10 Fun and Inclusive School Holiday Activities in Ipswich

School holidays mean different things to different families. For some, it’s a chance to slow down and breathe. For others, it’s a scramble to find something your child will genuinely enjoy and actually feel comfortable doing.

At You Me & Community, we know not every holiday program feels right for every child. That’s why at The Legacy Hub, we’ve built our school holiday activities in Ipswich around variety, inclusion, and a whole lot of fun, so there’s something that works for your family, not just the average family.

Our latest program and this guide gives you a real look at what we’re running so you can plan ahead and come in knowing what to expect.

What’s on at The Legacy Hub this school holidays

1. Movie Day at the Hub

Sometimes the best day out is a relaxed one. We kick things off with a movie day, a comfortable, low-key session where children can settle in, enjoy a film together, and just be.

For families who want a gentle, easy entry into the holiday program, this is a great place to start. If you’d like to see the full schedule, check out our weekly activity calendar at The Legacy Hub to see what else is coming up.

2. Finding Nemo Coral Reef Painting

This one is always a hit. Children get to paint their own coral reef scene inspired by Finding Nemo, bright colours, creative choices, and something they can take real pride in afterwards. We love how personal each one turns out.

3. Up Hot Air Balloon Decorating

Hands-on craft activities are wonderful during the holidays because children can go at their own pace and make something genuinely their own. The Up balloon decorating session encourages:

• Creativity and self-expression
• Focus and concentration
• Fine motor skill development
• A lovely sense of ownership over the finished piece

4. Make a DIY Volcano

This one the  DIY Volcano brings the excitement. Children build their own volcano and watch the fizzy eruption happen right in front of them. It’s part craft, part science, and completely memorable.

If you’re looking for things to do in Ipswich during school holidays that feel interactive and different, this is exactly that kind of session.

5. Salt Painting

Salt painting is one of those activities that surprises children every time. They paint, sprinkle salt, and watch colourful designs appear with a completely different texture to regular art. It’s quietly sensory, creative, and genuinely satisfying.

For some children, this kind of hands-on, low-pressure session feels more comfortable than fast-paced group activities, and that’s exactly why we include it. You can read more about why sensory play matters for children’s development over at Raising Children Network.

6. Walking Water Experiments

We love this one Walking Water Experiments because it blends curiosity with discovery. Children watch colours slowly travel and mix through water in real time. It’s simple, beautiful, and sparks great conversations.

For families looking for accessible school holiday programs in Ipswich that mix learning with play naturally, this session is a really good fit. And if you’d like support staying connected and active beyond the holidays, our community participation support is designed to do exactly that.

7. Messy Play

Let’s be honest, messy play is a fan favourite. It’s hands-on, tactile, and full of freedom. Children explore different textures and materials in a supported, playful environment where there’s no wrong way to join in.

This kind of activity supports:

• Sensory exploration in a safe setting
• Building confidence through unstructured play
• Creativity without pressure or expectation
• Shared enjoyment alongside other children

Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) supports the value of play-based learning in building children’s confidence, social skills, and emotional regulation, which is something we always keep in mind when planning our sessions.

8. Paint Your Own Mug

We always love the mug painting session because children get to design something functional, take it home, and actually use it. There’s something really special about creating something personal that has a life beyond the activity itself.

9. VR Game Experience

For children who love technology, our VR gaming session gives them a chance to step into a virtual world in a fully supported setting. It adds something genuinely different to the holiday mix and tends to be a real talking point.

Having variety in a holiday program matters. Not every child connects with the same type of experience, and a good program makes room for creativity, sensory play, quiet enjoyment, and new discoveries. 

The NDIS recognises community participation and recreational activities as meaningful supports that can contribute to a participant’s wellbeing and independence, something we take seriously in how we design our programs.

10. Create and Decorate Something to Take Home

Some of our most popular sessions are the ones where children walk out with something they made themselves. This holiday, that includes:

• Decorating a PlayStation controller design
• Creating a tie-dye tote bag
• Making a colourful bookmark
• Trying balloon stamping patterns
• Crafting tissue paper flowers

These sessions let children join in at their own pace while still feeling genuinely part of the group. No rush, no pressure, just good creative time.

Why these activities matter to us

We don’t plan school holidays to just fill time. We plan them because we know how much these experiences mean, the confidence a child builds when they finish something they’re proud of, the way a familiar face at the Hub makes the whole day easier, the relief a parent feels when their child is genuinely enjoying themselves.

Everything we run is built around variety, creativity, and real inclusion. We want every child to find something that feels right for them, and every family to feel genuinely welcome here.

If you’d like to stay across what’s coming up throughout the year, you can also browse our Ipswich special event updates for community moments and extra activities beyond the school holidays.

Ready to join us this school holidays?

Look at our program at The Legacy Hub in Ipswich. Browse our weekly activity calendar to see session times and plan your visit, or reach out to our team, we’re always happy to help you find the right fit for your child.

We’d love to see your family here.

FAQs