November has arrived and already we can see shiny Christmas bling decorating the shopping mall ceilings and walls. Before you know it, school holidays will be here to test the imaginations and patience of the nation’s mums and dads.

Fortunately, Australia’s capital cities have come to the rescue with some unique family activities – and great hotel deals to match.

Explore at Darling Harbour Sydney

In the Darling Quarter of Sydney there will be a free playground set up with water games, climbing ropes, swings and flying foxes. Close by at The Rocks Discovery Museum, they are handing out free treasure guide maps to encourage kids to go hunting amongst the exciting displays.

On Sundays, Kids On Deck will be running at the Australian Maritime Museum, a fun  program full of craft-making and interactive explorer adventures.

At the nearby Oaks Goldsbrough Apartments Sydney you can book self-contained apartments with full kitchen facilities – and spend the dining dollars you save on a well deserved treat for yourself.

See more great Sydney hotel deals.

Cook up a storm in Brisbane

Junior Masterchefs can enhance their spoon and bowl licking skills at Cooking’s Cool in Brisbane.

The fun, patient and talented Diane takes bookings for 5-9 year olds and 10-13 year olds, who all get to use the professional kitchen and gadgets to whip up their Oliveresque creations.

Every day is a different menu including a main, sweet treat and something to take home for the family. And to save you running out of Preen when your little chef arrives home, Diane even provides aprons and chef hats.

While the kids are cooking, enjoy some ‘you’ time in the spa and sauna of the Central West End Apartments.

See more great Brisbane hotel deals.

Play and learn at Collingwood Children’s Farm, Melbourne

As Australia’s backyards and local parks shrink – or disappear – it’s nice to be able to give the kids a taste of farm life in the city.

At the Collingwood Children’s farm in Melbourne, you can all have a go at milking gentle Patsy the cow, ride quiet-mannered ponies and horses, say hi to pigs and watch colourful peacocks prance.

Plus, on the second and fourth Sundays of the month, the beekeepers are here to collect honey from the bee hives.

Rooms at the Park Regis Griffin Suites Melbourne include DVD players, plus you can rent Wii consoles and games from reception.

And if you don’t feel like cooking, just wander downstairs to Purple café and bar for salads, tortillas, sandwiches and pizzas.

See more great Melbourne hotel deals.

Make a Great Escape in Perth

At the Great Escape fun and leisure park in Perth you get free entry and only pay for the rides and games you use. Some of the most popular include waterslides (such as the 40 knots an hour Speed Twister), miniature golf, the rock climbing wall and high ropes course.

Little ones can explore the Kiddeez Corner bouncing castle and merry go round.

After a balmy Perth day of fun, you’ll all appreciate the two outdoor pools at the Mounts Bay Waters Apartment Hotel. You can also take advantage of the free CAT bus service nearby and book one, two or three bedroom air-conditioned apartments.

See more great Perth hotel deals.