School Holidays in Summer

Summer's a great time to bring the whole family to Sydney, with its many beautiful beaches offering relaxing escapes and fun adventures for the kids. The city is full of exciting events, from the dazzling New Year’s Eve fireworks on Sydney Harbour to championship sports to the Sydney Festival.

Popular annual events with families include Carols in the Domain just before Christmas, New Year's Eve fireworks on Sydney Harbour, the Ferrython of iconic ferries racing across the sparkling harbour on Australia Day, and the dragon dancers in Chinatown's annual Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations.

You'll find the Sydney Opera House and other theatres host special children's shows. Check out the events calendar and be sure to reserve your tickets in advance. Museums put on special exhibitions too, and there are many things to do and see at the city's zoos and aquariums.

Meet Rex, a saltwater crocodile at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo. You can go snorkelling at the nearby SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, wave to Lexie and her Australian Sea-lion pals at Taronga Zoo in the daily seal show.

Sydney beaches have all the ingredients for a fun day, including rolling waves and rock pools, alfresco cafes and picnic spots. Take a bus to Bondi Beach or a ferry from Circular Quay to Manly, where kids as young as five can enrol in Manly Surf School. Alternatively, cool down at an outdoor harbourside pool or head for the giant waterslides at Wet 'n' Wild in Sydney's west.