Need some fresh ideas for the summer holidays? As a Sydney mum and now grandma who’s spent years exploring this city with kids in tow, I’ve put together this guide to help you survive the long break without breaking the bank. From free activities to special events, here’s the best of what’s happening around Sydney these holidays.
The summer school holidays run from Monday, Dec. 23, 2024 to Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025.
I’ve skipped the usual tourist traps and focused on activities that are actually worth your time and money. From water parks to special holiday shows, there’s heaps to keep the kids busy (and hopefully wear them out!). I’ve included plenty of indoor options too – because let’s face it, we’ll probably cop a few scorchers and a couple of rainy days these holidays.
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Summer School Holiday Ideas
The summer school holidays in Sydney are the easiest holidays to plan in many ways. The weather is generally good and you can find plenty of outdoor activities that don’t cost a lot. From mornings at the park or beach to picnics and perhaps some national park walks, it’s a great time to enjoy the outdoors but remember to slip, slop, slap especially in the middle of the day when it can still be warm.
Beat the heat at one of Sydney’s water parks or splash parks – most are free and the kids love them!
For some educational fun, head to one of Sydney’s 20+ museums and galleries. Many offer special school holiday activities, some for little or no cost. It’s worth remembering that these usually require booking, so get in quick.
Talk to the Animals
Looking to get up close with some Aussie wildlife these holidays? Sydney’s got some fabulous animal encounters that’ll keep the kids entertained for hours. From cuddly koalas to cheeky penguins, here’s where to find the best wildlife experiences around town.
Want more animal adventures? Check out our full guide to Sydney’s zoos and wildlife parks here.
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and Wildlife Sydney
The star attraction at SEA LIFE Sydney is Pig the Dugong, alongside the delightful little penguin colony and impressive shark collection. This summer, take a Journey to the Antarctic where you can experience the penguin exhibit (included with admission) or book one of the special penguin encounters for a more personal experience.
Wildlife Sydney Zoo offers the chance to get up close to some of the less well-known Aussie animals, like a quokka and a numbat. You can also meet Kofi the tree kangaroo.
When: 7 days, 10am-5pm (last entry 4pm)
Where: Lime Street Darling Harbour
Cost: Single entry or multi passes available. Check for offers.
Hot tip: Grab a combo pass that includes both SEA LIFE and WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo – you’ll save a packet!
Sydney Zoo
Sydney Zoo at Bungarribee has some great stuff planned for this school holidays. It’s an excellent family-friendly experience with accessible pathways throughout.
Highlights include the African savannah exhibit featuring a magnificent pride of lions, and the popular meerkat enclosure where you can watch these fascinating creatures at play.
This year has seen lots of births include Capybara triplets and
If you want something special, there are several animal encounters you can book.
They also run Mini Zookeeper For a Day program throughout the school holidays. The 6 hour long program starts at 8:15am and there are discounts for annual pass holders.
Available dates for these holidays include: December: 19, 20, 23, 27 and January: 6, 7, 9, 10, 13, 14, 16, 17, ,20 21, 23, 24.
When: Open every day from 9am – 5pm
Buy your pass now and skip the queue.
Australian Reptile Park
Is your child crazy for reptiles? Head to the Australian Reptile Park on the Central Coast this school holidays! Learn all about the incredible ‘superpowers’ that these animals have.
Where: Somersby, Central Coast (30 minutes’ drive from Wahroonga)
Cost: $48 adults, $30 kids, $135 families (2 adults, 2 kids)
Costa’s Garden: Flowers Book Launch
Everyone’s favourite garden gnome, Costa Georgiadis and permaculture illustrator Brenna Quinlan have written a book for young green-thumbs everywhere all about flowers.
Come celebrate with them, permaculture party band Formidable Vegetable and Grammy winning kid-hop MC, Secret Agent 23 Skidoo as they launch it from the green sanctuary of the Calyx at The Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney.
Come dressed as a garden gnome or your favourite flower and let’s have a garden party like never before! Tickets & more info
When: Tues 7 Jan, 1-3pm
Where: The Calyx, Sydney Botanic Garden
Price: $10 per child. $30 per adult.
Active fun
If you’ve got energetic kids bouncing off the walls, these activities will help burn off that excess energy and maybe tire them out for the ride home.
Family Fun Challenge by AmazingCo.
I love all the activities on the AmazingCo platform but this one jumped out as a great way for the family to spend some fun time together working on a common goal.
AmazingCo. offers family mystery picnics and family date nights.
Centennial Equestrian
Centennial Equestrian presents exciting school holiday pony camps! The camps welcome children of all ages (5+ years) and all riding abilities.
Whether a child is a seasoned equestrian or just starting out, these camps are a perfect way to have fun and build skills in the saddle, whilst making new friends (horsey and human!).
Each day includes:
- Drop-off at 9am, pick-up at 4pm
- One hour supervised lunch break
- Two riding lessons
- Horsecare and educational activities
- Fun and games
Where: Pavilion B, 114 – 120 Lang Rd, Moore Park
Book: Book directly on their website
Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout
Step back in time to relive the magic of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Discover authentic artifacts and immerse yourself in a fresh virtual reality tour at the museum, with a special emphasis on the rich history of one of Australia’s most renowned symbols. Ascend the 200 steps to reach the pinnacle and indulge in breathtaking panoramic vistas of Sydney and its surroundings, offered by the city’s original observation point situated 87 meters above the sea.
When: School holidays open daily from 10am to 4pm
Cost: Adults $24.95, Kids (4-13 years) $12, Students $16
Luna Park
Luna Park has rides to entertain the entire family. You can hit up one of the old favourites or try out some of the nine newer rides.
Before you head home, pop into Wendy’s Secret Garden for a game of hide and see. Or if the kids have any energy left, you could walk back to the city across the harbour bridge.
Lunaverse, which includes, Dream Circus & Sonic Neon, is also on throughout the holidays.
When: Open daily during the school holidays, Friday-Monday at other times of year
Cost: Day passes from $34 – $75 annual passes $199. Tickets here.
SPOTLIGHT PROWL FOR FAMILIES
Experience the magic of twilight wildlife at Centennial Parklands. As evening falls, the park becomes a haven for nocturnal animals, including a large population of grey-headed flying-foxes, along with brushtail possums, microbats, and tawny frogmouths.
Embark on an enlightening spotlight walk guided by expert Rangers. This adventure gives you a rare glimpse into the nighttime world of these fascinating creatures, showing a different, more mysterious side of the park as darkness descends.
When: Friday 10 January, Friday 17 January 2025, Friday 31 January 2025
Where: Robertson Road Gates, Centennial Park
Cost: $24.50 per ticket
Performance & Theatre for kids
From classic stories to new adventures, Sydney’s stages are bursting with shows that’ll keep the kids glued to their seats.
The Box Show by Junkyard Beats
Transform everyday items into extraordinary musical instruments in this innovative performance at Riverside Theatres.
The Box Show follows four characters who create amazing sounds and rhythms using cardboard boxes, kitchen utensils, and even wheelie bins.
Tuesday & Wednesday: 10am & 12:30pm Thursday: 10am only
Where: Riverside Theatre, Corner Church & Market Streets, Parramatta
Cost: From $32 Book tickets here
Grug and the Rainbow
Perfect for the littlest theatre-goers, this delightful adaptation of Ted Prior’s beloved picture books follows our favourite burrawang tree character on a magical adventure. After spotting a beautiful rainbow, Grug sets off to catch its colours, leading him on a journey filled with wonder and discovery.
Featuring exquisite puppetry and gentle humour, this internationally acclaimed production by Windmill Theatre Company brings Grug’s world to life through lovingly crafted sets, original music, and skilled performers. It’s an ideal first theatre experience for children aged 2 and up.
When: 11-22 December 2024
Where: Playhouse, Sydney Opera House
Cost: Check the Opera House website for current prices
Age: Recommended for ages 2+
Josephine Wants to Dance
Monkey Baa Theatre Company brings Jackie French and Bruce Whatley’s beloved picture book to life in this delightful musical production. Meet Josephine, a kangaroo who dreams of becoming a ballerina, despite her brother Joey’s protests that “kangaroos don’t dance, they hop!”
When the ballet company arrives in Shaggy Gully to perform Swan Lake, Josephine might just get her chance to shine. With beautiful puppetry, original music and plenty of Australian charm, this show is perfect for young theatre-goers and their families.
When: 3-15 January 2025, Morning shows: 10:30am & 12:30pm daily (except 14 Jan), Evening show: Tuesday 14 Jan, 6pm
Where: Playhouse, Sydney Opera House
Cost: From $29 (B Reserve) to $49 (Premium) Age: Suitable for ages 3+
London International Animation Festival
The London International Animation Festival returns to the Sydney Opera House this summer with a spectacular showcase of the world’s best children’s animations. From stop-motion to claymation, 2D and 3D CGI, these visually dazzling short films will transport young viewers to faraway lands and mysterious planets.
Sessions are specially curated for different age groups:
- Ages 2-6: Morning sessions perfect for little ones
- Ages 6-10: Afternoon adventures
- Ages 10-14: Evening screenings for older kids
Don’t miss the free animation play activities in the foyer before and after each session. Grab some popcorn and enjoy this big screen celebration of international animation!
When: 17-19 January 2025
Where: The Playhouse, Sydney Opera House
Cost: $20 standard, $18 Insiders (+ $8.95 booking fee per transaction)
Ages: Sessions for ages 2-14 (check schedule for specific age group times)
Operation Ouch! Live – Quest for the Jurassic Fart
Get ready for an explosive (and slightly stinky) adventure as TV’s favorite doctors, Dr Chris and Dr Xand, return to Australia with their brand-new show! Following four sell-out Australian tours, the dynamic duo is back with ‘Quest for the Jurassic Fart’ – a roarsome scientific expedition to uncover the most dangerous, powerful, and important fart in history.
This hilarious show combines crazy experiments, dinosaur facts, and plenty of gross-out moments that kids love. Learn about the microbiome, witness explosive demonstrations of gas composition, and explore the fascinating world of science in ways you’ve never imagined. Warning: This show is not for the squeamish!
When: 20-21 January 2025, shows at 10am, 1pm & 5pm
Where: Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House
Cost: Premium $65, A Reserve $59, B Reserve $49 (Insiders and group discounts available)
Ages: Suitable for ages 5+
The Conservation Caper
The National Theatre for Children brings an exciting eco-adventure to the Australian Museum these holidays. Join superhero Nikki Nature in this interactive performance as she learns to protect our precious Earth – with help from the audience!
This high-energy show combines comedy, audience participation, and important environmental messages. Kids will help Nikki tackle the Big Quiz on conservation while learning about protecting our planet’s natural resources. Perfect for young eco-warriors and their families!
When: 14 & 15 January 2025, shows at 10:30am & 11:30am
Where: UG Theatre, Australian Museum
Cost: Members $12, Non-Members $15
Ages: Suitable for ages 5-10
School Holiday Workshops and Classes
For a bit of learning mixed with fun, these exhibitions and workshops will get the kids thinking without realizing they’re being educated.
Colour In Worlds by Mit Jai Inn
Step into a magical dimensional play space at the Sydney Opera House’s Centre for Creativity! Internationally celebrated Thai artist Mit Jai Inn has created an immersive sculptural installation where children can become artists themselves.
This unique interactive art experience invites young creators to add their own imaginative designs and markings with paint to a canvas of surfaces. Perfect for budding artists, this installation proves that art can be both playful and meaningful at the same time.
Mit Jai Inn is a renowned Thai artist known for his vibrant, touchable works that bridge the gap between art and public spaces. His colorful installations have been featured in major exhibitions worldwide, including the 21st Biennale of Sydney and Tokyo’s Mori Art Museum.
When: 3-15 January 2025
Where: Centre for Creativity, Sydney Opera House
Ages: Suitable for ages 4+
Beachside Yarns & Bark Canoes at Barangaroo
Discover the rich cultural heritage of Sydney’s First Nations peoples in this engaging hands-on program at Barangaroo Reserve. Young explorers will learn about the Gadigal, Cameraygal, and Wangal people’s deep connection to the harbour and surrounding lands.
Children will:
- Learn about traditional Aboriginal tools
- Discover ancient fishing techniques
- Explore medicinal plant uses
- Create their own mini boat or canoe to take home
This immersive experience combines education, culture, and creativity in a beautiful harbourside setting.
When: Weekdays, 13-24 January 2025, 10:30am – 12pm
Where: Towns Place, Barangaroo Reserve
Cost: $16.50 per child
Ages: 6-12 years
Summer Shell Art Workshop at Barangaroo
Connect with First Nations culture through the ancient art of shellwork in this hands-on workshop at beautiful Barangaroo Reserve. Learn traditional techniques passed down through generations as you create your own shell art masterpiece.
Under the guidance of experienced artisans, participants will:
- Learn traditional shellwork techniques
- Create their own pieces
- Discover the cultural significance of shell art
- Understand its connection to land and sea
Perfect for both beginners and experienced crafters, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to engage with Indigenous art practices in a meaningful way.
When: Wednesdays (8, 15, 22 January 2025), 10am – 11am
Where: Towns Place, Barangaroo Reserve
Cost: $10 l Ages: 16 years and over
Scientist for a Day: Ornithologist
Calling all young bird enthusiasts! Join the Australian Museum for an exciting day of feathered discovery with professional ornithologist Dr. Jacqueline Nguyen. Get exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the Museum’s research lab where you’ll examine real taxidermized birds up close.
This hands-on workshop includes:
- Exploring unique bird features like feathers, feet, and beaks
- Guided tour of the Birds of Australia exhibition
- Bird-watching expedition to Hyde Park
- Interactive experiments and activities
- Q&A session with a professional ornithologist
When: 9 & 10 January 2025, 9:30am – 3:30pm
Where: LG, Patricia McDonald Education Rooms, Australian Museum
Cost: Member Child $120, Non-Member Child $150
Ages: 9-12 years
Cost: Member Child $120, non-Member Child $150
Scientist for a Day: Marine Biologist
Dive into an ocean of discovery with marine invertebrate expert Dr. Claire Rowe at the Australian Museum! This immersive full-day workshop gives young marine enthusiasts exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the Australian Museum Research Institute (AMRI).
Kids will:
- Meet real marine biology experts
- Conduct hands-on experiments
- Learn about ocean creatures and their survival
- Explore the impacts of climate change on marine life
- Discover ways to protect our ocean environments
When: 20-22 January 2025, 9:30am – 3:30pm
Where: LG, Patricia McDonald Education Rooms, Australian Museum
Cost: Member Child $120, Non-Member Child $150
Ages: 9-12 years
Sneaky Sharks Activity Trail
Follow the trail and try to spot the elusive elasmobranchs (sharks, rays and sawfish) hidden in the museum galleries. Learn ‘fin-tastic fun facts and uncover splendid shark-related objects’ while learning about everyone’s favourite big fish. If you complete the trail, you’ll also receive a prize.
When: Daily during school holidays, 10am-4pm
Where: Australian National Maritime Museum
Cost: Free. No booking required.
From the local library to the city’s museums and galleries, the school holidays are a great time to explore or develop a new passion. Here are just some of them.
High Teas and Food fun
Pizza Making Class at Crossroads Hotel
Let your kids unleash their inner chef in this interactive pizza making class! Guided by the resident chef, little ones will create their own pizzas from scratch, donning aprons and chef hats, before enjoying their culinary creations alongside a soft drink or juice, topped off with a sweet treat for dessert. A fun, hands-on cooking experience awaits!
When: TBC
Where: Crossroads Hotel, Casula
Cost: $45 per child (Bookings essential)
Free Things to do during the School Holidays
Keeping the kids entertained doesn’t have to cost a fortune – here are some of my favorite free activities around Sydney.
Free events at the Australian Museum
Paddington Bear at the Australian Museum
Everyone’s favorite marmalade-loving bear is visiting the Australian Museum this summer! Join Paddington for two special events celebrating the release of Paddington in Peru.
Paddington’s Peruvian Trail
Help Paddington find his lost travel kit as he explores the Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru exhibition. Pick up a trail card from the Admissions Desk and follow the clues throughout the museum.
Collect letters at each location to solve the seven-letter puzzle and enter to win a family pass or merchandise pack for the new Paddington in Peru movie.
When: 2 December 2024 – 2 February 2025
Where: Throughout the Australian Museum
Cost: Free with museum entry
Teddy Bears’ Picnic with Paddington
Pack your favorite teddy bear and join Paddington for a special picnic day in the grand Hintze Hall! Bring your own treats or purchase a special Paddington in Peru-themed lunchbox complete with healthy snacks, a marmalade sandwich, drink, and activity booklet. Keep your eyes peeled for Paddington himself as he explores the museum throughout the day.
When: Tuesday 7 January 2025, 10am – 5pm
Where: Hintze Hall, Australian Museum
Cost: Free with museum entry Ages: All ages welcome
Free events at the Maritime Museum
Mermaid Melody’s Book Nook
Take a break and enjoy calm, creative activities in the lounge area inspired by Valerie Taylor’s Mermaid Melody. Families can join in large-scale collaborative colouring of sea creatures, relax on pillows, read books, or create playful stories with sea creature puppets from the “touch tank.”
Sneaky Sharks Activity Trail
Follow the trail to spot elusive elasmobranchs in the museum galleries. Uncover splendid shark-related objects and stories as you learn fin-tastic fun facts about everyone’s favourite big fish. Complete the trail to receive your prize.
Cabinet of Curiosities: Shipwreck Stories
Explore wonderful and curious maritime archaeology tools and scientific artefacts and tools in this hands-on discovery device in our galleries.
Dates: Daily during school holidays, 2-3pm
Ages: Suitable for all ages
Interactive Workshops at Pier Street Underpass
Unleash your child’s creativity with free interactive workshops that explore botany, ecology, and art.
Kids can design their own comics, build sustainable cities from reclaimed materials, or colour in giant art cubes under the guidance of illustrator James Gulliver Hancock. Don’t miss Sydney’s favorite mobile library, Russ the Story Bus, for some quiet downtime.
When: Various dates during the school holidays
Where: Pier Street Underpass, Darling Harbour
Parliament House Tours
During the school holidays, engaging tours of NSW Parliament House will be held every weekday at 11.30am and 1.30pm. Highlights of the one-hour tour include the chance to sit in the Speaker and President’s chair and hear directly from staff who work in the chambers when parliament sits.
If you would like to spend more time at the Parliament of NSW and are looking for a bite to eat, visit the Public Café or Strangers’ Restaurant, which overlooks The Domain, a lush green space in the Sydney CBD.
Darling Harbour Playground
Kids of all ages will enjoy a visit to Darling Harbour’s epic playground. With a massive climbing frame, a 21-metre flying fox and a bunch of swings suitable for all ages. If you have not visited for a while you will find a lot of new installations to explore.
There are cafes and family-friendly food options surrounding the playground, making it easy to spend several hours here.
Flower Pressing & Lantern Making at Chinese Garden of Friendship
Let your child’s creativity bloom with hands-on workshops at the Chinese Garden of Friendship. From flower pressing to lantern making, kids and teens will be inspired by these artistic activities in a serene garden setting.
When: Mon – Fri, 11am, 12pm and 1pm during the school holidays
Where: Chinese Garden of Friendship, Darling Harbour
Cost: free with Garden entry
Convict Trail at Hyde Park Barracks
If you have not visited Hyde Park Barracks since it reopened a few years ago, now is a perfect time.
A special audio guide suitable for children aged 5-10 years will keep the kids entertained while they explore Sydney’s past. As they move through the collection, they solve puzzles using a number of clues.
Where: Macquarie Street Sydney
When: Open Thursday to Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm, closed Christmas Day and Australia Day
Catch and Release Fishing
Get ready for a fun day out at the Sydney International Regatta Centre! Every Tuesday, families and friends can enjoy ‘Catch and Release’ fishing with barbless hooks. Join other fishing enthusiasts from 9 am to 3 pm. First-timers will get a quick guide and paperwork done.
Volunteers are there to help find the best fishing spots and share stories. Learn about responsible fishing and the nine fish species in the scenic Penrith Lakes. Don’t forget your fishing license, rod, reel, barbless hooks, and bait like corn, bread, or worms (no live bait).
When: Every Tuesday, 9am – 3pm
Where: Sydney International Regatta Centre, Penrith Lakes
Cost: Free, but a fishing license is required (get yours here)
Camden Valley Inn
The Camden Valley Inn is hosting a series of free activities for kids this coming school holiday period.
Activities such as a magic show, lawn games, a Minions outdoor movie night, a reptile show and hungerball arena will be available for kids to enjoy for free. No bookings are required.
Where: 290 Remembrance Drive, Cawdor
Day Trips for the School Holidays
Sometimes you need to get out of the city, and these day trips are worth the drive or train ride. We have a bunch of fun day trips you can do on the train, but here are a couple of our favourite ideas.
Summer in the Blue Mountains
The mountains are a great day out for active kids. You can take the train or drive. Either way, there is plenty to do when you get there from easy bushwalks to family-friendly picnic spots.
The Blue Mountains Explorer Bus is free for kids and a great way to explore the mountains without worrying about parking! We have written a detailed guide to the bus here.
If you decide to spend the night, take the Katoomba Falls Night-Lit Walk. Another unique experience is a nighttime visit to Scenic World.
You can even see how many of these lookouts you can squeeze into one day.
Bundeena
A train ride to Cronulla, a quick jaunt across Port Hacking on the little green and yellow ferry and a short stroll from the wharf and you will arrive at the Jibbon Aboriginal Carvings at Bundeena.
This is a fun day out for school age kids with some easy bushwalking and the possibility of whale spotting off the sandstone cliffs nearby. If you fancy a longer bushwalk, check out our guide to the walks in the Royal National Park.
School Holiday Dates in New South Wales
Below is a list of the holiday dates for this year and next so you can start planning. Please note many schools have school development days on the first day of each term. Private schools may have a week longer than these public school dates.
| Period | 2024 | 2025 |
| Autumn break: | 15 – 26 April | 14 April – 24 April |
| Winter break | 8 – 19 July | 7 – 18 July |
| Spring break: | 30 Sept – 11 October | 29 Sept – 10 October |
| Summer break: | 23 Dec – 30 Jan 2025 | 22 Dec – 26 January 2026 |
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