School Holiday Program Enriches the Winter Break with Play & Discovery
Published on 25 June 2025
Hills kids and teens can stay curious and creative during the winter school holidays with Council’s brilliant lineup of FREE activities and workshops.
The School Holiday Program is designed to give local young people the opportunity to learn, grow, and connect during the break – a key part of Council’s commitment to investing in the future of the Hills community.
Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Michelle Byrne said the School Holiday Program is a fantastic way for Hills residents to light up their winter holidays with FREE fun and entertainment.
“There is something for everyone these school holidays – celebrate vibrant First Nations culture at Yarn at The Farm, score big during a day of soccer with Western Sydney Wanderers, or bust your holiday boredom with an afternoon of boardgames,” Mayor Byrne said.
“The School Holiday Program is a wonderful initiative designed to inspire curious minds, keep energy levels high, and create space for new friendships – and it’s all free!
“We’re delighted to keep kids off the couch and away from screens by engaging them in lively games, hands-on adventures, and real-world fun.”
Here is Council’s go-to guide for FREE winter holiday activities:
Yarn at The Farm
When: 10am to 2pm, Thursday 10 July
Where: Bella Vista Farm, Bella Vista
What: Celebrate First Nations culture this NAIDOC Week with FREE cultural workshops, traditional arts and crafts, sporting activities with AFL NSW, Parramatta Eels, and Western Sydney Wanderers. There will also be live music, storytelling, traditional dances, performances, and market stalls, alongside FREE servings of Indigenous fusion cuisine from Wilka Thalta food truck (500 servings).
NAIDOC Workshops
When: 11:30am to 4pm [four sessions], Monday 7 July
Where: Patrick White Room, Vinegar Hill Memorial Community Centre, Rouse Hill
What: Children and young people can unleash their inner creativity and learn more about First Nations culture by painting their own boomerang.
Technology Workshops
When: Wednesday 9 July & Tuesday 15 July
Where: Skills Samurai Hub, Rouse Hill
What: Children and young people can perfect their technology skills with multiple workshops including Junior Coding, Roblox Coding, Introduction to YouTube Editing, and Minecraft Coding.
Environment Workshops
When: 10am to 12pm, Thursday 10 July & 10am to 12pm, Wednesday 16 July
Where: Community Environment Centre, Annangrove
What: Celebrate Plastic Free July with two exciting environment workshops. Learn how to make beeswax wraps and how to make simple swaps to reduce single plastic waste – these workshops are fantastic for adults, families, and children over 5.
Games Afternoon with Headspace
When: 1pm to 4pm, Monday 14 July
Where: Headspace, Castle Hill
What: Young people can beat the winter holiday boredom with an afternoon of exciting boardgames, snacks, and friendly competition.
Play Well Sports: Learn to Play Soccer with the Western Sydney Wanderers
When: 9am to 4pm [four sessions], Tuesday 15 July
Where: Les Shore Reserve, Glenorie
What: Children and young people can kickstart their soccer journey during this beginner friendly program, with specialised sessions for children and young people with disability.
Air Dry Clay Workshop
When: 10am to 11:30am, Friday 18 July
Where: Thompson Hall, Baulkham Hills
What: Young people can express their artistry by shaping, sculpting, and personalising their own masterpiece using eco-friendly clay.
To register in any of the school holiday activities, visit www.thehills.nsw.gov.au and search for ‘School Holiday Activities’.