School Holidays in Sydney: Fun Ideas for Winter 2022
If you have just realised the end of term is fast approaching and wondering what to do in the school holidays in Sydney, we have you covered. There are plenty of choices, from low cost and free things to do across the city to fun day trips out of town. Read on and plan some fun days out in Sydney for your family.
Winter School Holiday Ideas
The Easter School holidays in Sydney are the easiest to fill with lot of special easter events combining with (usually) resaonablely good weather. From mornings at the park or playground to picnics and beach walks it’s a great time to enjoy the outdoors before the cold weather arrives.
The Easter school holidays run from 4 July – 15 July.
School Holiday Workshops and Activities in Sydney’s Museums
Perfect for days when the sun goes into hiding, Sydney’s museums and galleries have plenty to offer kids of all ages. Some of these activities will require prebooking because of current restrictions, so please check the links provided before heading out.
Australian Museum
The Australian Museum has several interactive experiences scheduled, including the popular Scientist for a Day and the LEGO® exhibition, Jurassic World by Brickman®.
Other options include:
- We Built This City: LEGO brick building workshop – join LEGO Masters’ winner Henry Pinto in these creative LEGO® brick building workshops for kids aged 5-8yrs and 9-13yrs.
- Ancient Builders: Clay sculpting workshop – Learn about ancient clay-building techniques and make your own miniature house in these school holiday workshops for children aged 5-8yrs and 9-13yrs.
- Scientist for a Day: Wildlife Geneticist – Learn about wildlife genetics and see what it’s like to be a scientist in these full-day workshops for kids aged 8-12yrs.
If you miss the boat on booking the special activities you can jump back to the Age of Dinosaurs in this creative play space for kids of all ages. This area is free and does not require bookings.
Activity: Jurassic World by Brickman
Where: Australian Museum
When: Open until 17 July
Cost: $25-$95
Bookings and more info here
Australian National Maritime Museum
Along with their regular exhibits, the museum offers two hands-on, creative workshops for kids aged 8-14 years.
An Animation Workshop: Claymation Creations held at the museum and for budding photographers a Cockatoo Island Adventures on Cockatoo Island.
Where: Australian National Maritime Museum
When: Noy yet available
Cost: $150 – $170
Bookings and more info here
Convict Trail at Hyde Park Barracks
If you have not visited the Barracks since it reopened last year, now is a perfect time. You can use your Dine and Discover voucher for your entry.
A special audio guide suitable for children aged 5-10 years will keep the kids entertained while they explore Sydney’s past. They solve puzzles using clues as they move through the collection.
Where: Macquarie Street Sydney
When: Open Thursday to Sunday, 10am – 5pm, closed Christmas Day and Australia Day
Cost: Child $16, Adult $24, Family $64. Members and children under 5 are free.
Bookings and more info here
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and Wildlife Sydney
One of the main attractions at Sea Life Sydney is Pig the Dungog, followed closely by the cute penguins and of course the sharks!
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.
Where: Lime Street Darling Harbour
When: Open 7 days a week 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (last entry 4:00pm) during NSW school holidays. Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays outside of the school holiday periods.
Cost: Single entry or multi passes available. Check for offers. You can combine these offers with your Dine and Discover vouchers.
Sydney Zoo
If you have not made the trip to Sydney Zoo at Bungarribee, put it on the list for these holidays.
The zoo is great for families with flat paths perfect for little explorers feet. Don’t miss the pride of lions and, of course, the cheeky meerkats.
There are several animal encounters you can book if you want something special.
Check out our detailed guide to all of Sydney’s zoos and animal parks here
Where: Sydney Zoo
When: Open every day from 9am – 5pm
Cost: $40 adults, $20 kids 3-15 years – These are online prices – it’s at least $5 a ticket more expensive at the gate.
More details here
Australian Reptile Park
Is your child crazy for reptiles? Head to the Australian Reptile Park on the Central Coast this the school holidays! Learn all about the incredible ‘superpowers’ that these animals have.
Where: Somersby, Central Coast (30 minutes’ drive from Wahroonga)
More details here
Get Active – Things to Wear Them Out!
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. offer family mystery picnics and family date nights.
AAMI’s Clanger Buster Clinics
AFLW GWS Giants stars Alyce Parker and Alicia Eva offer FREE training sessions to kids 12-16 years during school holidays.
AAMI’s Clanger Buster Clinics will give the AFL champions of tomorrow the tools to sharpen their skills, improve their game and ultimately reduce their clangers on the field. [What is a Clanger? A clanger in AFL is an error made by a player resulting in a negative result for their side] AAMI hopes its support and delivery of the Clanger Buster Clinics will lead to continued growth in youth football – ensuring a solid base of future AFL and AFLW stars.
Where: Wagener Oval, Ashbury
When: Tuesday, July 12, 2022 10.00-11.30am & 12.00-1.30pm
Registrations: aamiaflwclinics.com
Luna Park
Luna Park is has reopened with brand new rides to entertain the entire family.
The old favourites have been spruced up and new rides are ready to go, there will be in place by the end of the year.
Pop into Wendy’s Secret Garden for a game of hide and seek before you head home. Or if the kids have any energy left, you could walk back to the city across the harbour bridge.
Where: Luna Park Milsons Point
When: Open daily from 25 June to 11 July and then Friday-Sunday.
Cost: Day passes from $34 – $44, annual passes $199
More details here
Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout
After being closed for the last year for renovation, the Pylon Museum will open for the school holidays. Climb 200 stairs (that should wear them out!) for amazing 360-degree views across the city. Along the way, learn more about the construction of the Harbour Bridge.
Where: Sydney Pylon Lookout
When: School holidays open daily
Cost: $19 adults
More details here
Archery at Olympic Park
Archery is perfect for improving hand-eye coordination and just a whole lot of fun too. The Young Shooters program at Olympic Park Archery Centre is a one hour class suitable for kids over 7-9 years of age. For kids over 10 years, there is a Sharp Shooters program. Neither requires any experience.
They are also offering Laser Tag sessions, and a combo pass for both activities will save you $$.
Where: Archery Centre, Bennelong Parkway Sydney Olympic Park
When: Sat 9 – Thu 14 Apr & Tue 19 – Sun 24 Apr 2022 from 9:00am – 4:30pm
Cost: $19.25 or $31 combo sessions*
More details here
Sydney Seafood School Kids Classes
Let them learn how to cook all their favourites. Classing on offer making dumplings, sushi and pasta.
After class, take a walk around Blackwattle Bay to the Tram Sheds for dessert.
Where: Sydney Seafood School Pyrmont
When: 10am Thursday 7 July
Cost: $60
More details here
Children’s Theatre in Sydney
Little Red Riding Hood
This roving performance tells the classic tale we all know and love with the chance for the audience to be in the story.
Meet all of your favourite characters- the hungry wolf, the sweet and innocent Red Riding Hood, and the huntsman as they tell this delightful tale set in the forest that is as enchanting as the story itself.
Be a part of this Aussie adaptation of the fairy tale, Little Red Riding Hood by dressing up to be a part of the show. (no previous acting experience required)
This is a highly interactive 50 minute performance with songs and a familiar story line. Presented by the Eaton Gorge Theatre Company on behalf of Centennial Parklands.
Suitability – kids from 4 yrs old. Must be accompanied by an adult
Where: Centennial Park
When: 5 and 12 July 10:30am to 11:20am
Cost: $18
More: On the website
The Gruffulo
Join Mouse on a daring adventure through the deep, dark wood in this magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
Searching for hazelnuts, Mouse meets the cunning Fox, the eccentric old Owl and the party mad Snake. Will the story of the terrifying Gruffalo save Mouse from ending up as dinner for these hungry woodland creatures? After all, there’s no such thing as a Gruffalo – is there?
Enjoy 55 minutes of songs, laughs and scary fun, perfect for kids 3+ and their adults.
Where: Seymour Centre
When: 2-4 July
Tickets and more info here
The Twits
Rohal Dahl’s much loved duo, The Twits, will have the whole family laughing at their trick and pranks as they try to outwit each other. Best suited to kids 5 years and over.
Where: Sydney Opera House
When: 2-17 July
Cost: Standard tickets $29 plus booking fee
Tickets and more info here
Free Things to Do in the School Holidays
Royal Botanic Gardens
Inside the Tide: Explore a marine dream of coral, kelp and coast with Inside the Tide! Step inside this spectacular world of aquatic delights in our new immersive exhibition.
While you’re visiting, let your kids explore the kid’s corner where they can discover life’s enchanting characteristics in the ocean. Activities include First Nations fishing, seagrass yoga and much more.
Where: The Calyx, Royal Botanic Gardens
When: Every day from 10:00am to 4:00pm
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.
There are cafes and family-friendly food options surrounding the playground, making it easy to spend several hours here.
School Holiday Activities for Teens
Secret Garden at the Grounds of Alexandria
Teens will find plenty of Tik Tok and Instagram fodder at the latest installation at the Grounds of Alexandria.
You will need to book a dine-in experience to guarantee access to the garden – it has been created for the restaurant and potting shed guests. There are two high tea options and the regular menus. See the link below for more.
Where: Grounds of Alexandria
When: 22-24 Apr
More details here
Day Trips for the School Holidays
Jump on the train or get in the car for a day trip. 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 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
You can even see how many of these lookouts you can squeeze into one day.
Snow Time in the Garden
If a trip to Thredbo is not an option this winter, you might want to take a trip to the Hunter for Snow Time in the Gardens. With a giant ice skating rink, a mega ice toboggan and a man-made Snow Play Zone there is a full day’s fun to be had. You can stay overnight nearby or do it on a day trip.
Where: Hunter Valley Gardens
When: 25 June – 24 July, 2
More details here
School Holiday Dates in New South Wales
Below is a list of the vacation 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 | 2021 | 2022 |
| Autumn break: | 5 April – 16 April | 9 April – 25 April |
| Winter break | 28 June – 9 July | 2 July – 17 July |
| Spring break: | 20 September – 1 October | 24 September – 9 October |
| Summer break: | 20 December – 27 January 2022 | 21 December – 02 February 2023 |
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