Kids, teenagers, and families in The Hills can enjoy a bonanza of free activities during the spring school holidays.
Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Michelle Byrne encouraged Hills families to take advantage of the exciting array of free programs.
"We've got technology and environment workshops, board games with Headspace, netball skills, art therapy, a nature walk and more," Mayor Byrne said.
"We're teaming up with the NRL during Grand Final week for our first-ever school holiday program at the new Kellyville Memorial Park, home of the Parramatta Eels Centre of Excellence.
"This is a wonderful opportunity for kids who have never played rugby league before to give it a go, supported by professional coaches in non-contact sessions focused on skill development. We're also running a session designed specifically for children and young adults with disability.
"The whole family can join in on several of the holiday activities – whether you're into sports, the arts, tech skills, wildlife or the environment, there's something for everyone in The Hills Shire these school holidays."
The Spring School Holiday Program includes:
Technology Workshop
What: Unleash your imagination in our hands-on 3D Printing Camp. Design your own model and bring it to life with a 3D printer. No experience is needed, and you'll get to take your unique creation home.
When: 9am – 12pm, Monday 29 September
Where: Skills Samurai, Level 2/10-14 Market Lane, Rouse Hill
Who: Young people aged 11 – 14
Games Afternoon with Headspace
What: Beat the holiday boredom with an afternoon of board games, snacks, and friendly competition.
When: 1pm – 4pm, Tuesday 30 September
Where: Headspace, 253 Old Northern Road, Castle Hill
Who: Young people aged 12 – 24
Environment: Ravi the Wildlife Guy
What: Learn about snakes and other animals during this wild hands-on experience through activities, storytelling, and up-close encounters. Explore real habitats, learn each animal's role in nature and how we can help protect them.
When: 2pm – 4pm, Tuesday 30 September
Where: Community Environment Centre, Annangrove Road &, Currie Avenue, Annangrove
Who: Children and families
Play Well NRL Program
What: This program is designed for kids who have never played NRL before. Guided by professional NRL coaches, the focus is on developing fundamental skills. This program includes an All Abilities session which is specifically designed for children and young people living with disability. All sessions are completely non-contact. The Play Well NRL Program has been made possible thanks to the Australian Sports Commission's Play Well Participation Grant.
When: 9:30am – 12:15pm, Wednesday 1 October
Where: Kellyville Memorial Park, 6Z/8Z Memorial Avenue, Kellyville
Who: Beginners aged 5 – 14 and children and young people living with disability aged 5 – 14
Resource Recovery: Insect Hotels
What: Create and decorate an insect hotel using recycled materials, such as cans, bamboo and other items found in the garden of the Community Environment Centre.
When: 10am – 12pm, Thursday 2 October
Where: Community Environment Centre, Annangrove Rd &, Currie Ave, Annangrove
Who: Children and families
Please note: A ticket must be booked for each person that attends. One ticket can't be used for multiple people e.g. a family.
Technology Workshop
What: Learn how to create your very own 2D and 3D games using Unity, one of the world's most popular game engines. The workshop will include designing characters and environments and coding gameplay mechanics. By the end of the session, you will have built and played your own game that you can share with friends and family.
When: 9am – 12pm, Friday 3 October
Where: Skills Samurai, Level 2/10-14 Market Lane, Rouse Hill
Who: Young people aged 11 – 14
Netball Sports Day
What: Join us on the court for a fun, active session designed to build netball skills and confidence. These sessions will offer game-based netball activities where participants will learn, play, and grow under the guidance of Netball NSW coaches. This program supports physical fitness, teamwork and skill development in an exciting and engaging environment.
When: 9am – 4pm, Tuesday 7 October
Where: Coolong Reserve, Coolong Street, Castle Hill
Who: Young people aged 5 – 14
Art Therapy
What: Guided by trained art therapists, these hands-on sessions encourage creativity, emotional awareness, and social connection – all while having fun with colours and textures.
When: 9am – 4pm, Wednesday 8 October
Where: Activity Room 2, Wrights Road Community Centre, Kellyville
Who: Young people aged 11 – 18
Ocean Warriors – Protecting our Oceans
What: Meet Diver Dave and learn about ocean conservation. In this workshop, you'll see sea creatures up close, learn about their role in the ocean, participate in a treasure hunt and learn how to protect beaches, waterways and rock pools.
When: 10am – 11am, Thursday 9 October
Where: Community Environment Centre, Annangrove Road &, Currie Avenue, Annangrove
Who: Children and families
Environment: Nature Walk and Art
What: Join us on a relaxing, sensory-rich nature wander through Gables. After the walk, participants will gather materials to make nature art and create seed bombs to encourage the growth of native tree species in the area. The guided nature walk is approximately 1km long and on even paved paths that are pram and wheelchair friendly.
When: 10am – 12pm Friday 10 October
Where: Bunyarra Parade Reserve, 2Z Bunyarra Parade, Gables
Who: Children and families
To book these activities, visit www.thehills.nsw.gov.au and search for 'School Holiday Activities.'
