What to do in Brisbane During the Easter School Holidays

Keeping the kids entertained during the school holidays is always a challenge. Living in a big city has its advantages, with a plethora of school holiday activities on offer. Brisbane is no exception, its great climate and laid back lifestyle makes it an ideal city for kids. Here are a few ideas for the coming holidays.
1. Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium
A visit to the Planetarium is a great family day out and sure to fascinate children of all ages. The Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium runs a number of activities and shows appropriate for school age children, some included in the entry price while others incur a small charge. There are a range of 45 minute films aimed at all age groups, some give information while telling a fictional story, and others are more documentary style. Book some Brisbane accommodation at one of the many hotels in the Brisbane CBD and treat the kids to a mini holiday.
2. Mount Coot-tha Reserve
While you're in the area, the Mount Coot-tha Reserve is well worth a day of exploration. Boasting some of the most spectacular views in Brisbane, the Lookout has panoramic views over the Brisbane city and also offers a café, restaurant and gift shop. At the base of Mount Coot-tha are the Mount Coot-tha Botanic Gardens, which feature a tropical plants hot house and Japanese Gardens. There are several popular walking tracks through the reserve, varying in length and difficulty, although most of them do contain sections of uphill and stairs. There are also a range of mountain bike trails, again offering varying degrees of difficulty, suitable for beginners to advanced cyclists. After a day exploring the great outdoors, heading into the city for a night in one of Brisbane's hotels will provide a nice contrast.
3. Theme Parks
Although Theme Parks aren't everyone's cup of tea, a well planned day can be a great family outing. Choose your theme park carefully; if you don't like rides, steer your children towards Sea World or Movie World where the range of shows, exhibits and rides are more likely to satisfy everyone in the family. Sea World has a number of shows including the Jet Stunt Extreme and the ever popular sea lion and dolphin shows. There are also a number of extreme rides, a water park and the Sky High Skyway, perfect for the whole family.
4. Visit Chinatown
Chinatown Brisbane is a hub of Asian commercial and cultural activity. The mall has a number of Asian restaurants, multicultural stores and yum cha palaces as well as hosting a range of events, festivals, dance troupes and touring artists from Asia. Treat the kids to the unique cultural experience of yum cha, there's sure to be something on offer to tempt even the fussiest eaters. Located near the city centre, close to a plethora of Brisbane hotels and Brisbane accommodation options, a visit to Chinatown can be finished off with a fun night in the city.

School holidays don't need to be boring, particularly when you live in a big city. Check out local council websites, tourist bureau websites and city guides, you're sure to find a huge range of activities and ideas to keep the kids busy and entertained.

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What to do in Sydney During the School Holidays

Entertaining the kids during the school holidays is never an easy chore, and the Easter school holidays can be more difficult than most with the weather often being wet. This year, after the summer that has just passed, we can probably expect the worst. Below are some suggestions on how to fill the long, damp days of the Term 1/Easter school holidays in Sydney.
1. Visit the Power House Museum
The Power House Museum is one of only a few Sydney attractions that are equally interesting to both kids and adults alike. The Power House is Sydney's museum of science, technology, design, decorative arts and social history and its regular exhibits are full of moving and speaking displays along with a multitude of buttons to press, to reveal new information or turn an exhibit on. Currently the Museum is hosting the spectacular Harry Potter exhibition, although this closes on the 9th of April, so get there quickly if you don't want to miss out. For the young and the young at heart, the Wiggles exhibition will provide hours of entertainment and have you singing along to all the Wiggles classics. The Museum also holds a range of school holiday activities and programs ranging from shows to workshops. Nearby, there are quite a few luxury Sydney hotels if you're feeling like treating the kids to a night in town.

2. Sydney Observatory
Like the Power House Museum, the Sydney Observatory runs school holiday programs for kids and families. The activities cover most age groups and range from all day workshops to short films and telescope tours, while some activities are included in the admission price, some incur a small charge. For the older kids, why not stay the night in one of the many hotels in the Sydney CBD and attend one of the night activities at the Observatory. The rings of Saturn Pizza Nights will be held on Tuesday the 10th and Wednesday the 18th of April. A telescope viewing of Saturn (weather permitting) is the highlight along with a 3D space theatre adventure, pizza and a Milky Way bar for dessert. Bookings are essential, as this is a popular activity.
3. Hoopla Festival at Darling Harbour
From the 6th to the 9th of April, Darling Harbour is host to the annual Hoopla Festival, a combination of circus, sideshow and street theatre for all the family. There are many free outdoor events, plus a fantastic line up of indoor shows featuring some of Australia's most talented (and slightly unusual) performers. Book some Sydney accommodation and spend a couple of days soaking up the carnival atmosphere.
4. Luna Park
Weather permitting, Luna Park can be a great way to spend a day or evening. If you're like me, and love to ride the rollercoaster and big wheel then you'll have as much fun as the kids. If you prefer a more tame form of entertainment then Luna Park can still come up with the goods, visit the Deck Brasserie and Bar for some gourmet food, a good glass of wine and some of the best views in Sydney. A ferry back to the city and a night in one of the many Sydney hotels in the CBD and everybody's happy. Buy your Luna Park passes online for a $5 discount per person.
These are just a few of the activities on offer in Sydney these Easter school holidays. Book a couple of nights in one of the hotels in the Sydney CBD and spend a few days exploring the Sydney culture and attractions.

I am a freelance copywriter interested in travel, food and leisure. I am also fascinated by the world of SEO.

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