The Y's school holiday programs give children structured, fun-filled experiences that vary every season. They could include:
- Excursion days (AFL Max, zoo, farms, cinema, ninja parks)
- In-house days (crafts, sports and games)
- Incursion days (circus skills, dance and STEM)
Qualified educators supervise every activity, making it a safe and confidence-building environment for primary school-aged children from Prep to Grade 6.
What to expect at our school holiday program
For many families, the school holidays will bring a mix of excitement and wondering about logistics. While children are ready to ditch the routine, parents are juggling work, commitments, and the question: what will my child do during the holidays?
If you've been considering a holiday program but aren't sure what to expect, this post walks you through exactly what a day at the Y looks like. Learn all about what happens from the moment your child arrives to the stories they'll bring home.
What does a typical morning look like at the Y?
From the very first morning, our school holiday program is designed to feel welcoming.
A familiar educator will wave your child in once they have been signed in. The room is usually buzzing with excited children! We’ll help them settle in and get ready for the day ahead.
From there, the day takes shape. It will either be an excursion day, an in-house day, or an incursion day.
What happens on excursion days?
On excursion days, children will visit somewhere exciting. They might go to a zoo to see a giraffe up close, conquer a climbing wall at an indoor play centre, or watch a movie at the cinema with popcorn in hand. Children love to talk about their adventures when they get home.
Destinations vary across the holiday program and may include:
- The zoo, where children get up close with animals and explore wildlife exhibits.
- Local farms, a hands-on experience that connects city children with where food comes from.
- The cinema, a favourite for winding down mid-week with a new release.
- Ninja and adventure parks, where children test their limits on obstacle courses and climbing walls.
Before we depart, our educators do headcounts, check wristbands and make sure every child has their bags with lunch, water bottle, hat and any medications. We’ll also make sure your child feels safe, happy and ready for the day.
When we arrive, our educators are there to keep children safe and help your child have an amazing time. We’ll stay by their side and cheer them on throughout the activity. When a child hesitates at the top of a climbing frame and then goes for it anyway, we’re there to celebrate with them. This encouragement builds their confidence and resilience, skills that last well beyond the holiday program.
What happens on in-house and incursion days at the Y?
In-house days include fun activities delivered by our educators. Guided by the My Time, Our Place framework, every activity is designed to support your child's social, emotional and physical development, not just keep them busy.
Our incursion days also take place at our program space. The difference is that the activities are led by visitors to our service rather than the Y educators.
Here's a taste of what an in-house day might look like for your child:
- Arts and crafts, from nature creations to take-home projects that spark creativity.
- Team sports and outdoor games, which keep children active and building friendships through play.
- Active play and skill-building, with activities that challenge children and encourage them to try something new.
Here’s what an incursion day might look like:
- Action sports, where children learn skateboarding tricks from skilled coaches and grow in confidence.
- Dance classes, an energetic activity led by talented instructors who encourage children to get active and express themselves.
- STEM experiments, a hands-on activity that teaches children scientific concepts in a fun and engaging way.
Some families worry that in-house and incursion days aren’t as exciting or valuable as excursions, but this couldn’t be further from the truth!
There are many wonderful benefits of in-house and incursion days. They allow children to:
- Settle into the day at their own pace
- Discover shared interests with other children and build friendships
- Get creative, competitive and try something unexpected
For children who take a little longer to warm up, these days are often where they come into their own. The familiar environment gives them confidence to join in, speak up and try something they might have shied away from. By the end of the week, it's not unusual to see a quieter child leading a game or a shy child take centre stage in a circus skills session.
For families, in-house and incursion days also offer practical reassurance. The program runs to a clear structure, educators are on hand throughout and the day wraps up in the same safe, familiar space your child started in.
This makes in-house and incursion days just as valuable as our excursions.
How does the Y keep children safe during the program?
Safety is at the centre of everything we do at the Y.
Every child is signed in and out by an authorised adult. Our educator-to-child ratios meet regulated standards, and all qualified staff hold current Working with Children Checks and first aid qualifications.
On excursions, additional protocols apply, including wristbands, children and educators wearing Y vests for easy identification, headcounts before departure and on arrival, and designated meeting points.
Our educators are also trained to notice when a child is unsettled, overwhelmed or just having an off day. They know how to respond in a way that helps rather than escalates. This attentiveness is something parents consistently notice and appreciate.
What will children get out of the program?
Beyond the fun, and there’s plenty of it, the holiday program gives children something they don't always get during the school term: time to just be a child.
That might look like making a new friend on the bus ride to the zoo. It might look like a child who was shy on day one volunteering to lead a team game by the end of the week. It might look like a child coming home tired in the best possible way, full of stories and already asking if they can go back tomorrow.
Ready to book your child's spot?
Whether your child is a first-timer or a holiday program regular, the experience is designed to be educational and fun for every child.
Our school holiday programs fill up quickly, and spots are limited. Find your nearest Y holiday program to book your child’s spot and give them a holiday of adventure, friendships and confidence.
