Welcome weary parents, to the ultimate survival guide for conquering this school holidays in Sydney! I don’t know about you, but this winter school holidays has snuck up on me. Not to worry though, from thrilling outdoor escapades to captivating indoor wonders, I’ve got you covered. So, fasten your seatbelts (both literally and figuratively), and let’s dive into the best school holiday activities Sydney has to offer!
1. Head to the Theatre
Immerse yourself in the magic of live theatre. Check out ‘Children are Stinky,’ an award winning kid’s comedy that will captivate audiences of all ages. A musical adaption of The Gruffalo’s Child is on at Chatswood Concourse. Centennial Parklands also has interactive outdoor theatre show, Fantastic Fairytales. For kids aged six and up, the Sydney Opera House has adapted the classic Roald Dahl story James and the Giant Peach for the stage. For some outdoor theatre fun you can’t miss Garden Adventurers at Sydney Botanic Gardens. For those that love high-flying circus acts, The Gagliardies is a real treat and on at Moore Park until the 26th of July.
2. The Great Outdoors
Next up is Ku-Ring-Gai Wildflower Garden which has programs including nature art, bush skills and survival skills. If your child is active and loves a challenge then you need to check out the orienteering or wild kids experience at Western Sydney Parklands. A similar morning program called Lost in the Garden is on at Sydney Botanic Garden. Lane Cove Bush Kids has lots of outdoor activities to choose from that will keep them busy too.
3. Let’s Cook
Put your aprons on and let’s get cooking. There’s a cooking workshop on at Lane Cove. A great option is being hosted by Kids Giving Back in Parramatta and Paddington. Your kids can help give back with a cooking class that will prepare meals for those doing it tough which is a really great way to teach kids about helping others in an age appropriate and meaningful way. Penrith Panthers has a pizza and cupcakes cooking class on the 16th of July or for something different attend a Bush Cook workshop at Centennial Parklands.
4. Get Crafty
Give your kids the opportunity to unleash their creativity and let their imagination soar. From pottery painting to DIY art projects, there are plenty of workshops and classes available throughout Sydney where you can get crafty together. They can create with clay here for only $5. At Castle Hill RSL they can make their own dream catcher or at Penrith Panthers they can make their own slime. There’s a campfire craft workshop on at Centennial Parklands where your child will learn how to make natural dye from plants and create campfire crafts using plant dyes. Don’t forget to check out your local Bunnings for different holiday activities that are available .
5. Your Local Library
Dive into the magical world of books and storytelling with a visit to your local library. Many libraries in Sydney host special events and activities during the school holidays, including Storytime sessions, craft workshops, and author readings. It’s a fantastic way to instill a love of reading in your kids while enjoying some quality time together as a family. There’s a Magic Show at Paddington Library and Magical Craft at Woollahra Library as well.
6. A Day in the Mountains
Spend a day at the beautiful Blue Mountains. Start off at Scenic World and hop on the world’s steepest train or the steepest aerial cable car in the Southern Hemisphere. Spot dinosaurs at Dinosaur Valley and then head to Aunty Ed’s for the best burgers and shakes. After dinner do the spectacular Katoomba Falls Night-Lit Walk before heading home.
7. A Day in the City
Darling Harbour has a lot happening this school holidays so here’s a quick rundown. Winterfest is a free four-day festival with an ice rink, winter slime workshops, fireworks at 8:30pm each night and more. Watch a movie on the big screen at IMAX then head to the playground for the rest of the afternoon. Another option is to visit the Australian Museum which has free entry and a range of educational activities to keep the kiddos entertained. You could even look for nocturnal animals during the Sunset Spotlight Tour at Sydney Botanic Garden.
8. Get Sporty
Many local councils have winter school holiday sport programs. From archery, ultimate frisbee, yoga and skateboarding to AFL and Physie there’s something for everyone. You can view the wide range Parramatta active programs available here and Ryde ones here. There’s even a free 45 minute Go Kart inflatable race track in Eastwood that sounds like heaps of fun. There’s always something on at your local PCYC as well so don’t forget to check them out as well.
9. Talk to the Animals
RSPCA has unique programs for children who want to learn more about animals and birds with a range of fun activities and behind the scenes encounters. For farms, visit Golden Ridge Animal Farm or Calmsley Hill. For Zoos, visit Featherdale, Sydney Zoo or Symbio Wildlife Park and see their new baby koalas and monkeys. Kellyville Pets has heaps of different events on during the school holidays including interactive wildlife displays, face painting, balloon twisting and scavenger hunts. For something a bit different, visit Creatures of Australia: A Digital Exhibition and cinematic journey about Australian wildlife at Sydney Olympic Park.
10. Catch the Train
Head to Thirlmere for a day at the NSW Rail Museum. There are steam train rides, Curious Kids workshops, as well as games and activities on throughout the school holidays. Steam train rides are for forty minutes and the museum is open as well so you can explore Australia’s largest collection of heritage trains.
Looking for more?
- Messy Makers has lots of different workshops on and some are free. Learn more here!
- The Grounds, Alexandria has a honey workshop and circus workshop along with a unicorn playground show. They’ve also got an inflatable playground.
- Fire Engine rides at the Museum of Fire
- Luna Park has Sonic Neon – an immersive interactive light display. You can grab your tickets here.
- Tuff Nutterz – Australia’s biggest inflatable obstacle course
- Penrith Panthers has a free magician show and lots of other activities too
- Enjoy 9 holes of mini golf at Holey Moley for $12 per person
- Visit the Little Plaster House
- Sophie’s Slime Factory in Rouse Hill
- Sushi Making Workshop for $5 at Eastern Creek Quarter
And there you have it fellow parents – a jam-packed itinerary of the best school holiday activities Sydney has to offer! Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping adventures or leisurely outings amidst nature, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, gather your troops, pack your sense of adventure, and get ready to make memories that will last a lifetime. Happy holidays!
About the Author
Hi there! I’m Corrina, a mum of two boys and a Maternity, Newborn and Family Photographer in Sydney. If you’ve been putting off family photos because you’re too busy or aren’t sure where to start, get in touch and we’ll get the ball rolling. Life doesn’t wait so schedule your session. Your photography experience with me will be relaxed, natural and fun. Together we’ll capture the chapter of life that you’re in with your loved ones so you have precious memories to enjoy for a lifetime.
