OK, so the weather isn’t exactly playing ball right now, but once the ‘weather bomb‘ has been defused, we’ve got a wintery playground to look forward to. Darling Harbour will bring their popular winter school holidays wonderland back from Sunday, July 6, including the return of their ever-popular ice skating rink, which opened over the weekend. Here’s everything you can enjoy!
With the school holidays almost upon us, Sydney parents are going to need a trick up their sleeve to keep the little ones entertained, and Darling Harbour’s annual winter festival is an excellent card to play. Chief amongst the attractions, and the first one to appear, is the the open air ice rink – which is presented by nova 96.9, and open every day from 10am to 9pm until July 20. You’ll find it at the Palm Grove Forecourt, where the twinkling fairy lights and stunning views make it a skate to remember. Tickets start from $28 for adults, $20 for kids, and $15 for toddlers, with group tickets available for $20 per person.
Aside from the rink, Darling Harbour has a fortnight of activities and workshops planned, which includes the Alpine Activity Zone. Taking the form of a snowy village, it’s entirely free to visit and open between Thursday, July 10 and Sunday, July 13. Here, you’ll find the Amazing Arctic Race (aimed at ages 10 and up), where teams of four to six people will have to complete puzzles and challenges across the activity zone, for the chance to win a trophy. There’s also Kids Karaoke, winter craft workshops with a different theme each day, and a low-key games area.
The wider Darling Harbour has other activities to tempt the family, including Kids Kung Fu at the Chinese Garden of Friendship (July 7-18), Kids Yoga on the Playground Lawn (every Friday during the holidays), and bungy trampolining between July 5-21 – which to be honest, is something I’m eyeing up as an oversized child myself.
Cockle Bay’s weekly fireworks display will continue through the holidays, taking place at 8:30pm each Saturday, whilst the area’s permanent attractions have plenty to offer as well. Try Madagascar: The Musical at ICC Sydney, or catch the live-action How To Train Your Dragon at IMAX Sydney. All that should be enough to tire the little ones out in the absence of school!
đź“Ť Darling Harbour, Sydney NSW 2000
⏰ The winter festival runs from July 6-20, with the ice rink open now and the Alpine Activity Zone running from July 10-13.
👉 More on their website.