Winter 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, Cinémathèque Junior film screenings, and plenty more.

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

Winter School Holidays at the Art Gallery of New South Wales

Keep the kids inspired this winter school holidays with a mix of hands-on art-making and playful gallery experiences at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. With a mix of making, looking and learning, there’s something for every curious young mind, whether they love drawing, storytelling, or simply exploring. Plus, don’t miss the Hive Festival 2026 back on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 July.

Alongside the school holidays program, families can explore a range of exhibitions:

• Wander, play and explore Mike Hewson’s underground art park, The Key’s Under the Mat
• See the creativity of young artists aged 5 - 18 in Young Archie 2026
• Get hands-on in Mechelle Bounpraseuth’s playful ສູ້ສູ້ Sou Sou exhibition and workshop

Hive Festival 2026

The Art Gallery’s much-loved Hive Festival is back for one fun-filled winter school holiday weekend, and it’s free! Bring the kids along as the entire Art Gallery transforms with hands-on workshops, live performances, storytelling, music and interactive tours. This year’s festival celebrates the living world, from animals and nature to the lands and waters of Sydney. Dharug artist Billy Bain leads a series of creative workshops and surprises across the weekend.

Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 July 2026
10 am - 5 pm
FREE entry

Cinémathèque Junior: Labyrinth (1986)

Enter a magical world of puzzles, goblins and unforgettable creatures in Labyrinth (1986) at Cinémathèque Junior. When teenager Sarah journeys through a mysterious maze to rescue her baby brother, she encounters talking animals, silly monsters and the dazzling Goblin King. Filled with wonder and creativity, this fantasy classic encourages bravery and self-belief, making it a fun and enchanting experience for the whole family. Recommended for ages 8+. 

Wednesday 8 July 2026
10.30 am - 12:10 pm
Bookings required

Drop-in workshop: Frame your world

Dharug artist Billy Bain often decorates his frames with motifs and imagery of place, surf culture, coastal iconographies and Indigenous storytelling. Make your own picture frame in this hands-on Drop-in workshop: Frame your world, using frame and motif templates designed by the artist.

Daily 10 am – 5 pm
4 – 9 July 2026
Wednesdays until 9 pm
8 July – 5 August 2026
 

Guided tour for kids: Pet portraits

Join friendly volunteer guides for a roving art-making tour. Explore the Art Gallery of New South Wales collection in the historic Naala Nura building in the Guided tour for kids: Pet portraits.

Tuesdays, Thursdays , 7–16 July 2026 
Saturday 11, Sunday 12 July 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 8, 15 July 2026
Saturday 11, Sunday 12 July 2026
1 pm
Duration 45 minutes

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

Where:   Art Gallery of NSW, Art Gallery Rd, The Domain, Sydney
When:    Throughout the winter 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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