Summer school holidays in Sydney

Museums and exhibitions

Sydney's museums offer plenty of fun and creative activities for children during the summer school holiday period. Budding palaeontologist will enjoy the Australian Museum on William Street, where you can walk amongst real dinosaur skeletons, see fossil teeth and learn with hands-on activities. The Museum is also home to fascinating collections about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, the animal kingdom and 100 people who've helped shape our nation.

Situated on the waterfront of Darling Harbour, the Australian National Maritime Museum is a national centre for maritime collections, exhibitions, research and archaeology. Climb aboard submarines and a stunning replica of Captain Cooks ship HMB Endeavour, before exploring exhibitions targeted for children with fun activities or watching a film in the 3D cinema.

Australian National Maritime Museum, Darling Harbour

Just a short jaunt from the Australian Museum sits the Hyde Park Barracks, which transports you back to the convict history upon which much of modern-day Australia was built. Set in an original building constructed to house convicts in NSW’s early colonial days, the museum offers an immersive, interactive tour that takes advantage of audio and video technology for a next-level museum experience.

The Museum of Fire in Penrith celebrates the important and heroic history of firefighters and fire services across Australia. Kids can learn about fire safety through activities and puzzles, see heritage vehicles and enjoy stories of firefighting adventures. Time your visit with their bi-weekly fire engine rides for a memorable day out.

Read more: A guide to Sydney's museums (& what's on)

Museum of Fire, Penrith

Outdoor activities

With long days, blue skies and plenty of sunshine, the summer holidays are the time to get outside in Sydney and explore one of the many beaches or enjoy some water sports. You can learn to surf at the ocean beaches of Bondi, Maroubra and Freshwater; body surf in the waves; or take a dip in the calm waters of one of the city’s 35 ocean pools. 

Inside the harbour, the calm bays at Watsons Bay and Balmoral are perfect for stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking. There are some great snorkelling spots too, including the marine reserves at Cabbage Tree Bay and Gordons Bay where you can spot an array of marine life. Or tackle one of the several stunning coastal walks - just remember to pack sunscreen and sun protection.

Read more: The best family-friendly hikes in Sydney

Lets Go Surfing, Bondi Beach - Credit: Lets Go Surfing

Another way to explore the harbour while getting iconic views of Sydney is to take the Hermitage Foreshore track or look for ancient Aboriginal art in the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.

Luna Park in Milsons Point is the much-loved amusement park which has spectacular views over Sydney Harbour.  Enter the iconic theme park through the 'big old grin' and get ready for an array of thrill-seeking rides or family-friendly joyrides. There's a plethora of children’s activities and rides for all the family to enjoy.

Read more: Sydney's must-try water activities

Luna Park Sydney, Milsons Point

From Barangaroo you can ferry across to Cockatoo Island. The island is a former convict penal establishment and naval shipyard situated in the heart of Sydney Harbour. The island offers overnight camping and guided tours.

If you’re looking to get out in nature, there are lovely parklands across Sydney to explore, ride bikes or feed the ducks in Centennial Parklands, or walk around the Sydney Opera House into the magical Royal Botanic Garden or be entertained by one of the many events held at Sydney Olympic Park in Western Sydney.

Read more: The best family-friendly beaches in Sydney

Centennial Park Cycles, Centennial Parklands

Adventure activities

In western Sydney, families can tackle challenging rope courses at TreeTops Adventure Park and ride water slides at Raging Waters. Fly through the air with a water jet-powered backpack with Jetpack Adventures, hug the corners on a high-speed go-kart track at Luddenham Raceway, try indoor skydiving at iFly Downunder, catch a wave at URBNSURF Sydney and much more.

In the eastern suburbs, at Centennial Park, kids can run, jump and climb through a dramatic landscape of creek beds, banksia tunnels, bamboo forests and a water play area at the Ian Potter Children's Wild Play Garden, saddle up for horse riding with Centennial Parklands Equestrian Centre or hire a bike from Centennial Park Cycles to explore on two wheels.

Read more: 25 of the most exhilarating adrenaline activities in Sydney

TreeTops Adventure Park, Abbotsbury

Animal encounters

Visit more than 2,600 animals in their home overlooking Sydney Harbour at Taronga Zoo in Mosman. Take an immersive Tiger Trek through the Indonesian jungle, watch a seal presentation or explore the many animal enclosures. There is plenty to see while enjoying panoramic views over Sydney Harbour. The zoo also hosts Roar and Snore where you can camp overnight in safari tents and have up-close encounters with animals.

In Darling Harbour, see 13 different species of sharks at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and walk among kangaroos at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo. Then enjoy the kids’ playground at Darling Quarter entertainment and leisure precinct or splash around with the water zones of Tumbalong Park Playground, which has equipment for children of all ages.

Read more: 10 unique ways to experience Sydney's magical icons

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, Darling Harbour

Sydney Zoo in Western Sydney has a unique boardwalk that takes you right through the African savannah. The zoo offers close encounters with animals for children aged 8-12 years and offers a zookeeper for a day program. On the edges of the city, Featherdale Wildlife Park and Symbio Wildlife Park offer up-close encounters with native animals.

Read more: Eight animals you can see up-close in Sydney

Sydney Zoo, Bungarribee

Indoor activities

Madame Tussauds on Aquarium Pier lets you get up-close and personal with your favourite celebrities and become the star of the story with their immersive experiences and wax sculptures. Take a family portrait and sit alongside the British royal family, your favourite superhero, celebrity, or sporting hero. Save when you buy Sydney's Best Attractions Pass, which provides discounted entry to multiple experiences.

See masterpieces at the Museum of Contemporary Art. Time your trip with their many interactive school holiday activity where little ones can unleash their creativity. Get a bird's eye view from Sydney Tower Eye, the highest point above the city with breathtaking 360-degree views.

Read more: 22 fun things to do in Sydney when it rains

Sydney Tower Eye, Sydney City