Autumn in Sutherland Shire has a rhythm of its own: crisp mornings, golden afternoons and that perfect in‑between weather made for getting out and about. When school holidays hit, the Shire turns it on with easy wins for families, kids and teens — from creative sessions to coastal adventures.

This April, school holiday activities roll straight into Youth Week, bringing an extra buzz of expression, creativity and connection — for little ones, big kids and the young people in between.

Hands-on fun (and a little future-thinking)

Pop into the Future Now Exhibition Fun Zone at South Village Shopping Centre, Kirrawee. Drop in for a session where kids (and their grown‑ups) can get hands‑on with playful, creative activities. Keen builders can also join Future Builders, using Lego or Duplo to design new, sustainable worlds brick by brick.

Market mood: Easter treats to street‑food nights

Make it a market month with three great reasons to get out and about: browse local stalls and pick up Easter treats at the Cronulla Easter Market, settle in for street‑food favourites and live‑music vibes at Eat‑Drink Nights Engadine, or head to the Menai Foodies Market — a delicious stop for bites, brews and pantry goodies to take home.

Bushland adventures

For fresh air and a little adventure, head to Joseph Banks Native Plant Reserve in Kareela. Join the Scamper through the Jungle race, where small teams or pairs follow clues as they weave their way through the reserve. Or slow things down on a guided Aboriginal Bushfood Walk, learning about Australian native bushfoods, the cultural heritage of the area, and the language that connects people to Country.

Create by the coast

Keep the good-weather plans rolling after Easter at Cook at Kurnell. Their textured art workshops and relaxed paint classes are a feel-good way to spend an autumn afternoon by the beach. Grab a coffee or something to eat and get hands-on with colour and texture. Then make a day of it and check out Bonna Point Playground and wander through Kurnell’s coastal surrounds.

Pack a snack, pick a park

And if you’re keen to keep the outdoors theme going, you’re in the right place: Sutherland Shire is home to 600+ parks and reserves (including the Royal National and Kamay Botany Bay National Park), plus 150+ playgrounds. From neighbourhood swings for a quick play to big regional parks with room to roam, you can pack a snack, pick a new spot and settle in for hours.

A day with deeper meaning

Just after the school holidays on 29 April, all are welcome to come to Kurnell to commemorate the Meeting of Two Cultures — marking the first contact between Lieutenant James Cook and the HMB Endeavour crew and the Gweagal community, who lived in the Kamay area at the time of Cook’s landing in 1770. The day includes free entry to Kamay Botany Bay National Park, official proceedings and free educational workshops. Hosted by Sutherland Shire Council in partnership with La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council, Gujaga Foundation and NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Youth Week: Dream. Dare. Do.

Youth Week then keeps the momentum going, inviting young people aged 12–24 to step into the spotlight. With this year’s theme, Dream. Dare. Do., young people of all abilities are encouraged to dream big, back themselves and take real steps towards making things happen. Expect a week of music and writing workshops, plus creative challenges that turn ideas into action. Events like Battle of the Beats, songwriting sessions and creative workshops give young people space to express who they are, what they care about and where they’re heading.

Ocean confidence, Cronulla-style

Out on the coastline, Youth Week taps into one of the Shire’s greatest assets — the ocean. A hands‑on Ocean Safety Workshop at Cronulla Surf Life Saving Club mixes practical beach skills with real‑world know‑how, helping young people build confidence in the water while learning how to stay safe along our iconic stretch of sand.

For when the weather turns: bounce, build and make

For big energy and all‑weather fun, head to The Rec Club, Miranda — home to Inflatable World, one of Australia’s largest indoor inflatable playgrounds. Keep an eye out for creative themed sessions like Lego masterclasses, slime making, kids discos, bracelet crafts and face painting, plus special event days — from Swiftie Day to laser tag battles — with entertainers, music and activities kids will be talking about long after the holidays end.

Lunch + an activity (yes please)

Or pair lunch with built-in entertainment at The Prince Hotel, with school holiday sessions designed for an easy day out: settle in for a bite, then let the kids dive into the fun with activities like pizza making, slime workshops, kids bingo, reptile encounters and more. It’s a great pick for a fuss‑free catch‑up with friends or family — especially when you want a plan that works rain, hail or shine.

For another easy “lunch + entertainment” option, check out Cronulla RSL’s school holiday activities. With a line‑up of kid‑friendly sessions across the break, it’s a handy way to lock in a few hours of fun (and a relaxed meal for the grown‑ups) all under one roof with views.

More yes days, less planning

Best of all, many activities across the school holiday and Youth Week programs are free or low‑cost. It’s all about making it easier to say yes to more days out, more shared memories — and for young people to feel seen, supported and celebrated.

Some ticketed events are limited and can book out fast, so it’s worth locking in your favourites early.

If that’s not enough, check out 10 more things to do in the Shire with Kids.