SCHOOL holiday activities in cooler weather that don’t break the bank are always a dilemma for parents.

Fortunately there are some great options for kids these school holidays.

It’s not too hard to find a great park to check out, and there are some wonderful options with the new equipment at Fingal Bay and the skate parks at Anna Bay and Nelson Bay.
d’Albora Marinas at Nelson Bay has free fish feeding daily and a giant chess board to entertain.

It gets a bit trickier on days when the weather is cool or it rains.

Fortunately there are some free activities and suggestions to keep parents sane and children happy..

Salamander Bay Shopping Centre has some activities nearly every day of the school holidays and they are all free although located dangerously close to the food hall and it’s delicious temptations.

Kids can enjoy reptile shows from3-7  July at 10am,11am and 12pm daily.

There are also a range of craft activities 8-14 July where kids can create everything from bug catchers to wind chimes.

Naturefest has some interesting options. The program is online at www.destinationportstephens.org.au and of course you can always check out the rock pools at Boat Harbour, the walk to the top of Tomaree Head or consider the walk along the foreshore and around Wanda Wanda Head which can be accessed from Wanda Beach.

Or take a drive to the Tilligerry Habitat which is open from 9am-3pm daily with free entry.

Charlie Bell, who is a committee member of Tilligerry Habitat, told News Of The Area, “It’s a great place to bring children where they can enjoy a 2km walk in picturesque bushland and you may even see a koala in the wild.”
By Marian SAMPSON