Exactly how to keep your kids offline (and busy) these school holidays.

Thanks to our brand partner, Dreamworld

I have a long list of reasons why I love school holidays. No uniform to iron, no homework, no lunchbox to pack and unpack and no lunch to throw out after said unpacking.

There is, however, one downside to the holidays that I, and most other parents right now, are grappling with — and that is the all-encompassing and exhausting issue of screen time negotiations. 

We have reasonably good screen time rules in place at our house, but the lure of the couch, snacks and a screen is many a child's currency, including mine, and the very thing that has parents, including me, losing their collective minds over. 

Screen time might be dream time for kids, but for parents, it can be a pixelated nightmare. I have always said that I parent better outside the house than inside the house.

These summer school holidays, I have found the perfect antidote to screens, and it's Dreamworld that ticks all the boxes. As Australia's largest theme park, Dreamworld offers great value with access to all its worlds for just $149 (with a two-day ticket) or from $159 (with a local's annual pass). Sold!

Image: Supplied.

Dreamworld has been one of my "go-to" places since my son was a toddler, and a decade later, it still has the same wonderful appeal. Whether you're a thrill seeker, a splash seeker or a wildlife lover, one entry fee gives you access to all different worlds, accommodating everyone's needs.

We were four days into these school holidays when I declared screens to be off and sunscreen to be on. 45 minutes later, we arrived.

Rivertown

Opening in late 2024 is Dreamworld's newest world, Rivertown. It's a new themed jungle adventure area within the park, featuring Jungle Rush, an all-ages adventure roller coaster packed with thrilling twists and plenty of surprises.

Also within Rivertown, you can jump in an expedition car and take a scenic journey past hidden treasures and ancient relics. After all this adventuring, head to the jungle-inspired Jane's Rivertown Restaurant to enjoy a delicious meal. 

We've put this down as the first stop on our next visit.

Main Street

When you first arrive at Dreamworld and pass through the entry gates (which, by the way, is a seamless process), bustling Main Street awaits you. 

It's the main hub of the park and the doorway to all the other worlds. There are loads of things to see and explore along the Main Street Emporium, and a variety of food options to choose from. 

From chips to churros, salads to sandwiches, there are choices to suit the whole family, including very decent coffee which most importantly suits me.

There's also Australia's first dedicated LEGO store, which seems to stock the harder-to-find and more unique LEGO sets.

Kenny and Belinda's Dreamland

Dreamworld's koala duo and beloved mascots, Kenny and Belinda, are waiting for you at this kids-centric haven. Little kids will love the pace of Dreamland, and there's heaps to do in this world alone. 

The Wiggles' Big Red Boat is family-friendly and the perfect entry level roller-coaster ride for first-timers, and there are several other ABC Kids-themed rides. Fun and cheerful live shows give parents and carers the perfect opportunity to sit and relax while Wiggly Friends entertain the little ones. 

A quick tip — grab a coffee and relax because the kids will be happily distracted. My son is older now, so we didn't spend much time here, but I have very fond memories of him hugging a Banana in Pyjamas.

Tiger Island

At Dreamworld, we've never met a world we didn't love and enjoy, but Tiger Island is a firm favourite in our family and a majestic place to visit. 

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Most kids have a favourite animal and for my eleven-year-old, it has always been the tiger. When we go to Dreamworld, Tiger Island is often our first stop, and we've spent an endless amount of time here. 

Whether watching a presentation (with educational benefits, so that's a win!) or just sitting in awe watching the tigers as they roam freely amongst the stunning grounds, including a large splash pool. 

Dreamworld is leading the way in global tiger conservation, and you get to see this firsthand. This is an experience not to be missed.

Wildlife Precinct

Image: Supplied.

Right near Tiger Island is the Wildlife Precinct, and trust me, the first thing you need to do on arrival is spend a couple of dollars on a bag of kangaroo food. 

Not only will the kids thank you for this experience, but so will the kangaroos. We loved exploring the wildlife, such as dingoes, koalas, bilbies, reptiles and a very lazy and sleepy-looking wombat who, while lying upside down with his mouth open, fast asleep, made me contemplate that he could very well be my own spirit animal.

Ocean Parade

As much as I envied the sleeping wombat, we were ready for a change in pace and headed to Ocean Parade. 

This space has a bit of a cool carnival vibe to it — you can grab a hot dog, show bag and play sideshow games. But since it was a balmy day, we headed straight to the SeaBed Splash. 

Speaking from experience, swimwear is recommended, though not essential!

WhiteWater World

If there's one place you want to find yourself at during the summer holidays, it's WhiteWater World. According to my son, "this place is epic". There are heaps of options for all ages, including slides and wave pools, but for me, you had me at 'cabana for hire'.

There's so much to see and do at Dreamworld, offering the best value for everyone, because everyone is catered for.

After hours of fun and one final stop at the ice cream parlour, we left with our hearts full and our cups filled. No screens required.

Visit Dreamworld these school holidays and discover Rivertown, opening late 2024.

Feature Image: Supplied.

Why Dreamworld? Because it's so many incredible worlds in one!