School Holidays in Sydney: Autumn 2025

Need some fresh ideas for the Easter 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 autumn school holidays run from Monday 14 April to Thursday 24 April 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.

Autumn is perfect for budget-friendly outdoor activities in Sydney. The mild weather makes it ideal for exploring parks, beaches, and national park walks. While the temperatures are generally comfortable, it’s still important to practice sun safety when outdoors.

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Easter Activities 2025

Easter falls during these holidays, with Good Friday on April 18 and Easter Monday on April 21, 2025. Here are some special Easter events happening around Sydney:

The Royal Easter Show

Since 1823 farmers have been bringing the country to town for the Royal Agricultural Show a two-week agricultural affair held at the Sydney Olympic Park.

Along with the animial and agricultural displays there is plenty of live entertainment including woodchopping competitiongs, show jumping and supercar displays.

When: 11-22 April 2025
Where: Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park
Cost: Adult tickets from $44.50 Kids from $17.50

Sydney Family Show

The Sydney Family Show at the Entertainment Quarter offers a more budget-friendly Easter experience. This family-focused event transforms Moore Park into a carnival wonderland where children can watch hilarious pig races, cheer on jumping rabbits, and get up close with friendly farm animals in the nursery.

Along with traditional carnival rides and a showbag pavilion, you’ll find reptile demonstrations and family entertainment throughout the day. Most activities are included in your entry fee, making it excellent value for families with young children.

When: 12-22 April 2025
Where: Entertainment Quarter, 122 Lang Road, Moore Park
Cost: Adults $30, Children (3-15) $15, Family Pass (4 people) $70, Additional ride coupons available for purchase

Easter at Darling Square

Join the egg-citing Easter hunt at Darling Square! Kids can collect a map, find letter clues throughout the precinct, and solve the secret password to claim a special treat. Plus, don’t miss the chance to meet and take photos with the Easter Bunny.

When: 14-17 April & 19 April, 2pm-5pm
Where: The Exchange Building, Darling Square
Cost: Free

School Holiday Easter Craft Workshops

Get your creative kids involved in these affordable Easter craft sessions at South Eveleigh. Two 30-minute workshops, one offering bunny mask decoration and the other easter basket creation will give kids perfect opportunity to express their creativity while celebrating the Easter season.

All proceeds support the NSCA (New South Wales Council of Arts).

When: Mon 14 & Tues 15 April 2025, 10am-11am
Where: Shop 1 Locomotive Street, Eveleigh
Cost: $5 per session
Note: Bookings essential l Book Monday session | Book Tuesday session

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:

Sydney Zoo – Dinosaur Safari

Sydney Zoo at Bungarribee has transformed into a prehistoric playground this autumn! Meet life-sized roaring dinosaurs, catch the Interactive Raptor Show, and let the kids dig for fossils. All dinosaur activities are included with regular admission.

The zoo remains 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!

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)

Free Things to do during the School Holidays

With the cost of living continuing to rise, I’ve prioritised free and low-cost activities in this guide. Many paid attractions offer substantial discounts for advance online bookings, and don’t forget to check if your Kids’ Vouchers can be used. Several venues also offer “pay what you can” or discount days – I’ve noted these where applicable.

Great Laugh in the Park – Sydney Comedy Festival

Don’t miss this fantastic free family event at Tumbalong Park! The Sydney Comedy Festival is hosting their first-ever Great Laugh in the Park, featuring entertainment for all ages throughout the day.

The family-friendly program includes:

• Jimmy Rees OAM (from ABC Kids’ Giggle and Hoot) as host
• Dorothy the Dinosaur from The Wiggles
• The Listies comedy duo
• The Greatest Magic Show featuring illusions and circus acts

For the adults, the evening Gala on the Green features international comedians including Sara Pascoe, Drew Lynch, Kemah Bob, and Australian favorites Nick Cody, Matt Okine and Aunty Donna. The day wraps up with live music from Furnace and the Fundamentals.

When: Saturday 26 April, 12pm – 8:30pm
Where: Tumbalong Park, Darling Quarter
Cost: Free, but registration required Booking: Register via Humanitix

Free events at the Maritime Museum

From deep-sea exploration to hands-on creativity, the Maritime Museum is offering an exciting lineup of activities this autumn break:

Deep Ocean Dive And Draw

Experience extraordinary deep ocean footage while creating art inspired by marine life. Each session includes ocean science presentations, film screenings, live music, and guided drawing activities.

When: 15-27 April (excl. April 23), sessions at 11am, 12:15pm, 1:30pm
Cost: Included with Museum entry l Ages: All ages welcome

Under Sea Bubble-ology

Watch performing artists create spectacular bubble displays while learning about physics, light, and gravity. Get hands-on with giant bubble experiments!

When: Saturdays, Mondays & Wednesdays 12-27 April, sessions at 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm
Cost: Free l Ages: All ages welcome

Deep Sea Lounge

Take a break in this calm creative space featuring sea creature shadow play, rock pillows, luminous sculptures, and collaborative coloring walls.

When: Daily, 10am – 4:30pm
Cost: Free l Ages: All ages welcome

Sea Country Activity Trail

Follow the trail through the museum to discover Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists’ works and stories. Collect all five sea creature stamps to win a prize.

When: Daily, 9:30am – 5pm
Cost: Free l Ages: Recommended for ages 4-10

Kids on Deck

Get creative with recycled materials, make underwater explorer devices, craft glowing creatures, experiment with slime, and enjoy the dress-up photo booth.

When: Daily, 10:30am – 4pm
Cost: Included with Museum entry l Ages: Recommended for ages 4-14

School Holiday Fun at Darling Square

Head to Darling Square for a lineup of free family activities that will keep the kids entertained:

• Jumping castle (11am – 2pm)
• Face painting (12pm – 3pm)
• Balloon twisting (12pm – 3pm)

When: 22-24 April, 26-27 April
Where: Darling Square
Cost: Free

Food Special: IIKO Mazesoba is offering special holiday menu items including BLT Mazesoba, Mala Tomato Tsukemen, and festive desserts (available until April 30).

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.

Move, Groove, Darling Festival

Get ready for three days of non-stop fun and movement at the Move, Groove, Darling Festival. This event is packed with activities to get kids (and parents) off the couch and into the action. From yoga and meditation to high-energy parkour, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss Saturday night’s School (holiday) Disco—a nostalgic party the whole family will love!

In the Zen Den, enjoy mindful moments with yoga, meditation, and energetic drumming workshops. This is a great opportunity for families to connect, celebrate movement, and make memories together.

When: Friday 18 April to Sunday 20 April 2025
Where: Darling Harbour

Free events at the Chinese Garden of Friendship

The Art of Chinese Paper Cutting

This April, introduce your children to the fascinating world of Chinese Paper Cutting at the Chinese Garden of Friendship. In this hands-on workshop, kids will learn about this ancient folk art that dates back to the 4th century, discovering how it transformed from a religious art form into a beloved cultural tradition.

They’ll get to create their own paper cut designs inspired by the garden’s beautiful surroundings, using traditional techniques passed down through generations. It’s a perfect blend of history, culture, and creativity that brings ancient traditions to life.

When: 11am – 2pm during school holidays
Where: Water Pavilion, Chinese Garden of Friendship
Cost: Free with Garden admission l Ages: Suitable for children 5-12 years
Bookings: No bookings required – just drop in!

Mini Bankstown Launches at Bankstown Central

This April, Bankstown Central invites little shoppers to step into a world built just for them with the launch of Mini Bankstown – an interactive mini replica of the shopping centre, designed to spark creativity, encourage imaginative play, and make the school holidays unforgettable.

Mini Bankstown transforms the traditional shopping trip into a hands-on adventure through three engaging and themed zones:

• Fashion Zone – Unleash your inner style icon while dressing up and striking a pose in a mini fashion studio.
• Café Zone – Design your own coffee cup, enjoy a complimentary babyccino, and surprise mum or dad with a treat.
• Supermarket Zone – Experience the fun of grocery shopping in a pint-sized store setup.

Each session is free with any in-centre purchase and runs for 45 minutes (15 minutes per station), accommodating kids aged 2–12 accompanied by an adult. Present your receipt at the registration desk on the day to secure your spot.

Mini Bankstown is staffed by qualified childcare professionals.

When: Saturday 12 April to Sunday 27 April 2025 (excluding public holidays), 10am–2pm daily
Where: Bankstown Central, Bankstown
Cost: Free with in-centre purchase

Guildford Hotel – Messy Makers Fun Every Sunday

Keep the kids entertained with hands-on activities hosted by sensory play experts Messy Makers every Sunday at the Guildford Hotel. From Science Camp to Cookie Decorating, each session brings something new – and it’s completely FREE! In addition, enjoy complimentary kids’ meals between 5pm – 7pm from Monday to Wednesday with every full-priced main meal purchased.

When: Every Sunday from 6 April to 29 June 2025, sessions at 11:00am and 12:00pm. Additional school holiday dates on 15 and 22 April 2025.
Where: Guildford Hotel, Guildford
Cost: Free

Reptile Shows & Pizza Making Classes at the Crossroads Hotel

The Crossroads Hotel in Casula is ready to entertain with exciting school holiday activities. Alongside their brand-new playground and Gelato Cart, the venue is hosting two fun-filled activities:

• Pizza Making Class: Let your kids roll, top, and bake their own delicious creations.
• Reptile Show: A hands-on encounter where kids can meet and learn about fascinating reptiles.

When: Pizza Making Class on 15 April at 10:15am; Reptile Show on 16 April at 11:00am
Where: Crossroads Hotel, Casula
Cost: $45 per child for pizza-making; Reptile Show is free

Sunday Funday at The Australian Hotel Brewery

Celebrate Sunday Fundays at The Australian Hotel Brewery in Rouse Hill this Easter school holidays. Kids can enjoy face painting, balloon animals, and playtime in the epic playground while parents relax with live music in the Tap House. Don’t forget to visit midweek (Monday to Wednesday) when kids eat FREE with the purchase of a full-priced adult meal.

When: Sundays 13 April, 20 April, and 27 April, kids’ activities from 11:00am – 1:00pm. Live music from 1:00pm – 4:00pm. Free kids’ meals Monday to Wednesday during the school holidays.
Where: The Australian Hotel Brewery, Rouse Hill Cost: Free

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
Note: Children must be accompanied by an adult

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.

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: Mon 14 April, Thurs 24 April, Friday 2 May, Fri 6 June 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.

You’re An Instrument

Get ready for an exciting musical adventure where science meets sound! This interactive show proves that the most incredible musical instrument is YOU. Led by performer-scientists, children will discover unexpected ways to create sound using their voices, bodies, and minds.

With cutting-edge music technology and hands-on participation, this unique experience will have young audiences making music together in ways they never imagined possible.

When: 16 – 17 April, Wed: 11:30am & 1:30pm Thurs: 10:30am & 12:30pm
Where: Lennox Theatre, Riverside Theatres, Parramatta
Cost: From $22.50 (Members), $24 (Non-Members)
Age: 5-12 years

Mr Snotbottom

For kids who love silly humor and outrageous fun, Mr Snotbottom delivers plenty of laughs! This wildly popular show features ridiculous rhymes, outrageous jokes, and plenty of icky, sticky fun that has been making audiences laugh (and squirm!) across the country.

Perfect for fans of the weird and wonderfully gross, this show promises to have children roaring with laughter and squealing with delight.

When: Tuesday 22 – Thursday 24 April, 11am & 1pm daily
Where: Lennox Theatre, Riverside Theatres, Parramatta
Cost: From $24 (Members), $26 (Non-Members)
Age: 5-12 years

ALICE IN WONDERLAND in the Garden

Fall down the rabbit hole this Easter as Glenn Elston’s acclaimed production of ALICE IN WONDERLAND returns to the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. This interactive outdoor theatre experience brings Lewis Carroll’s beloved classic to life in the beautiful Pioneer Garden setting.

Where: Pioneer Garden, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
When: 12 – 27 April 2025
Tickets: Weekdays: $25 p.p. (family of 4: $90), Weekends: $30 per person (family of 4: $110)

DOG MAN: The Musical

Best buddies George and Harold, now in 5th grade, decide to level up their creative skills by writing a musical about their favorite character – Dog Man, the crime-biting sensation who is part dog, part man, and ALL HERO!

Based on Dav Pilkey’s worldwide bestselling series (creator of Captain Underpants), this show combines hilarity and heart in a way that will delight both children and adults. Perfect for ages 8+.

Where: The Playhouse, Sydney Opera House
When: 12 – 27 April 2025
Booking tip: Book early as the previous season sold out quickly!

The 91-Storey Treehouse

Andy and Terry’s wildly popular treehouse grows to 91 stories in this stage adaptation of Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton’s beloved book.

Watch as our heroes deal with a lonely desert island, a giant spider, a mysterious fortune teller, and the challenge of babysitting Mr. Big Nose’s grandchildren.

When: April 10-13, 2025
Where: Seymour Centre
Cost: From $39 More: Visit Seymour Centre website

Mimi’s Symphony with Justine Clarke

Join beloved Australian actress and singer Justine Clarke for an enchanting orchestral adventure at the Sydney Opera House Studio. This heartwarming 40-minute performance follows Mimi, a little magpie who finds herself blown from her nest to the edge of a suburban oval, with only the echo of something grand and beautiful in her memory.

Children will discover different sections of the orchestra – brass, string, woodwind, and percussion – while following Mimi’s journey as she meets various animal families and learns to survive in the suburbs.

Where: The Studio, Sydney Opera House
When: Saturday 12 April (11am, 1pm, 3pm) & Sunday 13 April (11am, 12:30pm)
Duration: 40 minutes l Age: Perfect for ages 3+
Tickets: From $35.95 (groups 6+) to $49.95 (premium)

Alice in Easterland

Hop down the rabbit hole this Easter for a magical theatrical twist on the classic Alice in Wonderland! Join Alice on her adventure as she helps the Mad Hatter find his Easter bonnet while dealing with the demanding Queen of Hearts.

This interactive experience includes a theatre performance followed by bonnet decorating and a parade where kids can showcase their creations. Children are encouraged to dress up and bring their Easter bonnets for the parade.

When: Saturday 19 April 2025, 10:30am – Theatre Performance, 11:30am – Bonnet Decoration, 12pm – Bonnet Parade or 2 hours later from 1:30pm.
Where: The WILD PLAY Discovery Centre, Centennial Parklands
Cost: $20 per child (accompanying adult included)
Age: 4+ years (under 2 free)

Can’t make it? The same event will be held on Sunday 20 April at Callan Park, just 30 minutes’ drive from Centennial Parklands.

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.

Outdoor Adventure Programs at Centennial Park

Bushrangers – Shelter Challenge

Give the kids a break from screens with this hands-on outdoor adventure program. Children will learn essential bushcraft skills while building and testing their own shelters using natural materials. The day includes wildlife spotting, outdoor challenges, team games, and discovering how local animals create their homes in the wild.

When: Wednesday 16 & 23 April 2025, 8:30am – 3:30pm
Where: WILD PLAY Discovery Centre, Centennial Park
Ages: 5-12 years (drop-off program) l Cost: $100 per child

Park Rangers – Treasure Hunters at Callan Park

Can’t make it to Centennial Park? A similar program runs at Callan Park, offering kids the chance to explore and learn in another of Sydney’s beautiful parklands.

When: Tuesday 15 April 2025, 8:30am – 3:30pm
Where: Callan Park
Ages: 5-12 years (drop-off program) l Cost: $100 per child

Note: Public transport is recommended for both locations as parking is limited.

Comic Book Illustration Workshop

Young artists and storytellers can unleash their creativity in this engaging workshop inspired by DOG MAN: THE MUSICAL. This hands-on experience teaches kids aged 8-14 how to create their own characters, jokes, and stories in comic book form.

Learn from an exceptional team of industry professionals:

• Fionn McCabe – Illustrator, cartoonist, and comics educator from UTS
• Evie Hilliar – Animator and director known for finding whimsy in everyday life
• Marieka Walsh – International award-winning animation director

Drawing inspiration from artists like Dav Pilkey, Alice Oseman, and Kazu Kibuishi, participants will develop their own graphic story ideas and visual style.

Where: Centre for Creativity, Sydney Opera House
When: April 15 & 23, 2025
Ages: 8-14 years

Make-Believe Masters: Putting on a show

Ever dreamed of creating theatre magic at the Sydney Opera House? This immersive full-day workshop gives young theatre enthusiasts (ages 12-16) the chance to become show designers for a day. Participants will learn the art of theatre design from award-winning professional Isabel Hudson.

Students will create their own set models and design costumes. They will have exclusive backstage tour access and work in teams on a hypothetical musical production.

Where: Centre for Creativity, Sydney Opera House
When: Thursday, 24 April 2025
Ages: 12-16 years l What to expect: A full day of hands-on creative experience with professional guidance and backstage insights

Tea Time with your Elders

Join First Nations educators for a special intergenerational experience exploring Indigenous plants and their traditional uses in the Royal Botanic Garden. Children and their elders will discover the rich heritage of the local Gadi people while learning about native plants used for tea and other beverages.

Each child will create their own tea and tea cups to take home, while learning about the nutritional and medicinal properties of native plants.

When: 14 and 21 April 2025, 10:30am – 12pm
Where: Rathborne Lodge, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
Cost: $20 per child, $18 Foundation & Friends members (accompanying elder free)
Ages: 5-12 years l Bookings: Email [email protected]

Ghostly Garden Tour for Kids

Brave young explorers can experience the Royal Botanic Garden like never before on this spine-tingling twilight adventure. As darkness falls, discover the garden’s spooky secrets, from shadowy paths and mysterious ponds to eerie grottos and the garden’s oldest haunted houses.

Watch for bats swooping overhead and nocturnal creatures peering from the treetops while your guide shares haunting tales from the garden’s past.

When: Thursday 11 April 2025, 5:30pm – 7pm
Where: Meet at Woolloomooloo Gate, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
Cost: Adults $45, Children $20
Ages: 8 years and over (all children must be accompanied by a paying adult)
Bookings: Email [email protected]

Peruvian Metal Masters

Inspire young minds with the artistry of ancient Peruvian artefacts in this metal embossing and wearable-art workshop.

Young artists will explore the Australian Museum’s Gold Gallery, featuring treasures from the Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru exhibition, before learning metal embossing techniques to create their own stunning take-home pieces using metallic materials and recycled supplies.

When: Monday 14 April 2025, Ages 5-8: 10:30am – 12pm, Ages 9-12: 1:30pm – 3:30pm
Where: LG, Patricia McDonald Education Rooms, Australian Museum
Cost: Member Child $36-$52, non-Member Child $45-$65 ($15 with Creative Kids Voucher)

Scientist for a Day: Geologist

Science rocks in this full-day workshop where budding geologists aged 9-12 can discover the fascinating world of minerals and rocks. Kids will get exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the Australian Museum Research Institute and collections lab, guided by experts Ross Pogson (Collection Manager, Mineralogy & Petrology) and Dayna McGeeney (Technical Officer).

When: Tuesday 15 & Wednesday 16 April 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.

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)

 Youth Week in the City

Pathfynd: Youth Week Scavenger Hunt

Love escape rooms or The Amazing Race? Compete for a $1000 prize pool in this city-wide adventure! Form teams of up to 6 people (or join solo and we’ll match you with a team) to tackle challenges around Sydney.

When: Tuesday 15 April, 2:30pm – 5:30pm
Where: Meet at St Mary’s Cathedral Steps
Schedule: 2:30pm: Check-in and briefing, 2:45pm – 4:30pm: Adventure time, 4:30pm onwards: Free food truck and prizes
Cost: Free l Ages: 15-24 years
Bookings: Essential – register online to secure your spot

Game On: Gaming Tournament

Calling all gamers! Compete for over $500 in prizes and trophies across multiple gaming genres.

Tournament Schedule:

• 6:15pm: Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
• 6:30pm: Street Fighter II
• 6:45pm: Giant Chess Blitz
• 7:00pm: Mario Kart 8 / The Codfather
• 7:45pm: Winner announcements

Both events are accessible for participants of varying abilities. For specific access requirements, 

When: Thursday 17 April, 6pm – 8pm
Where: Customs House (Lower Level)
Cost: Free l Ages: 15-24 years
Bookings: Register on Eventbrite or arrive 10 minutes early

Macquarie Street Adventure

Experience Sydney’s history with this special collaboration between Museums of History NSW, Parliament of NSW, and the State Library. Join a day of free activities along historic Macquarie Street.

Hyde Park Barracks and The Mint Activities

Get hands-on with history through engaging activities including:

• Create your own convict love token
• Build a paper model of the UNESCO World Heritage Barracks
• Try convict bricklaying
• Play traditional lawn games (1:30pm – 4pm at The Mint)
• Contribute to the ‘Hope garden’ art installation by Hiromi Tango (bring clean fabric or clothing with personal meaning for upcycling)

When: Tuesday 15 April, 10am – 3pm
Where: Hyde Park Barracks, Queens Square, Macquarie Street
Cost: Free l Access: Wheelchair accessible

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.

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.

Autumn 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.

Faulty Towers Dining Experience at Leura Gardens Resort

For families with older kids who appreciate British humor, don’t miss the hilarious Faulty Towers Dining Experience at Leura Gardens Resort.

This interactive dinner show brings the classic comedy “Fawlty Towers” to life with professional actors playing Basil, Sybil, and Manuel while serving a three-course meal.

It’s a perfect addition to a Blue Mountains getaway, especially for families with teens.

When: Multiple dates through 2025 – school holiday shows on March 28 and April 11
Where: Leura Gardens Resort
Cost: $95 per person for dinner and show
Accommodation: From $188 per night

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.

Have questions about things to see and do in Sydney?
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