Australian bush, cascades and pools. At the start, there is a recreation area equipped with electric barbecues and toilets for those who don’t want to venture too far.
If your kids can handle a big walk, the 6km return journey along the Blue Tiles Walk is stunning—but bear in mind that there are some steep and narrow parts. Signage is also limited so follow the main trail that is closest to the river. With some rocks to clamber over though, it is a short but thrilling adventure. Dogs are also welcome on this track so no family member needs to be left behind!
A point of interest for any train enthusiasts in your family is that from the track, you’ll get a good view of the railway on the other side of the Gorge.
At the end of the Blue Tiles Walk (which is indeed the 3km halfway point of the return journey), you’ll find a lovely picnic area; the perfect place to stop and recharge with some refreshments. Please note that there is no drinking water though, so be sure to carry plenty.
If you’d like to leave the Blue Tiles Walk for another day, here are some shorter family-friendly walks:
- Mount Jerrabomberra Lookout, 3.9km loop
- Queanbeyan River Walk, 2km loop
- Bicentennial Park Loop, 1.5km loop. There are also some very good playgrounds here for the kids, with a slide, swings, monkey bars and even a log roll.
Written by Thuc Do, Fiction Agency, for Visit Queanbeyan-Palerang.