School’s out for summer spring, and after emerging from the winter hibernation Sydney is just begging to be explored. To help fill the hours that would usually be filled with maths class – and to help any frazzled parents out there – we’ve picked out some of the best school holiday activities in Sydney, ones which will entertain visitors of all ages. Remember: these school holiday activities aren’t just for kids – there are plenty of ideas for families to do together, and for childless adults to let loose at and unleash their inner child!
The best things to do in Sydney during the school holidays
From immersive experiences to escapes into nature, and from high-energy activities to fun foodie days out, these school holiday activities will banish any boredom.
1. Be dazzled by Lite-Brite: Worlds of Wonder
A hypnotic way to kick off our school holiday activities guide, Lite-Brite: Worlds of Wonder takes the nostalgic game and transforms it into an immersive trip into new worlds. A dizzying escape from the everyday, the blend of captivating lights and photo opportunities mean there’s something here for all ages to enjoy. Tickets are available here.
2. Ride heritage trains, buses and steamboats at the Transport Heritage Expo
Throwing it all the way back to the golden age of steam, the Transport Heritage Expo takes place across the weekend of October 5-7, and offers you trips on historic steam trains, vintage double-decker buses, and 120-year-old ferries.
3. Marvel at prehistoric creatures at Dinos Alive
Having opened just in time for the school holidays, Dinos Alive immediately becomes one place you and the family should make a beeline for. You’ll come face-to-face with fearsome prehistoric creatures such as Tyrannosaurus Rex, on a journey that straddles the line between museum and theme park. The use of state-of-the-art animatronics brings the dinos to life, creating an unforgettable memory for your little ones. Tickets are on sale throughout the school holidays and beyond, find yours here.
4. Catch some waves at URBNSURF
With the weather starting to hint at the arrival of summer, it’s the ideal time to turn your attention to the water. Out at Olympic Park, URBNSURF Sydney is hosting a range of sessions to get the kids in the water, whether they’re picking up a surfboard for the first time, or catching some waves on the bodyboard. Sessions start from $39 for kids, and the gentle rolling waves are the ideal spot to practice their skills.
5. Travel through time at Horizon of Khufu
Part of a new, spectacular wave of “edutainment” experiences that have popped up in recent years, Horizon of Khufu is one of the most impressive we’ve seen. Drawing on the painstaking research of Harvard University Egyptologists, the stunning VR experience immerses you in a world of gods, pharaohs, and pyramids, taking you on a spellbinding journey. For kids with an interest in history – or those who just love impressive tech – it’s likely to be a real treat. You can find your tickets here.
6. Pick up something delicious from the Mona Vale Spring Festival
Head to Mona Vale Village Park on October 7 for the return of their rejuvenating Spring Festival. Aside from the delicious seasonal produce, array of street food, and range of crafts and handmade gifts, there’s plenty for the younger generation to enjoy, with kids amusements and live music throughout the day. With a day of fair weather, it’ll definitely have you in the mood for springtime.
7. Dive into a super sweet high tea at Shangri La Sydney
If you and your family have a sweet tooth, this is one high tea you won’t want to miss. Looking a little as if Willy Wonka had set up shop in Sydney, the tea arrives piled high with cheesecake, brownies, gateau, and more – with a few choice savoury options so as not to overwhelm you with sugar. The Candyfest High Tea takes place in the Shangri La’s Grand Ballroom on September 28 and 29, and October 5, 6, 11 and 13, with two sittings each day. Find out more here.
8. Let loose at DJ Dorothy’s Rave of Innocence
This isn’t your traditional rave – for one, Wiggles legend DJ Dorothy is on the decks, mixing chart-topping songs with guilty pleasures. The family-friendly rave takes place at the Sonic Neon experience, found in the Crystal Palace in Luna Park, where the colourful lights, upbeat music, and the chance to meet DJ Dorothy or Henry the Octopus will help little ones burn off some of that excess excitement. The Rave of Innocence takes place every Saturday through the school holidays and beyond, with sessions at 10am, 10:30am, 12pm, and 12:30pm. Find tickets and book a place here.
9. Wander through an illuminated wonderland at Sonic Neon
Whilst the Rave of Innocence is targeted at the younger crowds, the school holidays are a great time to explore Sonic Neon regardless of age. Across the eight themed zones, 26,000 lights shine and flicker in time to the music, creating an experience that engages all your senses. It’s hypnotic stuff, and well worth booking in a visit.
10. Peep some beautiful blossoms at the Leura Gardens Festival
Go touch grass – and see an array of bloomin’ marvellous flowers – out in Leura, which is waking up for spring right now. From October 4 to 7, the 58th Leura Gardens Festival takes place, showcasing an envious range of azaleas, rhododendrons, peonies, and more in full bloom. A hop-on, hop-off bus service to the gardens runs every 30 minutes, making it easily accessible for all.
11. Take a ride on Darling Harbour’s vintage carousel
Reopened in July 2024 after an eight-year remodelling of the area, this charming carousel has a wealth of history behind it. In fact, it’s the second-oldest carousel in Australia, having arrived in Sydney back in 1897 and delighted hundreds of kids since. It’s a kind of joy that spans generations, and it’s well worth a visit as part of a trip to Darling Harbour.
12. Step into a breathtaking rainforest without leaving the CBD
Bringing the rainforest to Sydney, Alchemy of a Rainforest is the new immersive experience launched by the Royal Botanic Garden of Sydney and found inside The Calyx. A blend of art, plants, and lights, it features sculptures by environmental artist Jane Gillings made from recycled materials, and calls attention to the vital role rainforests play in our global ecosystem. If that’s not enough, you can also spot one of the largest living walls in the Southern Hemisphere here.
13. Marvel at the year’s best images at the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition
The Australian National Maritime Museum is hosting the always incredible photo exhibition until November, which collects the most jaw-dropping images taken of the natural world in the previous year. There are even categories for young photographers, so perhaps it might awaken a new passion in your young ones and inspire them to appear in future exhibits. Family tickets cost $70, with kids tickets available from $15.
14. Learn to ride at Eastside Horse Riding Academy
A bucket list opportunity for some kids, these holiday pony camps in Centennial Park will teach them the basics of riding, help them get familiar with horses, and leave them with plenty of happy memories. Half or full day camps are available, and they run on select dates between September 30 and October 11.
15. Wander through a sea of paper daisies at this huge, free botanic garden
School holiday activities needn’t be expensive; plot a trip to Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan – the largest botanic garden in Australia, and found just an hour from Sydney’s CBD – and you won’t pay a penny to enter. There’s enough here to fill a day’s visit, but the current highlight is the pink, yellow and white paper daisies that are currently in bloom. Bring your camera, and a cute new family photo awaits!
16. Splash around Sydney’s best ocean pools
It’s time to shake off the last of the winter blues and get back in the water. Sydney’s array of ocean pools are amongst the city’s most treasured commodity when the sun shines, so pick your favourite and wait for the perfect sunny day.
17. Whizz around a pop-up roller rink
Darling Harbour is putting the fun in funky with an open-air roller rink, open from September 28 to October 13. Promising heaps of nostalgic fun, the rink will have a DJ spinning 70s disco hits, retro decor, and disco lights that’ll have you dusting off your flares in no time. Throughout the run, there’ll be a range of themed nights such as Pride, Taylor Swift, Barbie, and ABBA, and there are food trucks and a cocktail bar on site too.
18. Bounce around an inflatable obstacle course
Promising 280 metres of inflatable fun, Monster Jump is setting up in Moore Park from September 28 – October 6. It’s suitable for all ages, which will no doubt thrill the adults who like to cut loose, and competitors will need to slide, climb, and bounce through a series of obstacles. Tickets start from $35 for those aged 5+, or $45 for those under 5 (which also gets entry for a parent, guardian, or responsible adult), and it’s free for spectators.
19. Plot a long weekend escape
Not all school holiday activities need to be confined to Sydney; you may prefer to use the school holidays as an excuse to head out of Sydney and see more of beautiful New South Wales. We’ve picked out some of our favourite small towns and stunning getaways around the state, so check out the list to get your full inspiration for a family mini-break.