Spring School Holidays at the Art Gallery of New South Wales

Jump into art and creativity at the Art Gallery of New South Wales these school holidays. Enjoy interactive events and exhibitions, including art-making workshops, gallery tours for kids and plenty more.

It's the perfect all-weather day out, and general entry to the Gallery is FREE!

Spring School Holidays at the Art Gallery of New South Wales

Keep the kids inspired this winter school holidays with hands-on art-making and playful gallery experiences at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. With a mix of doing, looking and learning, there’s something for every curious young mind, whether they love drawing, storytelling, or simply exploring. 

Drop-in workshop: ສູ້ສູ້ Sou Sou by Mechelle Bounpraseuth

Drop in anytime during opening hours and step into a playful, creative space where you can explore food, family, and imagination through hands-on making at the Drop-in workshop: ສູ້ສູ້ Sou Sou by Mechelle Bounpraseuth. The workshop is suitable for all ages and abilities, and all materials and instructions are provided.

During opening hours

Drop-in activity: Indian illustrations

Drop in to the Asian Lantern gallery for the Drop-in activity: Indian illustrations, and draw an imaginative scene inspired by the vibrant Indian paintings of animals, people and nature on display in Elemental. Let the patterns and details in the fantastic paintings of deities, lions, tigers, snakes and birds fire your imagination.

During opening hours

Drop-in workshop: Double birds in flight

Taking inspiration from the relationship between people and nature, visual artist Madeleine Kelly is known for creating whimsical bird sculptures from recycled drink cartons. In this workshop, the artist has designed a bird activity, inspired by the paintings of Sidney Nolan featured in the exhibition Nolan: Origins.

Drop in to the workshop any time and decorate a double bird shape with collaged paper textures to bring it to life. Add string so you can suspend it and make it fly. All materials and instructions are provided, and all ages and abilities are welcome. Free, no bookings required

26 September – 11 October 2026
Daily, 10 am – 5 pm
Wednesdays until 9 pm

Guided tour for kids: Roving art-making

Volunteer guides will lead you on an inspiring art-making tour through the Gallery's collection in the historic Naala Nura building. Observe playful artworks in a whole new light, exploring how artists express different emotions through colours, shapes and imagery. Learn about the diverse artistic techniques and fascinating stories behind the artworks through engaging activities, and then create some art of your own.

The tours are free, and no booking is required.

Sundays at 11 am
Duration 40 minutes

Drop-in workshop: Woven tortoises

Weave your own tortoise shell using colourful yarns inspired by artist Desmond Lazaro, then create a mini tortoise protector symbolising peace, wisdom and longevity.

Inspired by the Hindu god Vishnu’s tortoise incarnation, Kurma, this fun, hands-on workshop brings the story behind Lazaro’s Samudra Manthana, Churning of the Ocean of Milk from the Avatar: Forms of Vishnu exhibition to life.

Drop in anytime during the listed hours. All materials are provided, and the activity is suitable for all ages and abilities. 

26 September – 11 October 2026
Daily, 11 am – 3.30 pm

Guided tour for kids: Australian landscapes

On this roving art-making tour in the Naala Nura building, take a creative stroll through the Gallery with friendly volunteer guides, discovering spectacular Australian landscapes from beach to bush.

Hear the stories and techniques behind the artworks, join in some fun activities, then make a little art of your own. Perfect for the whole family, including little explorers, and a great introduction for first-time visitors.

Tuesdays, Thursdays
29 September – 8 October 2026       
11 am
Duration: 40 minutes

Guided tour for kids: Yiribana Gallery

Perfect for the whole family, join a dynamic tour of the Gallery's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art collection in the Guided tour for kids: Yiribana Gallery. Meet at the entry of the Yiribana Gallery in the Naala Badu building.

Wednesdays
30 September & 7 October 2026    
1 pm
Duration: 45 minutes

Family holiday workshop: It's a dog's life

Calling all dog lovers! Explore the Art Gallery of NSW with a professional artist educator, discovering artworks that capture dogs in all their shapes, colours and personalities. Then, work together with an adult to mould and sculpt your own clay canine, whether it’s a beloved pet, a gallery hound or a dog straight from your imagination.

Designed for 5–8-year-olds and their grown-up, this hands-on workshop lets you create a finished artwork to take home. Just bring a small box for your sculpture.

Tuesday 6 & Thursday 8 October 2026
10.30 am
Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Member $35. Non-member $45

Where:   Art Gallery of NSW, Art Gallery Rd, The Domain, Sydney
When:    Throughout the spring school holidays. Open 10 am – 5 pm daily
Cost:      FREE entry and activities 

Visit the Art Gallery of New South Wales for the full schedule of winter school holiday events and to plan your visit.

More School Holiday Fun

Where to Go Cherry Picking in NSW
School Holiday Activities in Sydney: The Best for Winter
Winter Festivals in Sydney 2026: Best Events & Activities

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