The best experiences for the entire family these school holidays

It's school holiday time and, let's be real here, keeping kids busy for the summer can be a lot. 

With so much time off it can be difficult to try to find things to do. But there's actually plenty going on around the country, and we've pulled out some of the most exciting things happening in each state.

From checking out what's happening at the zoo to summer carnivals, museums and even the Australian Open, there's so much for families to enjoy this summer. 

Taronga Zoo 

For those who are keen to get up close and personal with creatures that jump, slither and crawl, check out the new Amphibian and Reptile experience, ARC, at Taronga Zoo in Sydney. 

The new experience will take visitors on a journey through six immersive zones, heading from the frosty alpine to the scorching hot desert and everything in between. 

It nails everything you want for a school holiday activity with excitement, education and a great family activity. 

House Down Under

OK, so we all know kids have got a wild imagination, but what about heading to check out a house that's completely upside down? 

The House Down Under is unlike any other experience and you can check it out at Rouse Hill Town Centre in north-west Sydney. You'll be able to explore the upside down rooms and kooky interiors, and with so many good photo opportunities the kids will be talking about it for years. 

Bluey's World 

Now this is sure to be a hit with the younger kids, but if you're in Brisbane you cannot go past checking out Bluey's World. 

The interactive and immersive experience takes you through the wonderfully hilarious and playful world of Bluey and you'll even have to find Bluey and Bingo during your visit. 

Heading through their family home is an experience everyone is going to get into, and with a huge indoor playground too, what's not to love? 

The Australian Open

While you might be thinking the tennis is just a day out for mums and dads or older kids, we've got some big news for you. The AO Ballpark Presented By Emirates is going to be one of the hottest places to visit this summer and it's perfect for kids aged three and up.

This year the Hot Shots HQ is back and bigger than ever with three speed serves, to measure how fast you can whack a tennis ball, three mini tennis courts and a skills garden of tennis skills for young fans to show off their talents. 

There's also going to be daily stage shows – hello Peppa Pig and PJ Masks – along with a a new custom-designed waterslide with four lanes, the perfect way to cool off in the heat too. 

Australian Institute of Sport 

Speaking of sport, take a look behind the scenes on a 90-minute tour of the Australian Institute of Sport, Australia's premier elite sports precinct.

Give your budding sports stars a look at where some of Australia's sporting champions have been created and you might even catch someone training too! 

While you're there make sure you check out Sportex, one of Australia's leading interactive sports exhibits, set amongst a first-class collection of sporting memorabilia where you can try out sports like wheelchair basketball, virtual downhill skiing and football penalty shootouts.

What else is on this school holidays?

While those are some of the bigger things going on across the country these school holidays, we've rounded up some more ideas for you too:

• A visit to the aquarium
• Checking out a theme park – obviously these aren't in every state but if you're lucky enough to have Luna Park, Wet and Wild or Dreamworld in your backyard, why not make a day of it?
• Summer Carnivals. These are going to pop up in towns all over the country so keep up to date with what's on offer locally
• Museums – there's usually something cool on the kids would love to check out, adding a bit of educational fun in too
• Hitting the beach or your local pool
• A train or bus ride somewhere new. Why not be tourists in your own city and check out a new suburb for the day?
• Head to the cinema for a family movie day or night
• Trampoline parks – a great way to burn off some energy and bounce around

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