2026 Winter School Holiday Fun for Kids & Families!
28 June, 2026
– Cosy Adventures, Whale Watching & Family Fun!
Winter School Holidays 2026 in Byron Bay & Surrounds
The Winter School Holidays are here and if you’re searching for the best school holiday activities in Byron Bay and the Northern Rivers, you’ve come to the right place.
While the mornings may be a little cooler, winter is one of our favourite times of year. Think crisp mornings, sunshine-filled afternoons, migrating humpback whales, quieter beaches and spectacular hinterland adventures, and a fantastic lineup of holiday camps, creative workshops and family-friendly events.
Whether you’re a local family looking for fresh ideas or visiting the Northern Rivers during the break, we’ve rounded up the very best things to do with kids this winter—from active adventures and indoor rainy-day activities to creative workshops, farm experiences and plenty of free family fun.
The NSW Winter School Holidays run from Monday 6 July to Friday 17 July 2026, while many of our featured providers also offer programs during the neighbouring Queensland school holidays.
PLEASE NOTE: MANY HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES HAVE LIMITED PLACES AVAILABLE AND BOOK OUT QUICKLY SO WE RECOMMEND SECURING YOUR SPOT EARLY.
Why Winter is the Perfect Time to Visit Byron Bay with Kids
Winter is one of Byron Bay’s best-kept secrets. The weather is often beautifully sunny, the beaches are quieter and there’s plenty happening both indoors and outdoors.
It’s also whale watching season, making winter one of the most exciting times to explore the coast. Add in holiday camps, creative workshops, live entertainment and nature experiences, and there’s something to suit every age, interest and budget.
Whether you’re planning a full week of adventures or simply looking for something to do with the kids this weekend, you’ll find plenty of inspiration below.
ACTIVE WINTER SCHOOL HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS
Get moving with action-packed adventures, outdoor fun and exciting new challenges.
Let’s Go Surfing
Winter is often one of Byron’s best surf seasons.
Kids can learn to catch their first wave or improve their skills with experienced instructors with the only surf school that uses Byron beaches! Small group lessons, quality equipment and Byron’s beautiful beaches make this a holiday favourite year after year.
Circus Arts Byron Bay
Looking for an all-weather activity that’s guaranteed to burn off some holiday energy?
Circus Arts Byron Bay offers action-packed holiday programs for kids and teens featuring aerials, trampolining, acrobatics, ninja courses and even the famous flying trapeze. Suitable for beginners through to experienced young performers, their fully supervised programs run throughout the school holidays.
👉 Circus Arts Byron Bay school holiday program
If the weather turns, their indoor circus playground is also a fantastic option for younger children. You can book online here or call them direct on: 02 6685 6566 during their open hours.
Spaghetti Circus
Pick your adventure! Kids choose their own circus path across skills like tightrope, trapeze, tissu, German wheel, big tramp, acro balance, juggling, hula hoops, circus games and more. Back for three magical days only!
Choose half-day sessions (ages 4–6) or full-day adventures (ages 6–14) from 14–16 July. Early drop-off available but book quickly, spots fill fast!
Tuff Nutterz
Tuff Nutterz is returning to Byron Bay Cavanbah Centre for an adrenaline-packed inflatable obstacle course from 16 – 19 July. Suitable for all ages, the touring attraction offers twisting slides, jumps and challenges across Australia’s biggest inflatables, creating a lively family day out where participants can race, play and laugh together. Tickets are available online or at the door (subject to availability), with toddler tickets including a parent wristband.
Byron Bay Skateboard School
Whether they’re stepping on a skateboard for the first time or already mastering tricks, Byron Bay Skateboard School holiday camps provide a safe and supportive environment for young skaters to build confidence and have fun at their purpose-built coaching facility in Byron.
Northern Rivers Rail Trail
One of the region’s greatest family adventures!
Pack (or rent) the bikes and explore part of the spectacular Northern Rivers Rail Trail. Families can ride through tunnels, cross bridges and enjoy stunning countryside scenery along the way.
There are options suitable for all ages and abilities, making it a fantastic day out.
Rollerworld Lismore
Lace up your skates and hit the rink!
Rollerworld’s school holiday sessions combine music, skating, games and plenty of fun. Whether you’re roller skating or rollerblading, it’s a fantastic way to spend a few active hours with friends and family. There’s an onsite cafe with hot and cold snacks and drinks available.
Brunswick Bush School
For kids who thrive outdoors, Brunswick Bush School offers unforgettable nature-based holiday adventures. Children spend their days exploring bushland, creating nature crafts, playing games, learning bush skills including whittling, sling shots & snares, and connecting with the natural environment. The programs caters for primary-aged children and the workshops are designed to encourage creativity, resilience, confidence and a love of nature. Expect muddy feet, big smiles and plenty of fresh air!
👉 Brunswick Bush School holiday program
INSPIRING WINTER SCHOOL HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES
Discover the beauty of the Northern Rivers through nature, wildlife and family adventures.
Farm Kids Byron Bay
Farm Kids holiday workshops at The Farm give children the chance to meet farm animals, explore gardens, learn about regenerative farming and enjoy hands-on activities connected to real farm life. Kids can choose shorter, 3hour workshops or full-day Mini Farmer experiences.
Perfect for curious kids who love animals, nature and getting their hands dirty!
Crystal Castle Family Experience
Looking for a family day out that’s a little different these winter school holidays? Set off on the Giant Crystal Hunt, wander through beautiful botanic gardens, discover giant crystals, sit inside an ancient amethyst cave and enjoy a range of daily experiences included with your entry.
This winter, families can also experience something truly rare. The Gyuto Monks of Tibet are in residence at Crystal Castle until 30 August 2026, sharing a 600-year-old Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Witness rare multiphonic chanting and the creation of sacred sand mandalas as part of your visit.
Perfect for kids, mums, dads, grans and pa’s, Crystal Castle offers a fun and relaxing day together in the Byron Bay hinterland.
Haven Gallery
Step into an extraordinary world of light, colour and imagination at Haven Gallery Byron Bay. This immersive experience invites visitors to wander through interactive installations designed to delight the senses and spark curiosity. Perfect for families looking for a unique indoor adventure, Haven Gallery offers a memorable experience that kids and adults will be talking about long after they leave.
NAIDOC Week
Join a celebration of Indigenous culture with walks in Ballina and Byron, a Community Family Day, Goori Cultural Art & Music Festival and a special Indigenous film spotlight with Flickerfest at Byron Theatre.
Whale Watching at Cape Byron
One of the biggest highlights of winter in Byron Bay is the annual humpback whale migration. Every year, thousands of whales travel along Australia’s east coast, passing right by Cape Byron—the most easterly point of mainland Australia.
The Cape Byron Lighthouse walking track and Three Sisters Broken Head walking track are a couple of the best land-based whale watching locations, and spotting a whale breaching or tail-slapping is something kids never forget. Bring binoculars, pack a picnic and allow plenty of time to enjoy the spectacular ocean views—you’ll often spot dolphins too!
Best of all, it’s completely free, making it one of our favourite family-friendly winter activities.
Local Libraries
Keep the kids entertained without stretching the holiday budget. Richmond Tweed Regional Libraries offer a fantastic range of free and low-cost school holiday activities including craft workshops, storytelling sessions, creative challenges and special events. With programs running across multiple library branches, there’s something for children of all ages to enjoy.
Places are limited and bookings essential for many activities – visit the link below and select the NEWS AND EVENTS tab from the top menu bar
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Australian Seabird and Turtle Rescue Tours
Give the kids a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at wildlife conservation these school holidays. Australian Seabird & Turtle Rescue Tours provide an opportunity to learn how injured seabirds and sea turtles are rescued, rehabilitated and returned to the wild. Educational, inspiring and engaging, it’s a wonderful experience for families who care about protecting our precious marine environment.
👉 Australian Seabird and Turtle Rescue Tours
ENTERTAINING SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN FOR KIDS
Enjoy movies, performances, games and family fun these school holidays.
Ballina RSL – School Holiday Entertainment
Back by popular demand as the last show sold out in weeks – on Tuesday 7 July, Ballina RSL is hosting The Tay Tay Tribute Show Let them take you on an ever changing and unique journey as they pump out smash hit after smash hit across each of the eras!
Also from 4 – 19 July you can enjoy a FREE family friendly game of Glow Mini Golf in the Anzac Room on the ground floor at Ballina RSL
Take advantage of the KIDS HQ – with free to play ARCADE GAMES, beanbags and kids TV, games table, colouring in competition. Add in daily $6 kids meal deals, and it’s a great value holiday outing.
Ballina Tenpin Bowling
Rain, hail or shine, Ballina Tenpin Bowl is always a school holiday favourite. Challenge family and friends to a game of bowling, enjoy a round of mini golf or spend some time in the games area. Younger children are catered for with lightweight bowling balls, ramps and bumper lanes, making it fun for all ages. When it’s time for a break, grab a snack, slushie or coffee from the onsite café.
👉 Call 02 6686 5342 to reserve your lane!
Palace Cinemas Byron Bay and Ballina Fair
As the temperature drops or the weather turns, a family movie session is always a winner. Palace Cinemas showcases the latest family-friendly films and provides the perfect excuse to enjoy some popcorn and downtime during the holidays. Catch popular G and PG-rated films perfect for younger kids, along with teen-friendly M-rated releases Book online and choose your preferred location — Byron Bay or Ballina.
Mullum Roots Festival
After a sold‑out 2025, Mullum Roots Festival is back! Headlined by Mental As Anything, Alex Lloyd & Busby Marou plus local favourites, emerging acts and Youth Battle of the Bands. Set in various venues throughout Mullumbimby village on 11 & 12 July it offers two full days of exceptional live music, celebrating the best in original songwriting and performance.
Tickets on sale now — limited availability.
Byron Baby Hire
Travelling with little ones? Byron Baby Holiday Hire makes holidaying easier with prams, cots, highchairs, car seats and beach gear delivered across Byron Bay, Ballina and surrounding areas — so you can pack lighter and relax sooner.
Byron Bay Markets
A visit to one of the region’s iconic markets is a wonderful way to spend a winter’s day. Wander through stalls filled with locally made art, handmade gifts, fresh produce, delicious food and sweet treats while enjoying live music and the relaxed Byron Bay atmosphere. Whether you’re browsing for unique souvenirs or simply soaking up the community vibe, the markets are a fantastic family outing. Rug up, grab a hot chocolate and enjoy one of Byron’s favourite winter traditions.
Rainy Day School Holiday Ideas
Don’t let a little rain spoil the fun! Winter weather in the Northern Rivers can be unpredictable, but luckily there are plenty of fantastic indoor activities to keep everyone smiling.
Some of our favourite rainy-day options include:
- Flying through the air at Circus Arts Byron Bay’s indoor circus playground.
- Enjoying bowling, mini golf and arcade games at Ballina Tenpin Bowl.
- Roller skating at Rollerworld Lismore.
- Catching the latest family movie at Palace Cinemas Byron Bay or Ballina Fair.
- Exploring the interactive light installations at Haven Gallery.
- Visiting a local Library for free craft sessions, storytelling and holiday workshops.
Sometimes those cosy indoor adventures end up becoming the holiday highlight!
Don’t Forget the Simple Things…
Some of the very best school holiday memories are made outdoors—and they don’t have to cost a cent.
Spend the day exploring one of our beautiful local beaches, pack a picnic for a hinterland adventure, wander the Cape Byron Lighthouse track in search of whales, ride bikes along the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, or discover one of our many fantastic playgrounds and skateparks.
Winter’s cooler temperatures make it one of the best seasons for family walks, bike rides and outdoor adventures, so don’t forget to leave some room in your holiday schedule for a little spontaneous fun.
Make the Most of Your Winter School Holidays
Whether you’re looking for exciting holiday camps, creative workshops, wildlife encounters, indoor activities or free family adventures, there’s no shortage of things to do with kids in Byron Bay and the Northern Rivers this winter.
Many of the region’s most popular activities book out well before the holidays begin, so if you see something your family will love, don’t leave it too long to book.
👉 Bookmark this page and check back regularly—we’ll continue updating our What’s On Guide with new events and family-friendly activities throughout the holidays.
Whatever you choose, we hope your Winter School Holidays are filled with adventure, laughter and wonderful family memories.
Happy holiday planning,
Michelle xx
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