Ultimate guide to entertaining the grandkids without breaking the bank

From vintage train rides to hands-on museums and quirky outdoor parks, there's no shortage of ways for grandparents or aunts and uncles to keep the kids entertained these school holidays.

Research shows 'skip-gen', the trend where grandparents go on vacation with their grandchildren, leaving the parents behind, is becoming increasingly popular.

In Australia, 51 per cent of travellers reported having taken-or planning to take-a skip-gen holiday according to Hilton's 2026 Trends Report

The Senior has rounded up the standout experiences across the country to help you plan the perfect day out or even holiday with your beloved grandchild.

Whiteman Park, Western Australia (WA)

Whiteman Park is a huge conservation and recreation reserve that is free to enter, making it highly budget-friendly. You pay only for the attractions you choose.

The attractions include:

1. Vintage Train Rides: A scenic vintage train ride on the Bennett Brook Railway through the protected banksia woodlands.

The trains are steam and diesel-powered and the ride offers a chance to spot wild Western Grey Kangaroos.

2. Heritage Tram Rides: The only place in WA where you can ride a genuine heritage electric tram.

The route takes you around the village and picnic areas, stopping at the main attractions like Pia's Place.

3. Kids' Woylie Walk (Special January Evening Tour): This is a truly unique evening experience perfect for older grandkids (4-16 years).

It's a special nocturnal tour of the Woodland Reserve to see native animals like woylies and quendas feeding under special night lighting. Bookings are essential.

4. Motor and Transport Museums: The park is home to the Motor Museum of WA, the Tractor Museum, and the Revolutions Transport Museum.

These all run special programs during the December/January school holidays, often including free activity booklets and scavenger hunts for the kids.

5. Pia's Place Playground & Water Play: A massive, all-abilities nature playground at Mussel Pool, which is a fantastic spot to run off energy.

During the heat of January, the Mini Pool Playground (a free splash pad) is open daily, which is a huge bonus.

Western Australian Museum Boola Bardip

1. Specialised Workshops (Ages 8-12): These are programs led by experienced museum staff, perfect for inspiring curiosity and creativity in older children.

The "drop and leave" programs allow your grandchildren to experience the museum independently in a safe, monitored environment while you enjoy a coffee or explore the main galleries.

2. Little Big Dinosaur Trail (All Ages): This is a fantastic free activity included with general admission that blends the physical museum space with modern technology.

Grandchildren use a smartphone (either yours or their own) to scan markers hidden throughout the museum.

When they scan the markers, dinosaurs (both large and small) come to life on the screen, appearing right in the gallery next to them!

It's a fun "dino hunt" that takes approximately one hour and encourages interactive discovery.

Look under the "What's On" or "School Holidays" sections for the full January calendar, which includes all the booking links and details for these unique workshops.

Kings Park and Botanic Garden Perth City

This iconic park is one of the world's largest inner-city parks.

Visit the Ivey Watson Playground (for younger kids) or the Synergy Parkland (Lotterywest Playground) for older kids (The DNA Tower and Federation Walkway are also free).

Water Labyrinth, Forrest Place, Perth CBD

This interactive water sculpture is free. It runs daily (10:00am - 6:00pm) where kids can run and splash to cool off.

WA Shipwrecks Museum Fremantle

Explore relics from shipwrecks along WA's coast and browse interactive exhibits for free.

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Cirkidz Super Summer School Holiday program

This is a "Drop and Go" program running at the indoor SA Circus Centre in Bowden.

Kids spend their time in half-day or full-day sessions focused on circus skills.

Activities include acrobatics, juggling, hula hoops, tightrope, aerial silks, and trampolining. Sessions are generally suitable for ages 5 to 12.

Half-day: Approx. $60 per child. Full-day: Approx. $110 per child.

It's a great way to guarantee a full day of high-energy fun indoors, safe from the January heat, while developing coordination and confidence.

Woodhouse Adventure Park "School Holiday Unplugged"

An all-day, fully supervised, outdoor "kids-only" day camp on a magnificent 54-hectare natural property, located just 10 minutes up the South Eastern Freeway.

Each day has a different theme.

Activities range from outdoor laser skirmish to creative crafts and water play. Ages: Primary school children. Cost Approx. $80 per day.

This is a highly structured, "drop and go" program, so parents/grandparents do not stay.

Touch-a-Truck Day

This is often one of the biggest free community events in the summer holidays.

Kids get to climb into, explore, and get up close to a huge variety of large vehicles, including fire trucks, police cars, ambulances, council garbage trucks, road rollers, excavators, and more.

They also get to meet the drivers and workers.

These are hosted by various local councils (such as the City of West Torrens).

A popular location is Apex Park, West Beach. Often held on a weekend near the end of the school holidays. The City of West Torrens often holds theirs on the last Saturday of January (e.g. Saturday, January 31, 2026).

Check the City of West Torrens Council website under the "School Holiday Program" or search for "Adelaide Touch-a-Truck January" closer to the date.

SA Museum & Art Gallery of SA North Terrace, Adelaide

There is free general entry to both major institutions.

The SA Museum has impressive dinosaur fossils and interactive zones. The Art Gallery often features free family trails.

Mukanthi Playground Morialta Conservation Park

This is Adelaide's biggest and most impressive nature-based adventure playground with high climbing structures, slides, and unique Aboriginal-inspired play areas.

The World of Butterflies Exhibition (Hobart)

A highly visual and educational temporary exhibition at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery.

It celebrates the diversity and resilience of butterflies, featuring hundreds of global specimens in stunning themed displays.

It's a wonderful way to spark curiosity about nature, life cycles, and global conservation efforts. Suitable for all ages (0-12).

Visually engaging for toddlers, and educational for older children.

The exhibition runs from August 2025 and closes on Monday, January 26, 2026.

General entry is free.

Discovery Backpacks & Trails

When visiting the free Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, you can borrow Discovery Backpacks for free from the Visitor Information Desk.

These are filled with objects, props, and activities designed to help children aged 7-12 explore specific areas of the museum (e.g., Antarctic or Natural Sciences) in a fun, hands-on way.

Free Tentacle Trails (seek-and-find worksheets) are also available for all ages.

Cygnet Folk Festival (Huon Valley)

More than just music, this festival is a vibrant community event that takes over the small town of Cygnet (45-minute drive south of Hobart).

It features music, dance, local food, and unique dedicated children's entertainment throughout the weekend.

It's an immersion in Tasmanian culture and community spirit.

They have specific areas and performers dedicated to children's entertainment (circus, roving performers, family workshops). Friday, January 9 - Sunday, January 11, 2026.

Weekend and Day passes are available. Infants & children aged 4 years and under may attend for free and do not require a ticket.

Children's tickets (5-12 years) are available at a reduced rate.

Library School Holiday Programs

Local libraries (like Hobart Library) run free programs.

Look for workshops like Lego Spike coding sessions, Squishy Circuits (science), and craft activities during January.

LEGO® Star Wars

Temporary Exhibition: This is a spectacular, ticketed exhibition, closing on January 26, 2026.

A huge collection of iconic Star Wars characters, starships, and scenes recreated in stunning detail using millions of LEGO® bricks.

It includes the largest collection of life-sized LEGO Star Wars models ever created, plus hands-on building zones.

The Family Museum Sleepovers (Jan 8 & 9) include exclusive access to this LEGO exhibition after hours!

There is also a dedicated Millennium Falcon Package on Jan 16 & 17 that includes a special talk by a LEGO Certified Professional.

Ideal for all ages and adults who are fans of either LEGO or Star Wars.

Brickvention 2026: Public Expo (The Biggest LEGO Fan Event!)

This is Australia's premier LEGO fan event, celebrating its 20th anniversary on Saturday, January 17 and Sunday, January 18, 2026.

It's a huge display of hundreds of unique, creative models built by fan enthusiasts from around the world (not just official LEGO sets).

It features an interactive zone, a free-play area for kids, and vendors.

Excellent for all ages, especially older kids who are serious builders.

Children three years and under enter free.

CostChild Tickets (4-15 years): Approx. $18. Adult Tickets (16+): Approx. $27.

Advance online purchase is highly recommended.

NGV Kids on Tour (Various Locations)

The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) runs its free "Kids on Tour" program in collaboration with regional galleries and community venues across Victoria during the holidays.

It features free, hands-on activities and workshops developed by NGV, often inspired by major artists. Themes in January 2026 include "drawing colourful cakes" and crafting party hats.

There are 160+ locations across Victoria (check your regional area or local library).

Throughout the Summer Holidays (approximately January 2 - January 25, 2026).

Puffing Billy Railway

This holiday fun is located in the Dandenong Ranges, approximately one hour east of Melbourne CBD.

The main departure station is Belgrave, which is accessible by Metro train from Flinders Street Station in Melbourne.

The best family route is Belgrave to Lakeside return, taking approximately 1 hour each way and giving you a 1.5-2.5-hour stopover at Lakeside.

The train stops at Lakeside Visitor Centre, which is located within Emerald Lake Park.

The park is perfect for kids and includes: a large playground, picnic areas, BBQ facilities, and paddle boat hire (at an extra cost).

In January, there is also a wading pool (check council opening hours) where the kids can cool off.

The railway operates daily in January (except Christmas Day), with multiple departures from Belgrave.

The State Library Victoria Melbourne CBD

Visit the stunning dome and explore the Children's Quarter, which often features free, self-guided play zones and exhibitions during the holidays.

Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne CBD

Explore the Children's Garden (near Gate F), which is an interactive space designed for discovery, climbing, and splashing in shallow water play areas.

GOMA Children's Art Centre

The exhibition Contraptions is scheduled to run through January (Jan 10 - Feb 21, 2026).

This usually involves hands-on activities, building, drawing, and multi-sensory experiences based around movement, machines, and invention.

Ideal for all ages it's a huge, air-conditioned space, perfect for escaping the Brisbane heat.

General entry and Children's Art Centre installations are free.

South Bank Parklands Water Play.

The entire South Bank Parklands is a massive, free attraction.

The highlight is the Boat Pool and the adjacent Aquativity water play area.

It's a man-made beach and lagoon system with sandy areas, shallow wading zones, and fountains, perfect for cooling off safely. South Bank Parklands, South Brisbane (a short walk from GOMA).

Availability Open daily, usually from 9:00am to 5:00pm. Free to enter and use all facilities.

Summer School Holidays at the Museum of Brisbane

Kids can design bright, bold badges inspired by the Precious exhibition, celebrating their favourite objects and memories. $2 for one badge or $5 for three at the Museum of Brisbane.

All ages. Monday 5 January - Monday 26 January 2026 -10:30am-1:30pm.

Dazzle Discs: Kids can make their own sparkling suncatcher using glittering materials inspired by the Shimmer exhibition. Drop in and dazzle.

Saturday 13 December 2025 - Monday 26 January 2026 10am-1pm Free, Fairfax Gallery, All ages.

Clock Tower Tours: Daily, Free with booking, All ages - A Brisbane classic.

You can also ride the heritage lift to the top of the iconic City Hall Clock Tower and take in sweeping city views.

Mon Repos Turtle Centre, Junior Ranger Program - Bundaberg

A highly specialized ranger-guided program where children become "turtle researchers." They learn about marine turtle conservation, tracks, and nesting sites, with activities designed just for them.

Targeted activities for 6-8 year olds and 8-12 year olds. Approx. $28.85 per child.

Search for Mon Repos Junior Ranger program (Booking is essential).

Moreton Bay Libraries: LEGO & Robots

Various local libraries run tech-focused holiday programs. One example is the "LEGO and robots" session where kids learn to code a Dash robot and use LEGO to build extensions to complete a challenge.

Generally suitable for ages 5+ at various Moreton Bay Library branches (North of Brisbane).

Check the Moreton Bay school holidays website for specific January dates and times at different branches.

Dinosaur Valley at Scenic World

Australia's biggest dinosaur experience! It features over 60 life-sized, roaring, and moving animatronic dinosaurs placed along the rainforest boardwalks of the Jamison Valley.

It combines the thrill of dinos with the magic of the Blue Mountains' natural scenery and is included with all Scenic World tickets.

Scenic World, Katoomba, Blue Mountains (approx. 90 minutes drive from Sydney).

Your ticket includes unlimited rides on the thrilling Scenic Railway (the world's steepest passenger train!), the Scenic Cableway, and the Skyway, making it an incredible full-day outing.

RELICS: A New World Rises. LEGO®

A unique, mind-bending exhibition created by LEGO® Masters winners. It features miniature LEGO worlds built inside vintage objects (like a VW Beetle or a typewriter), telling tiny, whimsical stories.

It includes an interactive build space for kids.

This is a major touring exhibition that closes on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.

Best enjoyed by kids aged 5 and up who can appreciate the intricate storytelling and detail, but the build room is fun for all ages. The Australian Museum, Corner of William & College Streets, Sydney.

Australian National Maritime Museum

Climb Aboard & Playground: While some exhibits are ticketed, the ANMM offers free access to climb aboard a retired Navy submarine (HMAS Vampire) and a tall ship (HMB Endeavour replica) at certain times (check entry rules).

Next to the museum is the Darling Quarter Playground, a massive, award-winning play space with a 21m flying fox, climbing ropes, and free water games/splash areas-perfect for a hot January day.

Located at Darling Harbour, Sydney. Check ANMM for current vessel access fees/rules.

Search for Darling Quarter Playground and Australian National Maritime Museum (Check the "Plan Your Visit" page for free entry to vessels).

Museum of Sydney

Head to the dig site, grab your tools and become an archaeologist at the Museum of Sydney.

It delivers a rich, multisensory, family-friendly experience that invites you to experience the excitement and challenges of archaeological excavation for yourself.

Unearth artefacts in a digitally simulated excavation with a 1980s video game vibe.

Piece together fragments of artefacts and sketch your find on a discovery sheet that can be pinned to the gallery wall or taken home as a memento.

Hunter Valley Gardens (Cessnock/Pokolbin)

This location is perfect for combining fun rides with beautiful, relaxing scenery.

The Christmas lights spectacular is a huge, flagship event and it runs right up until the end of January (until Monday, January 26, 2026).

It features over 4.5 million lights in dazzling themed displays, making for a truly magical evening. The Gardens run their five major amusement rides alongside the Christmas Lights.

These include the Ferris Wheel, Superslide, Swing Chair, Carousel, and Tea Cups.

Rides are an additional cost (approx. $6 per ride, or a bonus pass).

Library School Holiday Programs

Local council libraries often run free, bookable workshops like coding clubs, craft sessions, pop-up book making, and K-Pop Posca pen portraits during January. Check your local library.

National Museum of Australia

The National Museum of Australia and the Australian War Memorial are excellent for all ages, combining history, culture, and learning in an accessible way.

Questacon

This science centre is a classic all-weather attraction with hands-on exhibits about science and technology.

It has more than 200 interactive exhibits related to science and technology.

Canberra Glassworks

Visit the National Gallery of Australia or the Canberra Glassworks for a different kind of creative experience.

You can see contemporary glass art exhibitions, watch artists at work in the Hotshop, take a class, explore the history of the building, and buy a unique hand-made item in the Gallery Shop.

Weston Park

Weston Park has a playground, wading pool (in summer), and a miniature train.

The NT is famous for its great national parks - in particular Kakadu and Nitmiluk near Darwin.

They offer stunning gorges, waterfalls, rich Aboriginal culture and abundant wildlife.

Kakadu being larger is famous for ancient rock art, while Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) focuses on riverine landscapes.

Both require park passes and are better to visit during the dry season May to October when you can swim.

Wildlife centres such as Crocosaurus Cove and the Alice Springs Desert Park are also popular as are water activities such as Darwin Waterfront and Leanyer Recreation Park