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School holiday activities in Sydney for 2021

This is your guide to entertaining the kids at home or out and about 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.

Outdoor activities
At-home activities
Day trips
Free activities
School holiday dates
Events
Activity deals
Frequently asked questions

Outdoor activities in Sydney for the school holidays

Register for a fun holiday camp

Let your kids get the most out of the two-week break by signing them up for a school holiday camp where they'll be able to work on their skills across basketball, surfing and dance.

Head indoors for an adrenaline rush

There's bound to be some rainy days during the winter school holidays, but that doesn't mean you have to miss out on any of the fun. There are plenty of exciting activities to keep you and your kids entertained.

Spend a day at the theatre

With live theatre performances back in action, heading out to a show is a great way to spend a day during the school holidays.

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.

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

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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

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Aboriginal Heritage Sydney Walking Tour
Aboriginal Heritage Sydney Walking Tour

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Sign up for a virtual class

Avoid having restless kids at home during the school holidays by signing them up for a virtual online class. Choose between individualised private lessons or group classes for a more interactive social experience.

3D Design & Coding Class - Roller Coaster Designer
3D Design & Coding Class - Roller Coaster Designer

KidCampus

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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

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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. Climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge or 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

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Virtual Reality Escape Room Adventure
Virtual Reality Escape Room Adventure

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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.

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

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At-home activities in Sydney for the school holidays

Take a trip to the park

Keeping your kids active during the school holidays is a great way to ensure they're away from their screens and getting some fresh air. Planning a play date with your children's friends? A small gathering at a park is a great option. Whether you have a park close by or you want to venture out to find a new favourite, bring a bike, scooter or skateboard along and your kids will stay happy and occupied for hours.

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 your house for your kids to delve into a creative project.

Grab the popcorn and settle in for a movie marathon

If you want to set up a cosy movie night with the family, streaming services such as Disney+, Netflix and BINGE offer unlimited shows and movies for your children to pick from. You can even set up parental controls on Netflix or set up a Netflix Kids profile to control which shows and movies your children can access.

Have fun with jigsaw puzzles, board games and card games

Completing a jigsaw puzzle or playing a board game is the perfect way to keep your kids entertained and their minds active during the school holidays.

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.

Italian Cooking Class for Kids (5-12 Years)
Italian Cooking Class for Kids (5-12 Years)

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Play video games

If you have a gamer on your hands, it's likely they'll want to spend some time gaming with their friends during the school holiday break. Whether their console of choice is a Nintendo Switch, an Xbox or a PlayStation, there are plenty of classic and exciting new games for your kids to get their hands on.

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

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

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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.

Mogo Zoo Overnight Camping Adventure with Animal Encounters
Mogo Zoo Overnight Camping Adventure with Animal Encounters

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See the latest Sydney school holiday activity deals

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Up to $20 off skydiving with code

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KlookKlook
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$15 off all Australian activities with code

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RedBalloonRedBalloon
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Get $5 off activities with code

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RedBalloonRedBalloon
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Get $10 off activities with code

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When are the school holidays in Sydney 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

Sydney CBD

Technology Workshops: Available on various dates throughout the school holidays and school term. Get your kids up to speed with the latest coding and tech workshops that will allow them to gain new knowledge and keep their minds active.

Sydney Dance Company School Holiday Workshop: 28 June - 9 July. Whether theatre jazz, contemporary or ballet is your little dancer's style, there's a one-day or two-day workshop for them.

Western Sydney

Kids Flower School Holiday Workshop: 3 July. Let your child's creativity run wild with a flower wreath-making workshop where they'll also learn about wildflowers and Australian native flowers.

Tynker School Holiday Program: 26 June. A fun introduction into the world of coding using puzzles to games.

Inner West

Little Whales Kids Club: 21 June - 12 July. Perfect for kids with full-time working parents. This two-week school holiday program makes sure your kids are supervised during the day and also have a fun time participating in activities like dancing, reading and art. Morning and afternoon tea are included daily.

Le Ray Gymnastics School Holiday Camp: 1 - 2 July. If you've got a budding gymnast on your hands, look no further than this school holiday day camp filled with gymnastics, dance and activities.

DIY Robots School Holiday Workshop: 30 June. Your little ones will be fascinated creating their own robot made out of everyday items, batteries and DC motors.

Northern Sydney

RDM School Holiday Disco: 11 July. Dress up for an afternoon filled with music, dancing and nibbles to send off the winter school holidays at Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club.

Kids Art Adventures - School Holiday Creative Workshop: 29 June. Kids aged 12-15 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.

The Hills

Intensive School Holiday Swim Program: Runs throughout the school holidays. Get your kids ready for summer with daily swimming lessons at Carlile Swimming.

Creative Writing School Holiday Workshop: 29 - 30 June. Head to North Rocks Shopping Centre for a writing workshop perfect for bookworms wanting to work on their creative flare.

Southern Sydney

School Holiday Space Slime Party: 30 June. Take your slime game up a notch by making your own space slime these school holidays.

Frequently asked questions about Sydney school holidays

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

When planning your family's school holiday activities, remember to maintain good hygiene and social distancing. 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?

Favourites including Luna Park, Taronga Zoo, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo are open during the school holidays.

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