Written by @travelling.motherhood.moments

What made our school holiday getaway at Discovery Parks so memorable was the mix of in-park facilities, activities and local gems waiting to be explored around NSW, offering more experiences, for less. Right from the get-go, you could feel the excitement in the air, just buzzing with good vibes. Everywhere you looked – smiles all-round and kids in their element of pure fun. It didn't take long before a wave of relaxation washed over us.

The best part? Discovery Parks rolls out the red carpet for pets, too. Their pet-friendly policy was a big win for us. Dakota, our four-legged family member, is a non-negotiable companion on our family adventures, so being able to bring her along was the icing on the cake. And that's not all. You'll find eight pet-friendly Discovery Parks around NSW, loaded with pet-friendly features that’ll get your dog’s tail wagging in no time. Think a dog wash, leash-free dog area and direct beach access for the furry friends who can’t resist a good splash.

Normally, we hit the road with our trusty caravan in tow. This time around, we switched things up for a pet-friendly cabin at Discovery Parks – Ballina on the North Coast, and boy, was it a treat! What struck us right away was the space compared to our cosy caravan. The cabin, with its handy kitchenette, cool air conditioning, and comfy bedrooms, made us feel right at home.

Picture this: Chilling on the patio, with the palm trees swaying in the breeze like they haven't got a care in the world – neither did we. A tropical escape, tucked away right in the heart of the park. When it came to favourites, this outdoor area did it for us. Morning coffees, meal times or simply basking in the afternoon sun... This was where you’d find us, making the best memories as a family.

Worried about keeping the kids entertained during school holidays? That’s the least of your concerns when it comes to the numerous Discovery Parks around NSW. With facilities like bouncing pillows, waterparks, playgrounds, mini golf courses and swimming pools, the toughest decision is figuring out what fun to dive into first. That is, if they're not already busy making a bunch of new friends in-park.

But the fun doesn’t stop there.

Our little adventurers were thrilled to discover even more amenities. From tennis courts to – their absolute favourite – a beach volleyball court by the water’s edge. Still not enough? Discovery Parks even offers pedal kart and water equipment hire, promising more experiences, for less.

Staying along the coastline, it became a daily ritual to chill by the water and tuck into a good book while the kids explored or splashed about in the water. And when the inevitable "I'm hungry" chorus started up, it was time for a waterside picnic.

While the in-park activity program varies from one Discovery Parks to another, there’s one thing for sure: it’s always a lot of fun. Our kids loved getting their hands busy with arts and crafts, making mementos to bring home. Then, there was movie night, sausage sizzle, daily kids’ quizzes and being spellbound by magic shows and reptile shows. Dull moments at Discovery Parks? Not a chance.

If I’m being honest, I'm right there with the kids and already looking forward to our next unforgettable stay at Discovery Parks – it can't come soon enough!