By the time mid-January rolls around, most parents are officially scraping the bottom of the school-holiday barrel. The novelty of late mornings has worn off, screens are doing overtime, and the familiar refrain of “I’m bored” is echoing through the house. With a few weeks of summer school holidays still to go, many families are looking for ideas that feels productive, engaging and – ideally – gets kids out of the house for more than an hour.
That’s where tech-focused holiday programs really come into their own. Not as a replacement for creativity or play, but as a way to channel kids’ screen obsession into something genuinely educational. And this summer, Code Camp’s Tech Camps are stepping in as the ultimate boredom-buster for kids aged 5–13.
Known nationally for its coding programs, Code Camp has built a reputation around making technology approachable, fun and confidence-boosting. These aren’t dry lessons or passive tutorials – they’re full-day, hands-on experiences where kids actively create, problem-solve and collaborate. Think less scrolling, more building.
For younger kids just starting out, programs like Minecraft Minis, Little Coders and Curious Minds introduce core tech concepts through play. Using familiar platforms and age-appropriate tools, kids learn logical thinking, sequencing and basic coding without even realising they’re learning. It’s the kind of foundation that quietly builds confidence – especially for kids who might not naturally gravitate towards maths or science at school.
For older kids, the tech offering expands in exciting directions. Spark Coding, Ignite Intermediate and Web Builders allow kids to create their own games, animations and websites, while Minecraft Engineers and Minecraft Masters tap into a world they already love – but flip them from players into creators. Robotics, drones, AI and Roblox camps introduce future-facing skills in a way that feels accessible rather than intimidating. By the end of the week, kids walk away with projects they’re genuinely proud of, not just memories.
What makes these tech camps particularly appealing during the later stretch of the holidays is their structure. Each day runs like a proper program, with trained instructors, clear outcomes and a sense of routine that kids often crave once the school term feels a distant memory. For parents juggling work, planning fatigue or just needing a breather, that structure is priceless.
While tech is the heart of Code Camp, it’s also worth noting that the program recognises not every child wants to code all day – and that creativity comes in many forms. Alongside its tech camps, Code Camp offers creative programs in animation, DJing, design, crafting and even building mini houses. These options complement the tech focus beautifully, especially for kids who sit somewhere between left-brain logic and right-brain creativity.
Another major plus is availability. Code Camp runs nationwide across more than 100 locations, with programs continuing through to late January – making them ideal for families who didn’t lock plans in early or need a reliable backup. Camps cater to kids aged 5–13 and are available in multiple weeks depending on state, including the final stretch of the holidays when options can feel thin on the ground.
There’s also a little extra excitement baked in this summer, with Code Camp offering families the chance to win a full year of camps – covering four school holiday breaks in 2026. For parents already eyeing off how to survive next year’s holidays, it’s a compelling bonus.
As the countdown to Term One begins, tech-based holiday programs like Code Camp offer something many families are craving: a way to keep kids engaged, learning and happy – without defaulting to another day on the couch. For children, it’s a chance to discover new interests and build real-world skills. For parents, it’s peace of mind during the most exhausting part of the holidays.
Sometimes, the smartest way to unplug is to learn how tech actually works.
For camp dates, locations and full program details, visit codecamp.com.au
