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School holiday activities in Hobart for 2021

Entertain your kids on a budget with these things to do in Hobart during the summer holiday break.

Stephanie Yip
Stephanie Yip

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Kids playing tennis outside.

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School's out, and you know what that means. The kids have time to spare and you have days to fill with activities.

Good thing we've done the hard yards for you and compiled a list of fun things to do in your local area, at home and fun road trips that are sure to be a hit.

Outdoor activities to do in Hobart over the summer school holidays

Cruise off the coast of Hobart

Discover the many islands just a short cruise away from Hobart. Try Iron Pot, home to Tasmania's oldest lighthouse, and Betsey Island, where gulls, cormorants and white-bellied sea eagles flock. Or simply cruise down the Derwent on a sunny day.

Fly above Hobart

Feel on top of the world with a scenic flight over the city.

Climb or cycle a mountain

Heed the call of the Tasmanian wilderness and pull your hiking boots or bikes out of storage for an outdoor adventure. Stay local and climb or cycle Mount Wellington or Mount Nelson. For younger families, you can take a bus to the top and hike down.

Tahune Adventures with Airwalk Admission
Tahune Adventures with Airwalk Admission

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Explore your local National Park

You don't have to venture far before you arrive at a National Park where you can walk, hike and learn about native flora and fauna. Mount Field National Park, Mount Wellington, Hartz Mountains National Park and Tasman National Park are all doable as day trips.

Tasman National Park 4x4 ATV Adventure Tour
Tasman National Park 4x4 ATV Adventure Tour

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Mt Field, Mt Wellington and Bonorong Wildlife Park Tour
Mt Field, Mt Wellington and Bonorong Wildlife Park Tour

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Have a wildlife encounter

Hobart is surrounded by natural landscapes where native wildlife appears around every corner. Make a day of exploring your local habitat or book the kids in for a feeding tour at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary.

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary Night Feeding Tour
Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary Night Feeding Tour

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Port Arthur Tour and Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park Tour
Port Arthur Tour and Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park Tour

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Admission to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary
Admission to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

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At-home things to do in Hobart over the summer school holidays

Crack open the arts and crafts at home

Painting, mosaics, flower crown making and clay moulding. You name it and there's a kit, a virtual workshop or a book that will get their imagination going.

Go to the movies – in your house

Pop those kernels, grab those blankets and spend the night on the couch catching up on the latest family flicks. Disney+, Netflix and BINGE are a few streaming services with vast libraries of G+ rated shows and movies.

Get creative in the kitchen

If your little ones love to get their hands dirty, get them in the kitchen with you to cook or bake something delicious. Make them part of the decision process by asking them to choose a cake mix at the supermarket or a recipe from a kids cookbook.

Have fun with brain-busting games

Challenging activities such as massive LEGO builds and jigsaw puzzles can leave them entranced for hours.

Road trips you can take from Hobart

For more road trip inspiration, check out our complete guides on Tasmanian family getaways and the top scenic road trips across the state.

Huon Valley

Distance from Hobart: 40 minutes by car to Huonville or 1 hour by bus.

Small towns, roadside stalls, caves and forests where you can walk above the canopy all await you on a trip to Huon Valley. Pick a sunny day or weekend for some fresh air and adventure.

Tahune Adventures with Airwalk Admission
Tahune Adventures with Airwalk Admission

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Mt. Wellington, Huon Valley and Tahune AirWalk Tour
Mt. Wellington, Huon Valley and Tahune AirWalk Tour

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Bruny Island

Distance from Hobart: A 40-minute drive and a 20-minute ferry ride. Public buses are also available to the Kettering ferry port.

Known for its natural beauty and native wildlife, Bruny Island is a relaxing escape for families large and small. Choose from bushwalks and coastal walks or tuck into the island's produce which includes cheese, oysters, fudge and berries.

Bruny Island Tour with Meals and Boutique Accomodation
Bruny Island Tour with Meals and Boutique Accomodation

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Gourmet Day Tour in Bruny Island with Lunch
Gourmet Day Tour in Bruny Island with Lunch

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Tasman National Park

Distance from Hobart: 1 hour, 30 minutes by car or 1 hour, 45 minutes by bus.

Iconic coastal scenery, bushwalks for all levels and abilities and historic sites – the Tasman National Park has it all. It's a bit of a drive, but you can break it up by stopping by local towns, lookouts and the Federation Chocolate Factory.

Free school holiday activities in Hobart

  • Take a walk through the beautiful Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens.
  • Go bird watching at The Waterworks Reserve.
  • Get arty at the Salamanca Arts Centre, which has stacks of free exhibitions.
  • Take in the sights of the city by cycling along Franklin Wharf.
  • Fuel the kids' curiosity by visiting the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery.

Need more ideas? Check out our 50 free activities to keep the kids busy these school holidays.

School holiday events in Hobart

  • Christmas School Holidays Coding Classes: Get them ahead of the computing game with a variety of coding classes available these upcoming school holidays. Program runs throughout December 2020.
  • School Holiday Camp: If your little ones have a love for soccer then keep them active at Showtime Soccer. Running on 7, 12 and 21 January 2021, this one is sure to be a winner. All skill levels welcome (6-13 years old).
  • School Holiday Programs at Rosny Library: From movie time to book readings, the Rosny Library is jam-packed with activities to keep your kids entertained. Dates run throughout January 2021.
  • Olympia School Holiday Camp: Located at Warrior Park, the Olympia Football Club is hosting two weeks of holiday camps throughout January 2021. 11 January - 21 January 2021 from 9am.
  • Children's Floral Decoration School Holiday Program: Get everyone together for a session on flower arrangement at the Margate Makers Market these upcoming school holidays. Entry is $5.

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Frequently asked questions

What should I keep in mind regarding COVID-19 when going out during the school holidays?

Just remember, wherever you go, good hygiene practices and physical distancing protocols should be maintained to keep you and your family safe.

Are all attractions in Hobart open?

You can now enjoy almost everything Hobart has to offer. The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, Zoodoo Zoo, Salamanca Markets, Mawson's Huts Replica Museum and the Salamanca Arts Centre are up and running again. However, MONA, the Maritime Museum of Tasmania and the Hobart Convict Penitentiary remain closed for the time being.

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