Pick a Date
Six weeks of summer holidays, endless energy and a whole lot of "what are we doing today?" Thankfully, Sydney is bursting with ways to keep the kids entertained, from splash-tastic water parks and free family activities to exciting new attractions, live shows and air-conditioned adventures.
We've rounded up the best summer school holiday activities in Sydney for 2026-2027, including budget-friendly outings, creative workshops, outdoor adventures and unforgettable experiences worth booking ahead.
The NSW summer school holidays run from Friday 18 December 2026 to Wednesday 27 January 2027 for Eastern Division public schools, so get those calendars ready and start planning some summer fun!
Table of Contents
Jump to:
Free School Holiday Activities in Sydney
- Sydney Festival 2027
- Powerhouse Castle Hill
- Star Stories at the Sydney Opera House
- Glow Art for Kids
New and Exciting Summer Holiday Experiences
- Powerhouse Parramatta: Visit Sydney's Newest Museum Adventure
- Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue
- Prehistoric Planet: Discovering Dinosaurs at Carriageworks
- Dinosaurs of Patagonia
Water Parks, Pools and Splash Pads
- Splash & Swim at Campbelltown Billabong Parklands
- Jungle Float: Sydney's Ultimate Floating Playground
- Slip & Slide at Central Coast Aqua Park
Indoor School Holiday Activities
- Dinosaur World Live
- David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away)
- Museum of Illusions Sydney
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
- Everyday Art Adventures For Families at The MCA
- House Down Under
Animals, Nature and Outdoor Adventures
- Calmsley Hill City Farm
- SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
- Dinosaur Valley at Scenic World
- Kid Quest Interactive Family Scavenger Hunt
Sensory-Friendly School Holiday Experiences in Sydney
School Holiday Workshops & Programs
- Summer Fruit Picking
- Amazement Fun Park & Digger Zone
- NSW Rail Museum
—
Free School Holiday Activities in Sydney
Sydney Festival 2027: Free Family Fun Across Sydney
Sydney Festival is turning up the summer fun in January 2027, with an incredible lineup of free performances, colourful installations and creative workshops for kids!
One highlight is WAVERIDER at Bondi Pavilion, where acclaimed physical theatre company Legs On The Wall combines breathtaking acrobatics with surf-inspired storytelling. Performing on a giant inflatable wave, the artists bring Sydney's beach culture to life before transforming the installation into a play zone for families to explore.
Over at the Sydney Opera House, Kite Choir fills the Northern Broadwalk with handmade kites carrying recorded voices and wishes from children around the world. Kids aged five and over can also join the free Make a Kite & Record a Wish workshops.
Meanwhile, Future Fiestas brings a colourful explosion of creativity to Darling Harbour, where Filipino artist Leeroy New transforms discarded materials into spectacular sculptures and costumes. Families can join the free Fiesta Aliens! workshops to create their own out-of-this-world accessories before a celebratory parade.
Where: Bondi Pavilion, Sydney Opera House, Darling Harbour and other Sydney locations
When: 7-25 January 2027. Family highlights include WAVERIDER (7-17 January), Kite Choir (7-10 January), Future Fiestas (9-23 January) and Fiesta Aliens! (10-23 January)
Cost: Featured activities are free. Other Sydney Festival events may be ticketed.
Powerhouse Castle Hill
Home to over half a million important objects and artefacts from the worlds of science, technology, space and time, Powerhouse Castle Hill promises a free, family day out like no other. If you have a child even remotely interested in where things come from and how they are made, they'll love stepping back in time to the Powerhouse Collection. Objects from the worlds of art, design and transport share additional insight into different cultures, and our own. Impressively, you can also visit Locomotive No. 1, which pulled the very first passenger train in NSW back in 1855!
Where: Powerhouse Castle Hill, 2 Green Road, Castle Hill
When: Weekends from 10 am to 4 pm
Cost: Free for the Powerhouse Collection. Check the Powerhouse Castle Hill website for other event information
Star Stories at Sydney Opera House
Little stargazers can let their imaginations soar at Star Stories, a free creative workshop at the Sydney Opera House these summer school holidays.
Inspired by the wonders of the night sky, kids can create their very own constellation maps using pictures, patterns and words, turning twinkling stars into magical stories. This hands-on, drop-in activity is perfect for curious minds and budding artists looking for a little celestial creativity.
Where: Sydney Opera House, Western Foyer
When: Selected dates from 6-14 January 2027
Cost: FREE
Best for: Kids aged 7 and over
Glow Art for Kids at Liverpool Regional Museum
Get ready to glow wild these summer school holidays! Glow Art for Kids at Liverpool Regional Museum invites little artists to unleash their creativity in a colourful world of glowing masterpieces.
Using UV-reactive materials and blacklights, kids can experiment with bright colours, doodle dazzling designs and watch their artwork come to life under ultraviolet light. It's a fun, hands-on workshop that adds a little glow-in-the-dark magic to the school holidays — and best of all, it won't cost a cent!
Where: Liverpool Regional Museum, Liverpool
When: Thursday 14 January 2027
Cost: FREE
Best for: Kids aged 5 to 10
New and Exciting Summer Holiday Experiences
Powerhouse Parramatta: Visit Sydney's Newest Museum Adventure
Western Sydney has a spectacular new family attraction, and it's one to put straight on your summer holiday bucket list!
Newly opened in November 2026, Powerhouse Parramatta brings science, technology, engineering, design and creativity together in an incredible museum experience, with plenty to discover for curious kids.
Kids will love The Dark, an immersive exhibition designed especially for children aged four to 12. Journey through mysterious bedrooms, glittering crystal tunnels and enchanted forests into a magical world filled with unexpected discoveries. Budding astronauts can also explore Task Eternal, an extraordinary exhibition celebrating humanity's fascination with flight and space exploration. With more than 850 objects, including a real NASA Moon rock, historic aircraft and original Leonardo da Vinci drawings, it's sure to inspire some big dreams!
There are five opening exhibitions to explore, including four with free admission, making Powerhouse Parramatta an excellent option for a budget-friendly family outing or an escape from the summer heat.
Where: 34 Phillip Street, Parramatta.
When: Open throughout summer 2026-2027. Check current opening hours before visiting.
Cost: General museum entry and four opening exhibitions are free. Task Eternal is $30 for adults, $20 for concession holders, and free for children under 16
Family highlight: The Dark is specifically designed for children aged four to 12
Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue
The world of Minecraft is jumping off the screen and into Sydney this summer with Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue, an interactive adventure where kids become heroes on their own Minecraft mission!
Landing at Luna Park from 18 December 2026, this immersive experience invites players to journey through familiar Minecraft biomes, mine for resources, encounter mobs and work together to rescue villagers from danger. The approximately one-hour adventure begins in the forest, where players learn the ropes before setting out on an exciting quest through a series of interactive environments. Along the way, expect friendly creatures, spooky skeletons, explosive Creepers and plenty of opportunities to put those Minecraft skills to the test.
Where: Big Top Sydney, Luna Park
When: 18 December 2026 to 26 April 2027.
Cost: General admission from $49 per person. Family multipacks of four to nine tickets start from $41.65 per ticket. Prices vary by date.
Duration: Approximately 60 minutes
Prehistoric Planet: Discovering Dinosaurs at Carriageworks
Dino-mite adventures await these summer school holidays! Sydney families can travel back 66 million years at Prehistoric Planet: Discovering Dinosaurs, a spectacular new immersive dinosaur experience taking over Carriageworks.
Inspired by the Emmy-nominated Apple TV series Prehistoric Planet, this jaw-dropping 360-degree adventure brings prehistoric giants to life with enormous projections, incredible CGI and an epic soundtrack by Hans Zimmer.
Little dinosaur lovers can come face-to-face with a fearsome T. rex, dive into ancient oceans alongside a colossal Mosasaurus and witness the magical moment a baby dinosaur hatches from its egg. With prehistoric landscapes stretching across the walls and floor, this 50-minute experience is the closest you'll get to walking with dinosaurs without a time machine! It's a roaring addition to Sydney's summer school holiday activities for kids.
Where: Carriageworks, 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh
When: 11 December 2026 to 31 January 2027. Session times vary; closed 25 December and 26 January.
Cost: Tickets from $25.90
Suitable for: All ages. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult
Dinosaurs of Patagonia
Get ready for a prehistoric adventure of epic proportions! The world's biggest dinosaur is stomping into the Australian Museum this summer, and little dinosaur lovers are in for a ROAR-some treat!
Dinosaurs of Patagonia brings some of the largest dinosaurs ever discovered to Sydney, including the enormous Patagotitan mayorum, along with towering skeletons, incredible fossils, and interactive displays. Kids can come face-to-face with fearsome predators, discover how dinosaurs roamed the Earth millions of years ago and explore the fascinating world of palaeontology through hands-on activities and 3D animations. It's a larger-than-life school holiday activity that promises plenty of jaw-dropping moments!
Where: Australian Museum, 1 William Street, Sydney
When: 28 November 2026 to 2 May 2027 | 10 am to 5 pm
Cost: Adults from $23; children $16; concessions $20; family tickets from $66. Free for Australian Museum members.
Family highlight: Seeing one of the largest dinosaurs ever discovered up close!
Water Parks, Pools and Splash Pads
Splash & Swim at Campbelltown Billabong Parklands
Make a splash this summer at Campbelltown Billabong Parklands, where sparkling swimming pools, interactive water play and plenty of picnic spots make for the ultimate family day out!
Little splashers can cool off in the interactive water playground, complete with bubbling fountains, rockpools and playful water features, while the Children's Pool offers a gentle beach-style entry that's perfect for younger swimmers. Bigger kids can dive into the impressive Billabong Pool, featuring a cascading waterfall and deeper swimming areas.
When everyone's ready for a break, spread out a picnic rug, fire up one of the BBQs or grab a bite from the newly opened on-site café. With shaded picnic huts, grassy areas and plenty of room to relax, it's an easy way to keep the whole family entertained without heading to the beach.
Where: The Parkway, Bradbury, Campbelltown.
When: Throughout the summer school holidays 2026-2027 | daily from 10 am to 7 pm
Cost: Adults $8.30; children/concession $5.50; family pass $23.30 (two adults and two children, or one adult and three children). Children five and under swim free with a paying adult or concession holder.
Family highlight: The interactive splash playground and beach-entry Children's Pool are especially popular with younger children.
Jungle Float: Sydney's Ultimate Floating Playground
Make a splash these summer school holidays with Jungle Float, Sydney's ultimate floating playground!
Anchored off the beautiful beaches of Balmoral and Clontarf, this action-packed aquatic adventure takes beach days to a whole new level. Forget building sandcastles – kids can launch themselves off jumping platforms, tackle rope swings, bounce on trampolines and zoom down a waterslide straight into the sparkling water below!
Each 60-minute session is packed with thrills, spills and plenty of opportunities to show off their best cannonballs. With lifeguards supervising the fun, parents can kick back on the beach while their little daredevils make a splash.
Where: Balmoral Beach, Mosman, and Clontarf Beach
When: Until 31 January 2027. Session dates and times vary by location
Cost: $37 per person for a 60-minute session. Private hire available for $900 per hour.
Suitable for: Ages 7+ who can confidently swim 25 metres unassisted
Slip & Slide at Central Coast Aqua Park
So, you've visited every Sydney water park twice, but have you visited Central Coast Aqua Park?!
Located on the Gosford waterfront, this epic aquatic obstacle course is packed with inflatable slides, climbing walls, tunnels, balancing challenges and plenty of opportunities to make a spectacular splash! Kids aged five and over can test their skills, race their friends and tackle the obstacles while trying to stay on their feet (good luck with that!).
With challenges for different abilities, it's a fantastic way for energetic kids, tweens and teens to burn off some serious school holiday energy. Parents can join the action too, making it a fun-filled family day trip from Sydney.
Where: 42 Masons Parade, Gosford, next to Gosford Olympic Swimming Pool
When: Open from 7 November 2026 for the 2026-2027 summer season. Session times vary
Cost: Single session (50 minutes) $30; double session (approximately two hours) $40; all-day pass from $70
Indoor School Holiday Activities
Dinosaur World Live
Hold onto your explorer hats because dinosaurs are taking over the stage this summer! The Olivier Award-winning Dinosaur World Live is roaring into Chatswood with enormous, lifelike dinosaur puppets, prehistoric surprises and an unforgettable adventure for little dino fans.
Join intrepid explorer Miranda as she journeys through a mysterious world filled with incredible creatures, including the mighty T. rex, Triceratops and towering Giraffatitan. With spectacular puppetry, plenty of audience interaction, and a free 15-minute dinosaur meet-and-greet after every performance, this school holiday show promises some seriously BIG excitement!
Where: The Concourse, 409 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood
When: 15-17 January 2027, performances at 10 am, 12.30 pm and 3 pm daily
Cost: Tickets from $64.90
Duration: Approximately 55 minutes, plus a 15-minute dinosaur meet-and-greet
Family highlight: Meeting one of the giant dinosaurs after the show!
David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away)
Step inside a world bursting with colour, creativity and larger-than-life art! David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away) is transforming Carriageworks into an extraordinary immersive experience this summer, bringing the legendary British artist's iconic creations to life on an enormous scale.
Forget traditional art galleries! This spectacular 360-degree experience surrounds visitors with giant projections of Hockney's famous swimming pools, colourful landscapes, vibrant paintings and digital artworks, all accompanied by music and narration from the artist himself. It's an inspiring indoor school holiday activity that introduces kids to art in a wonderfully different way, while providing a welcome escape from the summer heat.
Where: Bay 17, Carriageworks, 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh
When: Until 24 January 2027 | Open daily
Cost: General admission from $34.90; VIP Anytime Pass $64.90; under 4s go FREE
Family highlight: Being completely surrounded by Hockney's colourful artwork through spectacular floor-to-ceiling projections.
Museum of Illusions Sydney
Looking for an indoor school holiday activity with broad family appeal? Museum of Illusions Sydney invites visitors to step into a world where perception is constantly challenged through immersive installations, optical illusions and hands-on exhibits. Spanning more than 900 square metres, the museum features over 80 interactive experiences, from gravity-defying rooms and holograms to mind-bending perspective zones that are guaranteed to get everyone talking.
Unlike traditional museums, guests are encouraged to interact with the exhibits, explore at their own pace and snap plenty of memorable photos along the way.
Where: 413 George Street, Sydney
When: The Museum is open daily from 10 am to 8 pm Sunday through Thursday, and 10 am to 9 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Cost: Regular admission from $38. Kids under 4 are FREE with an infant ticket.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Harry Potter™ The Exhibition is casting a spell over Sydney with an immersive experience packed with movie magic, interactive moments and behind-the-scenes wizardry.
Families can wander through beautifully recreated sets, come face-to-face with authentic costumes and props from the films, and dive into the stories that made the Wizarding World such a global phenomenon. From testing your magical skills to celebrating your Hogwarts house pride, plenty of hands-on moments are designed to make visitors feel part of the adventure.
With cinematic soundscapes, detailed environments and sensory surprises woven throughout the experience, Harry Potter™ The Exhibition transforms a summer day in Sydney into something far more magical than your average school holiday outing.
Where: Fever Pavilion at Sydney Showground
When: Daily until 31 January 2027
Cost: Tickets from $33 per adult and from $20 per child
Everyday Art Adventures For Families at The MCA
There is so much to explore at the MCA! Their permanent collection boasts over 4,700 artworks with a major focus on artists living and working in Australia, including significant works by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.
The ever-changing line-up of exhibitions means there's always something fresh and exciting on display at the MCA, with bold sculptures, immersive installations and thought-provoking artworks that spark the imagination and often invite interaction.
The galleries are designed to be family-friendly, with accessible layouts, engaging artworks and a relaxed, welcoming vibe. Plus, current exhibitions are always free for under-18s and Australian students. Look out for drop-in activities and sensory-friendly experiences during school holidays and weekends - they're always a hit with young art lovers!
Where: MCA, 140 George Street, The Rocks
When: Open Wednesday - Monday from 10 am to 5 pm
Closed Tuesdays.
Open on public holidays, excluding 25 December
Cost: Adults $35, Concession $28 + online booking fee
FREE for MCA Members, under 18s and students
House Down Under
For quirky, fun-filled school holiday activities in Sydney that the whole family will love, step inside House Down Under — Australia's first inverted house photo experience that needs to be seen to be believed!
Behold this topsy-turvy, fully-furnished home where the ceilings are floors, and the floors are ceilings, and strike your most creative poses as you hang from the rafters, float through a flipped kitchen or pour tea on the roof. This gravity-defying,g out-of-the-box activity guarantees loads of laughs, surreal photos and a one-of-a-kind adventure you won’t find anywhere else.
Your ticket includes unlimited time in the house with six different areas to explore and countless photo opportunities. See life on the flip side and book your visit today!
Where: Market Square, Rouse Hill Town Centre, Rouse Hill
When: Weekdays: 12 pm to 6 pm
Weekends: 10 am to 6 pm
Cost: Single Tickets (including kids 4 and over) - $19 per person
Groups of 3 or more (including kids) - $17 per person
Kids Under 4 go FREE
Animals, Nature and Outdoor Adventures
Calmsley Hill City Farm
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle and give the kids a taste of country life without straying too far from the city, Calmsley Hill City Farm is the perfect school holidays activity. Just 40 km from Sydney's CBD, this historic working farm has been welcoming families since 1806. It is home to an incredible mix of animals, including koalas, kangaroos, camels, cows, pigs, goats, sheep, donkeys, reptiles, and plenty of cuddly babies.
Daily Summer Holiday Highlights:
- Animal Patting (10:30 am): Get up close with friendly nursery animals like baby lambs, kids, and chicks.
- Cow Milking (11 am and 2:30 pm): Try your hand at traditional cow milking.
- Stock Whip & Working Dog Shows (12:30 pm and 1 pm): Watch clever kelpies round up sheep and see crack whip demonstrations.
- Sheep Shearing (1:30 pm) & Koala Talk (2 pm): Learn about wool production and native Aussie wildlife.
- Tractor Rides: Hop aboard the tractor for a scenic rumble around the farm grounds.
Spread across 500 acres of rolling pastures and bushland, there's loads of space for kids to explore, and a new playground for climbing and sliding. Pack a picnic or fire up the free BBQs, grab something from the kiosk if you prefer, and settle in for a full day of farmyard fun.
Where: 31 Darling Street, Abbotsbury
When: Open Daily
Cost: Adult: $32 | Child: $17 | Under 3s FREE | Family of 5: $97. Annual Pass: Adult $90 | Child $45 | Family $230
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
These school holidays, dive into the best of the deep blue in the heart of the city!
From the world-famous dugong to the breathtaking local marine creatures, and even the toothy Grey Nurse Sharks, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium in Darling Harbour has family fun covered, with over 4,000 spectacular creatures in its underwater exhibits. You'll find over 300 species throughout the aquarium's themed habitat zones, including Jurassic Seas, Penguin Expedition, Shark Valley, Dugong Island and SEA LIFE Sydney’s hands-on Discovery Rockpool.
The fully immersive rockpool zone is home to fascinating creatures, including sea stars, crabs, sea cucumbers, sea urchins, and fish species, and features a giant LED screen with crashing waves as a backdrop, plus interactive digital displays for a fully engaging experience.
Where: SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, Darling Harbour, 1-5 Wheat Rd, Sydney
When: Open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. Last entry: 4 pm
Cost: General Admission online from $49 for adults, $36 for children. Under 2s go FREE
Dinosaur Valley at Scenic World
Another fun animal activity not too far out of Sydney, Dinosaur Valley returns to Scenic World this summer, bringing over 60 dinosaurs back into the Jamison Valley rainforest.
Entry is included with a standard Scenic World ticket, which also covers unlimited rides on the Railway, Skyway and Cableway.
Where: Scenic World, Violet Street & Cliff Drive, Katoomba
When: Until 31 January 2027
Cost: Included with a standard Scenic World ticket — adults from around $61, kids from around $40.20
Kid Quest Interactive Family Scavenger Hunt
Who says superheroes need a cape? Kid Quest turns the streets of Sydney into an action-packed adventure playground. No cape required, just curious kids and a fully charged phone.
This self-guided outdoor scavenger hunt starts at Hyde Park and winds through 10 hand-picked city locations, following clues, solving visual puzzles and collecting virtual rewards along the way. It's part city exploration, part brain workout, and entirely parent-approved. This activity will keep the kids so busy problem-solving that they won't even realise they're walking 2km.
Designed for children aged 4-8, the hunt builds teamwork, critical thinking and observation skills, while keeping screen time to a minimum. The best part? There are no set times, no bookings and no queues!
Where: Starting at Hyde Park, Sydney
When: Any time. This is a completely self-guided scavenger hunt — simply book a time online and go.
Cost: From $12 pp
Duration: Approximately 60 minutes
Sensory-Friendly School Holiday Experiences in Sydney
School holiday adventures should be enjoyable for everyone, and Sydney has some wonderful options for children who prefer a quieter, more relaxed environment. From museums offering reduced-sensory sessions to wildlife attractions with quiet spaces and helpful accessibility resources, families can enjoy memorable outings at a pace that suits them.
One of the best options is the Australian Museum's Early Birds program, which welcomes autistic visitors, children with sensory sensitivities and their families before the museum opens to the general public. With reduced visitor numbers, adjusted lighting and sound, dedicated quiet areas and sensory-aware staff, it's a lovely opportunity to explore the museum without the usual hustle and bustle.
The Australian National Maritime Museum is hosting special Sensory-Friendly Days on 20 December 2026 and 17 and 31 January 2027, with early access from 8.30 am to 11.30 am, reduced sound and lighting, and opportunities to explore exhibitions, vessels and creative play spaces before the crowds arrive. The January sessions also feature special meet-and-greets with puppets from ERTH.
Over at the Art Gallery of NSW, families can explore a range of accessible programs, including sensory tours and tailored art experiences. The newly opened Powerhouse Parramatta also offers dedicated Quiet Times, while Taronga Zoo provides visual stories, tranquil zones and other accessibility resources to help families plan a more comfortable visit.
For more ideas, check out Sydney's best sensory-friendly events.
School Holiday Programs
Looking to keep the kids busy with structured activities? We've rounded up the best school holiday programs in Sydney — from sports clinics to art workshops and everything in between! See the full School Holiday Programs Guide.
Summer Day Trips From Sydney
Summer Fruit Picking
Kids just love going fruit picking, and when summer rolls around, it's the perfect time to enjoy the gorgeous blossoms coming to life on a beautiful farm.
Summer is prime time for fruit picking around Sydney and regional NSW, as orchards burst into bloom with juicy cherries, berries, apples and more - check out the fabulous fruit-picking farms near Sydney that welcome families with open arms during the summer school holidays.
Amazement Fun Park & Digger Zone
Amazement Fun Park is one of those Central Coast days out where the kids can burn through energy in every possible direction.
Little builders can get straight to work in the Kids Digger Zone, climbing aboard the diggers for hands-on outdoor action, then getting wonderfully lost in the mazes, challenging the family to giant games, meeting furry friends in the petting zoo, and hopping aboard the park train. There are also pony rides, amusement rides, photo experiences and plenty of tasty treats to keep snack breaks firmly on the agenda. Add in free animal presentations, bottle feeding, reptile encounters and donkey pats, and you've got a full day of fresh air, muddy shoes and very happy kids.
Where: 170 Yarramalong Rd, Wyong Creek
When: Open 7 days a week from 9.30 am to 4 pm (last entry 3 pm)
Cost: *$40 per adult; $28 per child (3-15); $130 for Family Pass; under 2s go FREE
*Entry includes a complimentary train ride for all guests. Additional train and pony rides are $10 each.
NSW Rail Museum
If your kids have ever pressed their face against a train window and refused to look away, the NSW Rail Museum in Thirlmere is about to become their favourite place on earth.
Just one hour southwest of Sydney, Australia's largest collection of heritage rolling stock awaits. The museum is stacked with iconic locomotives, historic carriages and undercover interactive exhibits that bring more than a century of Australian railway history to life! Allow at least two hours to explore, and that's before you factor in the highlight of any visit: a 40-minute steam train ride departing from historic Thirlmere Station.
During the school holidays, heritage train rides run daily — even in the rain — making this an excellent wet-weather day trip option. The sprawling site also has over 10,000 square metres of lawn, with sheltered picnic tables, free barbecues and a play space, making it easy to turn the visit into a full-day out. There's also a kiosk serving barista coffee, hot food and snacks.
Plenty of free parking right out front, and infants under 2 are free!
Where: 10 Barbour Road, Thirlmere (approx. 1 hour southwest of Sydney)
When: Monday to Friday from 10 am to 4 pm | Weekends from 9 am to 5 pm
Cost: Museum only: $15 per adult; $5 for kids (2-17 years); Under 2s go FREE
Museum + Train Ride: $35 per adult; $15 for kids (2-17 years); Under 2s go FREE
—
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the summer school holidays in Sydney in 2026-2027?
The NSW summer school holidays run from Friday 18 December 2026 to Wednesday 27 January 2027 for Eastern Division public schools, which includes most of Sydney. Western Division schools in regional NSW have an extended break until Wednesday 3 February 2027. Students in Sydney's public schools return for Term 1 on Wednesday 3 February 2027, following school development days. Private and independent school dates may vary.
What are the best free summer school holiday activities in Sydney?
There are plenty of fantastic free school holiday activities in Sydney for summer 2026-2027! Highlights include Sydney Festival's WAVERIDER at Bondi Pavilion, Kite Choir at the Sydney Opera House and Future Fiestas at Darling Harbour. Families can also explore the free exhibitions at Powerhouse Parramatta, visit the Australian Museum, discover Sydney's best playgrounds or cool off at free splash pads.
Sydney Festival's free family events run throughout January 2027, making them particularly appealing for budget-conscious families.
Where can I take kids in Sydney on a hot day?
When Sydney temperatures soar, indoor attractions are a great way to beat the heat! Head to the Australian Museum, Powerhouse Parramatta, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium or an air-conditioned indoor play centre. Kids can also enjoy bowling, the movies or interactive experiences such as Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue. For water-loving families, Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre offers indoor swimming and water play, while outdoor pools and splash parks are ideal for a refreshing dip when conditions are suitable.
What are the best water parks and splash pads for kids in Sydney?
Sydney has some brilliant water parks and splash pads for kids of all ages! Campbelltown Billabong Parklands is a family favourite, with swimming pools, a children's pool and an interactive splash park. Other popular options include Raging Waters Sydney, the water playground at Darling Harbour, Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre and local council splash parks. For a bigger adventure, Raging Waters offers thrilling waterslides, while younger children will love the gentler water features at Campbelltown Billabong Parklands.
What can kids do in Sydney during the January 2027 school holidays?
January 2027 is packed with family-friendly entertainment, including Sydney Festival performances, creative workshops, interactive exhibitions and outdoor adventures. Don't miss WAVERIDER at Bondi Pavilion from 7-17 January, Kite Choir at the Sydney Opera House from 7-10 January and Future Fiestas at Darling Harbour from 9-23 January. Families can also explore Powerhouse Parramatta, enjoy Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue, visit wildlife parks or spend sunny days swimming, cycling and exploring Sydney's beaches.
What are the best school holiday activities for toddlers in Sydney?
Sydney has plenty of toddler-friendly school holiday activities, from interactive museums to splash parks and colourful playgrounds. Little ones will love the Burra learning and play space at the Australian Museum, the shallow-water playground at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre, and the fountains at Darling Harbour's Tumbalong Park. Other great options include toddler-friendly library storytimes, indoor play centres, animal encounters and Sydney's best fenced playgrounds. For summer outings, look for shaded play areas, gentle water features and activities designed specifically for children under five.
Are there any free school holiday workshops in Sydney?
Yes! Sydney libraries, museums and community centres offer plenty of free school holiday workshops for kids, including arts and crafts, science experiments, storytelling and creative activities. For January 2027, highlights include free Weaving Wonders at Kings Cross Library on 15 January, Glow Art at Liverpool Regional Museum on 14 January and Gross Science on 20 January. Sydney Festival also features free creative experiences, including Fiesta Aliens! at Darling Harbour. Some workshops have limited places, so booking ahead is recommended.
What are the best summer school holiday activities in Western Sydney?
Western Sydney is packed with exciting summer school holiday activities for families! Discover the newly opened Powerhouse Parramatta, make a splash at Campbelltown Billabong Parklands, tackle the waterslides at Raging Waters Sydney or enjoy indoor water play at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre. Families can also explore Western Sydney Parklands, visit local playgrounds and join free workshops at council libraries. With everything from big-ticket attractions to budget-friendly outings, there's plenty to keep Western Sydney kids entertained throughout December and January.
What are the best indoor activities for kids in Sydney during the school holidays?
Rainy day? Heatwave? No worries. Sydney has loads of indoor favourites like arcades, museums, aquariums, indoor play centres, bowling, ice skating, and theatre shows designed just for kids. It's the perfect way to keep the fun going when the weather has other plans. Check out more activities in our guide to Sydney's Best Indoor Activities.
—
About ellaslist
ellaslist is a trusted local guide for families across Sydney and NSW, written by parents and family lifestyle editors who understand what makes an outing with kids genuinely work. Our team researches and curates the best family-friendly events, attractions, playgrounds, restaurants and school holiday activities, with practical details on age suitability, accessibility, parking, public transport, facilities and family-friendly tips.
More Summer Adventures
New Playgrounds in Sydney
30 Family-Friendly Beaches in Sydney
The Best Petting Zoos and Animal Encounters in Sydney For Kids
Have you signed up for our newsletter? Join ellaslist to get the best family and kid-friendly events, venues, classes and things to do NEAR YOU!
Reviews
