When should you book school holiday activities?
Book too late and the best camps are gone; book too early and plans change. Here's the timing that works for most families.
Every school holidays, the same thing happens. The first week of term flies by, then suddenly it's a fortnight before the holidays and the surf camp your kids loved last time is fully booked.
So when is the right time to book? Here's what we've seen from families on the Northern Beaches.
The sweet spot: two to five weeks out
Most holiday bookings happen in the few weeks before school breaks up. That's when term dates feel real, work commitments are clearer, and families start comparing notes about who's doing what.
Booking in this window gives you the best balance: plenty of choice, and plans that are firm enough to commit to.
Book these early
Some activities fill fast and are worth locking in as soon as you know your dates:
- Popular day camps, especially sport and surf camps with limited spots.
- Creative workshops like pottery, art and cooking, which often run small groups.
- Anything you're doing with friends. Coordinating with other families takes longer, and you'll want enough spots for everyone.
These can wait
- One-off sessions like bowling, a movie, or a single class that runs often.
- Weather-dependent outings, which are better decided a day or two ahead.
- Free activities like beaches, bushwalks and rock pools.
Don't panic about the quiet patch
There's usually a lull a week or two before the holidays, followed by a rush of last-minute bookings in the final week. If you're a late planner, there's still plenty available. You may just have less choice of days.
A simple booking plan
- Four to five weeks out: check term dates and your work calendar, and chat with the parents of your kids' closest friends.
- Three to four weeks out: book your anchor activities, the ones that matter most and fill fastest.
- One to two weeks out: fill gaps with flexible or one-off activities.
- During the holidays: add spontaneous extras when the weather or mood is right.
Plan it with friends
The families who book earliest are usually the ones planning together. When one family commits, others follow, and the kids end up spending the holidays with their mates.
Browse what's on for the next school holidays, and see which friends are booked, on ParentPal.
