Winter School Holidays 2026 at Museums of History NSW

Looking for fun activities these Winter school holidays? Explore Museums of History NSW sites this July and celebrate NAIDOC week with ceramics, illustration and weaving workshops at the Hyde Park Barracks, Vaucluse House and Western Sydney Records Centre.

Drop in for captivating kids' trails and hands-on activities at select museums.

Winter School Holidays 2026 at Museums of History NSW

Ceramics Workshop with Kevin ‘Sooty’ Welsh

Join Wayilwan artist Kevin ‘Sooty’ Welsh for a hands-on ceramics workshop exploring the cultural significance of scar trees. Create your own piece while learning about the trees’ living legacy and connection to Country.

Where:   Western Sydney Records Centre, 161 O'Connell Street, Kingswood
When:    Tuesday 7 April, 10.30 am, 11.30 am, 12.30 pm, 1.30 pm, 2.30 pm
               Wednesday 8 July | 10.30 am–12 pm
Cost:      General $40, member $32, mob tix $15

Book now for the Ceramics Workshop with Kevin ‘Sooty’ Welsh.

Jade Goodwin Illustration Workshop

First Nations artist Jade Goodwin has created colourful illustrations for more than 20 different children’s books. Join Jade this NAIDOC Week for a special illustration workshop for kids and families.

Where:   Hyde Park Barracks, Queens Square, Macquarie Street, Sydney
When:    Thursday 9 July | 11 am – 12 pm
               Friday 10 July | 11 am – 12 pm
Cost:      General $20, member $16, mob tix $15 (each ticket includes one complimentary adult).

Book now for the Jade Goodwin Illustration Workshop.

Dharug Day Out

Museums of History NSW is joining forces with Muru Mittigar Cultural Centre to bring you a day of fun activities for the whole family to enjoy, featuring live music, cultural performances and a range of food and artisan stalls. Celebrate First Nations cultures on Dharug Country at Rouse Hill Estate.

Where: Rouse Hill Estate, 356 Annangrove Road, Rouse Hill
When: Sunday 12 July | 11 am – 2 pm
Cost: Free, registration recommended

Register now for Dharug Day Out.

Weaving on Country with Malima

Join Malima, a family business from the La Perouse Aboriginal Community, and learn Aboriginal weaving techniques. In this immersive workshop, learn about cultural knowledge and practices that connect weaving to Country. This hands-on experience offers a unique opportunity to connect with Dharawal culture, history and storytelling through weaving.

Where: Vaucluse House, Wentworth Road, Vaucluse
When: Thursday 16 July, 11 am–12.30 pm
Cost: General $25, member $20, mob tix $15

Book now for Weaving on Country with Malima.

What Else is on at Museums of History NSW?

Enjoy FREE activities and kids' trails across MHNSW museums:

Hyde Park Barracks Kids’ Trail

Open daily 10 am – 6 pm (last entry at 4.30 pm)

Start your adventure with the engaging Hyde Park Barracks Kids’ Trail and an immersive audio tour that brings the stories of the Hyde Park Barracks to life. Then dive into hands-on activities that make history tangible and exciting!

Plan your visit to Hyde Park Barracks.

Museum of Sydney Kids Trail

Open daily 10 am – 5 pm

Explore the hidden tales beneath your feet with an engaging kids' trail related to the new exhibition Unearthed. Become a history detective as you search for objects and discover the stories they hold.

Plan your visit to the Museum of Sydney.

Justice & Police Museum Kids’ Trail

Open daily, 10 am – 5 pm during NSW school holidays (Saturday 4 – Sunday 19 July 2026)

Pick up a kids' trail, explore the captivating displays and discover the stories of Sydney’s original Water Police Station and courts. Earn your own police badge, dress up in costume and perform a mock trial with your family. Unlock secrets and solve mysteries as you move through the museum.

Plan your visit to the Justice & Police Museum.

Vaucluse House

Open Wednesday to Sunday, 10 am – 4 pm

Have fun in the garden playing quoits, a popular 19th-century game. Drop in for craft bunting and learn about entertaining during the Victoria era through a table setting activity inspired by Mrs Beeton.

Plan your visit to Vaucluse House.

Elizabeth Farm

Open Monday to Saturday, 10 am - 4 pm during NSW school holidays (Saturday 4 – Saturday 18 July 2026).

Have fun in the garden playing quoits, a popular 19th-century game. Make a mini greenhouse to take home, or step back in time to experience what it was like to do the laundry the old-fashioned way – by hand!

Connect with local First Nations history through artist Tony Albert’s installation Healing land, remembering Country. Take part in a hands-on ‘memory exchange’ activity that asks participants to write messages on seeded paper as a gesture of intergenerational healing.

Plan your visit to Elizabeth Farm.

Rouse Hill Estate

Every Sunday, 10 am – 4 pm

Get ready for fun-filled experiences at Rouse Hill Estate, with basket-weaving workshops, hands-on building with LEGO® Bricks and a chance to meet friendly farm animals. For more information, visit Family Fun at Rouse Hill Estate.

Plan your visit to Rouse Hill Estate.

More Winter Activities

Fruit Picking in Sydney: Your Seasonal Guide
The Best Bush Walks in Sydney for Adventurous Families
Our Favourite Picnic Spots in Sydney

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