The summer school holidays are an ideal time to visit Byron Bay with the family. Running through to the end of January, the break lands in the heart of our warmest season, with long beach days, calm mornings, and balmy evenings setting the pace. Kids can dive into everything from ocean adventures and surf lessons to circus workshops, wildlife encounters, fairy trails, skate camps, and hands-on farm activities. There’s always something happening across the region, and families can settle in with a wide range of kid-friendly accommodation. With markets, events, and summer energy filling the town, Byron Bay makes the perfect base for a relaxed and memorable holiday.

Here are a few school holiday activities to consider, and be sure to browse our Byron Bay accommodation guide for a family-friendly place to stay.

McGregor’s Family Carnival in Brunswick Heads

McGregor’s Family Carnival is almost back, bringing its much-loved mix of rides, colour and riverfront fun to Banner Park. The carnival opens on Saturday 13 December 2025 and runs through to 25 January 2026, lighting up the Brunswick River foreshore every night across the school holidays.

Circus Arts Byron Bay – KIDS & TEENS SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAMS

Circus Arts Byron Bay is the place to be during school holidays! Our holiday programs offer a comprehensive timetable of activities during both the QLD and NSW school holidays.

Circus Arts Byron Bay boasts a beautiful indoor venue with an incredible variety of apparatus to learn on. We pack the programs with fun circus activities including acrobatics and a swing on the high flying trapeze (for those who dare). We even have a cafe on site and an optional add-on lunchbox so everything is taken care of.

Full detail + school holiday program via www.circusarts.com.au

Christmas Holiday Activities at Crystal Castle

Celebrate the holiday season with a magical family day out at Crystal Castle & Shambhala Gardens. Sit inside the 120 million old amethyst Dragon Egg, discover the shimmering Wings to Eternity, enjoy lunch at the Lotus Café, or capture memories with an Aura Photo.

Enjoy the Children’s Treasure Hunt as well as the School Holiday Program – Daily Experiences.

Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary

The Sanctuary is home to more than 100 incredible Australian wildlife animals, including kangaroos, a fabulous array of birds and reptiles including snakes and crocodiles, plus our resident personalities Manda the wombat and Arnie the koala. We have bunnies and guinea pigs and a Chick House with lots of baby chicks that can be handled.

They also offer a range school holiday programs and wildlife encounters that allow visitors to experience these beautiful animals up close.

Learn more www.byronbaywildlifesanctuary.com.au

Skate School Day Camp

Byron Bay Skateboard School’s Skate School Day Camp is a great way to meet some new friends that share the same passion and improve your skateboarding skills. Offers a full day of skateboard instruction in a fun day camp environment, at their coaching facility in Byron industrial estate. It is a unique and fun experience for kids aged 6 to 12 years old, from beginners to advanced.

Farm Kids School Holiday Workshops

The kids will love getting their hands dirty in our fun and interactive school holiday workshops, learning about sustainable agriculture and making new friends! Bees, cows, nature crafts, chickens, lavender, fruit, bugs and flowers!

Learn more www.thefarm.com.au/kids-workshops

Byron Beachside Market Wednesday 7 January

The Byron Beachside Market takes place four times a year in early January, Easter, July and late September. The Beachside Market is a ‘make it, bake it, sew it and grow it’ market held on the Byron Bay foreshore east of the Surf Club. This is the perfect location to experience some of the most original products alongside one of Australia’s most famous beaches.