The Best Things to Do in Sydney This Weekend

Looking for things to do in Sydney this weekend? You're not the only one! Work to live not live to work, am I right? If you start thinking about the weekend first thing Monday morning, then you've come to the right place. 

Sydney is packed to the brim with fun things to do this weekend for families keen to get in on the action. The interactive Sydney Festival is back with a bang to start off 2025 on a creative note! From cool Colour Mazes to hilarious musicals, there are over 130 shows and art installations dotted throughout the city for this year's festival, which promises to keep Sydney families entertained and inspired for the whole month of January. 

We're celebrating, Oz style with the top Australia Day events and festive ways to ring in the Year of the Snake for Lunar New Year.

Looking for FREE fun this weekend in Sydney? Sydney Zoo's Summer of FREE is where you'll find it! Cool off with a FREE frozen Coke or ice cream for the kids, then let them soar sky-high with FREE unlimited rides on the Fantasy Flyer. Be sure to catch the brand-new live interactive wildlife show, where the whole family can get up close to some of Sydney Zoo's most amazing animals.

If the rain is getting you down, banish the rainy-day blues and go for a splash at one of your favourite indoor swimming pools with mega slides, aquatic play, and cool splash zones on offer. For more indoor fun, explore the vibrant heart of the Great Barrier Reef without leaving Sydney at Day and Night on the Reef. This interactive exhibit is a must-visit for Sydney families, including the brand-new sensory room.  

For school holiday boredom busters, there are FREE activities on offer at Crowne Plaza's School Holidays Kids Zone. The magic of Disney's Pixar is back with Pixar Putt Mini Golf, plus, families can spot some dinosaurs at the epic Jurassic Zoo. We told you there was plenty to do this weekend!

The Best Things to Do in Sydney This Weekend

1. Sydney Festival 2025

It's that time of the year again! Every January, Sydney celebrates the start of summer with the trailblazing Sydney Festival, and the lineup for 2025 is more exciting than ever.

Experience theatre, music, visual arts, and family-friendly installations across Sydney at the month-long festival that celebrates art in all it's inspiring forms. For the best family-friendly events at this year's festival, we recommend checking out the exciting Colour Maze at the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct where kids can get hands-on with visual arts and sticker activities, before navigating their way through a series of rooms filled with building blocks, swings, and knitted playgrounds. Sydney Trapeze School are showcasing their aerial talents at the Swing Circus at Darling Harbour, and for a family-friendly performance, BullyBully is a hilarious show for ages 3+ that features two performers, many songs, funny quarrels, some bickering, and (eventually) a happy ending. 

For more of the best family-friendly events, check out our top picks. 

When:   3-25 January 2025
Where:  Multiple locations across Sydney
Cost:     FREE and ticketed events

2. Celebrate Australia Day

Make the most of Sydney's Australia Day celebrations on 26 January!

With the weather looking balmy and the lineup of family-friendly activities increasing, we know you're going to feel the festive vibes as much as us. What's on the agenda? Check out the FREE interactive arcade at the Mega Kidz Zone taking over the iconic Overseas Passenger Terminal at Circular Quay. There's a massive pool party at Waves Aquatic Centre, followed by fun for the whole family at Bella Vista Farm. You can watch the famous Ferrython at Sydney Harbour, plus, there are fireworks, family activities, food, and loads more on at Rooty Hill. 

Check out the full lineup of Australia Day events in Sydney.

3. Experience Day and Night on the Reef at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium's beloved Day and Night on the Reef experience is a must-visit for Sydney families.

Dive into the vibrant heart of the Great Barrier Reef without leaving Sydney at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium's immersive Day and Night on the Reef experience. This interactive exhibit takes visitors on a spectacular journey, capturing the ever-changing beauty of the world's most famous reef across both sunlit days and moonlit nights.

With cutting-edge technology and an impressive 1.7 million-litre display, the exhibit is home to over 400 incredible marine creatures. You'll encounter Black Tip Reef Sharks, Leopard Sharks, and a kaleidoscope of brilliantly coloured fish, each weaving through the crystal-clear waters of their expansive habitat.

Did you know that SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium have a brand-new sensory room? Families experiencing sensory overload can now take a break from exploring in a tranquil and calming environment. The Sensory Room offers a safe, quiet space for a maximum of 8 visitors to take a 20-minute break from the bustling crowds and sensory overload. It's the perfect place to relax and reset, while still being able to enjoy the magic of the aquarium.

Where:   Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, Aquarium Wharf, Darling Harbour
When:    From Friday 20 December 2024 | See website for opening hours
Cost:      Included in the price of admission | See website for pricing.

4. Enjoy a Summer of FREE at Sydney Zoo

An unforgettable summer adventure awaits at Sydney Zoo in Eastern Creek with their Summer of FREE! It's the perfect mix of animal encounters, thrilling rides, and delicious treats—all wrapped up in one incredible family day out.

Cool off with a FREE frozen Coke or ice cream for the kids, then let them soar sky-high with FREE unlimited rides on the Fantasy Flyer. Be sure to catch the brand-new live interactive wildlife show, where the whole family can get up close to some of Sydney Zoo's most amazing animals.

With kids' tickets priced at just $19.99 and little adventurers under 3 getting in absolutely FREE, it's a chepa and cheerful day of fun, learning, and adventure.

Where:    Sydney Zoo, 700 Great Western Hwy, Eastern Creek
When:     Until 31 January 2025
Cost:       FREE with your Sydney Zoo Day Ticket, Unlimited Pass, Platinum Pass or Membership.
                Online day tickets: Kids $19.99, adults $44.99. Kids under 3 are FREE.

5. Swim at the Beach

With the weather heating up this weekend, it's a great opportunity to visit one of your favourite beaches.

If you're tired of your usual family-friendly beaches, don't worry, we've got 27 awesome family beaches we know you'll love! Also, did you hear that Bents Basin has officially reopened after years of flood damage?! 

6. Jump Aboard the Jungle Float

Speaking of swimming, have you gone for a play on Sydney's floating Jungle Boat?!

The unique floating water park is the only one of its kind in Australia with three multi-level jumping platforms, a rope swing, both high and low trampolines, a waterslide, and a diving board. Jungle Float will be floating at Clontarf and Balmoral Beach this summer and boasts some awesome water attractions for the whole family. 

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

7. Hit the Cinemas

Endless rainy days are just what we DON'T need during the school holidays, but alas, Sydney's rainy days are here for a while - sigh! To combat rainy days at home with the kids this weekend in Sydney, we recommend hitting your nearest cinema.

Who doesn't love tucking into a giant box of popcorn (and maybe a Choc Top, too!) and watching a fun movie on the big screen? There are loads of cool new family movies coming to cinemas these school holidays, so banish the boredom on a hot or rainy day and check out the top family movies coming out in 2025. Our favourites so far are Moana 2, Sonic 3, and Mufasa: The Lion King. 

8. Spot Some Dinosaurs at Jurassic Zoo

The dinosaurs are stomping into town at the Australian Reptile Park this weekend in Sydney!

Get ready for an action-packed adventure as the Jurassic Zoo takes over the Australian Reptile Park. Explore a prehistoric world where life-sized dinosaurs roam and incredible discoveries await. Families are invited to indulge in dino-mite adventures at the daily dino dance parties, fossil digging, FREE animal shows, plus, you can visit the brand-new Venom Centre. 

Book online with the special ellaslist discount and save!

Where:   Australian Reptile Park, Pacific Highway, Somersby
When:    Until 2 February 2025
Cost:      $31.99 per child, $49.99 per adult

9. Wildlife Mates at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo

 

Another fun thing to do in Sydney this weekend for animal lovers, Wildlife Mates at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo is an exciting collectable series features ten unique trading cards. Each trading card showcases one of Australia's incredible native animals and is the perfect way for little explorers to discover, learn, and protect our amazing wildlife.

Every card highlights a different native species, sparking curiosity and encouraging kids (and grown-ups!) to dive deeper into the stories of these fascinating creatures. To keep your collection safe, grab a Wildlife Mates trading card folder. Even better, 100 per cent of the proceeds from folder purchases go directly to WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo charity partners to support vital habitat conservation efforts.

Start your Wildlife Mates collection today!

Where:   WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, 1 Wheat Rd, Darling Harbour
When:    Until 2 February 2025
Cost:      Included in your admission ticket - check pricing and book tickets here

10. Check Out the Summer School Holidays Kids Zone at Crowne Plaza

For more fun boredom busters, stop off at Crowne Plaza Sydney Coogee Beach and check out their action-packed Kids Zone.

The hands-on Summer School Holidays Kids Zone at Crowne Plaza is completey FREE and no bookings are required! All you have to do is show up and enjoy loads of family-friendly perks and activities, including: 

• Face Painting: Saturdays from 11 am to 2 pm
• Daily hosted activities: Cupcake decorating, arts and crafts, and more (12 pm daily, excluding public holidays)
• Games galore: Table tennis, air hockey, Hasbro board games, and movie nights.

While the kids enjoy free activities, parents are invited to also enjoy themselves with a glass of something bubbly or a game of tennis. Win-win!

Where:     Crowne Plaza Sydney Coogee Beach, 242 Arden St, Coogee
When:       Until 26 January 2025
Cost:        FREE

11. Bounce Into Fun at The Grounds Inflatable Playground

If you're keen to stay indoors, head to The Grounds of Alexandria for a bouncing, flipping, flopping good time at their Inflatable Playground.

The Grounds' famous Inflatable Playground pops up from time to time and it's back in Sydney this January. Packed with everything from an intricate obstacle course to basketball hoops, mega slides, and even a towering inflatable climb—the Inflatable Playground is the ultimate play zone for letting loose and jumping sky-high.

Where:    Linseed House, The Grounds of Alexandria
When:     Until 30 January 2024
Cost:       $12 + booking Free

12. Celebrate the Year of the Snake

2025 marks the Year of the Snake in the Chinese Zodiac, which means we can look forward to 12 months of spiritual growth, transformation, and renewal! Kick off your Year of the Snake with family-friendly Lunar New Year activities in Sydney.

Lunar New Year in Sydney runs from 18 January to 16 February 2025, with epic events happening all across the city, including traditional lion dances, family festivals, art, workshops, Chinese horoscope readings, street food markets, K-Pop dance performances, and loads more. Here are our favourite Lunar New Year festivities to mark the occasion. 

13. Hit a Hole in One at Pixar Putt

Calling all Disney and mini golf fans, Pixar Putt is back this summer for seven weeks of fun themed mini golf!

Pixar Putt—Australia's beloved pop-up mini-golf adventure—is teeing off for an extended festive season from 13 December 2024 to 2 February 2025. This open-air mini-golf experience features creatively designed oles inspired by Pixar's most iconic films, including Turning Red, Toy Story, Inside Out 2, Soul, Up, Finding Nemo, A Bug's Life, Wall-E, Luca, and more.

This summer, Pixar Putt is bringing the magic to Industree Group Stadium in Gosford for seven weeks of school holiday fun. And if you're keen for a kid-free round, don't miss the After-Dark sessions, exclusively for guests aged 18+, running Thursday to Saturday nights from 7 pm onwards.

Where:   Industree Group Stadium, 14 Dane Dr, Gosford
When:    Until 2 February 2025 from 3 pm-10 pm (last entry 8.45pm)
Cost:      18 holes: $39.90 Adult, $29.90 Child, $119.90 Family
                9 holes: $29.90 Adult, $19.90 Child, $79.90 Family

14. Explore Sydney's Unusual Side

Did you know that our curious city has a whole other side to it? Sydney's unusual side is loaded with quaint and curious attractions, all worth exploring at least once in your life.

If you've already seen all of Sydney's major attractions more than once, check out Sydney's under-the-radar attractions. From all-pink arcades to doggy high teas, troll bike tours, and adorable gumnut treehouses, here are 19 unusual things to do in Sydney that are intriguing for all ages.

15. Splash at an Indoor Pool

Going for a splash at one of Sydney's many indoor pools is another one of our favourite things to do in Sydney on hot or rainy weekends. And with 25 pools to choose from, there's bound to be one near you!

Sydney's bevy of indoor pools is pretty impressive, with over 25 leisure and aquatic centres open year-round and offering state-of-the-art facilities for families. If you live close to the city, we recommend checking out Cook and Phillip Park Aquatic Centre's glorious 33-degree pools and baby splash zones. Also in the city, you've got Gunyama Park Aquatic Centre that boasts an Olympic-sized swimming pool, mega slides, and an Aqua Play zone. In the North West, Sydney Olympic Park is our ultimate favourite. It has one of the best pools around with amazing water play areas, a whirlpool, and a giant waterslide. In the Greater West, there's the new Parramatta Aquatic Centre, Ripples Leisure Centre, and Springwood Aquatic Centre among others to add to your list.

For more indoor splashing, check out 25 awesome indoor pools in Sydney. 

16. See Cirque Du Soleil's LUZIA Under the Big Top

If the hot weather is making you sweat a little too much, head indoors and enjoy a mind-boggling spectacle at Cirque Du Soleil's LUZIA.

The world-famous Cirque du Soleil is ready to dazzle audiences with its latest breathtaking spectacle. Under Sydney's iconic Big Top, prepare to be swept away by LUZIA—a mesmerising journey through a dreamlike vision of Mexico.

Blending vibrant culture, rich folklore, and modern urban flair, LUZIA delivers jaw-dropping acrobatics and awe-inspiring performances that push the boundaries of traditional and contemporary circus arts. It's an immersive sensory experience bursting with colour, rhythm, and heart-stopping moments.

Where:    The Entertainment Quarter
When:     Until 9 February 2025
Cost:      Tickets from $80 pp | Save 15% off with the family offer

17. Score an Epic PLAYcation With Hijinx Hotel's Funbundle

If you're looking for cheap things to do in Sydney this weekend, the Funbundle will set you back just $36 for kids and $45 for adults and for that you get THREE epic activities in one!

The Funbundle is your all-in-one pass to non-stop fun at Hijinx Hotel, Holey Moley, Strike Bowling, and Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq! So, how does it work? For just $36 for kids and $45 for adults, you get to pick any 3 activities from an epic lineup, including: mini golf, bowling, laser tag, and Hijinx Challenge Rooms.

It's flexible, it's fun, and it's the ultimate boredom buster for kids and grown-ups alike!

Where:   75 O'Riordan Street, Alexandria
When:    Open daily throughout the school holidays
Cost:      $36 for kids and $45 for adults

18. Play at Sydney's Indoor Play Centres

Sydney's collection of incredible indoor play centres is another boredom buster we can't get enough of! Whether the kids are driving you crazy or the weather is wreaking havoc on your outdoor plans, there's an indoor play zone ready to take the kids off your hands.

From the epic ball pits and colourful tunnels at Little Amigos to the crazy-high climbing structures at Jungle Buddies, and super-duper slides at Chouchou Bebe, there's an indoor playground to suit all play pursuits in Sydney.

Take your pick from 38 of our favourite indoor play centres in Sydney. 

19. See Dungeons & Dragons: The Twenty Sided Tavern

Step into an unforgettable adventure with Dungeons & Dragons: The Twenty-Sided Tavern — a live, interactive quest where you control the action! 

Unravel puzzles, uncover hidden secrets, and face off against formidable foes as your choices shape an unforgettable journey. With countless pathways to explore and six thrilling endings, no two adventures are ever the same—it's a story written by your decisions.

Landing in Sydney this December, this interactive theatrical experience is your chance to live out an epic tale where every roll of the dice brings new surprises. Don't miss your quest!

Where:   Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point
When:    Shows from Sunday 15 December 2024 - Saturday 8 March 2025
Cost:      Tickets range from $59.90 to $129.90 + booking fee

20. Uncover Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru at Australian Museum

Grab your little adventurers and make your way to the Australian Museum for Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru! This blockbuster exhibition will whisk you away to the peaks of Peru, uncovering the mysteries of the Incas and their dazzling treasures.

Step into a world of gold and grandeur as you explore over 170 stunning artifacts from Peru's ancient civilisations. From intricate jewellery to ceremonial treasures, these dazzling objects have travelled across the globe to take you back in time—no passport required!

Kids will love playing history detectives as they discover the secrets of the Inca Empire and learn about the people who called the Andes mountains home long before airplanes and Google Maps. 

Where:       Australian Museum, 1 William St, Darlinghurst
When:        Until 23 February 2025
Cost:          Tickets range from $20 per child to $42 per adult

More Things to do in Sydney This Weekend

The Best Kids Shows in Sydney
Our Favourite Cheap Activities in Sydney
Top Playgrounds in Sydney for Free Family Fun

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