School’s out for autumn soon, and 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 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. Visit the largest working wildlife sanctuary in Australia
The Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary is one of those hidden gems that not many people know about. Just an hour’s drive from Sydney on the Central Coast, this family-friendly spot is home to free-roaming and friendly animals like kangaroos, emus, Tassie devils and possums. Not only is it a fun and educational day out, but each animal here is either an orphaned pet or a survivor of illegal trafficking and breeding so your visit here also helps with important conservation work. Read all about it and plan a visit here.
2. Discover Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru
Sydney is currently hosting an exciting exhibition that transports you to the ancient landscapes of Peru. Now open at the Australian Museum, the “Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru” exhibition takes a deep dive into the fascinating history of ancient Peru with artefacts, amazing gold collections, VR experiences, and more. Be sure to grab your tickets before they sell out.
3. Plan an autumn road trip
School holidays only mean one thing: family bonding. And what’s a better way to do just that than out on the open road exploring beautiful places? Autumn is the perfect time to plan a trip with mild temperatures, gorgeous seasonal foliage, food festivals and hidden gems to explore. Not sure where to start? Check out our list of some of the best autumn road trips around NSW.
4. Catch some waves at URBNSURF
There’s still time to enjoy some time in the water before the winter arrives. Out at Olympic Park, URBNSURF Sydney is the place to go 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. Book a session here.
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. Check out Stranger Things: The experience
A fun and immersive event that’s just made for the school holidays is Luna Park’s Stranger Things: The Experience. Promising thrill, mystery and loads of excitement, the event is perfect for kids and adults alike. Step inside a twisted world of secret experiments, strange abilities, and whatever’s creeping around Hawkins Lab. Get your tickets.
7. See what’s on at the Australian Museum
The Australian Museum offers an exciting range of events and activities perfect for kids and adults. This school holiday season, it’s also hosting a variety of interactive workshops perfect for kids aged 5 to 12 years and ticketed events including a film screening of Paddington (2014). Even better, the AM is open every day throughout the school holidays, with free general entry.
8. Soak up the sun on a coastal walk
Take advantage of the mild weather and take the kids out on a stunning Sydney coastal walk. There are plenty of walks that are perfectly suitable for kids, like the Barangaroo Foreshore Walk and Glebe Foreshore Walk. On the way, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to stop for a swim, have a picnic, see native animals and simply enjoy the beautiful views. It’s an excellent way to stay active and enjoy a memorable time with the kids.
9. Go on a vintage train ride
Step back in time and explore the countryside on a heritage steam train ride these school holidays. From steam locomotives to miniature train rides just for kids, these excellent journeys will take you to the coast, the mountains and beyond. Find some of our favourites here.
10. Discover an underwater world at Sydney Sea Life Aquarium
Explore the wonders of the underwater world without getting wet at Sea Life Aquarium. A wonderful way to stay cool on a hot day and keep the kids busy, the aquarium showcases beautiful marine life and plenty of fun highlights, including a shark walk, penguin expedition boat rides, an immersive game box experience and much more. Check out what’s on these school holidays here.
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. 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 immersive experience at the Royal Botanic Garden of Sydney 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. 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. They run two programs for kids: Junior Jockey and Full-Day Holiday Camp, which are both open to enrollment now.
14. Visit a Sydney library
Spark your child’s imagination and foster a love of reading early at one of Sydney’s wonderful libraries. These libraries also host a range of free activities, events and workshops to keep the little ones entertained. And of course, there is a vast selection of books to choose from, so you can while away the hours on a hot summer day while browsing for your next great read.
15. Splash around Sydney’s best ocean pools
Sydney’s array of ocean pools are amongst the city’s most treasured commodities when the sun shines, in fact, it’s home to not one but five of the world’s best natural swimming pools. Pick your favourite and wait for the perfect sunny day for a dip.
16. Take a short trip to Cockatoo Island
Just a short ferry ride from Sydney, Cockatoo Island offers a blend of history and outdoor fun, and it’s the perfect day trip for families. Enjoy lovely harbour views, pack a picnic or stay overnight on a camping adventure. There’s plenty to do. Head to the website for more.
17. Bounce around an inflatable obstacle course
Promising 280 metres of inflatable fun, Monster Jump is setting up at the Sydney Family Show from April 12 to 27, making it the perfect road trip with the family. 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.
18. 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.
19. Check out the adrenaline-pumping Squid Game: The Experience
A thrilling world inspired by Squid Game has launched off the screen and into reality. You haven’t truly lived through the tension, terror, and tactical manoeuvres of the hit Netflix show until you’ve stepped inside the game yourself. This mind-blowing experience is sure to create long-lasting memories these holidays.