School Holidays in Sydney: Spring

Spring school holidays bring warmer weather, longer daylight hours, and plenty of sunshine. After winter’s cooler days, spring is when families can finally get outside without heavy jackets

The spring school holidays run Monday 28 September – Friday 9 October 2026

The parks are green, flowers are blooming, and the weather is usually reliable enough for outdoor activities. This time of year also has a packed calendar of festivals, performances, and shows across Sydney, so activities and accommodation fill up fast during the holidays. If there’s something specific you want to do, book early so you don’t miss out.

This guide covers the best options across the two weeks to help you plan a mix of outdoor time, shows, and indoor backup plans for any unexpected wet days.

This page contains affiliate links. You can find our full disclosure policy here.

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.

Adventures at Taronga Zoo

Taronga Zoo‘s program includes visits to Backyard to Bush farm, keeper presentations throughout the zoo, and hands-on learning sessions. Kids must wear the provided Zoo Adventures t-shirt during the visit (this helps staff identify program participants in busy areas).

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

Sydney Zoo has several options for spring school holidays, from interactive trails to close encounters with animals.

The Gruffalo Spotters Trail

The Gruffalo has been spotted at Sydney Zoo. Follow a self-guided augmented reality trail using the free Gruffalo Spotter 2 Aus app to find Mouse, Fox, Owl, Snake and The Gruffalo hiding among the zoo’s real animals. Capture photos and videos as you go. The trail encourages you to explore the whole zoo and visit your favourite animals while you search.

Where: Sydney Zoo, Bungarribee, Western Sydney
Cost: Children under 3 free. See sydneyzoo.com for admission prices and to book.

Buy your pass now and skip the queue

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

Meet Archie, the grey nurse shark pup born at the aquarium in November 2024 who recently graduated to the main oceanarium. He glides alongside the aquarium’s adult sharks, rays, and thousands of other marine creatures in the shark tunnels and main tank. It’s a chance to see sharks up close and learn why these misunderstood animals matter for ocean conservation.

When: Daily
Where: SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, Darling Harbour
Cost: Included with general admission. See below for family ticket pricing.

SEA LIFE Sydney Family Tickets

New flexible family tickets are available online through 20 July, with savings of up to 40% when booked in advance.

• 1 adult and 2 children: from $78
• 2 adults and 1 child: from $87
• 2 adults and 2 children: $107
• Extra children: $20 each

Children under 2 are free but must be booked in. You can also add a WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo visit for $10 per person. Book at visitsealife.com/sydney

Museums and Galleries

Bloodsuckers: Nature’s Vampires – Australian Museum

Bloodsuckers: Nature’s Vampires spans nine immersive sections covering the biology of blood, the evolution of blood-feeding across millions of years, and how to live alongside these species. More than 100 objects, specimens, large-scale models, and digital interactives bring the science to life — from vampire bats and medicinal leeches to candiru catfish and oxpeckers.

The exhibition also explores how bloodsuckers have shaped literature, mythology, and popular culture, with a section dedicated to Australia’s own blood-feeding insects.

When: Until 11 October 2026
Where: Australian Museum, College Street, Sydney
Ages: 4+ Cost: From $28 adults, from $15 children (4–15 years) Book now

Staying overnight? Pullman Sydney Hyde Park has a family-of-four package that includes exhibition tickets, buffet breakfast, overnight accommodation, and an activity pack for kids. The hotel is a three-minute walk from the museum.

Paid activities at the Australian Museum

The Australian Museum has a solid lineup of hands-on workshops across the spring holidays, mixing science, history, and creativity.

Scientist for a Day: Wildlife Geneticist

Go behind the scenes at the Australian Centre for Wildlife Genomics, conduct DNA experiments with a scientist, and meet researchers who work with real animals and real data. This full-day workshop gives kids a genuine taste of what wildlife genetics work involves.

When: 29 & 30 September
Cost: $120 member child, $150 non-member child

Scientist for a Day: Palaeontologist

Spend the day exploring palaeontology with hands-on activities and interactive sessions. You’ll explore the Dinosaurs Gallery, visit the collections laboratory, and meet scientists from the Australian Museum Research Institute.

When: 1 & 2 October
Cost: $120 member child, $150 non-member child

DIYnosaur Bag Charms

Make a dinosaur accessory using felt, beads and ribbon to take home. Quick creative session with multiple time slots across two days, split by age group.

When: 6 & 7 October, multiple sessions (10:30am–12pm, 1pm–3pm, 1:30pm–3:30pm)
Cost: $45–$65

STEM Together: Out of this World

Hands-on space-themed challenges mixing science, technology and creativity. You and your child work together on three STEM challenges, and your child takes home one of their creations. Each child must be accompanied by one adult.

When: 8 & 9 October (10:30am–12:30pm, 2pm–4pm)
Cost: $52 member child, $65 non-member child

Early Birds: Autism and Sensory-friendly Mornings

Visit the Museum before it opens to the public in a reduced sensory, relaxed and supportive environment. Limited visitors, adjusted lighting and sound, quiet areas, and staff trained in autism awareness.

When: Saturday 12 September (8am–10am)
Cost: Free (registration required)

BODY WORLDS: The Anatomy of Happiness

An internationally acclaimed exhibition exploring the human body not just as biology, but as the foundation of emotion, health and well-being. Real human specimens (donated for scientific education) are preserved through plastination and shown alongside organs, transparent body slices, and interactive elements. The exhibition covers stress and recovery, movement and balance, brain health, ageing, and how lifestyle choices impact the body.

Highlights include the Anatomical Mirror (visualise your own organs) and side-by-side displays of healthy and diseased organs. Best suited to teens and older.

When: From 17 September 2026 onwards (open during spring school holidays 28 Sept – 9 Oct)
Where: The Rocks, Sydney
Cost: From $35 adults, $20 children. Book at bodyworlds.com.au/sydney

Luna: A Journey to the Moon

Climb aboard the Apollo 11 mission in this full immersion virtual reality experience. Train like an astronaut, launch into space, orbit Earth and walk on the lunar surface. Guided by an AI companion, you’ll uncover the stories and innovation behind humanity’s greatest space achievement.

When: Now open (ongoing through end November, Wed-Sun)
Where: Fever Pavilion, Sydney Showground, 1 Olympic Boulevard, Sydney Olympic Park
Cost: Adult $49.50, child/student (10-17) $40.50, senior (60+) $40.50, group bundle 4+ people $43.50

Museums of History NSW

If you’re looking for activities spread across multiple days, Museums of History NSW has programs running at six different heritage properties. Most drop-in activities are free, with some paid workshops requiring booking.

Free Museum activities

Museum of Sydney Kids Trail

Become an archaeologist for the day. Search for objects and discover their stories connected to the Unearthed exhibition. Collect a special stamp at the end as a reward for your hard work. Ages 5–12.

When: Daily, 10am–5pm (including during spring school holidays)
Where: Museum of Sydney l Cost: Free

Hyde Park Barracks – Start with the kids trail and audio tour, then dive into craft activities from 10am-3pm, make your own convict love token or construct a paper replica of the Barracks. The museum is open daily 10am-6pm. Last entry 4.30pm.

Family Fun Day at Macquarie Street

Join Hyde Park Barracks, NSW Parliament House and the State Library of NSW for a packed program of free family fun. Make convict love tokens, craft paper replicas of the Barracks, try convict bricklaying or get a temporary tattoo. Hands-on activities and performances across all three locations.

When: Friday 9 October, 10am–3pm
Where: Hyde Park Barracks, NSW Parliament House and State Library of NSW
Cost: Free. Registration recommended

Justice & Police Museum Kids Trail

Discover the stories of Sydney’s original Water Police Station and courts. Earn a police badge, dress up in costume and perform a mock trial with your family. Unlock secrets and solve mysteries through the museum. Ages 5–12.

When: Saturdays and Sundays, plus daily 26 Sept–11 Oct, 10am–5pm
Where: Justice & Police Museum
Cost: Free

Vaucluse House– Play quoits in the garden, try craft bunting, and learn about entertaining in the Victorian era through a table-setting activity. Open Wednesday to Sunday 10am–4pm.

Rouse Hill Estate– Drop in on Sundays for basket-weaving workshops, Lego building, and a chance to meet farm animals. Open Sundays 10am–4pm.

Museums of History Paid Programs

Spooky Zines with Lucie Stevens

Make your own haunted house mini-zine with acclaimed author Lucie Stevens (known for the Nanny Tobin book series). Hear spooky stories inspired by Vaucluse House, then invent your own kooky characters and create a haunted house for them. Bookings essential, limited places. Ticket includes complimentary adult admission. Ages 5+.

When: Wednesday 30 September, 10:30am–11:30am
Where: Vaucluse House
Cost: Check mhnsw.au for pricing. Members get 20% discount

Saaj Flatbread-Making Workshop

Hands-on workshop with Dayaa School & Kitchen. Learn to knead, shape and bake saaj flatbread the traditional way, inspired by ancient recipes and Sydney’s oldest olive tree. Dress your flatbread with olive oil and fragrant zataar. All materials provided. Ages 7+, limited places, bookings essential.

When: Thursday 8 October, 11am–1pm
Where: Elizabeth Farm
Cost: Check mhnsw.au for pricing. Members get 20% discount

Shadow Play Workshop with Jumaadi

Step into traditional Indonesian shadow puppetry with acclaimed international artist Jumaadi. Create your own shadow figures and scenes using the museum’s silhouettes and your own imagination. Ages 5+. Ticket includes complimentary adult admission.

When: Friday 9 October, 10:30am–12pm
Where: Rouse Hill Estate
Cost: Check mhnsw.au for pricing. Members get 20% discount

Australian National Maritime Museum

The Maritime Museum’s program ties into its Treasures of the Viking Age: The Galloway Hoard exhibition, with a mix of free drop-in activities and ticketed workshops running across the holidays.

Activities included with admission

Kids on Deck: Craft Viking-inspired models and jewellery, hunt for treasure in the dig site, or experiment with felt making and plastic recycling. Dress up in costume, explore the Viking longhouse cubby, and splash around in the outdoor water play zone. When: Daily, 10:30am-4pm

Slippery Cephalopod Science Circus: Watch performing artists and science communicators reveal the secrets of octopuses and squids with spectacular demonstrations and daring circus skills. All ages and all experience levels welcome. When: 27 Sept-1 Oct, 6-9 Oct, 11 Oct. 11:30am and 12:30pm

Museum Treasure Trail: Adventure through the galleries to find mysterious treasures and hidden gems. Solve the clues and receive your own treasure reward at the end. When: Daily, 10am-4:30pm

Where: Australian National Maritime Museum, 2 Murray Street, Darling Harbour

Photography Fun at Bondi Pavilion

I See You Like This: Studio Photography Sessions

An interactive portrait experience where kids direct a photoshoot using a parent’s face as the canvas. A professional photographer captures the result, which goes into a public exhibition and comes home with you. Bookings essential, minimum two tickets (child plus adult).

When: 27–30 September (45-minute sessions)
Where: Yalagang Room, Bondi Pavilion
Cost: Child $20, Adult $25 ($20 concession)

I See You Like This: Exhibition

A free exhibition of nearly 2000 parent-child portraits from this touring project by Jessica Wilson, where kids turn a parent’s face into a living canvas.

When: 2 – 11 October
Where: Yalagang Room, Bondi Pavilion
Cost: Free, no bookings required

I See You Like This: Make Your Own Photography Weekend

A free drop-in version of the project, where kids create a portrait using a parent’s face as the canvas and photograph it themselves. No bookings required.

When: 10 – 11 October, 10am–1pm and 2pm–4pm
Where: Yalagang Room, Bondi Pavilion
Cost: Free, no bookings required

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

Centennial Equestrian Centre runs two camp formats across the Easter holidays, both with an Easter twist — egg hunts, horse-themed arts and crafts, and pony decorating alongside the riding and horse care.

Junior Jockey Camp (ages 5–7) is a half-day program covering pony care, grooming, feeding, and a 50–70 minute led pony ride. A good introduction for younger kids with no riding experience.

Full-Day Holiday Camp (ages 7+) runs 9am–4pm and includes horse care, horsemanship sessions, a group riding lesson in the arena, and a guided trail ride through Centennial Park. If it rains, the trail ride is swapped for an undercover arena session or mounted games.

When: School holidays — check website for specific dates
Where: Centennial Equestrian Centre, Centennial Park l Cost: From $270

Spring Into Adventure at Centennial Park

Search for insects, follow maps on treasure hunts or get creative with nature-inspired art. Choose from three outdoor programs designed for kids aged 5–12 to spark curiosity and adventure.

When: 29 September – 8 October
Where: Centennial Parklands l Cost: Check greatersydneyparklands.nsw.gov.au for pricing

Moore Park South School Holiday Fun

Free boardwalk games on the lawn, a petting zoo and pop-up play areas where kids can explore the park’s first new play spaces.

When: 28 September – 9 October
Where: Moore Park South l Cost: Free

Meet the Bees

Suit up with a beekeeper, look inside a hive and learn about bee pollinators. On 26 September, enjoy honey tasting. On 24 October, try candle rolling.

When: 26 September and 24 October
Where: Centennial Parklands

Spotlight Prowl for families

Dusk is a wonderful time to spot animals in Centennial Parklands. Join experienced Rangers for a fascinating spotlight walk to see how the Park transforms after dark, spotting brushtail possums, microbats, tawny frogmouths, and one of Sydney’s largest colonies of grey-headed flying-foxes.

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.

Outdoor programs

Bushrangers: Treasure Hunters

A full-day drop-off program at Centennial Parklands focused on orienteering, treasure mapping, and bushcraft. Popular and limited places, so book early. NSW Creative and Active Kids vouchers accepted.

When: 30 September, 2 and 7 October, 8am–4pm (ages 5–12)
Where: Wild Play Discovery Centre, Centennial Park
Cost: $110 per child, or $60 with a Creative and Active Kids voucher

Park Science: Incredible Insects

A full-day drop-off program exploring insects and invertebrates through bug hunts, nature walks, and insect-themed art. NSW Creative and Active Kids vouchers accepted.

When: 29 September and 6 October, 8am–4pm (ages 5–12)
Where: Wild Play Discovery Centre, Centennial Park
Cost: $110 per child, or $60 with a Creative and Active Kids voucher

Park Arts: Colours of Spring

A full-day drop-off program where kids create nature-inspired art using found materials, including nature prints and clay work. NSW Creative and Active Kids vouchers accepted.

When: 1 and 8 October, 8am–4pm (ages 5–12)
Where: Wild Play Discovery Centre, Centennial Park
Cost: $110 per child, or $60 with a Creative and Active Kids voucher

Harbour Heroes: Survival Skills

A full-day drop-off program at Callan Park covering survival skills like foraging, water safety, and shelter building. NSW Creative and Active Kids vouchers accepted.

When: 1 and 7 October, 8am–4pm (ages 5–12)
Where: The Summerhouse, Callan Park
Cost: $110 per child, or $60 with a Creative and Active Kids voucher

River Rangers: Bees, Bats, and Blooms
A full-day drop-off program at Parramatta Park’s Dairy precinct, focused on pollinators, with bug hunts, nature journalling, and building an insect hotel.

When: 29 September and 8 October, 8am–4pm (ages 5–12)
Where: The Dairy, Parramatta Park
Cost: $85 per child

Treasure Island: School Holidays at Fernhill Estate

A treasure-hunt program on the normally closed Fernhill Estate grounds, ending with a campfire and a treasure map to take home. Includes a 1km uphill walk each way.

When: 30 September and 9 October, 10am–2pm (ages 5–12)
Where: The Hayshed, Fernhill Estate
Cost: $43 per child

Wild Kids: Mad Mapper

A 2-hour orienteering session at Western Sydney Parklands where kids learn map reading and go on a nature treasure hunt.

When: 2 and 6 October, 10am–12pm (ages 5–12)
Where: The Amphitheatre, Lizard Log, Western Sydney Parklands
Cost: $25.50 per child

Performance & Theatre for kids

Wild Things International Kids Festival: Ticketed Performances

Performances range from baby-friendly shows and puppet safaris to inventive stage adaptations of children’s books and even James Joyce’s Ulysses for kids.

A white rhinoceros and penguin find unlikely friendship during one very long night. A bilingual pansori adventure. The 16-day program features Australian premieres and world premieres from companies across Europe, North America, Asia and Australia.

A sample of what’s on offer:

• 3–5 October – Tinker Tales! (Netherlands) | Ages 6+ | Playhouse
  Three performers dance, build, create and repair vast contraptions before everything goes haywire.
• 3–7 October– We Come From Far, Far Away (Norway + Czech Republic + UK) | Ages 10+ | Studio
  Based on real journeys of young refugees, told inside a Mongolian yurt.
• 6–9 October – Volatile Ombré (France) | Ages 1+ | Utzon Room
  An ode to nature through shadow puppetry and music with live cello, guitar, voice and birdsong.
• 8–9 October – Cookies, Ann, Cream (Korea) | Ages 10+ | Centre for Creativity
  An adventure through Antarctica and the cosmos told through puppetry, shadow and light.
• 10 October – You’ll See… (Ireland) | All ages | Centre for Creativity
  James Joyce’s Ulysses for children, combining live performance, paper design and original score.

Shows cover themes from deep-sea adventures and Antarctic explorations to refugee journeys and First Nations dreamtime stories.

When: 26 September – 11 October (various dates for different shows)
Where: Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point
Cost: All performances $49 and under. Book at sydneyoperahouse.com

Erth’s Shark Dive: Live on Stage

A 50-minute performance using life-sized puppetry and interactive staging to take families on a journey through ocean history. The story follows Salt, a young girl who befriends an injured baby shark and becomes a shark enthusiast guiding the audience through Australia’s sharks, prehistoric ocean dwellers, and deep-sea creatures.

The show explores evolution, conservation, and our relationship with sharks. A post-show “Swim with the Sharks” add-on ($10 extra per person) offers a close encounter with Erth’s Great White shark puppet.

When: 26 September – 3 October
Where: Bay 20, Carriageworks, 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh
Cost: $25 standard plus $5 booking fee. Swim with the Sharks add-on $10 per person

Shipwreck Odyssey

An interactive playground experience using responsive projection technology to immerse families in ocean exploration.

Led by the ghost ship Jenny Lind (one of Australia’s most famous shipwrecks), the experience takes you beneath the turquoise waves and coral cays of Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef to discover ocean mysteries and wonders. 45 minutes per full cycle.

When: Tuesday 15 July 2026, two performances.
Where: Coliseum Theatre, 33 Railway Street, Rooty Hill
Cost: From $29.90 plus booking fees. Book at coliseumtheatre.com.au

Where is the Green Sheep?

Monkey Baa Theatre Company brings its stage adaptation of the Mem Fox and Judy Horacek picture book to life this spring school holidays. The production blends puppetry and animation, with three farmers searching for the elusive green sheep alongside a cast of colourful characters.

When: Friday 2 October (10am, 1pm)
Where: Sutherland Pavilion, 30 Eton Street, Sutherland
Cost: $35 standard, $130 family of 4

When: 7-10 October 2026
Where: Riverside Theatres, Church Street, Parramatta (part of Spot On Children’s Festival)
Cost: From $32

The Listies: This Show is a Joke

A 60-minute comedy show from The Listies featuring sketch comedy, slapstick, songs, and new gags. Silly, chaotic, and designed for kids aged 5 and up (and adults who like that sort of thing).

When: Saturday 3 October (10am, 1pm)
Where: Sutherland Pavilion, 30 Eton Street, Sutherland
Cost: $35 standard, $130 family of 4

Tinkerbell and the Dream Fairies

A musical show for kids in the Pioneer Garden, where Tinkerbell teams up with fairies from A Midsummer Night’s Dream on a quest to find her lost wings.

Kids are encouraged to dress up, and there’s a stop at “Bubble Land” along the way. Runs 1 hour 15 minutes.

When: 26 September – 11 October
Where: The Pioneer Garden, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
Cost: $25 per person or $90 per group of 4 (Tue–Thu); $30 per person or $110 per group of 4 (Fri–Sun)

This Show is a Joke!

A one-hour comedy show from The Listies, packed with slapstick, songs, and silly gags for kids (and the adults dragged along). Expect loud noises, lasers, smoke effects, and a chance you’ll get a bit wet.

Recommended for ages 5+.

When: 8 October, 6–7pm; 9 October, 11am–12pm and 2–3pm; 10 October, 11am–12pm and 1.30–2.30pm
Where: Theatre, Bondi Pavilion
Cost: Full $25, Concession $20, Mob Tix $20, Family group of 4 $80

Cirque Alice

Step into Lewis Carroll’s Wonderland with this new circus show from the creators of Cirque Du Soleil’s Mad Apple. Watch acrobats, contortionists, aerialists and dancers bring Alice’s adventure to life across a two-hour show filled with jaw-dropping acts and an original musical soundtrack.

When: 25 September-11 October. Wed-Sat 7pm, Sun 6pm. Matinee Wed, Thurs, Sat, Sun 1pm
Where: Sydney Lyric Theatre, 215 Pyrmont Street, Pyrmont
Cost: From $69. Book via ticketmaster.com.au or 1300 795 267

Free things to do

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:

Kids Gardening Classes at Chiswick

Get your kids’ hands dirty at these free gardening workshops where they’ll plant, dig, and harvest produce from Chiswick’s working garden. Resident gardener Pete Hatfield shows children how the restaurant grows food for its menu, all while teaching them about caring for the earth.

The hour-long sessions take place in the restaurant’s garden, surrounded by bugs, butterflies, and seasonal blooms. Kids learn practical skills like planting and harvesting while discovering where restaurant food actually comes from.

After the class, families can head into the restaurant for lunch where kids eat free with any adult main purchased (one complimentary kids’ meal per adult main, 12 years and under only).

When: TBC
Where: Chiswick Woollahra, 65 Ocean Street, Woollahra
Cost: Free classes, bookings essential l Ages: 5-12 years, Book direct

Hot tip: Only book spaces for children attending the class, not supervising adults. The kids-eat-free lunch offer is only valid for those who attended the gardening class.

The Albion Hotel – Messy Makers

Get the kids creative with free hands-on sessions during the spring holidays. Younger kids can build Grass Heads or paint and create their own canvas art.

While they’re busy making, you can settle into the beer garden for lunch. Every kids’ meal comes with ice cream and a drink.

When: 1 and 8 October, 12pm-2pm
Where: The Albion Hotel, 39 Church Street, Parramatta
Cost: Free with lunch booking (bookings recommended as places are limited)

Into the Box – Spot On Children’s Festival

The Riverside Theatres courtyard transforms into a free play space for the whole family. Drop in for interactive storytelling, face painting, balloon bending, and creative colouring throughout the day.

When: 7-10 October, daily 9am-2pm (specific activity times vary)
Where: Riverside Theatres, Church Street, Parramatta
Cost: Free

Free things to do in Centennial Park

Some of these free activities require bookings so get in quick as they are usually very popular.

Boardwalk Games

Moore Park South has hopscotch and other playground games marked out on the ground for the school holidays. No bookings or set times, just turn up and play. Kids need a parent or responsible adult with them.

When: Throughout the school holidays, available anytime
Where: Moore Park South, Moore Park l Cost: Free

Farm Animals: Meet Your Furry Friends

A free pop-up petting zoo at Moore Park South, with 30-minute sessions to get up close with the animals. Bookings essential.

When: 28 September – 2 October and 6 – 9 October, 10am–12pm (30-minute sessions)
Where: Moore Park South, Moore Park
Cost: Free (bookings essential)

Nature Play: Imagine Your Own Nature Playground

A hands-on session at Moore Park South where kids help build and imagine the park’s first pop-up nature play space, guided by education rangers. Split by age group. Bookings essential.

When: 6 and 8 October, 10am–12pm (ages 5–8) or 3–5pm (ages 9–15)
Where: Moore Park South, Moore Park
Cost: Free (bookings essential)

Darling Harbour School Holidays

Darling Harbour has a packed program across the school holidays, with a mix of free drop-in activities, ticketed experiences, and things happening at different times across the two weeks.

Here’s what’s on that won’t dent the budget:

Darling Square Moon Festival

Darling Square marks the Moon Festival with an illuminated lantern installation, free lantern-decorating sessions, dance workshops, and appearances from Emperor Guan and the Moon Goddess.

Food retailers around the precinct are running Moon Festival menus too, including mooncakes from Bengong Black and Lilong by Taste of Shanghai, so it’s worth timing a visit around a meal.

When: 19 September – 4 October
Where: Darling Square, Darling Harbour l Cost: Free

Darling Harbour Fireworks

Cockle Bay lights up with fireworks to mark the middle of the school holidays. Good one to build an evening around if you’re already at Darling Harbour for dinner.

When: Saturday 3 October, 8.30pm
Where: Cockle Bay, Darling Harbour l Cost: Free

Big Ideas Factory

Head to Tumbalong Park for a free, hands-on science and robotics event running over two days. Kids can build in the Creative Construction Zone, program an Edison robot in the Robotics Lab, or help build a recycled-materials model of Pyrmont Bridge with Reverse Garbage.

There’s a roaming humanoid robot wandering the park, giant lawn games, and free family movie screenings once it gets dark.

When: Saturday 3 – Sunday 4 October, 11am–3pm
Where: Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour l Cost: Free

Chinese Garden of Friendship

Kids can get crafty at the Chinese Garden of Friendship, putting together their own miniature 3D garden model to take home.

It runs on weekdays right through the holidays, and it’s a good pick if you want something quieter than the rest of the program.

When: 28 September – 9 October, 11am–1pm, weekdays
Where: Chinese Garden of Friendship, Darling Harbour l Cost: Free with garden entry

Darling Square Moon Festival

Darling Square lights up for the Moon Festival, a celebration marking the harvest that’s widely observed across Asian cultures. There’s an illuminated lantern installation up for the whole run, plus live music on Friday and Saturday nights, free lantern-decorating workshops, and appearances from Emperor Guan and Chang’e, the Moon Goddess.

When: 19 September – 4 October
Where: Darling Square, Darling Harbour l Cost: Free

Little Chef at Darling Quarter

A free cooking program for kids aged 6 to 12, run alongside Darling Quarter’s restaurants and cafes. Young chef and entrepreneur Morgan Hipworth makes a guest appearance.

When: 3 – 11 October
Where: Darling Quarter, Darling Harbour l Cost: Free (ages 6–12)

Darling Harbour Playground

Darling Harbour’s playground is worth a visit even if you’ve been before — there’s a massive climbing frame, a 21-metre flying fox, and swings for all ages, plus newer installations that have been added in recent years. It’s a good spot to burn some energy before or after other Darling Harbour activities.

There are cafes and family-friendly food options surrounding the playground, making it easy to spend several hours here.

Build Your Own Chinese Garden

Create your own miniature Chinese Garden inspired by the Chinese Garden of Friendship. Kids decorate and assemble a take-home 3D cardboard model featuring pavilions, willow trees, koi carp, water dragons, bamboo, rock formations, and flowing waterways.

An engaging activity that introduces families to the design elements and symbolism of the Garden.

When: Monday 28 September – Friday 9 October, 11am–1pm weekdays (Monday 5 October excluded)
Where: Chinese Garden of Friendship, Pier Street, Cnr Harbour Street, Darling Harbour

Kids’ Meals at Darling Harbour

If you’re spending the day at the aquarium, playground, or just exploring the harbour, Darling Harbour has a solid run of restaurants offering kids’ meals under $16 for children 12 and under, available every day.

• Auvers Cafe — $15 Happy Meal: choose from nuggets and chips, fish and chips, or creamy chicken egg noodles. Before midday, scrambled eggs or smashed avo on brioche toast are also on offer. Includes apple juice, orange juice, or a babychino for the pre-midday crowd.
• Pancakes on the Rocks — Kids meals under $15: Mad Hatter cheeseburger with chips, Ned Kelly buttermilk pancake with scrambled eggs and bacon, Crazy potato pancake, or dinosaur chicken nuggets.
• Wingboy — $12 chicken and chips: two chicken tenders or five wings with shoestring fries and tomato sauce. Mac and cheese also available for $9. School holidays offer: kids eat free on weekdays 6 to 17 July from 12pm to 4pm when you spend $18 or more. Dine-in only, not available with other promotions.
• Dopa Donburi — $14.50 Japanese-style kids meal: Chicken Teriyaki Don, Chicken Karaage Don, or Kakiage Don, with a drink and a small toy included.
• Ume Burger — $15.90 Tasty Kids Box: fish fingers, chicken nuggets, or a burger with plain chips and tomato sauce. Add apple or orange juice for $3.
• Uliveto — $15 kids meal: fish and chips, chicken nuggets with chips, Napolitana pasta, or cheeseburger.

Have questions about things to see and do in Sydney?
Head over and join our Facebook Group and we will be happy to help.

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.

Take the train to Cronulla, and then jump on the ferry across Port Hacking. A short walk will get you to the Jibbon Aboriginal Carvings. Easy bushwalking, manageable for school-age kids. Our Royal National Park walks guide has everything you need.

This is a fun day out for school age kids with some easy bushwalking. If you fancy a longer bushwalk, check out our guide to the walks in the Royal National Park.

Australian Reptile Park

About an hour’s drive from the CBD on the Central Coast, the Australian Reptile Park is a reliable school holidays option for kids who can’t get enough of wildlife. Koalas, crocodiles, giant tortoises, and plenty of snakes and lizards. We’ve got a full guide to Sydney’s zoos and wildlife parks if you want to compare options before you go.

Where: Somersby, Central Coast (60 minutes’ drive from the CBD)
Cost: $48 adults, $30 kids, $135 families (2 adults, 2 kids)

For a broader look at family-friendly Sydney, check out our Sydney with Kids guide or our Rainy Days in Sydney guide.

2026-27 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?
Head over and join our Facebook Group and we will be happy to help.