Family favourites this summer school holidays

If you’re looking to escape the soaring temps, Carolaine from @westernsydneymums says head over to the buzzing (and air-conditioned) Hijinx Hotel. These challenge rooms are packed with fun interactive activities and riddles that’ll entertain both you and the kids. Even more importantly, it gets you working together as a team, so it’s guaranteed bonding time.

A picnic on the water is the perfect way to spend a summer’s day. With something for everyone, Carolaine can confirm that an electric picnic boat is an excursion for the books. Parents can take the boat out for a spin without needing a licence, while the kids can spend time hanging out on the water. All you've got to do is pack the esky with a lunch spread and off you go.

Need to burn off some energy? Follow Carolaine's lead by taking the tribe to your local treetop adventure. With multiple junior and adult courses on offer, everyone over the age of 3 will have a blast swinging, climbing and flying around the treetops. It does get hot this time of year, so try booking an earlier session before the heat sets in and remember to bring plenty of sunscreen and water.

Families with young kids, this is for you. We sent Tanya from @melbournewithkids to Enchanted Adventure, and she approves. With mazes, giant tube slides, playgrounds and life-size brainteasers to keep you entertained over 100,000 square metres of vibrant garden, this wholesome family day out is a must while the sun is out. There’s a fair bit of walking involved, so just make sure everyone has comfy shoes on.

Unique and out of the sun, Metartworld is the place to go. You and the kids will love wandering around the largest metal art gallery just as much Tanya’s family did. Keeping you out of the house for a good couple of hours, you’ll find a line-up of exhibits, a mirror maze, 9D cinema and VR theme park all inside. Parents will also appreciate the free parking outside, which is always an added bonus.

With its own dedicated Water World, there’s no better time to visit Gumbuya World than summer. Tanya can confirm no one will be getting bored here. There are over 50 species and shows to be seen, a long list of classic rides to go on and a lazy river and waterslides to boot. Just make sure to plan your day out to finish with the water park, so you can do all the rides and see the animals while everyone is still dry.

This 2-day pass to Dreamworld and WhiteWater World is an absolute must this summer. Becci from @beccifromthecoast tried out this pass and had a blast, scoring access to over 50 rides spread across multiple worlds, while beating the heat with pools, slides and splash zones. As an added bonus, the pass also includes entry to SkyPoint, so once you’ve had your fill of rides, you can head over there and check out the views.

Practically a mini holiday, Becci went to Moreton Island for a quick summer escape. Only a short hop away from Brissy, this slice of paradise is filled with summer activities at every turn. Go kayaking and explore or head underneath the surface and check out the resident marine life with a snorkel around the iconic wrecks. There’s also land activities like quad biking for those who prefer to keep dry. Although it’s a short ferry ride over, grab some sea sickness tablets just to be safe.

Looking to shake up the routine of water activities? Saddle up and take the fam out horse riding. Becci backs this as a great way to enjoy the fresh air and soak up the sunshine. The kids will love getting to meet the horses and you’ll love watching their confidence soar – everyone wins with this one. Make sure to wear comfy clothes and don’t forget about enclosed shoes - thongs and horses don’t mix!