Many schools, councils, YMCAs, community centres and museums run school holiday programs. And then there are places like libraries that run holiday sessions, although parents may need to stay for these ones.

While many parents use these programs as childcare when they work or study, these programs can also be used for other reasons. Usually, kids love these programs and have a lot of fun, and the occasional program day breaks up the monotony of holidays at home.

School holiday programs can be educational and allow children to socialise with other children – children of mixed ages and from various schools are often there so your child is exposed to new people and ideas.

As there is such a variety of programs available, you can avoid any that you aren’t comfortable with. And you can choose which days of the program to send your children to.

All day programs can be registered as childcare organisations which means you may be able to get a child care benefit subsidy on the program fees.

Filed under: School holidays