The Central Coast

Central Coast Family

🌏 This Central Coast family directory brings together practical local support, early-childhood services, youth programs and memorable activities from Gosford and Kariong to San Remo, Wyong Creek and Glenworth Valley. Use it to find parenting guidance, counselling, playgroups, developmental support, accessible programs, school holiday camps and children’s entertainment, then confirm current arrangements directly with each organisation.

Family and children’s services on the Central Coast

❤ Parenting, family relationships and counselling

Central Coast Local Health District – Family Care Centres
These Family Care Centres provide free support for Central Coast families with children from birth to five years. Families can seek assistance with sleep and settling, feeding, breastfeeding, behaviour and parenting concerns. Parenting counselling is also available. The centres are located in Gosford and Kanwal, and self-referral is available through the Perinatal Intake Line on 02 4328 7901.

Central Coast Family Support Services
This local not-for-profit provides several forms of practical family assistance from Kariong and Blue Haven. Its services include family casework, support for young parents, programs for grandparents raising grandchildren, additional-needs support and family courses. The main office is at 21 Old Mt Penang Road, Kariong NSW 2250. Phone (02) 4340 1585.

Relationships Australia NSW – Central Coast
The Gosford centre offers counselling and family counselling alongside services for families experiencing separation or significant relationship changes. Programs include Parenting After Separation groups, Children’s Contact Services and domestic violence support services. The centre is at Level 1, 4 Watt Street, Gosford NSW 2250. Phone (02) 4389 8760.

🧸 Playgroups, early learning and library activities

Central Coast Uniting Church Playgroups
These playgroups give non-school-aged children and their carers an opportunity to participate in shared play and social activities during school terms. The Kincumber playgroup meets on Wednesdays at the corner of Avoca Drive and Killuna Road. The Umina playgroup meets on Thursdays at 346 Ocean Beach Road, with access via Neptune Street. Check current session arrangements with the organisers before attending.

Central Coast Library Service
Central Coast library branches host programs for different childhood and youth stages. The schedule includes Babytime, Toddlertime and Storytime, as well as LEGO activities, clubs for school-aged children, youth workshops and school holiday programs. Program locations and sessions vary across the branch network. Gosford Regional Library is at 123a Donnison Street, Gosford NSW 2250. Phone (02) 4304 7500.

🌈 Child development and additional-needs support

Yarran Early Intervention Services
Yarran supports Central Coast children with developmental delay, disability or additional needs through occupational therapy, speech pathology and early childhood intervention. It also provides First Steps Forward for children aged zero to three who are not yet participating in early education. Service locations are 2 Community Road, Bateau Bay and 29 Waratah Street, East Gosford. Phone 0414 943 404.

Central Coast Local Health District – Speech Pathology for Children
This service supports Central Coast children aged zero to 16 who do not have NDIS funding. Areas covered include communication, speech, fluency and voice, along with eating and drinking. Services are available through community health centres including Erina, Gosford, Lake Haven, Long Jetty and Woy Woy. For initial enquiries, phone (02) 4328 7999.

Camp Breakaway
Based at San Remo, Camp Breakaway is a registered non-profit disability provider offering accessible accommodation, respite and disability programs. Its offerings include school holiday programs for young people with disability, making it a relevant option for families looking for supported activities during holiday periods. Camp Breakaway is at 80 Highview Avenue, San Remo NSW 2262. Phone (02) 4346 3331.

⭐ Youth services and participation

Regional Youth Support Services (RYSS)
RYSS is a locally based charity working with young people aged 10 to 25 and their families across the Central Coast. Its services include casework, disability support, youth programs and workshops. Within its regional offering, Peninsula Youth Services supports young people aged 12 to 17 in the Peninsula area. Families can contact RYSS directly to check which current program or pathway is appropriate.

🔥 School holiday camps and outdoor adventure

Glenworth Valley Wilderness Adventures
Adventure Max and Valley Adventurers are school holiday camps featuring age-suitable outdoor activities. Depending on the camp, activities can include nature walks, bush craft, animal feeding, horse riding, laser skirmish, kayaking and abseiling. The venue is at 69 Cooks Road, Glenworth Valley NSW 2250. Phone (02) 4375 1222 to confirm program dates, age requirements and booking arrangements.

Treetops Adventure Central Coast
Located in Ourimbah State Forest, this Wyong Creek adventure venue offers Tree Ropes, Zipcoaster and Networld experiences. Guided Kids Club sessions add a structured option for younger adventurers. The venue is at 1 Red Hill Road, Wyong Creek NSW 2259. Phone (02) 4307 4905 and check the official information for current age, height, supervision and participation conditions.

🎉 Children’s parties and mobile entertainment

Coastal Kids Entertainment
This mobile service delivers children’s party and event entertainment across the Central Coast and Newcastle. Options include discos, science activities and slime-making sessions for birthdays, vacation care, schools and community events. As the service travels to event locations, families and organisers should confirm the service area, activity format and venue requirements when making an enquiry.

✅ Practical checks before booking or enrolling

• Confirm suitability: Check the stated age range, developmental requirements, activity difficulty and whether an adult must remain present.
• Ask about access: For disability, developmental or counselling services, discuss accessibility, referral pathways, funding conditions and current capacity directly with the provider.
• Check the location: Some organisations have several Central Coast sites, while others provide mobile services or programs at changing venues.
• Review current arrangements: School holiday dates, library sessions, playgroup meetings and youth workshops can change between terms or program periods.
• Clarify participation details: Before an adventure, camp or party activity, confirm supervision arrangements, clothing or equipment needs, accessibility, costs and booking conditions.

📌 Family-focused businesses, activity operators, community groups and support organisations serving the Central Coast are invited to log in and self-list with The Australian Regional Network. Keeping service descriptions and contact details current helps local families discover suitable support, programs and experiences throughout the region.

⚠️ Accuracy Note: We do our best to keep this information useful and up to date, however details can change over time. If you notice anything that appears incorrect or out of date, please let us know and we will review it. Local business owners and community leaders can also help keep local information accurate by logging in and creating or managing their own listing and useful content on centralcoast.guide.