With school holidays just around the corner, many mums know the feeling — that mix of excitement and dread. Social media will soon be flooded with memes of frazzled parents clutching wine glasses, kids bouncing off the walls, and the chorus of “I’m hungry,” “I’m bored,” “Where are we going today?” ringing through every home.

But while the days can feel long and messy, holidays also hold something truly special. As mums, we get a chance to pause, to step away from the morning school rush of “hurry up, hurry up,” and instead enjoy simple moments — breakfast together, spontaneous adventures, and time just to “be.”

Sure, there will be sibling squabbles, extra washing, and crumbs in places you didn’t know crumbs could go. Yet, as our kids grow, these school holidays are fleeting seasons that we’ll one day look back on with fondness. They’re a chance to connect before playdates, sleepovers, and teenage independence take over.

So, here are a few simple tips to help you embrace the upcoming break and make it meaningful for both you and your kids:

Eastern Suburbs Mums Term 3 School Holiday Tips

1. Go on a local adventure
Pop on your comfy shoes, pack some snacks, and explore the beautiful spots right on our doorstep. Try Fred Hollows Reserve in Randwick, Centennial Park, Neilson Bay, or the coastal walks around La Perouse and Kamay Botany Bay National Park.

2. Slow down at a café
Without the weekend rush, take the kids to a favourite local café. Bondi, Bronte, Randwick and beyond are full of kid-friendly eateries where you can share a treat and soak up the slower pace.

3. Discover your local library
Libraries in Maroubra, Randwick, Surry Hills, Double Bay and Eastgardens offer so much more than books — storytime sessions, craft activities, and a quiet escape from the chaos at home.

4. Try somewhere new
Step outside the bubble of the east! Hop on a bus or train and explore another corner of Sydney — Newtown’s quirky streets, Parramatta’s riverside park, Sydney Park’s playgrounds, or even a day trip to the Northern Beaches. New places spark curiosity and give kids great stories to share when they head back to school.

This holiday season, let’s balance the mess with the magic, the chaos with the connection, and remind ourselves that these moments — even the noisy ones — won’t last forever.

What to do in Sydney these school holidays: Spring 2025 Guide