Winter School Holiday Activities Sydney
This is it, parents...you made it to the end of another school term! Your reward? Two weeks of quality time with the kids. Things can go either way!
If you manage to keep the kids entertained for the next few weeks, you might both walk away making some core memories. But if you drop the ball, you may just hear them whine how they’re ‘bored’ the entire time.
The good thing? This city has your back!
Greater Sydney’s bursting with adventure. From free park days to bucket-list seasonal events, to kids workshops that will get their creative juices flowing.
So, grab your coats, set aside those screens, and get ready to discover some of the hidden and popular attractions the city has to offer.
Holiday activities for the adventurous ones: Sydney’s theme parks
Scraped knees? Adrenaline-obsessed tweens? Here are some great places to visit this winter school holidays with your active, energetic kids.
1. Luna Park (Milsons Point)
Head to Luna Park in Milsons Point, where the kids can let their imagination run wild. From the terrifying roller coasters to the vintage charm of Coney Island, there’s something for everyone.
The park’s fun 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! Oh, and their Stranger Things exhibit can not be missed for older kids.
Where: Luna Park Sydney, 1 Olympic Dr, Milsons Point NSW 2061, Australia
When: Open daily from 10 am to 6 pm; check the website for specific hours and ride schedules
Learn More: https://www.lunaparksydney.com/
2. TreeTops Adventure Park for high-ropes courses and ziplining
Is there a better way to burn all that energy than a high-ropes course? Zip-lining maybe? Well, then head over to Tree Tops Adventure Park where they have tree rope courses for kids as young as 3 years! And a zip coaster 8-year-olds love! There are also several TreeTops locations around Sydney so you can head to the one closest to you!
Learn More: https://treetopsadventure.com.au/location/
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Sydney Holiday Activities For Animal Lover
Whether it’s whales or Koala bears, Sydney has places that will keep your school holiday educational. From learning about the ocean to
1. 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 rescued Dugong.
Little kids will love the Penguin Expedition Boat Ride, a raft ride that gets up close to a colony of king and gentoo penguins for an interactive experience. Also, don’t forget there’s plenty of daily feeds and keeper talks.
Where: Darling Harbour (next to Aquarium Wharf)
When: Open daily 10 am–5 pm (last entry 4 pm)
Tickets: Adults from ~$42.40; kids ~AU$29; family and combo deals available
Learn More: https://www.visitsealife.com/sydney/
2. 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. Go ahead and explore the Tiger Trek, chimpanzees, and the brand-new Amphibian & Reptile Centre. Expect a lot of questions and even more squealing!
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. But what’s even more important is that it’s an opportunity to show our kids everything to love about the natural world and why we need to protect it.
Taronga Zoo:
Where: Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman NSW 2088
When: Open 9:30 am–4:30 pm daily (visit on the ferry for harbour views).
Online Tickets: From $45.90 for adults, $27.90 for children (4–15 years), under 4 free
Learn More: www.taronga.org.au
Western Sydney Zoo:
Where: 700 Great Western Hwy, Bungarribee NSW 2767
When: Open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Online Tickets: From $44.99 for adults, $19.99 for children (3–15 years), under 3 free
Learn More: https://sydneyzoo.com/
3. Golden Ridge Animal Farm
Prefer something a little more hands-on? Head over to Golden Ridge Animal Farm in Dural, where kids can spend an hour cuddling baby animals, milking a cow, collecting eggs, and even riding a pony! It’s the perfect mix of fresh air and farm fun!
Don’t forget, bookings are essential because they don’t often take on-the-day walk-ins.
When: Open daily with multiple 2-hour sessions. Weekday hours are 10:00 am–2:00 pm, weekends 10:30 am–3:00 pm
Where: Golden Ridge Animal Farm, Dural NSW
Tickets & Booking: General admission is roughly $25 per adult or child (weekend and public holiday rates may vary), and on-the-day walk-ins cost around $35
Learn More: goldenridgeanimalfarm.com.au
Camps for the sporty ones
If you are looking for winter school holidays clubs, here are a few great options:
- Tennis Lessons: Evolve Tennis Academy
- Surf Lessons: Manly Surf School
- Mini Ninja Training: Ninja Parc
- From swimming to shooting to diving: Sydney Olympic Park Programs
The great outdoors: nature-based fun things
No budget? No problem!
The Ian Potter Children’s WILD PLAY Garden in Centennial Parklands is a magical, free nature-play wonderland open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. The place is perfect for a day out with active little ones because it’s simply bursting with sensory appeal!
Indoor activities for that rainy day
While one might think of Sydney as an ‘outdoorsy’ kind of city, it still has loads of indoor options for rainy-day fun that will keep the adults and kids entertained.
Bounce Inc
If your kid won’t stay still and you need to get them out of the house, take them to Bounce Inc at one of the multiple locations across Sydney. They have something for everyone, with miniBounce for the little ones and oodles of activities to keep the big kids happy too.
They also have school holiday sessions available. This means you can drop the kids off and escape for a few hours. Some activities even have discounts or free entry for children when accompanied by a paying adult.
Where: Multiple locations across Sydney, including Cromer, Alexandria, Blacktown, and North Ryde
When: Open year-round; school holiday sessions available during NSW school breaks
Cost: Prices vary by session and location; some activities offer discounts or free entry for children when accompanied by a paying adult (check website for details)
Winter school holidays for the curious minds
1. Interactive workshops at the Australian Museum
Dinosaurs? Bugs? Hands-on science and interactive workshops? Yes, please!
We’re talking Kids on Deck, Cabinet of Curiosities, and VR exhibits at the Australian Museum (which is free to enter), and is a great option for a day out these school holidays.
Outside the exhibitions, the museum’s permanent galleries are always a hit, with dinosaurs, megafauna, insects, and plenty of hands-on science to explore.
Where: Australian Museum, 2 Murray St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
When: Open daily, 10 am–5 pm; ideal for school holiday visits
Cost: General entry is free for kids under 16; tickets for special exhibitions, activities, and experiences may have additional costs
Learn more: https://australian.museum
2. Endless Learning at the Powerhouse Museum
Head to the Powerhouse for a day packed with science, tech, and design fun. It’s a paradise for curious kids who love to get hands-on, with interactive displays that encourage plenty of button-pushing and exploring.
While the Ultimo museum is currently closed for major redevelopment, the Powerhouse continues to offer exciting exhibitions and workshops at other venues like Castle Hill and the Sydney Observatory. From space adventures to eco-smart inventions, there’s always something to spark young imaginations.
Where: Powerhouse venues across Sydney – including Castle Hill and Sydney Observatory
When: Programs run year-round, with special school holiday activities during NSW school break periods
Cost: Admission varies by venue; children under 16 enter free, with some workshops or exhibits requiring an extra ticket
Learn More: https://powerhouse.com.au/
3. 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 or visit one of the craft workshops with your child to make an artwork to take home. Their interactive art-making, comic-book illustration, and weaving classes are amazing opportunities to learn valuable new skills.
Where: Art Gallery of New South Wales, Art Gallery Rd, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
When: Open year-round; check holiday schedules for children’s workshops during school breaks
Cost: Free entry; workshops may have additional costs
Learn More: https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/whats-on/events/
4. 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).
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, 140 George St, The Rocks NSW 2000
When: Open year-round; check for special exhibitions and school holiday programs for added fun
Cost: Free general admission; some special exhibitions may have entry fees
Learn More: https://www.mca.com.au/
School Holiday Fun for the Little Artists
Sydney Opera House: for young children
The Sydney Opera House isn’t just for tourists. These school holidays, it’s packed with incredible shows, workshops, and free events for kids, including dance workshops and performances. Don’t miss The Twits if you have a Roald Dahl fan, or City of Wonder for a more hands-on creative workshop.
The Twits: Roald Dahl’s hilariously gross classic comes to life on stage with pranks, bird pies, and upside-down monkeys!
Dates: 5–19 July 2025
Ages: 5+
City of Wonder: A hands-on, creative workshop where families or older kids build a sustainable “city” together, sparking imagination, collaboration, and problem-solving.
Dates: 10–18 July 2025
Ages: 4+ (Family sessions) and 10–14 (kids-only sessions)
Quick Tips for Planning the Best Family Day Out
April and June may be behind us, but there’s still a wide range of exciting school holiday activities to enjoy across Sydney. Whether you’re planning a beach day, a science-packed adventure, or a relaxing walk through nature, there’s something for every family.
Tip 1: Book Online and Save
Many popular attractions, like Taronga Zoo and SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, offer discounted tickets when booked online.
Tip 2: Look for Bundle Deals
Don’t miss deals like the “1 Hot Ticket, 2 Wild Adventures” offer. You can buy a general admission ticket to SEA LIFE Sydney and get free entry to either WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo or Madame Tussauds Sydney. It’s a great way to add variety to your journey and save some money.
Tip 3: Free Parking Offers
Select venues provide free or discounted parking during the holidays. Be sure to check signage or official websites for details.
Tip 4: Double-Check Dates and Times
Always confirm event times, and if you’re planning to participate in a workshop or playground session, booking ahead will help you avoid disappointment.
Tip 5: Layer up for Winter Holiday Activities
Pack layers and jackets for cool winter weather. There’s nothing like a sunny Sydney winter day for making happy childhood memories!
With literally thousands of things to do, for all ages and budgets, Sydney is perfect for kids! Now get out there and explore.
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