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Janine Mergler

Hi, I’m Janine Mergler, an Australian educator, family publisher and mum who has spent more than a decade helping families find genuinely great things to do with kids. I hold a Bachelor of Education from QUT and have worked as a teacher, lecturer and education professional. I’m also the former owner and publisher of Families Magazine, where I spent years connecting Australian families with activities, events and experiences. Most importantly, I actually do many of the things I write about. I’ve travelled extensively around Australia with my son Alex, testing family attractions and activities from his early childhood through the tween and teenage years and now into young adulthood. Where I’ve personally experienced an activity, you’ll find my firsthand observations, photos and practical tips throughout this site. Where I haven’t, I research it using current information from the operator and other reliable sources. I’ve also appeared in Australian media, including Channel 9, sharing advice about family life, education and making school holidays more affordable. My goal with School Holiday Activities is simple: to help Australian parents spend less time searching and more time finding experiences their family will genuinely enjoy.

School Holiday Activities Sydney Summer 2026/27

school holiday activities Sydney

Mum tested experiences updated for 2026/27 holidays. Looking for the best school holiday activities in Sydney? Bookmark this article! I’ve trawled the websites, researched the options to bring you the best Sydney school holiday activities this summer, from free family outings and indoor attractions to exciting experiences for teenagers and BIG days out. I’ve explored … Read more

Indoor Activities Melbourne: 40+ Things to do with Kids and Teenagers

Indoor activities Melbourne

Mum tested experiences updated for 2026 holidays. Looking for indoor activities in Melbourne when it’s raining, freezing cold or simply far too hot to be outside? Melbourne has some brilliant indoor things to do with kids, from museums and immersive experiences to indoor skydiving, go-karting, trampolines, climbing, escape rooms and playcentres. I’ve done Melbourne activities … Read more