School holiday activities for children with disability: planning for access and support
Our Guide to School Holidays: Must-do activities and ideas
By Tristram Peters · Originally published 4 December 2023
What families can check before booking
Start with what your child enjoys. Ask the organiser about the actual session, rather than relying on “accessible” in a listing: how busy it gets, where breaks are possible, accessible toilets, communication supports and who can assist with personal care.
For an outdoor activity, confirm the access route and any equipment hire arrangements for the day you plan to attend. Have an alternative that your child also likes if weather, fatigue or a crowded venue changes the plan.
Ask for an itemised quote separating support from tickets, food and other activity costs. NDIS funding decisions depend on the participant’s circumstances and applicable rules. The NDIA explains the funding criteria.
Original article and dated context
Tristram Peters is a writer, editor, and disability advocate with a keen passion for sport. He recently represented Australia at the powerchair football world cup and sits on the sport’s executive board for the Asia Pacific Oceania zone. Most importantly, he’s part of the Clicka-family.
More and more, some of the most common questions we get at Clickability are around school holidays: What’s available? What’s NDIS registered? What activities are fun, easy to access, and educational? (What we’ll call the holy trinity of school holiday activities.)
To answer your excellent questions, we created a school holiday category on Clickability just for you — yes, YOU! Within, you’ll find the very activities you were looking for, bundled together to make your pre-holiday planning that little bit easier.
But when we created this category, we got all nostalgic for school holidays, so we also thought we'd dedicate a whole blog to some of the best activities we stumbled upon. Let’s dig in.
School’s out and you’re keen to find an activity to entertain and educate the kids. Well, this is the category for you! Within it, you will find providers that offer specific services for school holidays, including both group activities and one-to-one support.
Between our list of school holiday camps and programs, we’ve got something for everyone. Plus, most of these organisations offer programs not limited to school holidays! For example, you might be looking for community access during school-time... yep, these providers have you covered.
Did someone say, 'the great outdoors'!?
The Great Outdoors
Providers in our School Holiday Activities offer a host of different things to do, but you might also want to go to them with your own ideas for your children. Seeing how summer is well and truly in full swing, why not plan for some fun in the great outdoors?
For a long time, I thought beaches simply weren't accessible. So much sand! But thanks to the work of organisations such as Accessible Beaches, beaches are becoming more and more disability and wheelchair friendly. Accessible Beaches has strict criteria for what makes a beach accessible, including wheelchair matting and accessible toilets, and have compiled a list of beaches that passed the test on their website.
If you're wanting to plan outdoor activities a little further inland, you can also use All Trails to find the best wheelchair accessible walks close to you. They even have a rating system, so that you quickly gauge which ones you might prefer! Parks Victoria even has some more adventurous treks, but don't worry, they also have all terrain wheelchairs for hire.
[Clickability update, September 2026: Finding an activity through a disability provider does not mean all its fees are NDIS-funded. Check the disability-related support separately from ordinary admission and holiday costs. Read current NDIS funding criteria.]
Something More Relaxed...
We’re nearly at the end of our school holiday mega-guide, but before we go, we thought we should cover some of the events near you.
The summer of sport is also upon us, with both the Big Bash and A-League being played well into the New Year. All venues accept companion cards, meaning carers and support workers get in for free. Find out more here.
[Clickability update, September 2026: Companion Cards are accepted at participating venues and events, not automatically everywhere. Check the particular booking conditions before buying tickets. Read official Companion Card guidance.]
Many of Australia's museums, such as Queensland Museum and Melbourne Museum, offer exhibits or programs that include quiet spaces for autistic children and children with a disability. All you need to do is browse their exhibits to see what might fascinate your child the most.
So, with our guide in hand, go forth and find that perfect school holiday activity! Easy, stress free, and painless. Click here to find providers who are ready to assist.
Clickability editorial update: September 2026
Give your child a real say in the plan
Offer a small selection in the communication format that works for them, such as pictures or a short description of each activity. Include the option to rest or leave early. A successful outing can be a short, enjoyable visit; it does not have to fill a whole day.
If a support worker will attend, explain your child’s preferences and agree on how to respond if they want a break. Review the day together before booking another session.
Questions readers ask
Can I use a Companion Card at every activity?
No. Check that the venue or event participates and ask how companion tickets are booked. Official guidance
Does using an NDIS provider make the whole activity claimable?
No. Provider status alone does not establish funding eligibility. Check the proposed support and ordinary participation costs separately against the plan and current rules. Official guidance
Find support for the school holiday plan you choose
Need a provider to help your child take part? Tell Clickability about the support and location you need, and compare options before booking the activity.
