School Holiday Fun at the Australian National Maritime Museum

Dive into a program full of discovery and adventure at the Australian National Maritime Museum this summer.

With their collection of real-life vessels, plus a packed program of exhibitions, hands-on workshops, beach-inspired playscapes and family activities, the summer school holidays will be buzzing with curiosity, creativity and plenty of coastal vibes. 

School Holiday Fun at the Australian National Maritime Museum

The Museum’s summer holiday program promises a memorable day of fun, learning and imagination where budding marine adventurers can enjoy the feeling of being in, on or by the water without leaving the harbour. 

Summer School Holiday Program

There are oceans of fun things to do every day of the summer school holidays at the Australian National Maritime Museum, and many are included with your Museum ticket.

Highlights include:

• The Beach: Skip the sand and crowds and step into The Beach, a bright, breezy and immersive playscape filled with digital storytelling, performance and playful installations that explore how the beach connects us and shapes our stories

• Kids on Deck maker space: A creative hub for young makers with art and craft activities inspired by the museum’s summer exhibitions, where kids can cut, paint, assemble and experiment to their hearts’ content.

• Mini Mariners under 5s program: Designed especially for littlest visitors, Mini Mariners sessions blend songs, stories, play and simple making activities in a relaxed, welcoming setting just right for under 5s and their carers.

• Sensory Friendly Days: Galleries, a vessel and activity areas open with adjusted sound and lighting for a quieter, more comfortable experience, ideal for kids and adults on the autism spectrum or anyone who prefers a gentler environment. Trained staff and volunteers are on hand to support creative activities.

• Cabinet of Curiosities: Get up close with fascinating maritime objects in hands-on sessions that invite kids to touch, investigate and ask questions about mysterious items from the sea and shore.

• Underwater Drones: Budding marine scientists can test their gaming skills and explore under the surface of the harbour using U Drones, with guided workshops that reveal what lives beneath the waves.

• Ocean Health Lab: Discover how plastic, pollution and climate change affect our oceans in this sustainability-focused activity, where families can examine samples, conduct simple experiments and learn how to help protect marine environments. 

• Deep Sea Disco Days: A family-friendly dance party with ocean-themed tunes, costumes and playful movement that gets everyone wiggling like jellyfish and grooving like sea creatures.

• Kids Activity Trail: Follow a fun trail through the galleries, complete challenges, and stamp your booklet as you go to create your own mini maritime adventure and earn a little reward at the end.

• Beach Babies: On selected Wednesdays and Fridays in January, The Beach opens early exclusively for babies aged 0 to 24 months and their carers, with soft, sand-free play structures, gentle music, bubbles and sensory experiences, plus a drink from Ripples Cafe for adults.

• First Nations workshops: Join artists and educators for creative cultural activities that explore First Nations stories, knowledge and connections to sea Country through art making and hands-on workshops for the whole family.

• Come aboard the fleet: Step on board historic vessels including HMAS Vampire, HMAS Onslow, HMAS Advance and the replica Endeavour to imagine life at sea and discover stories from Australia’s maritime past.

• Beach Flicks: Relax in the museum theatre with daily film screenings celebrating Australia’s long love affair with the beach, from surf carnivals to family holidays and lazy days by the sea.

• Explore exhibitions and Sydney Harbour: Dive deeper into major exhibitions such as Ocean Photographer of the Year and Ur Wayii (Incoming Tide), then extend your visit with optional harbour experiences like heritage cruises, kayaking or sailing.

Where:    Australian National Maritime Museum, 2 Murray St, Sydney
When:     Throughout the summer school holidays 2025–26 (see museum website for program dates and session times)
Cost:       Various, depending on activity. Museum Entry is $40 per adult, $30 per child under 15, and Under 4s FREE
                Some workshops incur additional costs.

Boatloads of fun await! See the full program and book your tickets at the Australian National Maritime Museum.

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