Sydney School Holiday Activities
Sydney school holiday activities kids will actually want to do this break
There’s always another set of school holidays around the corner, and luckily there are plenty of ways to fill the break in and around town.
Luckily, spring in Sydney means the light’s back, the beach starts calling again and the calendar fills with the kind of outdoor markets and festivals that don’t exist in the depths of winter. But if you’re looking for some new ideas, we’ve got plenty. We’re talking lantern-filled festivals, cooking classes (where kids will make food they actually want to eat), stunning coastal walks and even animal-packed adventures at the zoo.
Whether it is a rainy Tuesday that calls for an indoor plan or a clear Saturday built for the outdoors, there is enough here to get through the break without repeating the same three activities on loop.
When are the next school holidays?
The spring school holidays in New South Wales run from Monday 28th September to Friday 9th October this year.
Perfect for any Potterheads and their kids, the Harry Potter Exhibition has taken over the Paddington Pavillion at the Sydney Showgrounds. Tickets are $33 for adults and $30 for children, with discounted family packages available through the school holidays.
Darling Square glows for Moon Festival until Sunday 4th October, with illuminated lanterns lighting up the precinct nightly, free family dance workshops with a live DJ on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th October, live music on Friday and Saturday nights, and festive mooncakes to try.
See the iconic story of Simba and Nala live on stage, as the musical returns to the Capitol Theatre for a run through November. During school holidays matinee shows are available Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets from $55.
The Great Artist Market returns to Felons Barrel Room on Saturday 10th October, 8am to 3pm, with more than 60 independent artists, plus ceramics, art and design to browse and buy, free kids PasteUp! workshops, food, drinks and live entertainment
Perfect for budding zoologists, Taronga’s Zoo Adventures program runs through the school holidays and gives kids 5-11 years old a change to go behind the scenes and meet those who care for the zoo’s animals. Programming runs from 8:30 am – 3:15 pm. From $90 per child.
Junior chefs can get their hands dirty with the Mary’s Hot Pizza team in the Entertainment Quarter. The two-hour pizza-making class is $60 per child and they’ll get a take-home pizza, colouring book and a 10% discount for the next 12 months at any Mary’s venue.
Beautiful day in Sydney? October's school holidays are the perfect time to explore the coast before the heat of the summer sun fully kicks in. From short strolls to epic national parks hikes, there's something for any skill and age.
Hands on and completely free, the Big Ideas Factory lets kids explore the world of STEM with interactive stories, playtime and lessons. From learning to code to roaming humanoid robots, it's something budding scientists won't want to miss. On from 11am-3pm, October 3rd-4th.
More than just a concert venue and opera house, Sydney's most iconic building plays host to more than a dozen kid-friendly events through the school holidays. From dinosaur exhibits to baby's first circus, there's something for kids of all ages.
Wander around galleries about Australia's history, from its unique wildlife to its rich Indigenous culture, at the Australian Museum. There's free entry to the main exhibition, or you can join in one of the drop-in activities on during the school holidays.
Mem Fox's much-loved picture book hops onto the Riverside Theatres stage from Wednesday 7th to Saturday 10th October, blending puppetry and animation for ages one to six. Tickets are $39 ($32 each for groups of four or more), plus a free workshop add-on.
Riverside Theatres' courtyard becomes a free playground from Wednesday 7th to Saturday 10th October, 9am to 2pm daily. Into The Box has little explorers moving, creating and imagining through interactive storytelling, face painting, balloon bending and colouring stations. Activity times vary, so check ahead.
Chuck & Son's Brewing Co. hosts free Crafternoons on Friday 2nd and Friday 9th October, 2pm to 4pm, with Off With The Pixies running craft for ages 3 to 13. Parents stay nearby with lunch and a beer. Only 20 spots per session.
Formerly known as Raging Waters, Sydney's largest water park is open every day during the school holidays. There are 18 water attractions to choose from, which is pretty much guaranteed to keep your kids busy all day long. It's $74 for the day for kids 4-12 years, or $84 for anyone 13+.