Why the kids remember the simple stuff BreadcrumbHome Holiday Guides Why the kids remember the simple stuffThat’s the magic of Tasman - the little, messy, unpolished moments that somehow stick. And while we’ve had a little glow up, those simple stories will always be at the heart of a Tasman holiday.25 Sept 2025 Ask any kid what they loved most about a holiday, and chances are it wasn’t the museum tour or the perfectly timed itinerary. It was the ice cream that melted down their arm before they could finish it. The glow-stick game that kept them running in circles until bedtime. The marshmallow that slipped straight into the fire.Here’s how to make more of those moments on your next stay (with a spooky October twist):Foil Parcels: Because kids love unwrapping thingsFoil dinners are as fun to make as they are to eat. Let the kids wrap their own little parcels of potato, corn, or sausages in foil, then tuck them into the coals. The wait makes it exciting - and when the parcels come out all smoky and sizzling, it feels like magic they cooked themselves.🎃 Bonus for Halloween: carve silly faces into potatoes first, then cook them in foil for a “monster mash” dinner reveal.Meet your new favourite campfire mess - proof that all you need for happiness is biscuits, chocolate, and way too many marshmallows.Shades of the great outdoorsGrab a paint colour sample chart from the hardware store and head out on a walk. Kids love the challenge of matching shades of green, brown, and blue to the leaves, bark, and sky around them. Suddenly, an ordinary stroll turns into an adventure in noticing and being present. A twig the exact colour of “Eucalyptus Mist”? That’s going in the memory bank.🎃 Halloween spin: encourage kids to hunt for “witchy” shades - think pumpkin orange leaves, bat-black rocks, or ghost-white shells.Armed with paint swatches and plenty of curiosity, little explorers set out to match nature’s colours -because the outdoors always wins at hide-and-seek.Craft supplies, courtesy of natureArmed with sticks, string, and feathers, kids can weave their own dreamcatchers or mini sculptures - a slow, creative way to bring a little of the outdoors back to camp. The best part? Every lopsided loop and knotted string becomes a keepsake of the day.🎃 Halloween twist: swap dreamcatchers for spooky string “spiderwebs,” carve a potato stamp to print bats onto an old tee, or grab a bin bag and a broom - poof! instant witch.Tasman’s got talent (Sort of)Nothing fancy required - just a speaker, some glow sticks, and the freedom to stay up a little past bedtime. Kids will remember the silliness, the music echoing across the park, and the feeling that for one night only, they owned the dancefloor.🎶 Turn it spooky with a Halloween playlist, a glow-stick mummy wrap contest, or a campsite “Monster Mash” dance-off. Who needs a disco ball when you’ve got a campfire?When dinner is a craft projectCooking doesn’t have to be separate from play. Turn veggies into critters, make fruit kebabs with funny faces, or set up a “decorate your own pancake” station. Think capsicum trains, celery butterflies, or just a sprinkle station with choc chips and berries.🎃 And for Halloween? Spook up your dishes! Freeze blueberries in ice cubes for eerie eyeballs, rim glasses with honey and red food colouring for blood-drip drinks, and you’ve got a party-ready showstopper right at your campsite.Trick-or-treat, Tasman style🎃 Many of our parks also run in-park Halloween fun and kid-friendly activities, so your little ones stay entertained while you kick back and relax.The simple stuff sticksIt turns out kids don’t need perfect. They just need presence, patience, and a place to play. At Tasman, that’s always been the heart of it - those messy, unfiltered holiday moments are the ones your kids will remember.👉 Turn up the real at Tasman - book your stay and start making those messy, magical memories.
Discover the best facilities at Tasman Holiday Parks – New Zealand If you’re looking for the perfect holiday park experience in New Zealand, Tasman Holiday Parks offers a wide range of top-tier facilities to ensure your stay is comfortable, fun, and memorable. From North to South, these parks cater to everyone with features like heated pools, BBQ areas, and even spa pools. We’ve outlined the facilities you can expect at each of the ten Tasman Holiday Parks across Aotearoa.Read More
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A family survival guide for a day-trip to Mount HothamIf you're planning a family trip to Mount Hotham, but don’t want to deal with the hassle of staying on-mountain, day-tripping from Bright is the perfect solution. Whether you’re hitting the slopes, exploring the alpine village, or just soaking in the winter wonderland, the logistics of getting from park to peak can be tricky, especially with kids in tow. With a little preparation and the right amenities, you can ensure your day is smooth, fun, and stress-free. This guide will walk you through how to make the most of your day trip to Hotham from Bright, with tips on managing kids, gear, and food when you don’t have a home base on the summit. Plus, we'll show you how our park’s amenities can make your day-trip experience easier and more enjoyable.Read More
Visit Serpentine Falls – Western Australia’s most underrated attractionWestern Australia is home to some of the most pristine beaches in Australia. Stretching across 12,000 kilometres of coastline, there’s no shortage of white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and the odd kangaroo checking out the surf. It’s no wonder millions of tourists flock here each year. However, if you’re after something a little different and off the beaten track, head approximately 35 kilometres inland and you will find a beautiful gem named Serpentine Falls.Read More