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The summer school holidays are almost here, and if you're already hearing the words "I'm bored" before the school term has even finished, we've got you covered!
Sydney is bursting with brilliant school holiday programs this summer, from creative workshops and singing bootcamps to sports camps, science experiments, coding adventures and outdoor experiences. Whether you've got a budding performer, a mini scientist, a sporty kid or a little creative who loves getting hands-on, there's something to keep them busy while school is out.
The 2026–27 NSW summer school holidays run from Friday 18 December 2026 to Wednesday 27 January 2027 for Sydney's Eastern Division. We've rounded up some of the best programs to help kids learn new skills, make friends, try something different and, most importantly, have a whole lot of fun!
Table of Contents
Jump to
- Sydney Youth Orchestras Summer Holiday Programs
- Speaking Schools Australasia
- Singers Holiday Bootcamp
- Sydney Dance Company Summer Workshops
- Little Ginger Studio Holiday Workshops
- Glaze Galleria Pottery Classes
- Big Music Holiday Rock Camps
- Coogee Beach Tennis Camps
- Parklands Multi-Sports Camps
- Modbod Gymnastics Holiday Workshops
- Eastside Riding Academy
- Kano Football Holiday Camps
Creative & Performing Arts
Sydney Youth Orchestras Summer Holiday Programs
Got a budding musician at home? Sydney Youth Orchestras (SYO) is bringing the music to life these summer holidays with five-day programs designed for young musicians of all abilities. From first-time instrumentalists to experienced players preparing for HSC Music, kids can develop their skills through rehearsals, tutorials and performances led by expert tutors and conductors. The programs wrap up with a concert at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, giving participants the chance to show off their hard work.
Where: Santa Sabina College, Strathfield (performances at Sydney Conservatorium of Music)
When: 11-16 January 2027 (individual program dates vary)
Age: Preschoolers, kids and teens
Cost: Varies by program. Creative Kids Vouchers accepted.
Speaking Schools Australasia
Most students fear public speaking – but Speaking Schools Australasia turns it into the highlight of the school holidays! This multi-award-winning team has helped more than 30,000 students find their voice through fun, age-specific workshops in public speaking, debating and presentation skills. With small classes of no more than nine students per coach, kids from Kindergarten to Year 10 receive personalised guidance and feedback while building confidence, critical thinking and communication skills in a supportive environment.
Don't miss out on a spot! Visit Speaking Schools Australasia to explore the summer workshops and book.
Where: North Sydney, Wahroonga, Burwood, Ryde, Bella Vista, Castle Hill, North Parramatta and online
When: December 2026 - January 2027. Check individual workshop dates
Age: Kindergarten to Year 10
Cost: Check website for current course pricing
Singers Holiday Bootcamp
Does your child love singing, performing and putting on a show? The Singers Holiday Bootcamp is a three-day experience where young performers can find their voice, build confidence and make friends who share their love of music. Led by award-winning vocal coach Emma Deans and her team, kids will learn singing techniques, stage presence, microphone skills, movement and performance in a fun, supportive environment. No previous experience is needed, with beginners through to experienced young performers welcome. The bootcamp wraps up with a special performance for family and friends!
Where: Emma Deans Sings Singing School, 107 Mansfield St, Rozelle
When: 11-13 January 2027 and 18-20 January 2027, 9 am-3 pm daily
Age: 6-11 years
Cost: Check booking page for pricing
Sydney Dance Company Summer Workshops
Ready to dance the holidays away? Sydney Dance Company's summer workshops give young dancers the chance to learn from industry professionals, develop their technique and explore different styles in a fun and creative environment. With workshops spanning Commercial and Street Dance, Contemporary, Jazz and more, there's something for beginners through to more experienced dancers. Sessions run as one, two and three-day workshops, with an informal sharing for families at the end of each course.
Where: Sydney Dance Company, Wharf Studios, Walsh Bay, and Bondi Pavilion
When: 4-21 January 2027. Individual workshops run for one, two or three days
Age: 5-18 years
Cost: Varies by workshop
Little Ginger Studio Holiday Workshops
For little artists who love getting creative, Little Ginger Studio's holiday workshops are a lovely way to spend a day making, experimenting and exploring new materials. Based in Randwick, the studio offers hands-on creative experiences designed to encourage imagination and self-expression, with plenty of opportunities for kids to make something uniquely their own.
Where: The Main Hall, Randwick Literary Institute, 60 Clovelly Rd, Randwick
When: 16-22 December with January dates to be confirmed shortly
Age: Ages 5+
Cost: Starting from $115 per workshop
Glaze Galleria Pottery Classes
Get those little hands muddy! Glaze Galleria's kids' pottery wheel classes give children the chance to try their hand at pottery, learn the basics of working with clay and create something special to take home. It's a brilliant option for creative kids who love getting hands-on and trying something a little different.
Where: Glaze Galleria, Drummoyne
When: 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29 and 30 January 2027, 10.30 am-12.30 pm
Age: 10-15 years; children must be at least 140cm tall
Cost: $100 per child
Big Music Holiday Rock Camps
Got a budding rock star at home? Big Music's Holiday Rock Camps give young music lovers the chance to get together, learn an instrument, play in a band and experience the excitement of making music with others. Whether they're already playing or just starting out, it's a fun and creative way to build musical skills, confidence and friendships over the school break.
Where: Big Music School & Studios, Level 1, 85 Alexander Street, Crows Nest
When: 4-8 January, 11-15 January, 18-22 January, 25 January and 27-29 January 2027. Generally 9am-3pm
Age: 5-17 years, with separate programs for different age groups
Cost: From $560, depending on the camp
STEM & Educational Programs
Junior Science Academy – Macquarie University
Calling all curious kids! Macquarie University's Junior Science Academy offers hands-on holiday experiences where children can investigate, experiment and explore the world of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Developed by experienced educators, the programs encourage kids to get curious, try new things and learn through practical activities. Topics vary between sessions, with everything from space and dinosaurs to other exciting STEM discoveries.
Where: Macquarie University, 13 Hadenfeld Avenue, Macquarie Park
When: 18-22 December 2026, 9.30 am-4 pm daily.
Age: 5-12 years
Cost: $157.50 per day
TinkerTank Coding and Robotics Camps
For kids who love building, inventing and figuring out how things work, TinkerTank's coding and robotics camps are a great way to spend the school holidays. Children can explore technology through hands-on challenges, coding activities and robotics projects, developing problem-solving skills while having fun. With programs catering to a wide age range, there's plenty to keep curious minds busy.
Where: Manly Library, Manly, and Neutral Bay Studio, Neutral Bay
When: Manly sessions: 12-14 January and 19-21 January 2027, 9 am-3 pm daily | Neutral Bay weekdays from 18 Dec - 2 Feb, 9 am-3 pm daily
Age: 6-16 years
Cost: From $119.99
Sports & Active Programs
Coogee Beach Tennis Holiday Camps
Get the kids out on court this summer with Coogee Beach Tennis' school holiday camps. Open to beginners and experienced young players alike, these fun-filled sessions combine tennis games, drills, coaching and plenty of opportunities to make new friends. With full-day camps running from 9 am to 3 pm, it's a great option for kids who love being active and want to improve their skills over the break.
Where: Coogee Beach Tennis, corner of Bream and Brook Streets, Coogee
When: 4-8 January, 11-15 January (confirm dates), 18-22 January and 25-29 January 2027. No session on 26 January. 9 am-3 pm daily.
Age: 5-12 years
Cost: From $95 per day, with multi-day discounts. Five days during the first week are $375
Parklands Multi-Sports Camps
If your kids are happiest running around and trying every sport under the sun, Parklands Sports Centre's multi-sports camps are worth a look. Children can enjoy a rotating mix of activities, including tennis, basketball, netball, frisbee, touch football, soccer, golf and more. With age-appropriate groups and experienced coaches, it's a great way to build sporting skills, confidence and teamwork while making new friends.
Where: Centennial Parklands Sports Centre, Moore Park
When: 11-13 January, 18-20 January and 27-29 January 2027, 9 am-3.30 pm daily. Drop-off from 8.30 am and pick-up until 4 pm
Age: 5–12 years
Cost: $130 per day or $300 for three days
Modbod Gymnastics Holiday Workshops
Flip, tumble and bounce your way through the school holidays with Modbod Gymnastics. Their holiday workshops give kids the chance to develop their gymnastics skills, build coordination and confidence, and enjoy plenty of active fun in a supportive environment. A great choice for energetic little ones, whether they're already gymnastics enthusiasts or keen to give it a go for the first time.
Where: Modbod Gymnastics, 4/21 Orlando Rd, Cromer
When: 14-24 December 2026 and 4 January-2 February 2027, weekdays. Closed 25 December-3 January and 26 January
Age: 4.5-12 years
Cost: $50 for half-day sessions, $85 for a full day (9 am-3 pm) or $100 for a long day (8.30 am-3.30 pm)
Eastside Riding Academy Holiday Camps
Saddle up! Eastside Riding Academy's school holiday riding camps offer young horse lovers the chance to spend time with horses while learning new skills and building confidence. With options including Junior Jockey and full-day riding camps, there's something for different ages and experience levels. A lovely opportunity for kids who love animals and want to try something a little different these holidays.
Where: Centennial Parklands Equestrian Centre, Moore Park
When: Junior Jockey sessions: 11, 15, 18 and 22 January, 9 am-1 pm. Full-day riding camps: 12-14 and 19-21 January, 9 am-4 pm
Age: 5–7 years for Junior Jockey; 7–14 years for full-day camps
Cost: $270 per child for Junior Jockey and $400 per child for full-day camps
Kano Football Holiday Camps
For little football fans who can't get enough of the beautiful game, Kano Football's holiday camps are a great way to keep practising their skills over summer. Kids can enjoy football-focused activities, games and skill development in a fun environment, with opportunities to build confidence, teamwork and friendships along the way.
Where: Hills Grammar School Astro Pitch, Kenthurst, and Pennant Hills Park Astro Pitch, Pennant Hills
When: Hills District: 18-19 January 2027. Hornsby District: 20-21 January 2027, 9 am-3.30 pm daily
Age: Confirm with provider
Cost: $150 per child for the two-day camp
FAQs
What are school holiday programs in Sydney?
School holiday programs in Sydney are structured, supervised activities run during the NSW school holiday periods and are designed to keep kids engaged, active and learning while school is out. They range from sports clinics and coding camps to performing arts workshops and outdoor nature programs.
When are the 2026/27 summer school holidays in Sydney?
The NSW summer school holidays run from Friday 18 December 2026 to Wednesday 27 January 2027
How much do school holiday programs in Sydney cost?
Costs vary widely depending on the program. Some museum and cultural programs offer free entry, while multi-day workshops (like coding camps or performing arts intensives) typically range from $100 to $565. Half-day programs generally start from around $40.
What age are school holiday programs suitable for?
Most programs in Sydney cater to primary school-aged children from Kindy (5 years) through to Year 12. Some programs offer streams specifically designed for ages 5-7, while others cater up to Year 12.
Do I need to book school holiday programs in advance?
Yes. Popular programs sell out quickly, sometimes weeks in advance. It's worth booking as soon as dates are confirmed, especially for multi-day workshops with limited spots.
Are there free school holiday programs in Sydney?
No. Most school holiday programs in Sydney are paid. For free things to do during the school holidays, check out our School Holiday Activities guide.
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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.
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