When school’s out, curiosity doesn’t take a break. That’s why National Science Week (9–17 August 2025) is the perfect time to spark wonder, creativity, and discovery in your vacation care program.
At Vacation Care Australia, we believe that science doesn’t have to be complicated to be powerful — and that it’s often the messy, surprising, hands-on moments that children remember most.
Whether it’s making slime, watching chemical reactions bubble and fizz, or solving a mini crime scene, science experiences during the holidays have a unique way of turning fun into fascination.
Science That Feels Like Play
During the school year, science can sometimes feel abstract — but in a vacation care setting, it becomes something kids can touch, mix, build, and break apart. Our activities give children the chance to become scientists for a day, without even realising they’re learning.
Some experiences feel like stepping into a science lab, like when kids design circuits and experiment with electricity in Circuit Builders. Others bring a bit of mystery and excitement, like the investigative thrill of Fun Forensics, where young detectives use real techniques to crack the case.
And then, there’s the joyful chaos of activities like Volcanoes & Slime Time, which combine messy fun with memorable learning. When children see science explode, ooze, or float, it sticks with them long after the holidays are over.
Where Curiosity Leads the Way
Not every child thinks they’re “into science” — until they see bubbles bouncing across a room or experience a chemical reaction that changes colour before their eyes. These are the moments when interest is sparked, often unexpectedly.
Experiences like Mad Science Mayhem or Professor Bubbles invite children to think differently about science — as something joyful, full of surprises, and deeply creative.
Even the line between science and magic gets delightfully blurry with Is It Science or Is It Magic?, where kids explore the “wow” factor behind everyday scientific phenomena. For many children, it’s the first time they see science as something they can do, not just something they hear about.
Why Science Belongs in Vacation Care
Science-based activities don’t just keep kids busy — they engage the brain, encourage problem-solving, and build confidence. For educators and vacation care providers, they also bring structure, energy, and variety to the day.
By celebrating National Science Week with purposeful activities, you’re giving children a chance to play, think, and explore — all while building foundational STEM skills that support them long after the holidays.
At Vacation Care Australia, we’re proud to support programs that bring science to life — because the more fun it is, the more lasting the learning becomes.