After the festive season has come and gone and the novelty of the Christmas presents has worn off, the question of what next in a household with kids - often comes up.
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![The complete guide to kids activities in the Bega Valley Shire over the summer holidays. The complete guide to kids activities in the Bega Valley Shire over the summer holidays.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/117044565/699aeca3-ff17-40db-a131-886ee06dd1da.jpg/r0_314_5896_3629_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Thankfully there is still plenty of fun to be had with the Bega Valley offering a multitude of activities, upcoming events and fun ways to keep the kids entertained for the remainder of the school holidays.
We've put together a range of family-friendly indoor and outdoor activities for the summer, ranging from free activities to events, programs and lessons.
Sports and other summer recreational activities
Surfing, paddle boarding, SUPing and kayaking
- Coastlife Adventures based out of Kalaru offer surfing lessons, kayaking tours and stand up paddling lessons.
- Camel Rock Surf School - Bermagui
- Mitchies Jetty in Merimbula offers SUP and kayak hire
- Brogo Wilderness Canoes offers a scenic views along the Brogo Dam in Canadian style canoes
![Some Coastlife Adventure surf instructors gathered at Pambula Beach teaching kids how to catch waves on December 29, 2022. Some Coastlife Adventure surf instructors gathered at Pambula Beach teaching kids how to catch waves on December 29, 2022.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/117044565/3e8d8eb3-5abc-4d0d-86cd-9ea978c0a614.jpg/r0_141_1536_1471_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Bike trails on the South Coast
- The Kalaru to Tathra bike track is a newly installed track that also can connect you to the Tathra Mountain Bike Trails.
- For those mountain biking enthusiasts Tathra's community built Bundadung trails stretching over 50km of single-track trails, setting itself apart as one of the top places in NSW for riding and offering trails to suit all levels.
- Bermagui's Mountain Bike Park features 13 trails and 7km of single-track in state forest.
Dancing programs and workshops
There's several dancing programs on offer for the 2023 summer holidays, they range in prices so be sure to check them out and secure you spot!
- FLING's three day youth intensive dance sessions are available for kids aged 6 -13 and will teach them a range of contemporary dances on January 23-25.
- Funhouse Studio's Arty Farty Summer Day Camp this digital and multimedia art camp is for kids aged 8 to 18 and runs for 3 days from January 18- 20, single day tickets are also available.
- Funhouse Studio's Summer Dance Workshops also runs for three days and teaches kids from ages 2 to 12 various dance styles in separate age related sessions from January 23-25, single day tickets are also available.
![Funhouse Studio presents Summer Dance Workshops for late January. Funhouse Studio presents Summer Dance Workshops for late January.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/117044565/ef9402d1-5e0f-4f1c-ad6d-68445dd3acce.jpg/r7_0_820_458_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
All of these programs need prior-bookings however and will be subject to selling out, we've hyperlinked their websites in the text above for you.
Upcoming events
There's two local shows the kids can look forward to be it Candelo's traditional country show or the Pambula Show which is finally back after a four year hiatus!
- Pambula Show will be celebrating it's 110th show on January 7, it will begin at 10am and run into the late afternoon. Entry admission tickets can be purchased online at the pambulashow.com.
- Candelo Show will bring its full array of country competitions and children's activities. Gates open at 7am, entry is $12 per adult and free for kids.
Outdoor recreational areas
For the animal lovers out there, I highly recommend a trip to Potoroo Palace in Merimbula.
This not-for-profit public wildlife sanctuary is open daily from 9am to 4pm and offers animal encounters with Koalas, echidnas, snakes, wombats, potoroos of course and many more.
![Potoroo Palace offers animal encounters with koalas and several other animals. Potoroo Palace offers animal encounters with koalas and several other animals.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/117044565/b1566551-7328-407c-ac5d-dec52046b2e4.JPG/r0_0_984_498_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
If you're up for some wild fun Magic Mountain is the place that offers a multitude of rides and attractions; be it the water slides, toboggan, jumping castle, mini golf, magic carpet, grand prix cars, the maze or the tree climb challenge - there really is something for everyone.
Kianinny Bush Cottages offers heaps of things for the little ones from a school holiday program day camp where kids can get together as a group and enjoy all the fun that is to be had (bookings necessary) or selecting activities individually.
The activities there include Archery, a go at the Flying Fox Sugar Glider, Mini Golf, canoeing, SUPing and more.
![Top Fun offers fun activities for the whole family to enjoy. Top Fun offers fun activities for the whole family to enjoy.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/117044565/113410b2-6040-4a9d-acb2-4972a2be3dea.jpg/r0_6_480_407_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
You can also play mini golf at Top Fun, Magic Mountain and Bendy Kates.
Indoor entertainment - for those rainy days
If it's raining outside there's a few places you can go to which include: locally owned twin cinema, the Picture Show Man which is screening six great movies, the Merimbula Aquarium at the Wharf and Top Fun.
![Locally-owned cinema, the Picture Show Man, is offering a great selection of movies for the summer holidays. In picture: cinema's managing director Jesse Tankard during COVID restricted times in February 2021. Locally-owned cinema, the Picture Show Man, is offering a great selection of movies for the summer holidays. In picture: cinema's managing director Jesse Tankard during COVID restricted times in February 2021.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/117044565/7793617a-6c26-4d4b-a413-f8a7e5e2be3d.jpg/r0_4_865_679_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Top Fun is a great indoor arcade that also offers mini golf. Best known for its ten pin bowling it also includes Zone 3 laser tag and over 40 video games to choose from.
Bermagui, Bega, Tura and Eden Libraries
There's a very impressive range of activities on offer for kids these holidays at the local libraries.
Certain events will also be held twice to make sure people don't miss out.
- Crafternoon at Bega Library every Wednesday from 2-4pm, open to all ages.
- Yarn and Stitch at Tura Library every first and third Saturdays of the month from 10am to 12pm - all ages welcome.
- TinyZoo at the Bermagui Library on January 10 from 12.45 -1.30pm
- Three Little Pigs STEM Challenge at the Eden Library on January 10 starting at 10.30
- Weaving a Godseye with Sandy at Bermagui Library on January 12 starting at 10.30am
- Tiny Zoo at the Eden Library on January 12 starting from 11am
- The singing Mermaid Puppet Show at Bermagui Library on January 13, starting at 10.30am
- Musical Storytime Dr Suess at the Bermagui Library on January 16 starting at 10.30am
- Magnetic Slime at the Eden Library on January 17 starting from 10.30am
- Musical Storytime Dr Suess at Tura Library on January 17 starting at 10.30am
- Treasure Hunt at the Bega Library on January 17 starting at 10.30am
- Lego Robotics at Bega Library on Wednesday January 18 at 10.30am.
- Electrodough starting at Tura Library on January 18 starting at 10.30am
![The Dr Seuss reading event for kids continues in 2023. In picture: childrens librarian Anne Moore reads Dr Seuss books to little library members as part of school holiday story time, July 2013. The Dr Seuss reading event for kids continues in 2023. In picture: childrens librarian Anne Moore reads Dr Seuss books to little library members as part of school holiday story time, July 2013.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/117044565/c9396d68-fd11-4194-92b9-6708d35a75fa.jpg/r0_3_1200_678_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Visit the 'sweet spots'
I don't know about you but some of my childhood highlights was visiting some decorative lolly shops or ice creameries and we have some great options on the Sapphire Coast.
I scream you scream, we all scream for ice cream
Bermagui's gelati clinic adopts a traditional method to making their gelati and you sure can taste it! The gelati shop is also located at the scenic Bermagui Fishermen's Wharf, you'll also be right beside one of the best fish and chips in the valley too which is a great lunch or dinner option.
![Bermagui's gelati clinic is a must visit on the Sapphire Coast. Bermagui's gelati clinic is a must visit on the Sapphire Coast.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/117044565/118b2653-dcc8-4656-a7e9-0ead6ec5cdde.jpg/r0_177_1536_1427_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Tilba Dairy factory is a must visit as well as it offers not just ice-cream, but award winning milk, freshly made yogurts and a variety of delicious cheeses.
Pambula's Bianchini Gelati offers home made Italian Ice Cream made from Tilba milk and Bega eggs along with local fruit. Last I heard their mobile Gelati van was parked in Tathra near the Salt Tathra Café.
![Pambula's Bianchini Gelati's mobile ice cream van is often parked in various places across the Bega Valley during the holidays and present at many of the food market events. Pambula's Bianchini Gelati's mobile ice cream van is often parked in various places across the Bega Valley during the holidays and present at many of the food market events.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/117044565/76eed3fb-a4bc-416b-af97-044f4687bd0d.jpg/r0_0_1440_960_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Ice cream shops in Merimbula include the Boardwalk Gelateria and the Merimbula Ice Creamery which offers over 50 flavours, both are located in the centre of the town.
The 'eye candy' shops
Tilba's renowned lolly shop is a definite bucket list item and it's one of the many shops to visit among the other heritage buildings located in Central Tilba.
![Tilba's Sweet Spot located in Central Tilba. Tilba's Sweet Spot located in Central Tilba.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/117044565/962ff397-94ab-4f80-be0c-69232308a67f.jpg/r0_0_660_440_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
You've also got to visit Pambula's very own Willy Wonka shop - yep you heard me correctly and they do sell the chocolate bars with golden tickets hidden within.
But if chocolate isn't you or your child's thing, then there's a range of sour lollies and old classic candies to suit people of all ages.
![One Stop Candy Shop and the Willy Wonka cut out. Photo: Amandine Ahrens One Stop Candy Shop and the Willy Wonka cut out. Photo: Amandine Ahrens](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/117044565/f66ddc0d-0bcc-4051-9414-621afaab7935.jpg/r0_0_1014_676_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Walks in nature for kids
If you're also looking for a chance to get the kids outdoors walking in among nature there's a few good spots from Tathra to Eden that I recommend.
![Pambula's Panboola Wetlands Pambula's Panboola Wetlands](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/117044565/8cfd2144-ff37-435b-9af0-9e2ede1ce009.jpg/r0_0_1200_675_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Two easy access walks you can access while in town include: Merimbula's picturesque boardwalk and Pambula's Panboola Wetlands.
Panboola is a beautiful nature reserve wherein you can see many kinds of birdlife, kangaroos and other animals. It happens to be a short walk away from the main streets of Pambula too so it's a great option if you're in town and wanting a little nature escape with the kids.
![A complete guide to fun summer activities for kids in the Bega Valley A complete guide to fun summer activities for kids in the Bega Valley](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/117044565/2d903d0b-d273-4b2d-b1ff-fd712d20d4a5.jpg/r0_188_2000_1313_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Merimbula board walk is a super leisurely stroll that meanders around the lake shore and gives you a very scenic look of Merimbula's township.
Want to take the kids to a rainforest that will make their imagination roam? Then Goodenia Rainforest is a definite bucket list item to check off as well.
![Goodenia Rainforest is a beautiful spot to take the kids for a walk in nature. Goodenia Rainforest is a beautiful spot to take the kids for a walk in nature.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/117044565/4b807ff3-78b4-4e18-86ac-6422f0da3f2a.jpg/r0_0_1079_1429_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
This short nature walk is located near Merimbula and offers a Fern Gully feel with moss covered rocks, vines and quirky-looking beetles.
The Pinnacles Loop Track is another short track that you can take the kids to that opens up to an awe-inspiring rock formation.
This visual feast features a spectacular erosion feature where cliffs of soft white sand are capped with a layer of red gravel clay. The walk to the cliffs also offers a mix of vegetation from eucalyptus trees to wattle and a brisk walk through a pine forest.
![A view of the white sand and red gravel cliffs at the Pinnacles loop walking track, Eden. Picture: Amandine Ahrens A view of the white sand and red gravel cliffs at the Pinnacles loop walking track, Eden. Picture: Amandine Ahrens](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/117044565/1e2a8e03-0280-4884-872a-b702062fb0e6.jpg/r3_0_1198_672_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
The Bega River is also a great spot to take the kids for a walk and the great part is you can take your dog too, which is a bonus considering how many places around here prohibit dog walking.
Finally last but not least you can take the kids to the Tathra Wharf have a spot of breakfast, lunch or just enjoy the scenic walk from the wharf to the headland.
Family Beaches to visit
Listed below are some beaches to visit - I made sure to include ones that are safe to visit as they have calmer waters and less rips then some of the pristine other beautiful but unpredictable beaches.
If you're wanting complete peace of mind though, I would advise to visit our patrolled beaches in the Bega Valley.
![Tathra Beach is one of the only beaches that is patrolled right through summer. Tathra Beach is one of the only beaches that is patrolled right through summer.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/117044565/461da87a-ad04-4c1a-8160-a605e5b1fe2e.jpg/r0_0_1008_567_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Patrolled beaches include Horseshoe Bay and Camel Rock Beach in Bermagui, Tathra Beach, Pambula Beach, Aslings Beach in Eden, Short Point Beach and Bar Beach in Merimbula and of course there's Merimbula Main Beach too.
To check when the beaches are patrolled visit the Beaches and Lifeguard Services page on the Bega Valley Shire Council website.
Bermagui to Tathra
- Mogareeka
- Tathra Beach - make sure the kids swim in-between the flags there's some strong rips at this beach
- Nelsons
- Bithry Inlet
- Cuttagee Beach
- Horsehoe Bay
Merimbula and Pambula
- Mitchies Jetty
- Bar Beach
- Spencer's Park
- Short Point Beach
- Pambula Beach
Eden
- Aslings Beach - top of the list of beaches in Eden for kids as it offers not only patrolling but a great rock pool that the whole family can enjoy
- Quarrantine Bay