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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.

Things to Do With Teenagers in Australia That Aren’t Lame

Things to do with Teenagers Australia

(Ultimate Mum-Tested Guide Across All Major Cities) I’ve tested teen activities across Australia with my own teenager If you are searching for things to do with teenagers in Australia that are not lame or just trying to survive another school holiday with a teenager who is “bored” five minutes after waking up, I get it. … Read more

School Holiday Activities Canberra for December/January

Aquarium

Mum tested experiences updated for 2026 holidays. Welcome to the grand capital of Australia for fantastic school holiday activities in Canberra, where school holiday fun and learning go hand in hand. Whether you are a local or are visiting, we have compiled the best December/January school holiday activities recommendation for Canberra. Canberra is ecstatically buzzing … Read more