Get ready to hit the road these school holidays

It’s almost that time again – school holidays! And these winter school holidays might look a little different to other years, with families opting to stay closer to home in case sudden travel restrictions are enforced.

Are you scratching your head and wondering what you can do to keep the kids entertained? We’ve got you sorted – we’ve compiled a list of the great day-trips you can take close to home.

So, grab the kids, pack the car and get ready to explore.

Tip #1 – Make sure your car is road-trip ready!

Ensure you and your family arrive at your destination safely. Check that your vehicle is in tip-top condition. Check your tyres (for both tyre tread and air pressure), as well as your engine oil, lights, brakes, coolant, battery and its overall condition. 

Better yet, get your car properly serviced by the professionals at Village Motors North Lakes before you head off. 

1. Animals galore

At White Ridge Farm, Elimbah, the little ones can interact with friendly and sweet-natured animals such as goats, sheep, ducks, and chickens to alpacas, a camel and even miniature horses and pigs. The animals happily roam free across 20 acres of green lawns and paddocks and there’s even a putt-putt golf course.!

Address: 130 Hamilton Road, Elimbah

Opening hours: 7 days a week - 9am-3pm

Visit the website

2. Caboolture Historical Village

Embark on a history lesson for the whole family at Caboolture Historical Village, with interactive displays and the chance to enjoy a fun-filled day of fun and learning. Children can see old water pumps, butter churns, typewriters and sawmill machinery in a safe environment. Why not test their strength, by attempting to lift a ball and chain at the prison? If that doesn’t grab their interest, a trip to the morgue and hospital might do the trick. Explaining dentistry devices and technics from 60 years ago, it’s sure to get them brushing their teeth without complaint.

Address: 280 Beerburrum Rd, Caboolture

Opening hours: Seven days, 9am-4pm

Visit the website

3. Pick your own strawberries

‘Tis the season for strawberries and Luvaberry Farm at Wamuran runs farm tours and Peckish Picking sessions for visitors of all ages. Entry is $15 for adults, $10 for children (aged 5-12 years old) and $5 for ages 3-5 years. This includes a 500g eco box to fill up and take home. And if you or your little ones can’t resist the urge to taste-as-you-go, that’s totally OK.

Address: Ziviani Rd, Wamuran

Visit the website to book

4. Bribie Island Butterfly House

Knowing that kids and adults alike are often enamoured by the colourful, winged beauties, Bribie Island Butterfly House is open to visitors. With a guided tour of the facility by the volunteers, you can step into the butterfly haven and interact with them in their natural environment, even getting to see the breeding lab! If you’re lucky enough, a butterfly may even land on you to create that picture-perfect moment.

Address: 208 First Ave, Bongaree

Opening hours: Wednesday and Sunday 10am-4pm

Visit the website 

5. Outdoor skirmish

In the bayside or the hinterland of the Moreton Bay Region you can enjoy a game of skirmish near Brisbane. Chuck on some protective gear, grab a blaster and head out into the bunker or field for a game of paintball. Whether you opt to verse your friends or be in a team together taking down the enemy, paintball skirmish near Brisbane is always a hit…literally.

Mango Hill: 60 Richard Road, Mango Hill | (07) 3203 1647 | http://www.mangohillskirmish.com/

Samford: 321 Mount Samson Rd, Samford | 0427 220 009 | https://www.skirmishsamford.com.au/

6. Harry Potter shopping

For everything Harry Potter, Store of Requirement is your one-stop Harry Potter shop. Offering officially licenced Harry Potter products, Store of Requirement is a dream come true for Potterheads!

Address: 22 Station St, Samford Village

Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday 10am-4pm

Visit the website

7. Fun on the lake

Playgrounds, picnics, swimming and kayaking – all can be done in one convenient location. Grab your swimmers (if the cold doesn’t bother you), pack a lunch and don’t forget the paddlecraft for a day out on Lake Samsonvale. Open public access for paddle craft is available on Lake Samsonvale seven days a week in the designated zone (Zone 2). Paddle craft can only be launched from the launch point at Forgan Cove, off Forgan Road.

8. Jump, flip, soar

Get your little ninjas learning agility, coordination and balance, all while participating in a family fun school holiday activity near Brisbane at Flip Out Trampoline Park in Strathpine. Throw in some props like hula hoops, parachutes and balls to really test their skills and see what tricks they can learn.

Address: 130-134 Gympie Rd, Strathpine

Opening hours: Monday to Thursday, 10am-7pm; Friday, 10am-9pm; Saturday, 9am-9pm; Sunday, 9am-6pm.

9. Bowling, mini-golf and laser tag

Have a game of ten-pin bowling, mini-golf or laser tag all in the one location! Caboolture Bowl and Mini Golf offers an affordable nine-hole Wild West theme mini-golf course, 18 laser tag vests and several lanes for bowling.

Address: 207 Morayfield Rd, Morayfield

Opening hours: Monday to Thursday, 9am-10.30pm; Friday and Saturday, 9am-11pm; Sunday, 9am-10pm.

Visit the website

10. Undersea Putt and Play

Undersea Putt & Play is a putt putt course with varying degrees of difficulty complete with ramps, tunnels and bridges. It embraces an under-the-sea theme and each hole is different, increasing your chance of success.

Address: 20 Anzac Ave, Redcliffe

Opening hours: Weekdays 10am-late, and weekends 9am-late.

Visit the website

Before you hit the road

When was the last time you had your car serviced? If you can’t remember or you know it is well overdue, then it is a good idea to book it in before you plan your adventure across the Moreton Bay Region.

The last think you want is to be stuck on the side of the road, waiting for roadside assistance, while the kids are waiting patiently (cue laughter) in the back of the car.

Village Motors at North Lakes has an experienced team which uses the most up-to-date equipment to service vehicles and diagnose problems.

The team guarantees the quality of workmanship, fitting only genuine parts, and ensures all technicians are trained to high standards.

Pricing is competitive and the team is renowned for delivering consistent and superior standards of service.

Want to book in? Visit the website