Summer School Holidays at the Museums of History NSW

Looking for fun activities this summer? Explore Museums of History NSW these school holidays to step into the past, uncover hidden stories and get hands-on with creativity at some of Sydney’s most iconic heritage sites and museums.

From immersive historical adventures to meaningful First Nations-led workshops, there's something for every curious young mind to explore. 

Summer School Holidays at the Museums of History NSW

Natural Dyeing Workshop

Harnessing nature’s beautiful colour palette, kids can create their own unique tie-dyed item, using natural dye, food waste and foraged materials, in this hands-on Natural Dyeing Workshop with artist Alacoque Dash.

Where:   Elizabeth Farm - 70 Alice Street, Rosehill
When:    Tuesday 20 January, 10.30 am–12 pm and 1.30 pm – 3 pm
               Wednesday 21 January, 10.30 am–12 pm and 1.30 pm – 3 pm
Cost:      Free event, registration required. Register here.

Cyanotypes Workshop

Photography and installation artist Izabela Pluta will lead this hands-on Cyanotypes Workshop, where kids will explore the early photographic process of cyanotype.

Where:   Vaucluse House, Wentworth Road, Vaucluse
When:    Wednesday 28 January, 10.30 am – 12.30 pm and 1.30 pm – 3.30 pm
               Thursday 29 January, 10.30 am –12.30 pm and 1.30 pm – 3.30 pm
Cost:      Free event, registration required. Register here.

Bee Magic

Kids can explore the world of bees in this hands-on Bee Magic workshop that’s buzzing with creativity and fun.

Where:   Vaucluse House, Wentworth Road, Vaucluse
When:    Friday 30 January, 10.30 am –12 pm and 1.30 pm – 3 pm
Cost:      Free event, registration required. Register here.

Museums of History NSW Drop-In Activities 

Enjoy drop-in activities across the Museums of History NSW's most iconic sites this summer:

Hyde Park Barracks

Kids’ Trail

Open daily, 10 am – 6 pm (closed Christmas Day)

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!

Make Your Own Convict Love Token

Monday 5 -  Friday 9 January, 10 am – 3 pm

Craft your own convict love token and learn about these touching symbols of remembrance, or construct your very own paper replica of the Barracks to take home.

Plan your visit to Hyde Park Barracks.

Museum of Sydney

Kids Trail

Available daily, 10 am – 5 pm, closed Christmas Day

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.

Story Time at the Museum

Monday 12 - Friday 16 January, 11 am, 12.30 pm and 2 pm

Drop in for a relaxed story time session that celebrates Country. Led by museum staff, the stories will encourage curiosity, conversation, and connection with our world.

Plan your visit to the Museum of Sydney.

Elizabeth Farm

Monday 19 - Tuesday 27 January, Daily 10 am – 4 pm

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.

Make your own peg doll using fabric scraps and simple wooden pegs, or create a paper replica of Elizabeth Farm.

Plan your visit to Elizabeth Farm.

Vaucluse House

Wednesday 28 January – Friday 30 January, 10 am – 3 pm

Have fun in the garden playing quoits, a popular 19th-century game.

Make your own peg doll using fabric scraps and simple wooden pegs, or create a paper replica of Vaucluse House. Step back in time to experience what it was like to do the laundry the old-fashioned way – by hand!

Plan your visit to Vaucluse House.

Justice & Police Museum Kids’ Trail

Open Saturday and Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm. Every day from 5 January to 30 January during NSW school holidays, 10 am – 5 pm

Pick up a kids' trail and explore 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. 

Plan your visit to the Justice & Police Museum.

Rouse Hill Estate

Open 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.

For more information and to book, visit Museums of History NSW. 

Main image credit: Photo © James Horan for Museums of History NSW

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The Best Bush Walks in Sydney for Adventurous Families
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