Published on 18 December 2024
If you’re wondering how to keep the kids off the couch this school holidays, look no further! From whole day trips to a couple of hours of fun, here we share 8 free or low-cost activities to create a wonder and wander-filled holiday experience for all ages.
Learn the regions rabbits to riches story when you visit the Texas Rabbit Works. The Texas community survived the Great Depression by trapping and selling rabbits for export to America and England – turning their rabbit problem into an opportunity. During the prime of its operation, the Texas Rabbit Works exported three tons of rabbit meat a week! To explore original freeze chambers, working stations, engine rooms and hear the history through interactive displays – it is definitely worth the hop, skip and jump to Texas. While you’re there, head to The Stockman Hotel for lunch and a game of pool or a boogie to the jukebox before heading to the local pool, park or Bowls Club to make the most of your visit…
We recommend the Bowls Clubs in Texas, Inglewood and Goondiwindi to unlock the lost art of barefoot bowls for whole family fun! Perfect for an afternoon spent together in fresh air and sunshine, with most Club’s offering ice cold drinks, snacks or meals on selected evenings.
On the Kildonan Road between Goondiwindi and Texas, or ‘River Road’ as it’s known to locals, lies a warren of beautiful and untouched Reserves ready for exploring. From Bengalla Reserve with its large open-grassed areas to Lees Reserve with a rock bar of rapids for hours of fun, pack a picnic and an esky of ice-cold drinks and your day is set for wholesome adventure.
It’s easy to make a splash in the Goondiwindi Region with three public swimming pools – Goondiwindi (an Olympic sized pool with a shallow toddler pool and shaded grass areas with picnic tables); Texas and Inglewood. Be sure to check our local Council page here for opening hours and timetables which are subject to change.
Housing the Australian Tobacco Museum display, this hidden gem in Inglewood also showcases artefacts, records and photographs from the region’s rich history. In the 1980’s tobacco became a huge economic boost to Inglewood and with a large influx of European migrants after WWII, the industry flourished. Take the kids on a walk back in time and learn a thing or two, with kids under 16 years entering for free. The hospital display is particularly intriguing for visitors young and old and is sure to leave some laughing and others squirming!
If the kids need to burn off some energy after all that learning, stroll down the road from the Inglewood Museum to the Apex-Lions Park on Albert Street. With a newly painted art mural to admire, a skate park, play equipment and a free to use barbecue, it is the perfect spot to round out your day in Inglewood.
With three brilliant public Libraries across the region in Goondiwindi, Texas and Inglewood, there are many free school holiday activities on for kids of all ages. From craft to indoor games, stop-motion making to story and song time for the littler ones – head to our regional Library Facebook page to check out what’s on.
If you’re ready for some downtime or want to beat the heat, take a break and catch a movie at our Art Deco Cinema in the main street of Goondiwindi. Check session times online and head in for popcorn, ice-creams and a show. Got a few kids in tow and want to keep costs down? Our tip is to head in on a Wednesday to make the most of discounted tickets!
Bengalla Reserve - Rachel Walker
Kids Smiling - Paulina Eaborne
Inglewood Tobacco Museum
Kids at OK Milkbar - Paulina Eaborne
Reserve - SQCT
Texas Bowls Club - Paulina Eaborne
Lees Reserve - SQCT
Kids playing bowls - Paulina Eaborne
Texas Rabbit Work - SQCT
Texas Rabbit Works - SQCT