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School holiday activities in Sydney for 2022

Your guide to entertaining the kids during the school holidays in Sydney.

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Courtney Edwards

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Stephanie Yip
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School holidays are what kids dream about all term long. This leaves you, the parent or carer, with the task of finding the best activities to keep them entertained. So we've searched high and low for the best things to do whether you're out and about, at home or on an exciting day trip outside Sydney.

With 6 weeks of freedom ahead, check out all of these activities to fill the summer school holidays with.

Outdoor activities in Sydney for the school holidays

Head indoors for an adrenaline rush

There are plenty of exciting activities to keep you and your kids entertained during the school holidays. A jam-packed day full of fun is sure to be a highlight of the school break.

iFLY Downunder Indoor Skydiving in Sydney
iFLY Downunder Indoor Skydiving in Sydney

Klook Australia

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Plan a visit to Sydney's top wildlife attractions

If your kids love animals, treat them to a day out at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo or Taronga Zoo.

Go camping under the stars

Enjoy quality family time these school holidays at home or a few hours away from Sydney with a camping trip in the great outdoors, filled with roasting marshmallows and enjoying nature at its finest.

Horse Riding Adventure and Overnight Camping
Horse Riding Adventure and Overnight Camping

RedBalloon

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Royal National Park Camping and Hiking Trip
Royal National Park Camping and Hiking Trip

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Blue Mountains Guided Camping Adventure
Blue Mountains Guided Camping Adventure

Adrenaline

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Put the pedal to the metal with a go-karting experience

Just because your little one is too young to drive on the road doesn't mean they can't drive around a race track. Ideal for older kids, go-karting makes for a great activity when catching up with friends during the school holidays.

Double Karting Experience for Adult and Child
Double Karting Experience for Adult and Child

Adrenaline

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Discover the history of Sydney

If you're looking for something new and interesting to do during the school holidays, you can't go past a tour that gives you a glimpse of Sydney's past. If your kids like a good ghost story, watching the cricket or learning about Australian history, these activities will be right down their alley.

Behind the Scenes Tour of Sydney Cricket Ground
Behind the Scenes Tour of Sydney Cricket Ground

RedBalloon

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Aboriginal Heritage Sydney Walking Tour
Aboriginal Heritage Sydney Walking Tour

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See Sydney from above

There's no better way to get out and about with your kids than by seeing Sydney from the best vantage point. Flying over Sydney's best attractions is an experience your little ones will never forget.

Seaplane Flight over Sydney Harbour and Palm Beach
Seaplane Flight over Sydney Harbour and Palm Beach

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Rise to the challenge of an escape room

Race against the clock with your teammates to solve exciting clues, riddles and puzzles, and make it to the end before the time runs out. This activity is perfect for kids who love problem solving.

Escape Room and Virtual Reality Adventure Combo
Escape Room and Virtual Reality Adventure Combo

RedBalloon

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Ride in style across Sydney

Explore Sydney in a way that your kids will love. A bike tour is the perfect way to stay active and explore Sydney's best sights during the school holidays.

Learn how to surf

There's no better time to learn how to surf than during the summer school holidays. Sydney showcases plenty of impressive beaches where your little ones can hit the waves and learn a new skill.

Beginners Group Surfing Lesson at Bondi Beach
Beginners Group Surfing Lesson at Bondi Beach

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Head out on a jet boat

Adrenaline junkies and water lovers alike will no doubt enjoy an adventurous jet boating experience on Sydney Harbour. Whether you want a packed day exploring Sydney or just need to fill in a few hours of fun, this is a great experience your kids will rave about.

Get out on the water with a kayaking experience

For a fun day out, set your sights on a kayaking experience on the water and explore some of the best hidden beaches that Sydney has to offer around Sydney Harbour and Manly.

Palm Beach Morning Kayak and Bushwalking Adventure
Palm Beach Morning Kayak and Bushwalking Adventure

Adrenaline

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Get creative in the kitchen

Kids love hands-on activities like cooking, so if you have a child who likes to get their hands messy in the kitchen, surprise them with a fun and immersive cooking class catered for kids.

At-home activities in Sydney for the school holidays.

Entertain the kids with a craft session

The school holidays are the perfect time to try something new. Take a break from Netflix and set up space in the house for your kids to delve into a creative project.

Whip up a treat

Work together in the kitchen to make a sweet or savoury treat that the whole family can enjoy.

Learn a new creative skill

Whether it's learning to write a script, draw a comic book or learning circus skills, it's important that kids have a creative outlet during the school holidays. These fun activities will let your child express themselves in new ways.

Paint with your friends

Invite your kids' friends over for a day of painting. These classes come with instructors to guide them through each step of the process. Each child receives their own box of supplies to paint with, too.

Dreamtime Stories and Painting for Kids
Dreamtime Stories and Painting for Kids

Classbento

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Road trips you can take from Sydney during the school holidays

There's so much of New South Wales to see and the school holidays is the perfect time to explore. For more inspiration, check out our guides on the best family holiday destinations in New South Wales and epic New South Wales road trips.

The Blue Mountains

Distance from Sydney CBD: 1 hour by car, or 2 hours and 40 minutes by public transport.

The Blue Mountains is a popular spot for hiking, bushwalking and lookouts. If your kids love nature and the outdoors, we recommend doing a day trip to the Blue Mountains during the school holidays.

Blue Mountains Guided E-Bike Tour with Snacks and Drinks
Blue Mountains Guided E-Bike Tour with Snacks and Drinks

RedBalloon

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Blue Mountains Explorer Bus Pass and Scenic World
Blue Mountains Explorer Bus Pass and Scenic World

RedBalloon

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Abseiling Experience from Katoomba
Abseiling Experience from Katoomba

Klook Australia

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The Central Coast

Distance from Sydney CBD: 1 hour and 10 minutes by car, or 2 hours by public transport.

Known for its pristine beaches, adventure parks and coastal walks, a day trip to the Central Coast is the perfect way to spend a sunny day.

The South Coast

Distance from Sydney CBD: 3 hours by car, or 4 hours and 40 minutes by public transport.

Along the South Coast, you'll find calm bays, good whale watching spots and plenty of surf beaches. For a relaxing day out during the school holidays, the South Coast is the place to go.

See the latest Sydney school holiday activity deals

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Up to 68% off Sydney go karting

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When are the school holidays in Sydney in 2021-22?

TermDates
Term 1 school holidays5 April – 16 April 2021
Term 2 school holidays28 June – 9 July 2021
Term 3 school holidays20 September – 1 October 2021
Term 4 school holidays20 December – 27 January 2021/22

Free school holiday activities in Sydney

  • Visit a library or museum, such as the Museum of Contemporary Art or the State Library of NSW
  • Have a picnic at Centennial Park
  • Explore the Royal Botanic Garden
  • Learn about history at The Mint
  • Stroll through Sydney to see iconic attractions such as the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge
  • Do a coastal walk from Bondi to Coogee
  • Watch the sunset at Observatory Hill Park
  • Spend a day at the beach

Need more ideas? Check out our 50 free activities to keep the kids busy these school holidays.

School holiday events in Sydney

Western Sydney

School Holiday Interactive Program: 20 December – 28 January. Perfect for kids aged 7–16 the program in Liverpool will keep your kids occupied with plenty of crafts, cooking lessons, knitting and more.

School Holiday Doughnut Decorating: 29–30 December, 5–6, 13–14, 20–21 and 27 January. Head into your local Krispy Kreme store to learn how to decorate your very own tasty doughnuts.

The Hills

Tynker School Holiday Program: 15 January. A fun introduction into the world of coding using puzzles to games at Stanhope Gardens.
Intensive School Holiday Swim Program: Runs throughout the school holidays. Get your kids ready for summer with daily swimming lessons at Carlile Swimming.

Sydney CBD

Sydney Dance Company School Holiday Workshop: 4–21 January. Whether theatre jazz, contemporary or ballet is your little dancer's style, there's a 1-day or 2-day workshop for them.

Inner West

Inner West Council School Holiday Programs: Throughout the school holidays. There's something for everyone with a wide range of activities across the holidays including dance workshops, first-aid training, arts and crafts and more. There are activities for kids and teens.

Northern Sydney

Kids Art Adventures – School Holiday Creative Workshop: 18 January. Kids aged 15–11 will work through hands-on activities and create their own artwork at Manly Art Gallery and Museum using different coloured inks and materials to make their prints.

Frequently asked questions about Sydney school holidays

What should I keep in mind with COVID-19 when going out during the school holidays?

If you're planning to visit an attraction in an enclosed space, it's best to book in advance so you don't miss out.

Are all attractions in Sydney open?

Attractions in Sydney and surrounding areas are open during the summer school holidays.

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