Holiday fun for young people

The Holiday Break program invites eligible councils and organisations to apply for funding to run events for young people.

a group of eight young people wearing protective glasses, shorts and t-shirts stand on a large grassy area. there are trees in the background. Out of frame, someone is throwing water balloons which are bursting and spraying the group
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Find free things to do these school holidays

Are you between 12 and 24 years old? You can find free things to do during the school holidays that are part of the Holiday Break program.

You can hang out with friends, learn new skills, and have fun.

What can you do?

There are lots of great activities you can join. Here are some of the fun things you might find near you:

  • Sports and outdoors: Go bushwalking on Country,  decorate a skateboard deck or learn how to lift weights safely.
  • Arts and culture: Learn how to make music, create an artwork  or try improvisation and stand up comedy.
  • Tech and gaming: Learn how to make game miniatures, record a podcast or build a solar-powered device.
  • Life skills: Take a cooking class or learn how to write a resume and prepare for a job interview. 

Information for councils and organisations

The Holiday Break program provides free access to activities during the school holidays across all of NSW.

The program supports young people to develop their skills, connect with others, and explore new ideas. Holiday Break activities cover a variety of interests such as sport, science and the arts.

Eligible councils and organisations can apply for funding to run activities for young people.

Holiday Break funding round

Applications for the Spring and/or Summer 2026-27 funding round opened Wednesday, 1 July 2026 at 9am and closed Wednesday, 22 July 2026.

Applicants were encouraged to design activities that: 

  • support meaningful and inclusive experiences for young people to connect with friends in their local communities, such as skill-building classes, creative workshops, sport and performing arts programs 
  • provide free access to activities outside of school in a cost-of-living crisis 
  • are for the exclusive participation of young people aged 12–24 years 

Eligible organisations can apply for both rounds in a single application. Funding can be split across the spring or summer school holidays. Successful applicants will receive one funding agreement for the program. 

An additional $2,000 per school holiday period is available for organisations delivering projects in some rural and remote parts of NSW. Check the grant program guidelines for eligibility requirements and more information. 

Program documents

Holiday Break Spring and/or Summer 2026–27 program guidelines PDF 734.82KB File last updated on: 22 June 2026.
Holiday Break Spring and/or Summer 2026–27 FAQs PDF 441.97KB File last updated on: 14 July 2026.
Holiday Break Spring and/or Summer 2026–27 budget checklist PDF 192.19KB File last updated on: 22 June 2026.
Holiday Break Spring and/or Summer 2026–27 application checklist PDF 168.04KB File last updated on: 22 June 2026.
Information session slides: Holiday Break Spring and/or Summer 2026-27 PDF 3.34MB File last updated on: 14 July 2026.

Program evaluation

a man in a beige hat and over shirt looks at the trunk of a tall tree. two young people - one in an orange shirt and hat and one in a blue hat and blue shirt - look at what the man is doing on the tree trunk.
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