School holidays in summer

The summer school holidays are the perfect time for some fun in the sun in Sydney. The whole family will enjoy the golden beaches, animal encounters and plenty of indoor, outdoor and adventure activities. Camp at Taronga Zoo, learn to surf, visit some of the fascinating museums, soar through the trees, or walk along the many beautiful coastal walks and enjoy everything Sydney has to offer.

Animal encounters

Visit more than 2,600 animals in their home overlooking Sydney Harbour at Taronga Zoo in Mosman. Catch a ferry from Circular Quay and watch a seal show 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.

Taronga Zoo, Mosman

In Darling Harbour, you can cruise through the penguin exhibit 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.

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.

Sydney Zoo, Bungarribee

On the edges of the city, Featherdale Wildlife Park and Symbio Wildlife Park offer up-close encounters with native animals.

Indoors activities

Sydney has a variety of fun and thought-provoking indoor offerings for children. The Powerhouse Museum in Ultimo has lots of exhibitions with a focus on arts, science, innovation, and design. The Museum offers plenty of fun and creative activities for children that run throughout the summer school holiday period.

The Powerhouse Museum, Ultimo - Credit: James Horan; Destination NSW

Situated on the waterfront of Darling Harbour, the Australian National Maritime Museum  is a national centre for maritime collections, exhibitions, research and archaeology. It has houses one of the largest and most diverse in-water fleets, features submarines and has a stunning replica of Captain Cooks ship HMB Endeavour. The museum has a spectacular array of exhibitions targeted for children with fun activities, and even has a 3D cinema.

Australian National Maritime Museum, Darling Harbour

The Australian Museum on William Street has fascinating temporary and permanent exhibitions, from dinosaurs, to indigenous collections, there is something to engage all ages and inspire a curiosity and interest in the natural world.

Australian Museum, Sydney

Madame Tussauds on Aquarium Pier next to SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium 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.

Madame Tussauds Sydney, Darling Harbour

Sydney Tower Eye takes you to the highest point above Sydney for breathtaking 360-degree views. They now offer a fully guided Skywalk tour with access to an internal observation deck and a 4D cinema pre-show experience.

Sydney Tower Eye, City Centre

The Museum of Fire in Penrith celebrates the important and heroic history of firefighters and fire services across Australia. The Museum facilitates a fun and interactive environment for children of all ages where they can participate in firefighting adventures and education.

Museum of Fire, Penrith

If you’re in the mood for something cultural, try one of these four Sydney Culture Trails that will take you on a self-guided tour to find significant cultural attractions across the city.

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. Relax on the famous sands of Bondi Beach, learn to surf at Manly, try stand-up paddleboarding in Watsons Bay or take a dip in the calm waters of one of the city’s 35 ocean pools. There are also several stunning coastal walks, just remember to pack sunscreen and sun protection.

Let's Go Surfing, Bondi

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 Milson’s 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 for all the family to enjoy.

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 ghost tours for children over 18 years.

Cockatoo Island waterfront campsite, Sydney Harbour

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.

The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, Sydney City

Adventure activities

In Greater Western Sydney, families can tackle challenging rope courses at TreeTops Adventure Park or for more thrills, ride the waterslides at Raging Waters.  If you're up for some adventure on Sydney Harbour, zoom around on a jetboat, or learn to swing on the flying trapeze at Circus Arts Sydney and try indoor skydiving at iFly Downunder.