The Best School Holiday Activities in Sydney to Keep the Kids Energised & Entertained
This round-up of the best school holiday activities in Sydney will keep the whole family happy.
While it feels like we were singing Christmas carols a hot minute ago, blink, and the hot cross buns are calling our name, and the first batch of school holidays are knocking on the door. Is it just us, or does it roll around quicker every term?
Like most parents, you're probably scrambling for fun school holiday activities in Sydney to keep your kiddos entertained during the break. Not every kid will gravitate towards a tennis camp or a gymnastics intensive, so what else is out there? Thankfully, in our bustling harbour city, we're never short of options, so keep reading as we wrap up the best school holiday activities for kids in Sydney.
School Holiday Activities in Sydney: Autumn 2024
Shelters and Bushcraft Program at the Royal Botanic Garden
Here's one the kids will adore. This school holiday's The Royal Botanic Gardens has crafted the ultimate day out with their Shelters and Bushcraft program. The program will start with a short walk and forage in the gardens paired with stories of how the First Nations peoples built their shelters. The kiddos will then be able to create their own 'Gunyah' from paperbark as well as a 'nature mobile' with autumn leaves and seed pods dropped by the Ginko Bilboa and Eucalyptus trees. Good-old fashioned outdoor fun with a touch of education!
Sessions available Monday 15th April to Wednesday 17th April (10:30am to 12pm or 1pm to 2:30pm)
$20 per child
Rathborne Lodge, Royal Botanic Gardens
Book a Family Staycation at The Crowne Plaza (& Enjoy their Epic New Kids' Club)
Escape to a stress-free Easter getaway at Crowne Plaza Sydney Coogee Beach, which has just launched its first-ever Kids' Club. While the little ones embark on their own adventures (think a Hasbro Games corner with all the classics like Connect 4, Twister, and Jenga), parents can indulge in some well-deserved relaxation, from poolside lounging to sip-and-paint art classes, romantic dinners, and trips to the beach.
With activities aplenty, movie nights and face painting, the whole family will go home with special memories.
242 Arden Street, Coogee
Take a Dumpling-Making Class at the Sydney Seafood School for Kids
For the mini-master chefs in your life, treat them to a cooking class at Sydney Seafood School. Guided by expert staff, kids will get their hands dirty and be shown how to make a selection of delicious dumpling recipes. Parents can either drop off their children or do the class with them. A parent or guardian must join children under eight (including the purchase of an additional ticket).
It's a great opportunity for kids to get comfortable in the kitchen and learn about safety in a fun way and, of course, sample their hard work at the end, too.
Sydney Fish Market, 25 Bank Street, Pyrmont
$110, Thursday, April 18, 11am
Get Arty at Splatter Paint
Unleash your child's inner artist during the school holidays with an exhilarating session at Splatter Paint. Throw on a smock and goggles, grab a brush, and let the creativity flow onto the canvas. with one and two-hour sessions on offer, kids can enjoy a creative journey filled with fun and self-expression. Guardians must accompany children under five.
Level 2/78 Spring Street, Bondi Junction
Every day, 9am to 5pm Friday, April 12 to Sunday April 28
From $59, bookings essential
Do an Activity from the State’s Biggest School Holiday Program
Back for another year of extensive activities (both free and paid), Parramatta's school holiday program will kick off on April 15 and has something for every child. A massive colour-in wall, a liquid nitrogen show, an international smash-hit performance, a circus comedy for the whole family, incredible acrobatics, and a free Ocean Warriors workshop are just a few of the exciting family-friendly activities on offer.
Various locations across Parramatta City
15-24 April
For a full list of school holiday activities and to book, visit PHIVE, Riverside Theatres and City of Parramatta Libraries, or Bookable to see the full list of what’s on offer
Take a Road Trip to the Hunter Valley Gardens Mega Creatures Display
If you need a few days away to break up the school hols, we recommend zooming on up to the Hunter Valley for some dinosaur egg hunts, interactive fossil digs, giant animatronic animals and fun entertainment, all part of the garden's Mega Creatures Display.
T-Rex, Diplodocus, Stegosaurus, Ankylosaurus, Triceratops, and many more will be returning as well as new additions Wuerhosaurus, Huangyangosaurus, Dilophosauru and Rhyothemis fuliginosa Selys. Light displays will take over the night and fairground rides will be abundant. Not a school holidays the kids will forget anytime soon! Head here for the full program.
Saturday 6th April to Sunday 5th May
Hunter Valley Gardens
Take a Kung Fu Class
To celebrate the release of Kung Fu Panda 4, Darling Square is hosting a range of kung-fu themed activities running every weekend during school holidays. Visitors to the precinct can participate in a scavenger hunt, join a kid's kung fu class, snap a photo with the main character Po, watch fire dancing, and listen to live DJ sets.
Darling Square
Every weekend of the school holidays, 13-28 April
Full schedule here
Burn Some Energy at the All-Ages Playground in the City
Who doesn't love a school holiday activity that doesn't cost a cent? Enter the beyond-impressive Darling Harbour Kids' playground in the heart of the city. Parents can pick up a coffee nearby and watch from the sidelines as the kids zoom down the 21-metre flying fox, build sandcastles, whiz down the massive slide, navigate the webbed ropes and cap it all off with a splash in the water play area.
1-25 Harbour Street, Darling Quarter, Darling Harbour
Enjoy an Immersive Sporting Experience
SportsPlus at Canterbury League Clubs is the perfect school holiday activity for all ages. With over ten interactive and immersive sports simulations across our three different lanes, there's an experience for everyone, no matter their age. From virtual darts to cricket, and golf, your kids will be challenged in a fun and unique way. Worked up an appetite during your session? The venue also has a delicious pub-style food menu.
26 Bridge Road, Belmore
Pick a FREE Activity from the Move, Groove, Darling Schedule
Over the term one school holidays, Darling Harbour is hosting Move, Groove, Darling, a five-day festival filled with a wide-ranging line-up of free activities, workshops, events, and parties designed to get kids off the couch and busting a move.
Everyone's favorite children's supergroup, The Wiggles, will also be bringing multiple sessions of their exciting Wiggle Groove Tour to the precinct, where the kids can see the beloved entertainers up close and personal.
Various locations around Darling Harbour
April 13 - 17
To check out the full schedule, head here
Soak Up Some Culture at the Art of Banksy: "Without Limits" Exhibition
The Art of Banksy: Without Limits exhibition has finally touched down in Sydney, and if you're little one is an art fan, then they'll love this. More than 150 of the anonymous artists' works and multiple experiential areas are set to be enjoyed with highlights including "Dismaland" installations, prints of "Flower Thrower" and "Kissing Coppers" and the "Phone Booth" sculpture. Visitors are able to get hands on by spray painting their own t-shirt with a $2 donation to the M.V. Louise Michel organisation.
Tickets from $41, available here
From January 24th-Sunday June 2nd
Sydney Town Hall
Catch a Show at the Sydney Opera House
For the theatre-loving kid, the Sydney Opera House has a packed calendar of brilliant shows and workshops, including RATBURGER, a hilarious play about the adventures of Zoe and evil Burt, Polar Bear & Penguin, a charming play for young audiences which follows the tale of an unlikely encounter between a Polar Bear and a Penguin, and a Shadow Puppets workshop for ages 12-16 where children are taught how to draw and design their very own characters and backdrops.
Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney
More information and to book, head here
Pat a Furry Friend at the Golden Ridge Animal Farm
A trip to the iconic Golden Ridge Farm will be a school holiday activity they'll remember for years to come. This family-run farm lets kids get up close and personal with its beautiful animals, including baby chicks, fluffy ducklings, and baby rabbits. Kids can also try their hand at milking the dairy cow and being led on a guided horse ride. They also offer a vacation care program for extended stays and tours.
686 Old Northern Road, Dural
Adults $25.00, children $25.00, children under one must be booked in but are free
Learn Loads at the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium or the WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
In keeping with the animal theme, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo in Darling Harbour have a range of fun activities for the school holidays. Dive into the depths of wonder at the aquarium, where kids can marvel at sea creatures and delight in the captivating Penguin Encounter.
Meanwhile, the zoo offers an immersive journey through Australia's wildlife, educating young explorers. From the vibrant marine world to the iconic Aussie animals, there's excitement at every turn. Let your children's curiosity soar as they uncover the mysteries of the deep sea and the diverse fauna.
1-5 Wheat Road, Darling Harbour
Throughout the autumn school holidays
Two attraction passes $65 per adult and $48 per child (children under three are FREE) To book and for more information, visit SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium or WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
Indulge in a Family-Friendly High Tea at the Novotel Sydney Parramatta
Hop into the Easter spirit with a family-friendly high tea experience at 350 Restaurant & Lounge in the Novotel Sydney Parramatta. Bring your mini along and indulge in a delightful array of treats, from hot chocolate panna cotta to bird's nest cupcakes.
Parents can tuck into traditional favourites like smoked salmon sandwiches and sparkling on arrival, while the little ones are treated to fairy bread, toasties, and cupcakes. With options for both adults and children, it's the perfect family activity this school holiday season. During the Easter long weekend, they will be offering a special Easter-themed menu with chocolate, hot cross buns, and more.
350 Restaurant & Lounge, Novotel Sydney Parramatta
Price: Adults $59 per person, $29 for children 12 and below
Available on weekends only, 11am - 2pm
Take a Workshop at the Australian National Maritime Museum
An underwater world of adventure awaits at the Australian National Maritime Museum, which hosts various exhibitions, activities, and workshops for all ages throughout the school holidays.
The Kids on Deck Maker Space is perfect for creative types, the Mini Mariners workshop caters to two to five-year-olds and offers creative free play, crafts, games, and story time; the Sea Country Activity Trail provides endless entertainment, plus there's the Mermaid Melody Colouring Corner and Book Nook, or let their imaginations run wild at the Octopus Garden Interactive Space.
2 Murray Street, Sydney
Ongoing during the school holidays
Entry is $25 per adult, $15 per child under 15, and kids under four are FREE. Some workshops incur additional costs, book here
Enjoyed our edit of the best school holiday activities in Sydney? Why not have a read of our round-up of the most family-friendly neighbourhoods in Sydney? Then check out our explainer on how to style your kids' bedroom.
