We know that staying indoors with the family isn’t always fun. And while it’s obviously cold outside, you’re only a puffer jacket and beanie away from being comfortable and ready to explore. There’s lots of family fun to be had in all sorts of weird and wonderful places across the state these school holidays.

We snow best.

Close to home, the best place to get your snow fix is kunanyi/Mt Wellington (hot tip, warm up by the log fire in the mountain hut at The Springs with a Lost Freight hot chocolate), or take the one and a half hour drive to Mt Field. If you want to dust off your skis and teach your kids “pizza and fries”, Ben Lomond is the place to go. The classic snow covered vista of Cradle Mountain is best enjoyed with a wander around Dove Lake followed by a warming beverage by the closest fire.

Forests done differently.

Explore Tassie forests from a different perspective – starting with Evercreech Forest Reserve where you’ll find the incredible White Knights, the world’s tallest white gums (over 90 metres high) or join a Giant Trees Expedition from Maydena. Tahune Adventures near Geeveston will have you on the 600- metre walkway, which ends at a spec­tacular cantilevered platform, 50 metres above the riverbank with views to the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Up north, fly through the treetops at Hollybanks Wilderness Adventures on the Zipline Adventure or climb the awesome High Ropes Course.

Caving in.

Sick of building forts and caves at home these school holidays? Explore a real one. Within easy reach of Hobart, head to Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs near Southport. Make a weekend of it and explore the range of caves up north at Mole Creek Karst National Park and Gunns Plains Caves – both offering glow worms and cool underground waterways. Or if you think the kids would listen better to someone else – join one of the Wild Cave Tours at Mole Creek.

Island dwelling.

Take a break from the big island and explore one of the many islands that surround the Tassie coastline. We’re spoilt for choice with Bruny Island and Maria Island, both within an easy drive, or take a direct flight further afield with Sharp Airlines from Hobart to King Island or Flinders Island.

Museums and galleries.

TMAG is celebrating NAIDOC week with a program of activities – while you’re there visit the new dedicated children’s gallery space mapiya lumi/around here. Have you visited MONA post-2020? They cleverly used the downtime to create new spaces and children’s outdoor play areas. Launceston’s QVMAG is also in on the game with a school holiday program as well as the gallery spaces.