5 Ways to trade screen time for family holiday time

Written By: Kerry Kerr

About the author:

Passionate about the Capricorn region, Kerry is both an employee of the regional tourism organisation and a proudly born and raised local. When she’s not in the office singing the region’s praises, you’ll find Kerry kicking back on a Capricorn Coast beach pinching herself about how lucky she is to call Capricorn her home.

Ask any parent – the challenge is real! Limiting your kid’s screen time can be tough!

These school holidays treat your kids to time out they will actually enjoy. Turn off the screen and check off this list of activities that are cooler than Minecraft, Snapchat and Instagram combined. With so many family activities to do together, you’ll easily fill in a “Fortnite” of school holiday activities!

1. Swap screen-time for snorkel-time

The Southern Great Barrier Reef is just a hop, skip and a splash from Yeppoon. The whole family will love sharing this watery wonderland with coloured corals, turtles and a myriad of fish. The bonus is it’s only a short 30-minute boat transfer from the mainland.

Little faces light up as they snorkel atop sparkling waters. Kids can safely swim with marine life that boast more colours than your daughter’s favourite rainbow unicorn toy!

2. Get off the couch and get physical

Add this day’s outing to your holiday list:

Start with an adventure playground including a skate park and ample shade at Appleton Park on the Yeppoon Foreshore.

After the kids have worked up a sweat, cool off in the Yeppoon Lagoon. Located on the beach front, it includes a shallow play area and a swim-up infinity edge with stunning views over the Keppel Islands. Mum you can relax – there are lifeguards on duty!

By now, it’s time for lunch. Grab a feed with the kids menu at the nearby Keppel Bay Sailing Club.

Work off lunch and keep the active theme going, with a scooter ride or family peddle along the foreshore. A great day outdoors – tick!

3. Instead of “I’m bored” – say “Paddleboard”

Whether for a day trip, or for a night (or few), Great Keppel Island is a must do.

It’s a popular spot for families. The calm waters of this island paradise are very safe (even for young children). If your kids have outgrown sandcastles, enjoy paddleboards, kayaks and SUPs. For more adventure, take an exhilarating fast boat, island hopping tour with Keppel Explorer.

At day’s end, parents, reward yourself with a cocktail from Great Keppel Island Hideaway. You’ll have a front row seat to an amazing sunset over the Keppel Bay.

4. Replace the play station with a railway station

Your little train buff will love this! For a fantastic trip down memory lane, Archer Park Rail Museum is home to a large variety of railway heritage exhibits.

Visit on the weekend and treat the kids to a ride on the world’s only operating Purrey Steam Tram. Climb aboard restored carriages, change the signals and use the antique phones.

Additional activities are available during Queensland school holidays.

5. Trade Minecraft blocks for real Sandstone blocks

“Look mum – that kangaroo has a baby in its pouch!”

With cute wildlife, rugged Sandstone cliffs and breathtaking scenery, Carnarvon Gorge is well deserved to be added on your school holiday must-do list.

From camping to cabins, there really is something for everyone. Many of the walks are kid friendly including a fun stepping stone hop through a shallow creek crossing!

Combine plenty of wildlife spotting opportunities with the chance to marvel at a million stars, add in some fireside marshmallows, and you have the perfect mix for quality family time!