Best school holiday activities in Sydney to enjoy this summer

This is it parents! Spring break. Time to work up some spring school activities stat.    

---

While I’m excited about having two weeks off lunchboxes and remembering library bags and special dress-up days, it also means we have two whole weeks of additional child scheduling to stave off the boredom.

And as the sun shines, and the weather warms up, it also means we’re on the downward slope to Christmas and festive season chaos.

While it’s easy to fall into the trap of staying in your little suburban Sydney bubbles, greater Sydney is always chockablock with exciting things to do.

So drag the kids away from the screens, grab your hat and sun cream, and prepare to make some core memories. From free school holiday activities in the park to some bigger, fantastic events – this round-up doesn’t miss a thing when it comes to the best school holiday activities.

Top indoor activities in Sydney

---

While we might think of Sydney as an ‘outdoorsy’ kind of city, we still have loads of indoor options for those rainy or windy days that will keep the kiddos entertained.

Australian Museum

The Australian Museum, (which is free) is a great way to keep families entertained. Kids can dive into fascinating exhibits on dinosaurs, natural history, and Indigenous culture, and during the Spring school hols they’re running The Dinosaur Festival! You can take your pick from a number of different programs for various ages including DinoRama prehistoric diorama making, to stop-motion and being a scientist for a day!

Art Gallery of New South Wales

Over at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, budding artists will love the interactive children’s programs and workshops that bring art to life. The gallery is free, but you can also book into one of the age-appropriate holiday workshops and spend an hour in creative collaboration with your child to make an artwork to take home.

Powerhouse Museum

For those seeking a hands-on experience, Powerhouse Museum in Ultimo offers exciting exhibits on science, design, and technology, with plenty of interactive displays to keep curious minds engaged.

Bounce Inc Australia

If your kid won’t stay still, take them to Bounce Inc at one of the multiple locations across Sydney for some topsy-turvy fun. They have something for everyone, with miniBounce for the little ones, and oodles of activities to keep the big kids happy too.

It’s not just trampolining, there is wall climbing and high ropes to explore too. And the best part… if you need some time to regain your sanity, they have a school holiday camp available so you can drop the kids off and escape for a few hours. Some activities even offer discounts or free entry for children when accompanied by a paying adult.

---

Top outdoor activities in Sydney

---

Family Fun at BridgeClimb, BridgeClimb Sydney

We don’t really need to sell this one – it’s the Sydney Harbour Bridge, after all BridgeClimb Sydney takes you all the way up near the Australian Flag, 134 metres above sea level for breathtaking views of the city skyline and stunning harbour below.

You can hear fascinating stories about the bridge’s construction and Sydney’s history while snapping photos from vantage points accessible only to climbers. The perfect way to start the NSW school holidays.

Centennial Park

Another classic Sydney option is to head to Centennial Park! Pack the bikes or the scooters to burn some energy zip around the paths amongst the Port Jackson Figs, and grab a coffee or babycino on the go. Or pack a picnic and explore the wonderful Ian Potter Children’s Wild Play Garden. It’s fabulous fun for the whole family.

You can also make the most of one of the comprehensive holiday program options available!

---

Cultural and educational school holiday activities

---

Sydney Opera House Spring School Holidays

The Sydney Opera House isn’t just for tourists. The Opera House is home to some of the best school holiday activities in Sydney, and a highly memorable for all ages.

This spring school holidays you can select from a number of different performances including:

• Edward the Emu – an adaption of the Australian classic children’s book, this Monkey Baa stage adaptation is a retelling of Edward and Edwina the Emu’s heartwarming and hilarious adventure. Featuring inventive design, exceptional puppetry and original music, this is the perfect theatrical experience for audiences aged 4+.
• Big Sky – from the world-renowned Flying Fruit Fly Circus, Big Sky follows 12 characters who take audiences on a journey across regional Australia, unfolding over a single night. Performed by kids, the work will showcase up-close circus stunts as they get caught up in mischief! Perfect for all ages.
• Waru – For ages 3+, Waru is the Bangarra’s first dedicated children’s work. This interactive and immersive introduction to Torres Strait Islander culture and dance sees audiences joining heroine Migi, a small turtle, as she navigates her way back to the beach where she was born.

The Sydney Opera House also hosts a number of creative workshops for both primary and high-school-aged budding artists. Check out both their Alien Rescue Mission workshop or the Architecture Club Workshop for parents and children aged 12+. For full program details and to book tickets, visit their website.

Sydney Fringe

The Sydney Fringe Festival has been running all September and will be wrapping up on the 1 Oct. The Fringe isn’t just for adults – Fringe Kids has heaps of fun for families during the first weekend of the spring school holidays.

With a variety of family-friendly performances, workshops, and activities, it’s the perfect way to introduce children to the world of creative arts. Check out the Darling Quarter venues including Hello Darling Tent, and Monkey Baa where there are immersive science and circus shows (among other things!).

Kids Pottery Class

Join an immersive 2-hour pottery class designed for kids during these school holidays at Crockd Studios in Bondi, Neutral Bay and Manly. From shaping clay to decorating finished pieces, children learn new skills and discover the joy of working with their hands and creating unique ceramic artworks.

Perfect for tiny artists and craft enthusiasts, this workshop encourages imagination and opportunity for accomplishment as kids can take home their handmade creations.

Family-friendly events and family fun

---

Darling Harbour Precinct

There is always something fun to do in the Darling Harbour precinct. On top of the Fringe Kids activities, and Australian National Maritime Museum, you can also take your kids to Madam Taussauds or WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo.

They also have The Open Air Roller Skating Rink if you’re looking for some throw-back family goodness. They have themed nights (hello, Taylor Swift and Barbie!) and you can enjoy a meal from one of the food trucks and settle in for the regular Saturday night fireworks display! Check out all the fun and get tickets to the theme nights at their website.

While you’re in Darling Harbour, you can also check out the incredible new Dreamworks animation, The Wild Robot at IMAX! Adapted from the best-selling book of the same name, the movie is an epic adventure that follows the journey of a robot – ROZZUM unit 7134, “Roz” for short – who gets shipwrecked on an uninhabited island and must learn to adapt to the harsh surroundings, gradually building relationships with the animals on the island and becoming the adoptive parent of an orphaned gosling.

With an all-star voice cast including Pedro Pascal, Lupita Nyong, Catherine O’Hara, and Bill Nighy – there is something for everyone in the family to love. PLUS, the spectacle of seeing a movie on the biggest screen in Australia is an unforgettable experience.

Entertainment Quarter

Still haven’t found the perfect school holiday activity? Take a trip to the Entertainment Quarter in Moore Park where you’ll find something to keep the kids entertained. On Wednesdays and Saturdays explore the market square for flowers, artisan gifts and fresh produce, while the kids can enjoy Monster Jump in the showring. Monster Jump is an absolutely enormous inflatable obstacle course, and this spring school holidays they’ve added the Sports Jam inflatable which features activities like basketball, jousting and a wrecking ball (Miley Cyrus style!)

There is also an all ages playground, a gaming zone ant B Lucky & Sons, and Hyper Karting, Bowling, and Fly Motion Bungee Trampoline action! The Entertainment Quarter is the perfect place to stave of the school holiday boredom for adults and children alike!

Unique Sydney experiences

---

Sydney is brimming with unique experiences that are perfect for kids during the school holidays. Whether your child is a budding historian, thrill-seeker, or adventurer, there’s something to spark their interest and keep them entertained.

Australian National Maritime Museum

Set sail on a voyage of discovery at the Australian National Maritime Museum. This fascinating museum is packed with interactive exhibitions and experiences to captivate kids of all ages.

Explore historic ships and submarines, take part in a simulated sailing experience, or dive into the world of underwater archaeology. The museum’s hands-on exhibits make learning about maritime history fun and engaging, making it a standout choice for school holiday activities.

Luna Park

For a day of thrills and laughter, head to Luna Park in Milsons Point. From the heart-pounding roller coasters to the charming carousels, there’s something for everyone. The park’s vibrant atmosphere and stunning views of Sydney Harbour make it a memorable outing for the whole family. Don’t forget to snap a photo under the famous smiling face entrance!

iFLY Indoor Skydiving

Experience the thrill of skydiving without jumping out of a plane at iFLY Indoor Skydiving in Penrith. This unique experience gives kids the rush of freefalling in a safe and controlled space (that won’t give you a heart attack). With expert instructors guiding them every step of the way, kids can learn to fly like a pro and even perform aerial tricks. It’s an exhilarating activity that’s sure to be a highlight of the school holidays.

Best always-on school holiday activities Sydney

---

Sea LIFE Sydney Aquarium

When in doubt, go for a walk among the fish at Sea LIFE Aquarium in Darling Harbour. Featuring over 4,000 animals from over 300 different species – the SEA LIFE aquarium challenges you to have a single dull moment. Especially when you stop by Pig, their rescue Dugong.

Your kids will love the Penguin Expedition Boat Ride, which is a raft ride that lets you get up close to a colony of king and gentoo penguins.

And if your child’s favourite character from Finding Nemo is Bruce (much to your own concern), they have 13 species of shark including grey nurse sharks, wobbegong sharks, and epaulettes sharks.

VIP experiences are available including behind-the-scenes tours and on-ice penguin encounters.

Royal Botanic Gardens

Fancy a picnic? Or maybe just a family-friendly walk alongside Sydney’s stunning harbour views.

The royal botanic gardens offer bright and bursting flowers, tall and shadowing trees, and gorgeous spots to lay down and catch some sun when it gets chilly.

Bring along some games, fun prompts and activities for your family to play with for a particularly lovely day. You could get them to sketch all the amazing things they see, or take photos of their favourite flowers. It’s free fun!

Walking through these gardens is the perfect way to slow down a little during these school holidays (yes, that’s important too). Or check out their school holiday program on their website. From educational activities to Sh

Museum of Contemporary Art Australia

Artistic kids will have tiny love hearts in their eyes as they walk through the Museum of Contemporary Art. Daring colours, bold shapes, performance art, and interactive exhibitions make this art gallery a total delight for kids. (Even if they find some of the pieces confusing, they’ll at least be entertained).

Taronga Zoo and Sydney Zoo

You know what will never get old? The zoo.

Whether you’re closer to the Taronga or Western Sydney side of the city – there’s a vibrant, entertaining, and educational zoo experience waiting for you and little animal lovers.

Even the smallest moves from a chimpanzee will delight your little one, and they’ll likely end the day with a new favourite animal, plenty of cute photos on mum’s phone, and a cosy soft toy to remember it by.

Zoos are also a perfect opportunity for kids to learn more about the natural world and feed their curious minds when school isn’t around. It’s more important than ever for us to show our kids everything to love about the natural world, and why we need to protect it.

Cockatoo Island

Time to jump on a ferry and see Sydney from a different point of view.

According to the island’s website, “During the 60,000 years prior to European settlement, Cockatoo Island was a meeting place for Sydney’s First Nations peoples, who know it as Wareamah.” Cockatoo Island served as a fishing and hunting base for the indigenous Eora People. After settlement, it was the site of a convict gaol and eventually hosted educational institutions for boys and girls.

That’s a lot of history – and you can feel it while you’re there. Families can wander around historical landmarks with guided tours (or just by themselves). Check out a heritage house, or just take in the stunning views and reflect on what Sydney might’ve looked like hundreds of years ago. If you’re after the ultimate school holiday adventure that will create lasting memories for all, try one of their camping experiences.

The Powerhouse Museum

If you’re after an exhibit that’s slightly more experimental, the Powerhouse Museum has an impressive range of programs.

From STEM-driven exhibits, creative studio workshops, family tours, and even a family Minecraft escape route (100% real), there’s a lot of hands-on and interactive entertainment to book these school holidays.

This museum is ideal for aspiring photographers, designers, directors, or engineers – tapping into the latest innovations in digital art and creativity.

Tips for planning school holiday activities in Sydney

---

When planning your adventures, you want to ensure a balance between fun and relaxation to avoid overwhelming the kids. Start by creating a flexible schedule that mixes structured outings with downtime at home to ensuring the kids have time to rest and recharge… after all, that’s what holidays are for.

See if you can balance a mix of indoor and outdoor activities to cater to all weather conditions. To keep costs down, explore free or low-cost options by visiting Sydney’s beautiful parks and beaches for a play. You can also head to local libraries and museums to and make the most of their free school holiday programs.

A lot of local shopping centres across Sydney, including Warringah Mall on the Northern Beaches and Rouse Hill town centre in our west, have holiday programs in place for the whole family, so if all else fails and a trip into the city isn’t on the cards, you can find something fun to do locally.

Booking tickets online in advance can help save on costs, and packing lunches for day trips is another great way to stick to a budget while ensuring everyone has a fun and stress-free holiday. And of course, don’t forget the hats and sun cream!

Wrapping it up

---

While us Sydneysiders love to have a moan about our city, it really is the best. With literally thousands of things to do, for all ages and budgets, there is no excuse for staying in your bubble. Get out there and explore. There’s nothing like Sydney in spring for making happy childhood memories!