ellaslist What❜s On Sydney Podcast: Winter School Holiday Events and Activities

In the latest episode of the ellaslist What’s On Sydney Podcast, our mother-daughter duo, Jodi and Daisy Byrne, dive into a bumper line-up of Winter School Holiday Events and Activities.

Here’s a recap:

ellaslist What's On Sydney Podcast: Winter School Holiday Events and Activities

What’s On in Sydney This Winter: The Best School Holiday Fun for Families

In Episode Two of our Winter Series, Jodi and Daisy share their top picks for school holiday fun, snowy adventures, and magical winter festivals to keep the kids (and parents) smiling.

School Holidays at the Maritime Museum

Winter fun hits the waterfront at the Australian National Maritime Museum! With hands-on maker spaces, giant LEGO® Weedy Seadragon builds, dress-up discos, calming movie sessions, sensory-friendly Sundays, and underwater drones—it’s a creative wonderland for curious kids.

The program is packed with interactive exhibitions, creative workshops, and immersive experiences that spark imagination while teaching kids about our incredible marine world.

Merlin Attractions: SEA LIFE, WILD LIFE & Madame Tussauds

Darling Harbour’s ultimate family trio of Merlin Attractions is in full swing these holidays. Meet penguins at SEA LIFE's Cool Creatures zone and learn about life in icy environments. Snap selfies with Robert Irwin at Madame Tussauds and step behind the lens of a wildlife photographer.

Hang out with koalas, kangaroos and crocs at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo and explore Australia’s diverse fauna without leaving the city.

Winter Festivals To Love:

• ChillFest Campbelltown (4–20 July): FREE entry and packed with fun! Enjoy open-air ice-skating, dazzling light shows, carnival rides, marshmallow toasting, and warming food trucks. It’s a vibrant winter wonderland perfect for all ages, set in the heart of Koshigaya Park.

• Snow Time in the Gardens, Hunter Valley Gardens (Until 28 July): Head to the Hunter Valley Gardens for snow-filled fun! Kids can experience ice skating, toboggan rides, snowman building and more. With carnival rides, hearty winter food and magical garden backdrops, this frosty escape is worth the road trip.

• Yulefest, Blue Mountains (All of July): Cosy dinners, roaring fires, twinkling lights, and festive cheer transform the Blue Mountains into a midwinter Christmas haven. Enjoy hearty feasts, Santa sightings, carols, and maybe even snowfall! Fairmont Resort is a must for their Yulefest celebrations.

• Winter in Bathurst (4–20 July): A regional favourite with something for everyone! Try ice skating, sample local foodie delights, enjoy a jam-packed Kids Day, and take part in an All Abilities Day filled with inclusive fun.

• Bondi Festival (5–21 July): Sydney’s coolest beach festival! From comedy and theatre to circus acts, music and a giant Ferris wheel, this festival has something for the whole family. Enjoy the arts by the sea and don’t forget to lace up your skates for the Bondi ice rink.

Western Sydney Fun at The Vineyard

The Vineyard in Greater Western Sydney is rolling out a fantastic school holiday lineup! From Elsa & Anna appearances to a Minecraft LEGO® experience, there’s FREE kids entertainment every weekday from 12–2 pm.

Expect live shows, hands-on activities and a relaxing bistro for the grown-ups.

Indoor Fun: BOUNCE into Action!

Get your jump on at BOUNCE Sydney Trampoline Park! This high-energy trampoline park is perfect for beating winter boredom with flips, tricks, and fun for all ages. Whether your kids are just learning to bounce or want to challenge themselves with parkour-style moves, there’s something for every skill level in this action-packed indoor venue.

Family Movies to Catch These Holidays:

• SMURFS Movie – Rihanna as Smurfette, plus an all-star voice cast, brings this brand-new family adventure to life with colour, music and laughs. Great for younger audiences!

• Jurassic World: Rebirth – Dinos are back and Scarlett Johansson leads the charge in this thrilling new instalment. Expect action, suspense, and prehistoric surprises galore.

• Superman (Out 10 July) – DC’s newest reboot takes flight with a fresh take on the original superhero. A heartfelt, funny, and action-packed adventure the whole family can enjoy.

There's so much to see, do and explore in Sydney and beyond during the break. Here's to a happy fortnight of school holidays!

Plan Your Winter School Holidays

From art and inflatables to sport and swimming, Sydney’s winter holiday line-up is packed with family-friendly fun in our go-to guides to the Best School Holiday Programs and Activities - everything you need to plan your best winter break yet.

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