School Holidays in Sydney: Spring 2025

Need some fresh ideas for the October school 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 without breaking the bank. From free activities to special events, here’s the best of what’s happening around Sydney these holidays.

The spring school holidays are Monday 29 September to Friday 10 October 2025

I’ve carefully selected activities that offer genuine value for families, avoiding tourist traps and focusing on experiences that both parents and kids will enjoy. From creative workshops to special holiday shows, there’s something for every interest and energy level. I’ve balanced indoor and outdoor options to help you plan around autumn weather, which can be unpredictable in Sydney.

The weather is warming up so it’s time to get outdoors exploring gardens, and taking national park walks.

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Special Holiday Wildlife Events

For a complete guide to Sydney’s wildlife experiences, check out our detailed article on Sydney’s zoos and wildlife parks.

Here are the special holiday events you won’t want to miss:

Adventures at Taronga Zoo

Taronga Zoo is offering an incredible spring program featuring new animal babies, special experiences, and an exciting after-dark event. There’s enough here to fill a full day – or evening – of family fun.

• Meet the newest arrivals: newborn lambs and twin goat kids in the Backyard to Bush farmyard
• Spot the Rufous bettong joey in Nura Diya Australia
• Watch for the emerging koala joey making its first appearances
• Daily keeper talks and wildlife experiences
• Ride the Wildlife Express around the zoo ($5 per ride, free for Zoo Friends)
• Try the Wild Ropes treetop adventure course (from $27)

Special Event – Peppa Pig Family Show
For the first time at Taronga Zoo, meet Peppa, George, Mummy and Daddy Pig! The whole family will love this interactive show featuring:

• Daily shows at 10:00am & 12:00pm
• Meet & Greet sessions at 11:00am & 1:00pm
• Special appearance by baby Evie
• Interactive singing and dancing
• Perfect for young children

All Peppa Pig activities are included with regular zoo admission.

Special Event – Taronga After Dark
Experience the zoo after sunset with this magical new evening program (5:30pm-9pm) featuring:

• Lantern-lit trails
• Mermaid Shows
• Sunset Seals presentation
• Food truck village
• Acoustic music
• Wildlife Cinema
• Night-time Wild Ropes

Head over to our Facebook page for a chance to win one of 3 family zoo passes.

When: Open 9:30am-4:30pm daily
Where: Bradley’s Head Road, Mosman
Cost: Save 20% by booking online – Adults $45.90, Kids (4-15) $27, Under 4s free

Hot tip: Consider a Zoo Friends Annual Membership from $99 – it works out to just 65c per day and includes both Taronga zoos plus discounts on experiences and accommodation.

Sydney Zoo – Ice Age

Step into a frozen prehistoric wonderland at Sydney Zoo! This incredible exhibition features life-sized, moving creatures from Earth’s Ice Age, including:

• Towering woolly mammoths
• Roaring sabre-toothed tigers
• Massive megalodon sharks
• Dire wolves
• Ancient elks
• Woolly rhinos
• Prehistoric polar bears

This unique exhibition connects past with present – watch for fascinating similarities between these ancient beasts and Sydney Zoo’s modern-day residents in how they move, hunt, and care for their young.

When: Open every day from 9am – 5pm
Cost: $40* adults, $19.99 kids 3-15 yrs (gate prices are approximately $5 more per ticket)
Location: Sydney Zoo, Eastern Creek Book online to save and skip the queue!

Buy your pass now and skip the queue.

*Dinosaur Safari is included free with regular zoo admission or yearly pass.

Journey to the Antarctic at SEA LIFE

Get up close with penguins in SEA LIFE’s special holiday program. Book a penguin encounter for a more personal experience with these charismatic birds.

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!

Museums and Galleries

For a bit of learning mixed with fun, these exhibitions and workshops will get the kids thinking without realizing they’re being educated.

the Australian Maritime Museum

The Australian National Maritime Museum has crafted an exciting spring program featuring hands-on workshops, special exhibitions, and interactive experiences that combine creativity with maritime discovery.

Daily Highlights (included with entry):

• Kids on Deck (10:30am-4pm): Create watercraft, conduct experiments, and explore marine science through hands-on activities
• My Museum Sketch Trail: Complete an adventure through the galleries to win prizes
• Splashing Science Circus: Interactive water science and circus shows (12:30pm & 2pm)
• Cabinet of Curiosities: Explore fascinating maritime objects and create celestial-inspired art (10:30am & 2pm)
• Weaving Zagal and Paper Florilegium: Create woven angelfish and multi-layered paper flowers inspired by artist Brian Robinson’s incredible artwork
  

Special Experiences:

• Underwater Drone Sessions: Pilot underwater drones in the harbour (Tue/Thu/Sun, from $25)
• Photography & Music Workshops: Create wearable art or compose underwater music (select dates, from $80)
• Sensory Friendly Days: Modified quiet sessions for families needing a calmer environment (Sept 28 & Oct 10,12)

Check the website for daily program updates and workshop availability

When: Daily throughout school holidays
Where: 58 Pirrama Road, Pyrmont
Cost: Various – many activities free with museum entry
Bookings: Required for special workshops – book early to avoid disappointment

History Kids at Elizabeth Farm and Vaucluse House

Step back in time with hands-on historical adventures at two of Sydney’s most significant heritage properties. Perfect for young history enthusiasts who love getting their hands dirty!

Elizabeth Farm Garden Program

• Help prepare a colonial meal
• Work in the historic gardens
• Learn about Barramadagal culture
• Enjoy traditional barley water and biscuits
• Dates: October 1 & 8, 10:30am-11:30am
• Cost: $15 general, $12 members

Vaucluse House Garden Program or Kitchen Program

• Explore historic garden practices
• Hands-on colonial activities
• Date: 2 October, 10:30am-11:30am, 3 October, 9.30am-10.30am

Accessible Program at Elizabeth Farm

• Sensory-friendly session
• Early opening for quiet exploration
• Date: October 3, 9:30am-10:30am

Where: Elizabeth Farm and Vaucluse House
Ages: School-age children
Bookings: Essential – adult supervision required

Hot tip: Members get 20% off and early booking access. Gluten-free options available for refreshments.

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

The Last Stronghold – Medieval VR Adventure

Step back in time to 14th century France in this cutting-edge virtual reality experience. Journey through the UNESCO World Heritage site of Carcassonne as it stood in 1304, exploring bustling markets, walking the ramparts, and joining an immersive medieval adventure alongside historical characters.

Experience includes:

• 45-minute interactive VR journey
• Free-roaming exploration of a medieval fortress
• Hands-on interaction with period objects
• Historically accurate recreation validated by experts

Tip: Join the waitlist early for best session times – this unique VR experience is expected to sell out quickly.

When: From August 20 through school holidays
Where: Fever Pavilion, Sydney Showground
Ages: 10+
Bookings: Essential – tickets on sale now

Active fun

Got energetic kids? Here are some special holiday activities that will keep them moving and having fun:

Family Fun Challenge by AmazingCo.

Turn Sydney into your playground with AmazingCo’s family mystery picnics. Follow clues, solve puzzles, and discover hidden gems around the city while enjoying quality family time. Perfect for kids who love solving mysteries!

AmazingCo Family Adventure Days

Transform your school holidays with these unique family quests, each combining activities, food, and exploration:

• Marrickville: Build robots from recycled materials and follow a scavenger hunt trail (ages 4-10, 3 hours)
• Arcadia: Meet farm animals, collect eggs, and enjoy lunch at a farmgate cafe (ages 3-10, 3 hours)
• Cockatoo Island: Take a ferry ride for a spooky ghost-themed quest with harbor views (ages 5-10, 4-5 hours)

Tip: All adventures include a rain check guarantee and optional at-home activities to extend the fun.

Cost: Varies by adventure
Bookings: Essential via AmazingCo website

AmazingCo. also offers family mystery picnics and family date nights.

Holiday Pony Camps at Centennial Equestrian

Give your young horse enthusiasts an unforgettable holiday experience at Centennial Equestrian’s comprehensive pony camps. Each full day includes two riding lessons, horsecare activities, and supervised games.

Program includes:

• Professional riding instruction
• Hands-on horse care education
• Fun and games with other horse lovers
• Supervised lunch break

When: 9am-4pm Week 1: September 29 – October 2 or Week 2: October 6 – 9
Where: Centennial Equestrian Centre
Ages: 5+ years
Cost: From $370 per day, multi-day packages available.

Urban Grow at The Coal Loader

The Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability is offering free hands-on workshops where kids can discover the magic of gardening and learn about local wildlife.

Spring Holiday Workshops:

Seed Planting Workshop (September 30, 10:30am-11:45am)

• Create biodegradable pots
• Mix special soil for seeds
• Plant edible and flowering seeds
• Make seed balls to take home

Habitats and Mini Beasts (October 8, 10:30am-11:45am)

• Go on a ‘bug safari’
• Build creature hotels
• Learn about local insects
• Create habitat seed balls

When: 30 September & 8 October
Where: The Coal Loader, 2 Balls Head Drive, Waverton
Cost: Free – Bookings: Essential – available from September 9 via Humanitix
Ages: 5-10 years

Hot tip: Book early as free workshops fill up quickly. Wear clothes that can get dirty!

Sunset Spotlight Tour

Bundle up for an evening adventure through the Gardens! This twilight tour visits biodiversity hotspots where you might spot nocturnal animals, from flying foxes to resident possums. Perfect for young wildlife enthusiasts.

When: 1 October, 8 October
Where: Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
Cost: $23 Kids, $49 adults l Ages: All ages welcome – Book 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 3 October, Friday 10 October
Where: Robertson Road Gates, Centennial Park
Cost: $26.50 per ticket

Performance & Theatre for kids

Sydney’s stages come alive these holidays with an exciting mix of international and local performances. From classic stories to innovative puppetry, these shows promise to keep even the most fidgety kids engaged.

Play! Kids Festival at The Pavilion

South Sydney’s biggest kids performing arts festival returns to The Pavilion Performing Arts Centre with five days of performances, workshops, and creative activities.

Featured Shows:

• Emma Memma’s Dance Island Party: ARIA Award-winner performs her new show featuring AUSLAN-integrated choreography (October 5)
• Shark Dive by Erth: Immersive underwater adventure with giant puppet marine creatures
• The Box Show: Award-winning percussion performance by Junkyard Beats
• IMAGINE LIVE: Interactive musical based on Alison Lester’s beloved book

Daily Activities:

• Dance workshops (2-5 years: 9am, 6+ years: 11:30am)
• Art sessions (6+ years: 8:45am, 3-5 years: 11:30am)
• Free Storytime sessions (9am and 12pm)
• Foyer games and colouring competitions

Hot tip: Book the Play! Pass for $50 to enjoy a full day of activities. Perfect for families wanting to experience multiple events.

When: October 1-5, activities from 8:45am, shows at 10am and 1pm
Where: The Pavilion Performing Arts Centre, Sutherland
Cost: Shows from $29, workshops $15, Play! Pass $50
Transport: 30 minutes by train from Central, short walk from Sutherland Station

Sydney Opera House School Holiday Program

The Opera House presents an exciting lineup of performances and workshops that celebrate science, magic, and creativity this spring.

Shows:

• Moss Piglet (Sept 27-28): Discover the incredible world of indestructible microscopic creatures through puppetry and live video. Ages 5+
• Murmur (Oct 1-8): An immersive circus and sound art experience from Belgium featuring interactive soundscapes. Ages 4+
• Mario the Maker Magician (Oct 2-12): NYC’s favorite maker-magician brings DIY robotics and playful magic to life. Ages 4+
• What the Ocean Said (Oct 11-12): A peaceful underwater journey through light and sound, following a humpback whale. Ages 4+

Workshops:

• Magic with Adam Mada (Oct 1-3): Learn illusions and take home a magic kit. Ages 8-12
• Palette Session (Oct 5): Explore diverse dance styles in this creative workshop. Ages 18+

Hot tip: Book early for Mario the Maker Magician – his shows on Sesame Street and The Tonight Show have made him a family favorite.

When: Various dates from September 27 – October 12
Where: Sydney Opera House
Bookings: Essential via sydneyoperahouse.com

Luna Park’s Immersive Big Top is hosting an exciting new experience based on the popular ABC Kids series Ginger and the Vegesaurs. This 45-minute multimedia adventure follows Ginger on an epic quest across Vegesaur Valley to find her missing friends, with help from familiar characters and plenty of audience interaction along the way.

Using state-of-the-art technology including 39 projectors and spatial audio, the show creates an immersive world that young fans will love. Join Ginger as she races from the Spooky Forest to Snowy Mountain, trying to stay one step ahead of the mischievous Bananaraptors!

When: Daily shows during school holidays
Where: Luna Park’s Immersive Big Top
Cost: $22 per person l Duration: 45 minutes
Age: Suitable for all ages, but some content may surprise young children

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.

Tinkerbell and the Dream Fairies

A magical outdoor adventure combining the worlds of Peter Pan and A Midsummer Night’s Dream comes to the Royal Botanic Garden. Join Tinkerbell and her fairy friends Mustardseed, Moth, Cobweb, and Peaseblossom on a quest to find her lost wings, complete with a special visit to ‘Bubble Land’.

Tip: Come dressed as a fairy, elf, Jedi, pirate, or superhero to join in the magical fun!

When: September 27 – October 12, Tuesday to Thursday shows: $25 per person/$90 for 4, Friday to Sunday shows: $30 per person/$110 for 4
Where: Pioneer Garden, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
Duration: 75 minutes
Ages: Perfect for families with young children

Snugglepot and Cuddlepie at Centennial Park

May Gibbs’ beloved Australian classic comes to life in this enchanting outdoor theatre production. Join the Gumnut Babies on their adventure to see a human (but only from a distance!), meeting classic characters like Mrs Kookaburra, Little Ragged Blossom, and the Big Bad Banksia Man along the way.

Perfect for introducing children to both theatre and May Gibbs’ magical bush world, this interactive show takes place in the natural setting of the WILD PLAY Discovery Centre.

Tip: Combine with a visit to the WILD PLAY Discovery Centre for a full day of outdoor adventure.

When: Wednesday October 1, Shows at 10:30am and 12:30pm
Where: WILD PLAY Discovery Centre, Centennial Park
Cost: $16 per person or $28 for 1 adult & 1 child combo
Ages: Suitable for all ages (tickets required for 2+ years)

Bubble Planet

Bubble Planet is a globally celebrated multi-sensory installation arrives in Sydney following successful runs in major cities worldwide. Across ten uniquely designed rooms, visitors can explore everything from giant bubble domes to underwater LED wonderlands and virtual reality experiences.

The experience includes interactive elements like a bubble bath ball pit, immersive projections, and a digital art creation space where visitors can watch their drawings transform into animated underwater scenes. Perfect for both families and anyone seeking a playful escape from reality.

When: Until 30 September l Duration: 60-90 minutes
Where: Paddington Pavilion, Sydney Olympic Park
Cost: $44-$70, children under 4 free – Buy tickets in advance to secure your spot
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Contact venue for specific accessibility requirements.

Free Things to do during the School Holidays

School holidays don’t have to break the bank! Along with the featured activities below, check your local library and shopping centre programs—they often host free workshops, storytelling sessions, and craft activities during the school breaks.

Many local councils also run free events that don’t make it into citywide guides, so it’s worth checking their websites or Facebook pages. To get you started here are some of our favorite free activities happening around Sydney these holidays:

Darling Square

Darling Square transforms into a winter wonderland these school holidays with free craft workshops and activities for kids, plus warming winter menus at over 50 eateries. It’s the perfect combination of creative fun for the kids and cozy treats for the whole family.

When: 
Where: Darling Square l Cost: Free

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.

Space Day – Powered By LEGO Play

Get ready for an out-of-this-world experience as LEGO partners with the International Astronautical Congress to bring space exploration down to earth. This free family event offers a unique chance to meet real astronauts and engage with spectacular space-themed activities.

Highlights:

• Meet international astronauts including Australia’s Katherine Bennell-Pegg
• Marvel at a 9-metre LEGO brick rocket
• Explore hands-on STEM activities
• Experience immersive space exhibits

Tip: While the event is free, registration is essential. Sign up early to secure your spot at this one-of-a-kind space adventure.

When: Friday October 3
Where: International Convention Centre (ICC), Darling Harbour
Cost: Free l Ages: All ages welcome

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.

spring 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 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.

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)

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.

Have questions about things to see and do in Sydney?
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