The countdown to the winter school holiday is on and these are my top recommendations to save your sanity and keep you in the kids’ cool books.
It doesn’t matter what age your kids are, every Sydney-based parent I know absolutely dreads the school holidays, especially winter! Kids go stir-crazy cooped up, options feel limited in terms of what you can get them to do where they burn off energy and not a hole in your pocket, and even if you do find a winner, chances are you’ve had it on high rotation every. single. holiday. But hold on to your beanies! I’ve found a ripping dozen winter-friendly school holiday activities that will save your sanity.
1. Whale watching tours
Often, I’ve imagined throwing my kids overboard. But here’s one fantastic outdoor adventure on the high seas where we may all return safely, with some spectacular memories to match. The winter school holidays happen to time brilliantly with the beginning of the humpback whale migration along Sydney’s east coast, and you’d have to be extremely unlucky to spend a day on the water without catching a mesmerising glimpse of these stunning creatures. It’s a fantastic way to get your kids off their screens and reminded of the “bigger picture”, so to speak.
Use the code STG15 to take 15% off your whale watching Sydney cruise with Fantasea. This code is valid on all whale watching Sydney cruises until September 1, 2025.
Where: From Circular Quay or Darling Harbour.
When: Whale watching season in Sydney typically runs from May to November.
Price: From $85.
READ MORE: Best whale watching cruises in Sydney (2025): Tours, Prices and Discount Codes
2. Bridge Climb
The things we do for love never cease. This is one of those things. As a parent, there really are worse things than climbing a giant metal structure above fast-moving trains, buses, cars and even boats below that. But hey, we’ve changed nappies for years to get to this rewarding stage! So, strap on your harness and your sense of adventure, we’re going to see our backyard from a fresh perspective and it’s going to make for a family photo that will be stuck on your fridge for years to come, so you had better look happy about it —especially in that compulsory oversized bright blue onesie! On the ‘upside’, your kids will think you’re pretty awesome for doing this one.
Family bundles are on offer until 31 August 2025 and save over $100 when adult tickets valued at $340 or more.
Where: Sydney Harbour Bridge, 3 Cumberland St, The Rocks NSW 2000
When: Times of climbs vary, but it is generally available to do every day of the week.
Price: Adult tickets start at $269.
3. Chopper flight
While you’re up there… if you thought the Bridge Climb idea was insane, then this one will blow the socks off your ankle biters! Actually, for all of us single parents out there who could use an adrenaline rush for a change that doesn’t involve a spin class or riding the escalators in Westfield, then chuck yourself in a chopper and head up for a joy flight over the iconic sights of Sydney. It’s a 20-minute flight over the famous spots of Sydney, including the Sydney Opera House, the Bridge, the harbour and the best beaches of the east. While this one is the most expensive option on the list, and possibly the shortest, it’s also guaranteed to be the top of the list in terms of cool factor, and one that will go the distance as stories to share as a family in future.
Where: 472 Ross Smith Ave, Mascot (Kingsford Smith Airport).
When: Open 7 days a week.
Price: From $250 per person in a shared flight experience.
4. Seaplane
Sure, this might look like the list is all about options from great heights, but when you live in one of the world’s most picturesque cities, it’d be a shame not to experience a bird’s eye view at least once. The seaplane, unlike the chopper, is a more sedate way to head to the skies and view the beaches, harbour and iconic sights, while still holding onto your hats.
Depending on your budget, you can opt for a simple 15-minute sightseeing flight, a brunch flight or even a flight to and from a scenic beach or inlet, complete with activities like oyster shucking and more. My tip: go easy on the oysters before the flight home!
Where: Sydney Seaplanes, Lyne Park, Rose Bay NSW 2029.
When: Times are subject to availability, but scenic flights operate in the morning and Fly & Dine flights depart in the late morning and early afternoon.
Price: Starts from $310 per person for the 15-minute flight.
5. Hot Air Balloon
As a parent, I spend a lot of time daydreaming about where I’d rather be. Have you ever seen those images of hot air balloons rising over the sunrise of Cappadocia in Turkey?! Well, this is about as close as you’re ever gonna get while you’re still paying school fees. It’s hot air ballooning, over Camden – but hey, I’ll take it! Since we haven’t slept properly in years, what’s one more ridiculously early morning start to catch the sunrise from this bird’s eye view of the world, the wind in your hair and the look of awe on your kids faces (they don’t know there’s anything better out there than Camden, yet).
Where: Meeting Location: 290/290 Remembrance Driveway, Cawdor NSW 2570.
When: Balloon flights are between 4:45am–6:00am.
Price: Weekday offer for $299 per person that would apply for the school holidays.
6. Harbour Jet Boating
Ok, so we’re back at ground level, but we aren’t exactly on terra firma just yet. As we’ve said, Sydney’s Harbour is too special to miss, so click on that life vest and prepare to take a wild ride that will give you a free salt spray hairstyle you never asked for.
Use promocode WINTERFUN25 at checkout to receive 25% off full-priced adult, child & family tickets on a 30-minute Red Shark Thrill Ride. Valid until the end of August.
Where: The Eastern Pontoon, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: Times vary, but there are various departures throughout the day.
Price: Kids’ tickets start from $59 for a 30-minute ride.
7. Ghost Tours
I heard a friend recently remark that the highlight of her week was turning the lights out on her teenage daughters while they were doing an at-home séance. This got me thinking that a ghost tour could be a wicked way to entertain the kids for the holidays — and potentially bribe them with horror story threats to behave for weeks to follow. While there are a few different companies to choose from, I prefer The Rocks Ghost Tours because they are based on true historical events handed down over generations.
Where: 110 George St, The Rocks NSW 2000.
When: Tours start at 7:45pm.
Price: Starting from $45 for kids and $55 for adults.
READ MORE: 7 best ghost tours in Sydney and other haunted sites
8. Luna Park and a ferry ride by night
Luna Park is certainly nothing new, and perhaps you avoid it most holidays for the long lines and crowds of tourists who visit during every school holiday. Here’s my insider hack: visit at night. There’s something so stunning about riding the Ferris wheel when it’s twinkling with lights and the carousel is lit up with clowns and unicorns. If you really want to embrace the feel of Sydney by night, then combine this adventure with a ferry ride from your nearest ferry terminal, taking you directly to and from the giant smiley face. My other top tip would be to make sure you rug up with as many layers as possible; the wind can get fresh on rollercoasters in mid-winter!
The Stranger Things experience, which landed as part of Vivid 2025, has also been extended until July 21 so make sure to check that out.
Where: 1 Olympic Dr, Milsons Point NSW 2061.
When: Opening times vary.
Price: Starts from $34 depending on age, height and day of the week you visit.
9. Cooking class
Here’s one to get you out of the kitchen at home over the holidays: throw the kids into their own cooking class! Choose from delicious dumplings, aromatic Indian dishes, or let them get messy making pasta from scratch (and you don’t have to worry about the clean up!). Ultimately, you are training them to prepare your next Mother’s Day breakfast in bed, so this is money and time well spent. The kids are under the guidance of Sydney’s best chefs and passionate foodies, who come armed with a wooden spoon that your kids will likely pay attention to (for threatening purposes only).
Where: Classes are available in several locations across Sydney, e.g. Sydney Cooking School: 73 Military Rd, Neutral Bay NSW 2089.
When: Class times vary.
Price: Starts from $65.
10. Indoor climbing
Instead of you climbing the walls, why not sit back and watch your gremlins climb the walls at this indoor climbing activity called ‘bouldering’? Think rock climbing, but with shorter walls and padded mats, so no need for ropes, partners or other gear. Bouldering is described as “a fun, challenging and rewarding activity that builds mental and physical strength”, but is also a really cool way to get your kids burning energy, without needing to hold the rope — and no one even needs to be coordinated to give it a go!
Where: 49 Fitzroy St, Marrickville NSW 2204.
When: Thursday-Monday: 6am–10pm, Tuesday and Wednesday: 6am–11pm.
Price: Start from $21 for kids, or you can invest $49 for a two-week all-you-can-climb pass that includes free shoe hire.
11. Indoor skydiving
I’m actually as surprised as you are at how many of these activities on my list involve great heights, but I’ll save that chat for my next therapist visit. Meanwhile, located in Penrith in Sydney’s west, iFLY Downunder is the first indoor skydiving facility in Australia and the largest and most powerful indoor skydiving facility in the Southern Hemisphere! I don’t know of any kid who wouldn’t be thrilled at the idea of (safely) flying through this adrenaline-pumping sport that’s suitable for kids aged three years and above. Seriously! An introductory flight package for a taste of indoor skydiving starts at $119 and includes two standard-length flights. All packages include pre-flight training, flight suit, helmet and goggle hire, one-on-one assistance as you fly, and a flight certificate.
Where: 123 Mulgoa Rd, Penrith NSW 2750.
When: Monday–Friday 9am–9pm; Saturday 8am–9pm; Sunday 8am–7pm.
Price: Starts at $119.
12. Yum Cha
My best parenting motto yet is, “If in doubt, feed them”. And there’s no better way to feed and entertain than with a yum cha lunch. The novelty of food on trolleys and giant spinning glass platters is always a winner for the little (and big) kids! Fast-paced service, delicious dumplings, giant tables you don’t have to clean, loud restaurants where kids can be kids, and mango pancakes keep coming even when you say no… what’s not to love?! My top recommendation is not the most glamorous, but for those in the know, Sky Phoenix in the CBD is the best tasting and the most popular for kids of all ages. Set banquets are also available for $38 per person for lunch if you want to take the guesswork out of ordering.
Where: SKY Phoenix: Shop 6001, Level 6 Westfield Sydney /188 Pitt St, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: Open daily, hours vary.
Price: Price varies.
Well, that’s a hot dozen options that really should keep you and the little ones going for the next winter holidays. Whether you’re climbing the walls or being flung around Sydney Harbour, there’s one thing for sure: you will have many memories to discuss at the next family dinner. May the force be with you.
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