Best school holiday activities in Sydney to enjoy this summer
This is it parents! You made it to the end of yet another full school year, and your reward is a full six weeks of uninterrupted quality time with your children.
It’s hard to believe that another whole year has passed and the festive season chaos is already well and truly upon us with practices for end-of-year concerts and Christmas parties. This means it’s also time to put in place some plans for Christmas and summer school holiday fun.
Summer in Sydney means we really ARE spoiled for choice. The city comes alive with warm weather and long balmy evenings full of festive delights. And during the day, the kids are happy just to spend a day bombing in and out of the water somewhere. Choose a beach or a pool, snacks and suncream, and the day is set.
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 cozzies, hat and sun cream, and prepare to make some core memories. From free school holiday activities in the park to some bigger, fantastic Christmas events – this round-up doesn’t miss a thing when it comes to the best.
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 rainy-day fun that will keep the kiddos (and grown-ups) 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 from December to February 2025, you can immerse yourself in ancient Andean culture in the Journey to Peru exhibition.
Where: Australian Museum, 1 William St, Sydney NSW 2010, Australia
When: Open year-round, but ideal to visit between December 2024 and February 2025 to experience the Journey to Peru exhibition.
Cost: Free Entry
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 or visit one of the craft workshops with your child to make an artwork to take home.
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 (check the website for specific workshop fees)
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. With changing exhibits and interactive activities, kids can dive into everything from space exploration to eco-friendly inventions. It’s the perfect spot for little explorers and future inventors to have fun while learning.
Where: Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris St, Ultimo NSW 2007, Australia
When: Open year-round; special school holiday programs are available during NSW school break periods
Cost: Admission fees vary; children under 16 enter free, while some workshops and special exhibits may have additional costs (check the website for details)
Bounce Inc
If your kid won’t stay still and you need them to get them out of the house, take them to Bounce Inc at one of the multiple locations across Sydney for some high-energy fun. 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 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.
Where: Multiple locations across Sydney, including 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)
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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. Perhaps this could make a perfect experience-based Christmas gift for your family.
You can hear fascinating stories about the bridge’s construction and Sydney’s history while snapping photos from vantage points accessible only to climbers. It’s sure to become a core memory for kids and adults alike.
Where: Sydney Harbour Bridge, 3 Cumberland St, The Rocks NSW 2000, Australia
When: Open year-round, with climbs available at various times throughout the day; morning or twilight climbs offer especially stunning views
Cost: Prices vary by climb type and time; family packages are available (check website for specific pricing)
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!
Where: Centennial Park, Grand Dr, Centennial Park NSW 2021, Australia
When: Open year-round; school holiday programs are available during NSW school breaks
Cost: Free entry; some holiday programs may have additional fees (check website for details)
Cultural and educational school holiday activities
Sydney Opera House Summer 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 summer school holidays they have a heap of different shows appropriate from babies and toddlers, all the way up to big kids. Here are our picks for school-aged kids:
- Elf the Musical – Making its Australian premiere at the Concert Hall this December! Perfect for all ages (recommended 8+), this heartwarming musical follows Buddy the Elf on his journey to discover his true identity, with plenty of laughs, maple syrup, and holiday spirit along the way. This special concert production is the ideal way to celebrate Christmas with the family and experience a new twist on a classic holiday story.
- London International Animation Festival – Bring the kids along for a red-carpet animation experience as the London International Animation Festival arrives in Sydney! Hosted at the Playhouse, this three-day event showcases a fantastic selection of independent animated films from around the world, tailored for young audiences ages 2–14. With age-specific sessions throughout each day, there’s a screening to delight every young animation fan.
- Operation Ouch! Live: Quest for the Jurassic Fart – Join TV’s favourite twin doctors, Dr Chris and Dr Xand, for a hilariously educational adventure in Operation Ouch! Live: Quest for the Jurassic Fart! Perfect for curious kids aged 5 and up, this live show combines exciting experiments, fascinating science facts, and plenty of laughs as Dr Chris and Dr Xand uncover the greatest fart in history. Following sell-out tours in The Sydney Opera House also hosts a number of creative workshops for both primary and high-school-aged budding artists. Check out both their Sound Stories workshop (kids 5-9) or the Stop Animation Workshop (kids 6-14). For full program details and to book tickets, visit their website.
Where: Sydney Opera House
When: December 2024 -January 2025
Cost: Tickets vary in price and are available from the website. Gift vouchers are also available for purchase, making ideal Christmas gifts!
Australia and London’s West End, this dino-themed science quest promises a memorable experience for the whole family.
Family-friendly events and family fun
Darling Harbour Precinct
Darling Harbour is packed with activities to keep the kids entertained during the summer school holidays, with something to suit every budget. From the range of free Christmas activities in The Harbour Village and Darling Quarter to the fascinating exhibits at the Australian National Maritime Museum, there’s plenty to explore. Families can also visit Madame Tussauds or WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo for some hands-on fun and unforgettable moments.
Head to Santa’s Workshop in the North Pole (aka. The Harbour Village) for free creative workshops, interactive music shows with Emily Who (21 December 12:15 to 1pm) and life-size lawn games to keep both adults and little ones entertained.
Don’t forget to stop by the much-loved Darling Harbour Playground. With water features, climbing frames, and plenty of shaded spots, it’s the perfect place for kids to burn off energy while parents take a breather.
If it’s a hot day, you can escape the heat at the new IMAX theatre. It’s an immersive big-screen experience the whole family can enjoy showing the biggest (literally) summer blockbusters.
Or, if you’re looking for something a bit more low-key with a bit of culture, you can venture into the Chinese Garden of Friendship at the southern end of Darling Harbour and immerse your family in the peaceful Chinese garden sanctuary.
Where: Darling Harbour Precinct, Sydney
When: Open daily; special activities and events available throughout the summer school holidays
Cost: Prices vary by activity; check individual websites for details
Entertainment Quarter
Still haven’t found the perfect school holiday activity? Take a trip to the EQ 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 hit the all ages playground.
There is also a gaming zone at B Lucky & Sons, and Hyper Karting, Bowling, and Fly Motion Bungee Trampoline action! The EQ is the perfect place to stave off the holiday boredom for adults and children alike.
Where: Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park, Sydney
When: Open daily; market days on Wednesdays and Saturdays
Cost: Prices vary by activity; check individual websites for details
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. From the 18th of December, they have a deep sea exhibition that lets you investigate the submersible that took James Cameron (director of Titanic) to the deepest reaches of the ocean. Pretty cool.
Where: Australian National Maritime Museum, 2 Murray St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
When: Open daily, 10am–5pm; 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
Luna Park
Want to make some core memories? 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!
Where: Luna Park Sydney, 1 Olympic Dr, Milsons Point NSW 2061, Australia
When: Open daily during school holidays; check the website for specific hours and ride schedules
Cost: Entry is free; ride passes start at $42.50 for kids and $62.50 for adults (online prices)
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.
Little 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 for interactive experiences.
Where: Sea LIFE Sydney Aquarium, 1-5 Wheat Rd, Darling Harbour NSW 2000, Australia
When: Open daily, 10am–5pm (last entry at 4pm)
Cost: Tickets start at $44.80 for adults and $34.80 for children (online prices; discounts available for family passes)
Royal Botanic Gardens
Looking for some free outdoor options? The Royal Botanic Gardens are perfect for a picnic – or even just a family-friendly walk alongside Sydney’s stunning harbour. Catch public transport over to Circular Quay and wander up the hill to explore the historical gardens. You can also check out their school holiday program on their website which includes interactive workshops, educational activities and performances.
Where: Royal Botanic Gardens, Mrs Macquaries Rd, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
When: Open daily; school holiday programs available during NSW school breaks
Cost: Free entry; workshops and holiday programs may have additional costs (check website for details)
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
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.
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.
Where:
- Taronga Zoo: Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman NSW 2088
- Western Sydney Zoo: 700 Great Western Hwy, Bungarribee NSW 2767
When: Open year-round; ideal during the school holidays for a fun, educational outing
Cost:
- Taronga Zoo: From $45.90 for adults, $27.90 for children (4–15 years), under 4 free
- Western Sydney Zoo: From $44.99 for adults, $22.99 for children (3–15 years), under 3 free
Wrapping it up
While we 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 summer for making happy childhood memories!
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