Best Summer Activities For The Family

Summer is a time of celebration and discovery, with plenty of opportunities to have fun and make meaningful memories with your family. No matter what your budget, there are so many exciting summer activities to for kids and adults to enjoy – from relaxing beachside vacations to adventure parks and street festivals.

In this guide we’ll provide inspiration for things to do that’ll keep the whole family entertained all summer long. We’ve included some of Australia’s best tourist spots for families, plus recommendations for international adventures. So, get the sunscreen out, it’s time to get planning!

How to plan a fun summer

When the sun’s shining, there’s no time like the present to make the most of the warm weather and experience something new. Although kids are sometimes reluctant to be dragged away from their digital devices, they’ll brighten up as soon as they see their first waterslide or discover the thrill of riding a rollercoaster.

As with most things in life, a little bit of forward planning is the key to success. It’s also important to consider the interests and preferences of your loved ones – if one of your kids likes swimming, for instance, they’ll probably appreciate a visit to a water park. Similarly, if your kids prefer to do things like arts and crafts, you might be better off visiting a museum or going to see a children’s play.

Remember, you don’t need to spend a fortune to create happy new memories with your family – all you need is to be together and participate in new and fun experiences, full of wonder and laughter.

The best activities on a hot summer day in Australia

When it comes to planning family-friendly activities in summer, Australians are spoiled for choice. Here, we’ve put together a range of interstate adventures – including beach getaways, thrills in the great outdoors, and other unique travel experiences that make the most of Australia’s utterly gorgeous summers.

Beach adventures

It wouldn’t be an Aussie summer without a family outing to the beach! When looking for suitable activities on a hot day, there’s nothing better than a refreshing dip in the ocean.

From the sun-drenched splendour of the Gold Coast to the tranquil bays of the Whitsundays, Australia is absolutely blessed when it comes to beautiful beaches. Swimming is right up there with all the fun things to do in the summer, but you can take your beach holiday to the next level by planning a variety of unique activities around your visit.

Here are some great beachside family activities for summer:

• Surfing/body surfing lessons
• Jet skiing
• Beach games (such as beach volleyball)
• Coastal walks
• A family picnic enjoyed under a sunshade, with an Esky full of goodies

The best beaches for families

Let’s take a look at some of Australia’s most popular beach destinations for family holidays. By travelling together to these breathtaking destinations, you’ll give your kids the invaluable gift of memories forged in joy.

Also, when booking your beach vacation, don’t forget Cashrewards! Visit Pack Ya Bags to find the latest cashback offers from some of the world’s hottest travel brands including Virgin and Wotif.

Bondi Beach, Sydney

Famous for a reason, Bondi Beach in Sydney offers an iconic vista as well as a huge variety of things to do and places to eat. Features include:

• Bondi Icebergs ocean pool
• Dinner at Icebergs restaurant
• The Bondi to Coogee coastal walk
• Surfing lessons at Bondi Beach
• Shopping at Bondi’s boutique retail stores

Cottesloe Beach, Perth

The long stretch of pure white sand, contrasted by the dazzling blue water, makes Cottesloe Beach one of Australia’s best. Here are some great activities for families:

• Snorkelling in Peters Pool
• Surfing lessons at Leighton Beach
• Fine dining with a beach view
• A picnic on the Cottesloe Esplanade
• Bicycle adventures on one of Perth’s scenic trails

Airlie Beach, Whitsundays

This relaxed beach in the Whitsundays is perfect for families, offering a huge variety of summer activity options. These include:

• Taking a tour of Whitehaven Beach
• Embarking on an ocean rafting day tour to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet
• Paddling in the man-made lagoon
• Enjoying a scenic seaplane or helicopter flight over the Whitsundays

Experience a thrill

If you’re looking for fun stuff to do this summer, it doesn’t get more exciting than visiting a theme park. These places are designed to cater to all members of the family – from little kids through to the grown-ups, providing not just exciting rides, but opportunities to snack, relax and enjoy the warm weather.

Here are some activity ideas for the adventurous-at-heart, for a summer experience that’s guaranteed to create unforgettable memories:

• Roller coasters
• Water slides
• Bob-sledding
• Go-karting
• Ziplining
• Zorbing
• Abseiling
• Water rafting
• Indoor skydiving

The top adventure spots for families

There are plenty of great adventure spots around Australia that have your fun summer activities covered! Experience OZ gives you access to over 3,000 adrenaline-pumping moments that you and your kids will remember for a lifetime. Book through Cashrewards to access offers and cashback deals on unique experiences including tours, cruises, theme parts and more.

Here are some of Australia’s most popular theme parks, perfect for an amazing day of fun in the sun:

• Hyper Karting: Located in Sydney, Hyper Karting showcases the future of entertainment technology. Book your electric go-karting experience through Cashrewards to get cashback on your adventure!
• Luna Park: Another iconic Sydney attraction, Luna Park has been keeping families entertained since 1935. There are heaps of fun rides, plus an amazing view of Sydney Harbour.
• Raging Waters: Formally Wet'n'Wild Sydney, this spectacular water park is guaranteed to bring the excitement factor this summer, plus an opportunity to cool off and have a splash.
• Dreamworld: Situated in the Gold Coast, Dreamworld is the largest theme park in Australia, with over 40 rides and attractions. You might need to spend a couple of days there to catch every ride!
• Australia Zoo: If you’re planning a trip to the Sunshine Coast, Australia Zoo is well worth a visit. In addition to the exotic animals, you can also enjoy incredible live shows and entertainment.
• Jamberoo Action Park: An hour south of Sydney, Jamberoo is an action park with heaps of amazing water slides and other exciting attractions.

Take a plunge

Aside from Australia’s beautiful beaches and spectacular water parks, there are plenty of other water-based activities that can keep the family entertained during the school holidays.

Here are our recommendations of fun things to do in summer while splashing about and keeping cool:

• Snorkelling: There are so many extraordinary things to see in the water surrounding Australia – the Great Barrier Reef is just one example!
• Indoor Aquatic Centres: The great advantage of visiting an indoor swimming centre is you don’t need to worry about sunscreen! Our top recommendation is the Aquatic Centre at Sydney Olympic Park.
• Lagoons: All around Australia you can find both natural and man-made lagoons that make it easy to relax and enjoy a paddle.
• Scuba Diving: If your kids are above the age of 10, you might like to consider booking some scuba diving lessons this summer. It’s truly an experience like no other.

Best swimming locations for family fun

If you’re planning a fun day out with the family but you want something simple and cost-effective, there are other great swimming options aside from water parks and beaches. Cashrewards also has great offers on SUNNYLiFE products (such as inflatable pool toys) to add to the fun!

These are our top choices for family-friendly swimming spots around Australia:

• Public pools: Your local pool could be the perfect place to cool down, at a fraction of the cost of a water park. Plus, you can get to know other local families while you’re there.
• Freshwater rivers: There are an abundance of swimmable rivers around Australia (provided the weather conditions are right). You might also like to combine your visit into a camping trip so you can make happy new memories under the stars.
• Japanese-style public baths: Dotted around Australia are some fantastic onsen, allowing Aussies to enjoy the relaxing experience of spending a day in a spa.

Explore Australia's natural surroundings

It’s not just Australia’s coastal regions that are worth exploring, we also have a wealth of natural attractions where you can go for an invigorating walk through the bush, admire Australia’s unique landscape and keep your eye out for native birds and animals.

Here some great ideas for what to do in summer that will give your family a renewed appreciation of Australia’s natural splendour:

• Camping: There’s nothing more magical than gathering around a campfire with the family, watching the sunset against a backdrop of bushland, and enjoying a cosy night’s rest in the clear air of the wilderness.
• Nature walks: Around Australia you’ll find so many options for bushwalking, often also with breathtaking sights such as waterfalls and unique rock formations.
• Wildlife spotting: Australia has many great wildlife sanctuaries you can visit – our top recommendation is Featherdale Wildlife Park in Doonside, Sydney.
• Conservation workshops: Another fun activity the whole family can enjoy is going to an interactive workshop to learn more about how to care for Australia’s ecosystems.

Australia's most family-friendly natural escapes

Around Australia you’ll find plenty of options for eco-tourism, bringing you closer to nature while also helping to reduce your impact on the environment. It’s hugely beneficial for children to develop a strong sense of connection to the natural world, making these summer activities for kids not just fun, but important for their learning and development.

Additionally, for Cashrewards members, our Pack Ya Bags page includes offers on all the best travel deals – so you can plan the eco-holiday of your dreams!

Here are some of the best natural spectacles in Australia that you can visit with your kids:

• Uluru: One of Australia’s most famous landmarks, Uluru is a massive sandstone monolith that rises above the desert. A sacred site with great significance in Indigenous culture, Uluru is an amazing place to visit with the kids.
• The Great Barrier Reef: If you’re planning a trip to the Whitsundays, the Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system. Join a boat tour to see the reef up close, or enjoy a scenic flight in a chartered plane.
• The Pink Lakes of Western Australia: There are a number of spectacular lakes with a bright pink colour in Western Australia, such as Lake Hillier (located on Middle Island, east of Esperance). The high salt content means that if you go for a swim, you’ll float with incredible ease.
• Tasmania: There are too many natural wonders in Tasmania to list – but rest assured if you want to see beautiful scenery and diverse wildlife, Tasmania is the perfect place to visit.
• The 12 Apostles: Located approximately 275 kilometres west of Melbourne, these sublime rock formations rise up from the Southern Ocean, and they have a brilliant yellow colour that shifts as the light changes.

Top international activities for the summer

If you’re wondering what to do for summer and you want to plan something truly unforgettable, an international trip will help to broaden your kids’ understand of the world. There’s nothing quite as memorable as going overseas to experience a culture that’s completely different to our own, eating delicious new food and seeing magnificent sights.

Here are some activity ideas for international family fun in the summer:

• Cooking classes
• Family-friendly tropical beach resorts
• Kid-friendly excursions to international attractions (such as temples and art galleries)
• Visiting night food markets
• Going on a luxury cruise that offers packages for families

International destinations families need to visit

Below, you’ll find our top recommendations for international destinations that are suitable for families, including toddler-friendly places. Make sure to check out the latest Cashrewards deals at Pack Ya Bags, including discounts on travel from Expedia, Booking.com and Flight Centre.

These international destinations offer great experiences for people who are travelling with young children:

• Bali: Dotted all around Bali are plenty of child-friendly resorts, offering swimming, entertainment and child-minding services.
• Fiji: Denarau, the Mamanuca Islands and the Coral Coast are all good places for taking the kids on holiday to Fiji. Look for a child-friendly resort that offers kid’s club activities to keep them busy.
• Thailand: Khao Lak, located on Thailand’s southwest coast (north of Phuket) is perfect for families. There are also plenty of great dining options, offering both Thai and Western cuisine.
• New Zealand: Travelling to New Zealand from Australia is super easy, plus it’s the perfect place to visit with the family. Rotorua offers lots of cool action-based activities, while Lord of the Rings fans will get a kick out of visiting the Hobbiton movie set in Matamata.
• Japan: Want to get away from the heat? Perhaps a skiing trip is exactly what the family needs this summer. There are plenty of child-friendly ski resorts in Japan, offering fun activities for the little ones to enjoy.

Summer activities on a budget

We get it – life with kids can be exxy! In this section, you’ll find budget-friendly things to do in summer that tick all the boxes of being fun, enriching and memorable. Keep reading to see which cheap summer activities are currently popular with Australian families.

Local shows and events: Affordable family entertainment

During the summer you’ll find heaps of affordable local entertainment for family fun. You can save even more money if you make show bookings through Cashrewards with Ticketek and Groupon.

Here are our best recommendations for cheap school holiday activities that will keep the whole family entertained:

• Children’s theatre: Around Australia there are plenty of places you can take the kids for an engaging afternoon of fun at the theatre. The Kids Theatre programs at the Sydney Opera House are particularly great, especially if you happen to live near a train station that can take you to Circular Quay.
• Kid-friendly movies: A day out to the cinema during summer is great because it’s entertaining, plus you get to sit in air-conditioned comfort the whole time!
• Public playgrounds: Sometimes keeping the kids entertained is as easy as finding a new public playground for them to explore! Look for one with plenty of shade and picnic tables so you can enjoy a nice picnic lunch together.
• Local festivals: It’s worth getting in touch with your local council to find out about holiday activities for kids – such as arts and crafts workshops, and kids’ sporting events.

Fun at home: Simple pleasures with sprinklers and games

If the sun is blazing and it’s simply too hot to go out, there’s still heaps of stuff you can do at home to make new memories and keep the kids happy! Browse the range of fun indoor and outdoor games for kids at Big W and Target, and claim cashback for your purchases.

Here are some cost-effective summer activities for toddlers and older kids that will keep them engaged and entertained:

• Outdoor water games: Even something as simple as a lawn sprinkler can provide hours of fun for the little ones. You might also like to set up a slippery area by putting a soft plastic mat on top of the grass, or a simple paddling pool to keep the little ones cool (always with adult supervision).
• Water guns: This is another great way to have fun in the backyard. Water guns will keep them entertained, while also helping to give your lawn and garden a bit of a soak!
• Chalk art: Buying your kids a bucket of colourful chalk will bring out their inner artist as they transform your driveway into a vibrant mural.
• Family games night: From card games to Monopoly, card games are a great way to bond and have a laugh during the school holidays.

It’s time to pack ya bags!

Get access to the best school holiday travel deals at Pack Ya Bags – giving you the best prices for family-friendly summer activities, plus the opportunity to get great cashback rewards. Whether you’re keeping it simple this summer by visiting the local pool, or planning an international getaway, Cashrewards makes it easy to create a summer of fun that the whole family will enjoy.