School Holiday Programs in Sydney: The Best for Summer 2026

The summer school holidays in Sydney have arrived, bringing longer days, warmer weather, and plenty of opportunities to get the kids out and about. It's the perfect time to plan activities that will keep them busy, inspired, and away from screens for a while.

Sydney's summer school holiday programs are packed with options for children of all ages. From outdoor adventures that make the most of the sunshine to creative workshops, science labs, and cultural experiences, there's something to match every child's curiosity and energy levels.

Whether your kids love art, sport, performance, technology, or exploring nature, you'll find exciting programs running across the city at both iconic spots and hidden gems. Designed to engage young minds and burn off energy, these programs are a great way to keep boredom at bay and make the most of the break.

When are the Summer School Holidays in NSW?

Mark your calendars, NSW parents! Summer school holidays in NSW run from Monday, 22 December 2025, to Friday, 30 January 2026.

School Holiday Programs in Sydney: The Best for Summer 2026

1. City of Sydney Pools Learn To Swim: Start The School Year Swim-smart And Win!

The City of Sydney Pools Learn To Swim program is designed to build strong, confident swimmers from the very first splash. This much-loved swim school helps kids feel confident in the water while parents enjoy a structured, supportive, and easy-to-manage program.

With lessons available across five standout locations — Gunyama Park Aquatic and Recreation Centre, Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre, Cook + Phillip Park Pool, Prince Alfred Park Pool and Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool — families can choose a pool that fits neatly into their daily routine.

The Learn To Swim program focuses on much more than just strokes. Lessons are designed to build essential water safety skills, boost confidence and independence, and support students as they return to school-year routines. Classes are led by qualified, caring instructors, with a small-group approach that allows children to progress at their own pace. The program runs for 48 weeks per year, making it a consistent, reliable activity families can stick with over the long term.

There's also a very handy perk for parents: while enrolled, kids receive FREE unlimited access to all City of Sydney pools, giving families even more opportunities to practise, play and build confidence outside lesson time — bonus!

Win a Back-to-School Pack Valued at $200

Want the chance to win a Back-to-School pack worth $200? Simply enrol your child in a City of Sydney Learn to Swim program between Monday 12 January and Monday 9 February 2026, and you'll automatically be entered into the draw to win $200 worth of stationery and school essentials, plus a bonus swim school hooded towel! T&Cs apply.

Where:  City of Sydney Pools: 
              Gunyama Park Aquatic and Recreation Centre, Zetland
              Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre, Ultimo
              Cook + Phillip Park Pool, Sydney
              Prince Alfred Park Pool, Surry Hills
              Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool, Woolloomooloo
When:   During the school holidays
Cost:     Priced per class

2. Speaking Schools Australasia Summer School Holiday Workshops

Are you looking for a fun and engaging class to help your kids find their voice and build their confidence? Speaking Schools Australasia can help!

The award-winning Speaking Schools has helped over 25,000+ students improve their speaking skills and develop their confidence with a range of fun and educational school holiday workshops in debating and public speaking. Their programs cater to kids from Kindy up to Year 10 at five convenient locations across Sydney and online. With a welcoming environment, an emphasis on small classes, and plenty of personal feedback from expert coaches, SSA aim to help every student bring their words to life.

Where:  Bella Vista, North Sydney, Wahroonga, Burwood, North Parramatta and Online
When:   Monday 15 December 2025 to Friday 30 January 2026
Cost:     From $250 per child | See Speaking Schools Australasia for costs.

3. Open Academy at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music

The Sydney Conservatorium of Music will be running a series of Open Academy School Holiday Workshops in its historic Macquarie Street buildings during the school holidays.  

Based on the Orff-Schulwerk approach, and the Dalcroze and Kodaly methods, children will be immersed in a broad range of musical activities, including singing, imitation, movement, playing percussion instruments, improvisation, storytelling, and guided listening. The Kids at the Con program is designed for little music lovers ages 3 to 10 to explore creative music-making through small-group activities, helping them engage with the exciting world of music and encouraging the development of artistic expression. 

Where:  Sydney Conservatorium of Music, University of Sydney, Macquarie Street
When:   20-23 January 2026
Cost:     $40 - $105 pp

4. Code Camp

 

Let Code Camp inspire your children to get creative with technology these holidays, learn valuable new skills, have fun and make new friends. With a wide range of in-person camps and online programs available, there truly is something for everyone. Choose from beginner to advanced coding camps, robotics, stop-motion animation, DJing, video production and more.

Code Camp’s flagship coding programs are the perfect introduction to your child’s Code Camp journey. Choose Little Coders for ages 5–7 to take their first steps into the world of coding, and Spark for ages 7–12 to use drag and drop coding to create an exciting arcade-style game. Their most popular creative camps are also back this season, including Minecraft Engineers, Roblox Legends, Robotics Camps and YouTube Creators, offering the coolest few days of STEM learning and fun.

For a different kind of creative experience, Code Camp also offers tech-free crafting camps called Get Crafty. It is a break from screens where kids can enjoy hands-on activities that encourage mindfulness and creativity while having fun with others. You can also win an entire year of Code Camp for free!

For more information and bookings, visit Code Camp.

Special offer: Use the code EL25 when booking to save $25 on your child’s holiday camp booking. Don’t forget to share the code with friends so they can save too!

Where:      Various locations throughout Sydney
When:       Throughout the summer school holidays
Cost:         Various, depending on camp type and duration; check the website for pricing options

5. Museums of History NSW

Families looking for more school holiday programs will find plenty to love in Museums of History NSW’s lineup of free, bookable workshops led by artists, educators and cultural practitioners. Creative kids can experiment with natural dyeing using foraged materials and food waste, explore early photographic processes through cyanotype printing, or dive into Bee Magic workshops that combine learning with hands-on making.

There is also a bumper schedule of free drop-in activities across their sites and museums. Held at heritage locations such as Elizabeth Farm and Vaucluse House, these thoughtfully designed sessions offer a learning experience that balances creativity, history and fun.

Where:    Museums of History NSW sites and museums
When:     Until 30 January 2026
Cost:       FREE

6. Marian Street Theatre for Young People

Dive into a world of drama queens and kings with the Marian Street Theatre for Young People Holiday Workshops! Students from Kindergarten to Year 12 will be immersed in an engaging theatrical experience while they learn valuable skills and build their confidence on stage. 

Marian Street Theatre courses offer a comprehensive theatre education for budding performers to explore acting skills like characterisation, listening, and reacting. They will learn storytelling techniques such as story arc and story building; delve into stagecraft, collaboration, and ensemble building, and be guided on vocal techniques. They will also be introduced to public speaking, stage physicality and movement, all while fostering confidence in a fun, safe environment.

Where:       Killara - St Martin's Church, 9B Arnold Street
                   Hornsby - Storey Park Community Centre, 12 Old Berowra Road
When:        22 December 2025 - 23 January 2026
Cost:          $100 - $565 per child per multi-day workshop

7. The Y NSW School Holiday Programs & Vacation Care

The Y NSW School Holiday Programs offer Sydney families a reliable and engaging way to keep kids active, social and entertained over the summer school holidays. With two program streams, Vacation Care and Recreation School Holiday Programs, there’s something to suit every child and family schedule.

Vacation Care runs across 30+ OSHC services and provides full-day care packed with excursions, workshops and day camps, while Recreation programs are delivered at Y centres across NSW and focus on movement-based fun, including gymnastics, swimming intensives and multi-sport activities such as soccer and netball. Led by qualified instructors in safe, welcoming environments, these flexible programs help children build confidence, develop skills and make new friends, making them a popular choice for parents seeking structured, screen-free school holiday programs.

Where:   The Y OSHC and Recreation services throughout NSW
When:    5 January - 2 February 2026
Cost:      Fees vary - see individual programs for details

8. City Of Sydney: Fast-track School Holiday Intensive Swimming

Dive into excitement these school holidays with the City of Sydney's Fast Track School Holiday Intensive Swimming Program, available at select City of Sydney pools!

It's a fantastic opportunity for your child to quickly enhance their swimming skills and gain confidence in the water. The program offers daily 30-minute lessons from Monday to Friday, and the chance to learn skills like diving, specific strokes and turns. 

Learning to swim is essential at all levels and ages. Book now!

Where:    Cook and Phillip Park Pool
                Gunyama Park Aquatic and Recreation Centre
                Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre
When:     During the school holidays
Cost:       Contact your nearest centre for pricing details

9. Sydney FC School Holiday Clinics

Looking for a school holiday activity that’s all about energy, excitement and football fun? Sydney FC’s Holiday Clinics are back this summer, and they’re kicking goals already, with three locations sold out!

Designed for kids aged 5 to 13, these action-packed clinics run across Sydney and Wollongong, offering expert coaching, confidence-building drills, and loads of team spirit. Kids can sharpen their skills, meet Sydney FC A-League players, and even score some gear, including a training kit, cap and Junior Membership.

Places are limited and filling fast, so don't miss out—secure your child’s spot today!

Where:  Locations across Sydney and Wollongong
When:   6-26 January 2026
Cost:     $310 (including new kit) | $280 (excluding new kit)

10. Manchester City Football School Holiday Clinics

Waverley College is excited to offer students in Years 3 to 6 from any school the chance to learn the art of 'the beautiful game' just like the pros, with training straight from the Manchester City playbook!

Whether you're an experienced player or just getting started, the Manchester City Football School Holiday Clinics at Waverley College are your time to shine on the pitch. These prestigious camps are open to boys and girls of all skill levels, providing a safe, fun, and authentic environment that mirrors the training of Manchester City's top players. Guided by world-class coaches, you'll master the ball, play with flair, dominate the game, and take your football skills to new heights.

Where:  Waverley College Futsal Court and Queens Park 
When:   17-23 January 2026
Cost:     $200 pp for a 2-day camp

More Summer Activities

Discover even more summer activities in Sydney with our handy ellaslist guides. Check out what everyone's up to with the Best Summer School Holiday Activities, explore and learn at the same time at Sydney's Top Kids' Museums, stay cool indoors at these epic Ice-Skating Rinks, and add a touch of culture to your day with one of these Kids' Theatre Shows.

 

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