School Holiday Activities in Sydney: The Best for Summer 2024-2025
The school bells have rung their last ding for the year, the backpacks have been flung into cupboards (hopefully with lunchboxes removed!), and the sunscreen is officially on standby—summer school holidays in Sydney are officially here!
Whether your crew is all about splashing in the waves, visiting the theatre, or soaking up the city's cultural buzz, our school holidays guide has a sunny plan for everyone. So, grab your sunnies and get ready for a summer break filled with unforgettable memories!
When Are the Summer School Holidays in NSW?
Mark your calendars, NSW parents! Summer school holidays in NSW run from Monday 23 December to Thursday 6 February 2025 with most public school students returning to class on 6 February 2025. If you're thinking that Term 1 is starting later than normal, you're right. More school development days have been built into the end of Term 4 2024 and the start of Term 1 2025, which means school is open but students don't attend.
Things To Do During the School Holidays in Sydney
1. Jungle Float: The Floating Water Park
The perfect school holiday activity in Sydney when the temperatures soar, Jungle Float is back for the summer with three multi-level jumping platforms to take your swimming escapades to a whole new level!
Jungle Float will be floating at Clontarf and Balmoral Beach this summer and boasts some awesome water attractions for the whole family. Kids will love blowing off some steam at the fantastically fun floating water park.
There are two lifeguards on board at all times as well as lifejackets, which are available free of charge. There is no minimum age, however, all participants should be confident swimmers and not afraid of heights and jumping.
Where: Clontarf Beach and Balmoral Beach
When: Open weekends from 9 November 2024 until 27 April 2025
Open every day during the summer school holidays, excluding public holidays
Cost: $30 per person for a 1-hour session
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2. Hive Festival at the Art Gallery of New South Wales
The summer school holidays are getting arty and playful thanks to the Art Gallery of New South Wales.
Hive Festival is the Art Gallery of NSW's dedicated festival for children and families that's full to the brim with kid-approved activities. The FREE festival is the perfect opportunity to visit one of Sydney's favourite galleries where art-making, performances, and the magic of storytelling collide.
The centrepiece of this year's Hive Festival is Sydney-based artists Claire Healy and Sean Cordeiro's Flights of fancy project which invites all viewers to join in the magic of kites, flight, and daydreaming. There'll be a drop-in workshop where you can make and decorate panels to add to a giant kite! After that you can explore intriguing artworks featuring things that fly, attend storytelling sessions in the children's art library, and join roving art-making tours and a children's film program, plus, there's a dedicated soft play space, especially for kids under five.
The Art Gallery of NSW is also hosting a special sensory-friendly early-entry visit on Sunday 19 January 2025 starting at 9 am. This earlier session is designed for visitors who prefer a calmer, quieter environment, offering a chance to explore the Gallery with reduced sensory stimuli.
Keen to find out more about the Art Gallery of NSW? Read our ellaslist review.
Where: Art Gallery of NSW
When: Saturday 18 January 2025 from 10 am to 4.30 pm
Sunday 19 January 2025 from 9 am to 4.30 pm
Cost: FREE, no bookings required
3. Bounce Into BOUNCE Sydney
Immerse yourself in the high-energy, gravity-defying fun of BOUNCE Sydney these school holidays. This trampoline park and activity hub is an exhilarating haven for fun-seekers of all ages, with a dynamic atmosphere and diverse range of attractions tailored to maximize both fun and physical fitness across every age and skill level.
BOUNCE Holiday Camps are a super fun, healthy way to keep kids entertained and away from screens during the holidays. Delivered in a safe environment, these sessions are the perfect opportunity for kids to meet new friends and try new skills.
Where: BOUNCE Homebush, U 2/3 201 Parramatta Road, Homebush West
When: Week 1: 6-10 January 2025
Week 2: 13-17 January 2025
Week 3: 20-24 January 2025
Cost: $65 per child per day
4. Luna Park
Luna Park Sydney is a mecca of family fun this school holidays! From iconic thrill rides to immersive entertainment, Luna Park is bursting with exciting experiences for thrillseekers of all ages - and it's open every day of the holidays.
This summer, don’t miss out on Squid Game: The Experience, where you can step into the thrilling world of the hit Netflix series and test your skills in interactive games like Red Light, Green Light. Starting 11 January, the whole family can dive into the Vegesaurs Immersive Experience, a playful journey alongside the beloved characters from the ABC series, complete with running, swimming, and flying fun!
Of course, no visit to Luna Park is complete without the classic rides and Coney Island fun. Grab an Unlimited Rides Pass and enjoy endless action all day long.
Where: 1 Olympic Drive, Milsons Point
When: Throughout the summer school holidays | From 10 am daily, with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays.
Cost: Park entry is free. Unlimited Ride Passes from $40 for children / $50 for adults.
5. Set Sail on an Exciting Adventure at Cockatoo Island
Make the most of the Christmas school holidays – embark on an adventure to historic Cockatoo Island!
Extra weekday tours will be available for families keen to learn about the island's convicts, ships… and secrets! The popular live music series, Sunset Sessions runs Saturday afternoons commencing 11 January. Plus, a special Storytime Session for kids on Friday 17 January with author and historian Dr Sarah Luke (Marion and the Forty Thieves). Don't miss your chance to see an ‘Iron Giant’ in action on 4 February. Pop by the Docks Precinct between 10:30 am and 1:30 pm for a demonstration of a steam crane dating to the island’s storied dockyard era.
Families can also refuel at one of two harbourside cafes, explore a former gaol defined by beautiful sandstone, venture into a historic shipmaking facility, and even stay overnight in an award-winning campground! The best part? The island is FREE to visit and easy to get to by ferry. Don’t miss out on an island adventure these holidays!
Where: Cockatoo Island, Sydney Harbour
When: Throughout the summer school holidays
Cost: FREE entry | Sunset Sessions – $35 per adult, kids free | Storytime Session from $10 | Tours from $16 | Camping from $50
6. City of Sydney School Holiday Intensives
Make a splash these school holidays with the Fast Track Intensive Swimming Program, available at select City of Sydney pools.
This program is an exceptional opportunity for your child to rapidly enhance their swimming skills and boost their confidence in the water. Curious about what they'll learn? The Fast Track Intensive Swimming Program includes streamlined dives from the pool edge or starting block, key techniques for body position, kicking, arms, breathing, and timing, plus, quick, race-ready turns, and polished finishes.
Beginner swimmers are warmly welcomed! The beginner classes focus on essential skills to build water confidence and prepare for group lessons. Learning to swim is essential at all levels and ages. Book now!
Where: Cook and Phillip Park Pool
Gunyama Park Aquatic and Recreation Centre
Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre
Prince Alfred Park Pool
When: Monday 6 - Friday 17 January 2025
Cost: Contact your nearest centre for pricing details
7. Australian National Maritime Museum
Summer is set to overflow with creativity and adventure for kids of all ages at the Australian National Maritime Museum during the school holidays. Discover exciting new exhibitions—like James Cameron – Challenging the Deep, Ocean Photographer of the Year, and Ultimate Depth—A Journey to the Bottom of the Sea, and then dive into a range of hands-on holiday fun.
Highlights include boarding the Museum’s fleet of vessels, building an underwater LEGO® city at Bricktropolis, exploring Superliminal—a journey through light and time—getting creative in the Kids on Deck maker space, examining unique specimens in the Cabinet of Curiosities, watching rope-making demonstrations, dressing up and dancing in the Deep Sea Disco on Mondays, following the Museum Treasure Trail, and discovering roving performers and other surprises around every corner. With Mini Mariners, underwater drones, and creative workshops also available, the Sea Museum is the perfect summer escape.
Where: Australian National Maritime Museum, 2 Murray St, Sydney
When: Throughout the summer school holidays
Cost: Museum Entry is $35 per adult, $25 per child under 15, and Under 4s FREE. Some workshops incur additional costs.
8. Sydney Opera House Family Shows
The Sydney Opera House presents a full calendar of family-friendly entertainment, with a range of exciting shows and interactive experiences for audiences of all ages during these school holidays in Sydney. Whether you and the kiddos are new to the world of performing arts or you're seasoned theatre-goers, the Sydney Opera House calendar is full of comedy, interactive performances and childhood favourites for everyone to enjoy.
Get ready to follow the adventures of Grug as he explores the world around him. Meet Josephine the kangaroo who just loves to dance in Josephine Wants to Dance. The London International Animation Festival is transforming The Playhouse into a cinema for families to enjoy the best of independent animation from across the globe, including stop-motion, claymation, 2D, and 3D CGI. Plus, Dr Chris and Dr Xand are returning to the stage for their most explosive adventure yet in Operation Ouch! Live.
Where: Sydney Opera House
When: From 11 December to 21 January 2025
Cost: Prices vary per show.
9. Face Painting Fun at House Canteen
House Canteen is the perfect summer school holiday destination, complete with iconic views, family-friendly dining and plenty for the kids to do. You can expect free face painting with Renee on select dates in January, plus kids' Bento Boxes with complimentary activity packs to keep little hands busy. What more could you wish for?
Where: Bennelong Point Lower Concourse, Sydney Opera House
When: House Canteen is open daily from 7.30 am until late
School holiday activities are on select days throughout the school holidays from Monday 13 January - Wednesday 22 January 2025
Cost: FREE entry for all | See the full House Canteen Menu for meal prices.
10. Step Back In Time at Museums of History NSW
Looking for educational and screen-free fun these school holidays? Museums of History NSW offers fantastic programs at Elizabeth Farm and Vaucluse House that are perfect for a digital detox.
At Elizabeth Farm, kids can join History Kids – Explore the House, while at Vaucluse House, they’ll dive into History Kids – Explore Vaucluse House. These engaging programs bring history to life with hands-on activities like dressing up as a servant, exploring historic homes, and enjoying outdoor treats. Get in quick to book your spot, they don't last long!
Where: Elizabeth Farm - 70 Alice Street, Rosehill
Vaucluse House - Wentworth Road, Vaucluse
When: Select dates from 8-30 January 2025
Cost: General $15; Member $12
11. Summer School Holidays at the MCA
Art-loving families are invited to a mega lineup of creative (and free!) workshops these school holidays at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia.
These summer school holidays are anything but boring thanks to the MCA's exciting exhibitions and free family workshops. Get ready to spark creativity at MCA's blockbuster summer exhibition, Julie Mehretu: A Transcore of the Radical Imaginatory where kids can dive into her world of large-scale layering and paper-based artistry, and experiment with a variety of materials themselves! Ever wondered what Circular Quay sounds like? Dive into the urban symphony and bring it to life through art with the free City Soundscapes workshop. Budding poets can unleash their inner talent with MCA's poetry workshops led by talented artist educators. Plus, the MCA Store and the MCA Cafe at Tallawoladah are on hand to keep the fun going!
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art, 140 George St, The Rocks
When: 21 December to 30 January, 10 am to 5 pm (closed Tuesdays and 25 December)
Cost: FREE Entry*
*Excludes entry to Julie Mehretu exhibition (free for under-18s and members) and youth poetry workshops.
For more information, visit the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia.
12. Discover ARC at Taronga Zoo
Enter the dragon's den and get up close to curious creatures that jump, slither, and crawl at Taronga Zoo's new Amphibian and Reptile experience, ARC.
This brand-new experience will take you on a journey through six immersive zones, transporting you from the frosty alpines to the scorching desert and to many other habitats in between. The perfect school holiday activity that combines excitement with education.
Where: Taronga Zoo, Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman
When: Daily | 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
Cost: Zoo Entry: Adults $44.10 | Children (4 - 15 yrs) $26.10 | Concession $35.10
Under 4s FREE
13. Experience Day and Night on the Reef at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
Experience the iconic wonders of the Great Barrier Reef at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium! Set entirely on the reef as it transitions through night and day, life on the reef is recreated for guests to encounter and experience, across 24 hours of the day.
The exhibit uses state-of-the-art technology to deliver a unique, interactive experience and is the world's largest Great Barrier Reef exhibit.
Where: Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, Aquarium Wharf, Darling Harbour
When: From Friday 20 December 2024, see the website for opening hours
Cost: Included in the price of admission. See the website for pricing. Book online to guarantee entry.
14. Hijinx Hotel's Fun Bundle
Say goodbye to boredom during the school holidays with Hijinx Hotel’s Fun Bundle, the ultimate PLAYcation experience! Whether you’re ready to sink a hole-in-one, tackle an immersive challenge room, or take on some laser tag action, this all-in-one bundle offers non-stop fun for all ages.
For just $36 for kids and $45 for adults, the Fun Bundle lets you choose three exciting activities from a fantastic lineup, including mini golf, bowling, laser tag, Hijinx Challenge Rooms, or a $25 arcade game card. It’s the perfect way to enjoy an action-packed day at Hijinx Hotel, Strike, Holey Moley, and Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq!
*T&Cs apply—see the website for details and to book your Fun Bundle.
Where: 75 O'Riordan Street, Alexandria
When: Open daily throughout the school holidays
Cost: $36 for kids and $45 for adults
15. Kids' Puppet Shows at Puppeteria
With its long association with puppetry, Jackie and John Lewis' company, Jeral Puppets, has been performing professionally since 1966.
The Jeral Puppets have plenty of exciting performances taking place during the summer school holidays from an extensive list of classic kids' shows; including Cinderella + The Dinosaur Show, Pinocchio + Puss-In-Boots, and Wizard Of Oz + Dr Dolittle’s African Safari.
Tickets for Puppeteria's shows can be booked online by visiting TryBooking.com.
Where: Puppeteria Theatre, 12H Denawen Ave, Castle Cove.
When: Throughout the summer school holidays
Cost: Admission is $13 per child and $16 per adult.
16. Centennial Equestrian School Holidays Pony Camp
Get ready for an exciting school holiday experience at Centennial Equestrian! Their School Holiday Pony Camp is now open for bookings. Perfect for beginner to intermediate riders, the camp offers a fun, safe, and nurturing environment. Each day includes two riding lessons, hands-on horse care, interactive activities such as arts and crafts, and plenty of fun and games. Small, friendly groups (max 8 children) are designed to build your child's confidence and skills while they make new connections, both horsey and human. The camp runs across three weeks in January, with flexible options to attend single or multiple days. Book early to secure your spot – spaces are limited!
Where: Centennial Equestrian, 114-120 Lang Rd, Moore Park
When: Monday 6 January - Thursday 23 January 2025 | 9 am - 4 pm
Cost: From
17. Discover Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru
Get ready to discover the fascinating heritage of some of the world's most captivating civilisations at the Australian Museum's Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru exhibition.
Step into a world of over 130 ancient treasures, including stunning jewellery, royal tomb artefacts, and one of the most impressive gold collections to ever tour the globe. These remarkable pieces showcase ancient Peru's artistic brilliance and cultural richness, offering a deep dive into their daily lives, spiritual beliefs, and extraordinary achievements.
Where: Australian Museum, 1 William St, Darlinghurst
When: 23 November 2024 - 23 February 2025
Cost: Tickets range from $20 per child to $42 per adult
18. Enter A Prehistoric World at Dinos Alive
This one is for all the dinosaur fans out there! Dinosaurs are roaring into Sydney these school holidays for a roar-some adventure!
At Dinos Alive, you'll get to see what it’s like to stand in the shadows of the largest creatures to have walked the earth and meet over 80 life-sized specimens from both famous and lesser-known species such as the T-Rex, Stegosaurus, Velociraptor, and Suchomimus. With its breathtaking replicas and immersive environment, Dinos Alive is an experience loved by dino fans of all ages.
Where: Fever Pavilion, Sydney Olympic Park
When: Until 31 December 2024 | time slots every 30 minutes
Cost: Adults: $38.90, Children (4-12): $25.90
19. Enter a Real-Life Upside Down House at House Down Under
House Down Under is unlike any experience we've seen in Sydney because it's a house… just UPSIDE DOWN! How is that possible?
Get ready to explore topsy-turvy rooms and upside-down interiors on one seriously kooky day out with the family - you'll be talking about the pictures for years to come!
Where: Market Square, Rouse Hill Town Centre, Rouse Hill
When: Throughout the holidays
Cost: Adults $27, Kids(4-15 years) $19, Concession (students and seniors with ID) $23, Family Pass (1 Adult + 2 Kids) $52, Family Pass (2 Adults + 2 Kids) $74, Family Pass (2 Adults + 1 Kid) $59.
20. Awesome Kids' Shows in Sydney
Sydney is loaded with incredible theatre performances for all ages, and summer is lining up to be epic!
From Cirque Du Soleil: LUZIA to Gabby's Dollhouse Live!, Lord of the Rings - A Musical Tale, and Andy and the Odd Socks, grab your tickets to one of the many awesome kids' shows happening these school holidays in Sydney.
Where: Various theatres across Sydney
When: Throughout the holidays
Cost: Various depending on the show
22. Sprinkle Some Magic at The Grounds Unicorn Show
The magical Unicorn Show returns to The Grounds in 2025, so mark your calendars because you seriously do not want to miss this!
Hosted at The Grounds of Alexandria, prepare your little ones for full-on interactions with adorable unicorns - we're talking cuddling, brushing, braiding, and even whispering secrets to real-life (well, almost) unicorns!
What's Included?
- Watch the interactive unicorn show and be amazed by the magic.
- Brush, braid, and decorate the unicorn's mane with colourful ribbons.
- Get up close and even ride a unicorn.
- Snap some unforgettable photos.
Where: The Grounds of Alexandria
When: 22 January 2025
3 sessions available: 10 am, 12 am, 2 pm | sessions run for 1 hour
Cost: $30 plus booking fee
Ages: This experience is suitable for children aged between 5 and 13 years.
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