School Holidays in Sydney: winter 2025

Need some fresh ideas for the July 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 winter school holidays run from Monday, July 7th to Friday, July 18th.

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.

Winter’s cool weather does not mean you have to lock yourselves indoors. Rug up and head 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:

Winter Adventures at Taronga Zoo

Taronga Zoo is pulling out all the stops this winter with an exciting lineup of activities included with your entry ticket. From new animal babies to special shows, there’s enough here to fill a full day of family fun.

Daily Highlights:

• Crawly Critters Alive Show (11:45am and 2:30pm) – get up close with fascinating invertebrates
• Meet the new arrivals: Bair (Australian Sea Lion pup) and Eve (Long-nosed Fur Seal pup)
• Watch three young koala joeys (Eugene, Busta and Yanada) learning to climb
• Complete the No Place Like Home Trail to win a family stay at Zoofari Lodge in Dubbo
• Ride the new Wildlife Express electric train around the zoo ($5 per ride, free for Zoo Friends)
• Warm up in the new Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Centre

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 – Dinosaur Safari

Sydney Zoo at Bungarribee has transformed into a frozen prehistoric wonderland! Journey back in time to meet life-sized, moving creatures from Earth’s Ice Age. Get face-to-face with a towering woolly mammoth, hear the roar of a sabre-toothed tiger, and stand in awe of the massive megalodon shark.

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. All Ice Age activities are included with regular admission.

The zoo is perfect for families with flat paths suitable for little explorers’ feet. Along with the prehistoric additions, you can still meet over 4,000 animals including the pride of lions and cheeky meerkats.

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!

Naidoc Week Events

NAIDOC Week is a national celebration honoring the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal

Family Fun Day at Australian Maritime Museum

Start your NAIDOC Week celebrations with a free day of cultural activities celebrating “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy“.

Activities include:

• Traditional Smoking Ceremony with Elder Uncle Les
• Dance workshops with Bangarra Dance Company
• Bush drinks and native plant workshops with Koori Kulcha
• Drop-in mural making with Nioka Lowe-Brennan
• Face painting and art activities
• Live music performances throughout the day
• Free access to all vessels including submarine and tall ships

When: 6 July 2025
Where: Australia Maritime Museum l Cost: Free

National Indigenous Art Fair – Little Mobs Program

Kick off NAIDOC Week with this vibrant two-day festival at the Overseas Passenger Terminal. The Little Mobs program offers children hands-on cultural experiences guided by First Nations artists and Elders.

Activities include:

• Shellwork workshops with Tahlia Brown-Sait and Latarley Brown-Yeo
• Bushfoods and native plant propagation with Indigigrow
• Gumnut jewellery-making with Marlene and Sharona Cooley
• Possum skin and ochre painting workshops
• Children’s dance workshops with Budja Budja Butterfly
• Ochre face painting with Brolga Dancers

When: Saturday 5 – Sunday 6 July (10am-5pm Sat, 10am-4pm Sun)
Where: Overseas Passenger Terminal, Circular Quay
Cost: Free for children under 12 ($3 entry for adults)
Booking: Pre-book at trybooking.com/DBHGS to skip queues

NAIDOC Week Celebrations at the Royal Botanic Gardens

Join First Nations guides for special tours celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, history and achievements. Learn about traditional plant uses and the deep connection between First Nations peoples and the land.

When: 10 – 12 July 2025
Where: Meet at the Garden Shop, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
Cost: Free

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:

Winter Wonderland at 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.

Free Activities:

• Snow Globe Making Workshop (July 11 & 18, 11am-2pm)
• Snowflake Painting Workshop (July 10, 17, 19 & 20, 11am-2pm)
• Winter-themed Face Painting (July 11, 18, 19 & 20, 11am-2pm)

Winter Warming Food Specials:

• Auvers: New truffle menu including grilled pork rib and truffle ramen
• Uliveto: Winter specials like braised lamb shank and pumpkin soup

When: July 10-20, 2025
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.

Public House Petersham’s School Holiday Program

The Inner West’s favourite family pub is hosting their biggest school holiday program yet with daily activities throughout the break. Along with free kids’ meals with every adult main ordered, they’re offering an exciting lineup of entertainment and activities.

• Weekend entertainment includes jumping castles, face painting, magic shows, reptile encounters and mini kindi farms
• Little Chefs Pizza Making Classes every Tuesday (July 8 & 15)
• Bookings essential for pizza classes via their website

When: July 5-20, 2025
Where: 292 Stanmore Rd, Petersham
Cost: Free activities, meals vary

House Canteen at Sydney Opera House

This harbourside venue is celebrating the winter holidays with a special The Twits-themed program, perfect for combining with a show at the Opera House.

• Meet reptiles including frogs, lizards, snakes and a crocodile (July 8 & 16)
• Special Twits-themed treats including Swampmud Chill cola slushies
• Free activity packs with every kids’ bento
• Bookings required for reptile shows

When: July 6-18, 2025
Where: Lower Concourse Level, Sydney Opera House
Cost: Free activities, meals vary

Guildford Hotel – Messy Makers Holiday Program

The Guildford Hotel is partnering with Messy Makers to offer an exciting series of free creative workshops throughout the school holidays.

Perfect for kids aged 3 and up, each session offers hands-on activities that spark imagination and creativity. Plus, children receive a free kids’ meal with any main meal purchased between 3pm-7pm.

Program Schedule:

• Monday July 7: Create Your Own Snow Globes
• Wednesday July 9: Bath Bomb Workshop
• Monday July 14: Make a Dream Catcher
• Wednesday July 16: Design Your Own Umbrella

When: Two sessions daily (3-4pm and 4-5pm) on workshop days
Where: Guildford Hotel, Guildford
Cost: Free, but bookings essential
Note: Adults don’t need tickets, but must accompany children

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.

Winter Adventures at the Maritime Museum

The Australian National Maritime Museum has put together an incredible winter program combining creativity, technology, and marine discovery. Many activities are included with your museum entry, while some special workshops require separate booking.

Daily Activities (included with entry)

• Kids on Deck (10:30am-4pm): Create wild critter crafts, experiment with marine science, and enjoy dress-up fun
• Great Southern LEGO®️ Reef (10am-4pm): Help build amazing sea creatures with The Brickman team
• Deep Sea Screenings (10am-4pm): Watch spectacular underwater footage while trying scientific sketching
• Sea Country Activity Trail: Follow the trail to collect sea creature stamps and win a prize
• Cabinet of Curiosities (2pm-3pm): Explore Indigenous art and science artifacts

Special Workshops and Events

• Epic Whale Build (July 15-17): Join The Brickman team to construct a 3-metre LEGO whale
• Photography Workshop (July 14-15): Learn photography at Cockatoo Island, $100/$90 members
• Wild Wears Workshop (July 9-10): Create wearable art with Deepsea Astronauts, $100/$90 members
• Fintastic Fridays (July 11 & 18, 11am-2pm): Underwater-themed disco with mermaids and sharks
• Weaving Wednesdays (July 10 & 17, 11am-2pm): Learn traditional weaving with Wanita Lowe
• Underwater Drone Challenge (Various dates): Pilot underwater drones, from $25

Hot tip: Book the special workshops early as spaces are limited. Many daily activities are included with museum entry.

When: Daily throughout school holidays
Where: 2 Murray Street, Sydney
Cost: Various – many activities free with museum entry l Bookings: Required for workshops

History Detective Experience at Elizabeth Farm

Step back in time at Australia’s oldest surviving homestead with an interactive history detective experience. Young sleuths aged 5-10 years can dress up and search for clues throughout Elizabeth Farm while uncovering fascinating stories about the Macarthur family and the Barramadagal people, the traditional custodians of the land.

The experience includes hands-on activities, guided exploration of the historic house, and concludes with refreshments. It’s an engaging way to bring colonial history to life for young minds.

When: Wednesday July 9 & 16, 10:30am-11:30am
Where: 70 Alice Street, Rosehill
Cost: $15 general admission, $12 members
Ages: 5-10 years Note: Adult supervision required (adult tickets also needed). Children under 3 can attend free.
Access: Wheelchair accessible

History Detective Experience at Vaucluse House

Young history detectives can also explore the grand Vaucluse House estate through this engaging treasure hunt experience. Children will dress up and follow clues throughout the historic mansion while learning about the Wentworth family and the Birrabirragal and Gadigal people, the traditional custodians of the land.

Like its sister program at Elizabeth Farm, this hands-on adventure includes interactive activities and concludes with refreshments, making history come alive for young participants.

When: Thursday July 10 & 17, 10:30am-11:30am
Where: Wentworth Road, Vaucluse
Cost: $15 general admission, $12 members
Ages: 5-10 years Note: Adult supervision required (adult tickets also needed). Children under 3 can attend free.

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

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. offers family mystery picnics and family date nights.

Holiday Pony Camps

Centennial Equestrian’s holiday camps offer children (5+ years) the chance to experience horse riding and care. Each full-day session includes riding lessons, horsecare activities, and supervised lunch breaks. Suitable for complete beginners to experienced riders.

When: Daily during school holidays, 9am – 4pm
Where: Pavilion B, 114 – 120 Lang Rd, Moore Park
Book: Via Centennial Equestrian website

Luna Park – Vegesaurs Adventure

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.

Crafting with Nature: Secret Sculptures Workshop

Let your child’s imagination run wild in this nature-based creative workshop. Experienced educators guide children to discover the hidden magical worlds within the Gardens, using natural materials to create unique sculptures.

When: 8 – 17 July 2025
Where: Available at all three Garden locations – Sydney, Mount Annan and Mount Tomah
Cost: $20 l Ages: Suitable for school-age children Book here

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: 9 and 16 July 2025
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 4 July, Monday 14 July, Friday 18 July (continues in term time)
Where: Robertson Road Gates, Centennial Park
Cost: $24.50 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.

Winter at the Opera House

The Sydney Opera House’s winter program brings world-class children’s entertainment to Sydney with several must-see shows:

City of Wonder (Ages 4+)

When: 10 – 18 July 2025
Where: Sydney Opera House
Ages: 4+ years

BullyBully (Ages 3+)

This award-winning Dutch production uses physical theatre and dance to show how two quarreling world leaders act remarkably like toddlers.

A perfect blend of slapstick comedy and valuable lessons about kindness.

When: 6 – 12 July 2025
Where: Sydney Opera House
Ages: 3+ years

The Twits

Roald Dahl’s beloved troublemakers come to life in this wickedly funny stage adaptation by Shake & Stir theatre company.

Expect plenty of pranks and mischief that will have the whole family laughing.

When: 5 – 19 July 2025
Where: Sydney Opera House
Ages: 5+ years

Wolfgang in the Stars – Circa

Internationally acclaimed circus company Circa presents their stunning new production perfect for families. Join Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and his circus bear on an intergalactic adventure inspired by “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.” When a cosmic glitch leaves them stranded in space, they must use friendship, courage and music to find their way home.

Created by Yaron Lifschitz, this spectacular show combines dazzling acrobatics, comedy and video projections, featuring four of Circa’s talented ensemble members alongside live music by Quincy Grant on wind synthesizer. Fresh from its world premiere in Brisbane, this family-friendly production promises an unforgettable blend of circus and classical music.

When: July 17-19, 2025, Thu & Fri 10am & 12:30pm, Sat 10am
Where: Riverside Theatres, Corner Church & Market St, Parramatta
Cost: From $37 (Members), $39 (Non-Members)

Children’s International Film Festival

Featuring daring adventures in the Himalayas, a journey through the fascinating world of art, heartwarming friendships, and an exciting blend of live-action and animation, the Children’s International Film Festival (CHIFF) returns for its fifth year, showcasing a program filled with family-friendly films.

When: 7 June – 20 July 2025
Where: Ritz Cinemas Randwick
Cost: Single Admission $16.50, Member tickets $14.50, Family Pass $56.00 (Two adults and two children or one adult and three children).

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: From 6 June 2025, various session times l Duration: 60-90 minutes
Where: Paddington Pavilion, Sydney Olympic Park
Cost: $44-$70, children under 4 free
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Contact venue for specific accessibility requirements.

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.

Winter 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.

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