20 winter things to do in Sydney during the school holidays

With winter school holidays just around the corner (Monday, July 7 to Friday, July 18), now’s the perfect time to start planning how you’ll keep the kids entertained.

With the weather a bit too chilly for beach days and sandcastles, we’ve put together a jam-packed list of fun activities to keep the kids entertained this holiday season. From celebrating Christmas in July in the Rocks to cuddling koalas at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, the city has plenty of exciting experiences for all ages to enjoy.

Read on to find out about giant inflatable courses, dance lessons, baking classes, ice rinks in Bondi and more, with our best things to do in Sydney during the school holidays list.

1. Australian National Maritime Museum

The ANMM gives visitors an insight into Australia’s incredible maritime history, using interactive displays, workshops and fascinating exhibitions. Explore the deepest depths of the ocean at the Ultimate Depth – a Journey to the Bottom of the Sea exhibition, or learn about the Japanese midget submarine attack on Sydney Harbour at the Secret strike – War on our shores.

For those uniterested in maritime history, it’s also currently hosting the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, showcasing the incredible finalist’s work, hand-picked from 59,228 entries. See awe-inspiring snaps of cuttlefish, dugongs, snow leopards and more at this breathtaking exhibition.

Where: Australian National Maritime Museum, 2 Murray St, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: Open daily 10am-4pm.
Price: Adult tickets from $35, children from $25. Children under 4 go free.

READ MORE: Catch a glimpse of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, opening this week

2. SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

Take your little ones to SEA LIFE Sydney, where they can become Rockpool Rangers for the day in the aquarium’s new Rockpool Zone. They’ll learn all about the ocean’s tiny titans’ secrets to survival through interactive digital displays and world-class theming, as well as how to keep themselves safe around coastal environments.

Next, head to the mesmerising Day and Night on the Reef exhibit and experience the magic of the Great Barrier Reef, right here in Sydney. There’s a 1.7 million litre display and over 400 creatures, including Rays, Sharks, Jellyfish, and a huge variety of colourful fish species.

Offer: Combine your SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium ticket with WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, Madame Tussauds Sydney and Sydney Tower Eye to save up to 60% with a Sydney Big Ticket combo pass!

Where: SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, 1-5 Wheat Rd, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: Generally open 10am-5pm, 7 days a week, with last entry at 4 PM.
Price: General admission starts at $39 per adult, $26 per child.

3. Disney on Ice

Qudos Bank Arena is hosting Disney on Ice for a swirling, spinning five day extravaganza this winter. Everyone’s favourite characters will be making an appearance, including Anna and Elsa, Moana and Maui, Mirabel and family and plenty of classic Disney princesses, including Ariel, Belle and Rapunzel. Mickey and Minnie will be also be there, presenting the show.

Watch your favourite disney stories play out on the ice, and marvel at the stunning costumes and skill of the skaters.

Where: Qudos Bank Arena, 19 Edwin Flack Ave, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127.
When: Wednesday, July 9- Sunday, July 13 at various times.
Price: Tickets start at $28.70.

4. Bondi Festival

Bondi Festival is back! The annual winter arts and cultural celebration will take over Sydney’s most famous beach, bringing cool winter vibes to its shores. This year, the festival has its biggest program featuring a fresh lineup of world-class music, theatre, comedy, visual arts and interactive performances

Although it’s hard to imagine, the festival sees an ice rink planted in the suburb (usually known for sunbathing and suncream), as well as a ferris wheel and plenty of incredible acts. There’s also the Pavilion Paw Parade, with awards including Best Dressed and Party Tricks, and a food market in Bondi Park every Saturday for the duration of the festival. You can check out the full programme here.

Where: Bondi Beach, Sydney NSW 2026.
When: July 4 to July 20. 
Price: Open-access sites and ticketed events ranging from free to $55.00.

5. BridgeClimb Sydney

BridgeClimb Sydney is one of the city’s most iconic activities, giving visitors the chance to ascend above the city on one of its most famous landmarks— the Harbour Bridge. There are five different climbs available to choose from, including the Summit, the Summit Insider, the Burrawa Aboriginal Climb, the Ultimate and the Mandarin Climbing Experience. To find out more about each climb, click here.

Offer: BridgeClimb are offering savings of up to $100 on Summit Day and Summit Insider Day Climbs with their family bundles until August 31, 2025, perfect for the school holidays!

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.

6. WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo

Let your kids run wild at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo this July. You’ll come face-to-face with some of Australia’s most fascinating native animals, including Princess, the resident Southern Cassowary who looks like she came straight from Jurassic Park. You can also pop your head into the Devil’s Den to catch a glimpse of the mischievous Tasmanian Devils, Nara and Bluey— you might even catch them in a game of tug of war.

There are also countless exciting animal encounters where your kids can get up close and personal with some incredible creatures. Snap the perfect pic with Australia’s cuddliest creatures at the Koala Photo Experience or stroll around the Kangaroo Walkabout and see the fascinating marsupials hop, graze and lounge around.

Offer: Combine your SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium ticket with WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, Madame Tussauds Sydney and Sydney Tower Eye to save up to 60% with a Sydney Big Ticket combo pass.

Where: WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, 1-5 Wheat Rd, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: Generally open 10am-5pm, last entry 4pm, 7 days a week.
Price: General admission starts at $39 per adult, $26 per child.

7. Christmas in July in the Rocks

There is nothing that gets a young child more excited than Christmas, and while the big day may still seem far off, Christmas in July will be taking over the Rocks through the school holidays. Expect authentic European-style chalets, live music (including Christmas carols) and even falling snow — without needing to go out to the mountains! While your kids revel in the Christmas joy, sip a glass of mulled wine, enjoy the artisan stalls and cosy up to a roaring fire pit.

This year, Sydney is welcoming Australia’s first ever Fire Pit Cinema, with private fire pits available for two to six people. Snuggle up under blankets, sip hot chocolate, toast marshmallows and enjoy classic Christmas movies, including Home Alone, Elf and The Holiday. Set against the historic backdrop of Cadmans Cottage in The Rocks, this pop-up experience offers the cosiest winter night out.

Pop-up restaurants will be serving melted raclette, bratwursts, schnitzels and sugar-dusted crêpes, among other comfort dishes. This will be a magical family day or night out.

Where: The Rocks, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: July 11–July 20, 2025, 10am–11pm.
Price: Entry is free.

8. Whale watching cruise

The migration season is officially underway (in fact, it started earlier this year) so it’s time to head to the water’s edge, armed with your binoculars and cameras. There are several whale-watching cruises available, including Fantasea Cruising and Captain Cook Cruises.

Perfect for thrillseekers, Fantasea‘s two and a half hour Adventure Whale Watching Cruise is one of Australia’s most exciting, high-speed whale watching experiences, travelling at top speeds across the ocean to get you out to see the whales as quickly as possible. Tickets start from $99.

With Captain Cook Cruises, you can go on the ultimate animal lover’s day out — start the day with a whale watching cruise before visiting the iconic Taronga Zoo. The Whale Watching & Taronga Zoo combi ticket means you can save money by combining ticket purchases. You can get a whale watching cruise and entry to the zoo for $125 per includes a 9:30am cruise, entry and transport to Taronga Zoo, and a return Rocket ferry back to Circular Quay.

If you’re just looking for a classic cruise experience, Go Whale Watching offers daily three-hour tours departing from King Street Wharf. A family ticket comes in at $250 for two adults and two children, saving you $50.

There are also plenty of viewpoints where you can spot passing humpbacks free of charge, and on solid ground. Take your kids on a walk along one of the top coastal vantage points.

When: Now through to July (peaking in June/July) and again from August through to November.
Price: Prices vary depending on operator.

9. The Twits at Sydney Opera House

The utterly gruesome twosome will be at the Sydney Opera House during the school holidays, bringing Roald Dahl’s classic tale to life in an exciting and hilarious theatre production. The show will be full of laughs, life and chaos, as the Twits try to out-nasty the other in a never-ending contest of cruelty.

Perfect for children, this production includes vibrant visuals, clever dialogue and over-the-top drama, just how Dahl intended. There’s also a very satisfying conclusion to the show, where kindness triumphs over the Twits’ nastiness.

Where: The Playhouse, Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: Saturday, July 5 to Saturday, July 19 at various times.
Price: Tickets start at $35.95.

10. Mystique – A Journey Beyond Reality

World-renowned illusionist and Australia’s Got Talent finalist Michael Boyd brings his stunning show to Sydney’s State Theatre in July. ‘Mystique’ will take audiences to another reality through insane illusions, escapes, levitations, transformations, special effects and mind-blowing disappearances. You won’t believe your eyes!

Where: The State Theatre, 49 Market St, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: Friday, July 11, at 2pm and 6:30pm.
Price: Adult tickets start at $59.00, children tickets start at $49.00.

11. Sydney Tower Eye

The Sydney Tower Eye is the city’s tallest building and has been an iconic part of the skyline for more than 30 years. Friendly guides will point out iconic landmarks and share the best of Sydney stories as you step out into the open air observation deck, 268 metres above the city.

Your family will enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the skyline, sweeping from the sparkling shores of Bondi to the majestic Blue Mountains.

Offer: Combine your SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium ticket with WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, Madame Tussauds Sydney and Sydney Tower Eye to save up to 60% with a Sydney Big Ticket combo pass.

Where: Sydney Tower Eye, Westfield Sydney, Level 5/108 Market St, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: Opening times vary, but usual times are 10am-7pm.
Price: From $95 per adult, $70 per child.

12. Taronga Zoo

Taronga Zoo is undeniably Australia’s most famous zoo, thanks to its sweeping harbour views and a cohort of exotic and exciting animals. It’s also a not-for-profit, meaning that every dollar you spend at the zoo goes to helping save wildlife.

Now is an amazing time to go and see some of the new arrivals to the zoo, including tiny koala joeys and seal pups. They’ve also recently opened the Amphibian & Reptile Experience, which takes you on a journey through six immersive zones and lets you get up close to over 42 curious creatures that jump, slither and crawl in the Dragon’s Den.

Where: Taronga Zoo, Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman NSW 2088.
When: Open from 9:30am to 4:30pm daily.
Price: Adult tickets start at $47.70 per person, children tickets at $27.90 per person.

13. Wrexham Down Under

For any budding soccer player, the chance to see an English football team, who are about to play in the Championship league, will be both inspiring and exciting. Wrexham AFC have just announced that their pre-season tour will take the men’s first team to Australia and New Zealand in July.

The team will be playing Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium on July 15, following a match in Melbourne and preceding a match in New Zealand. Go along and support Sydney FC (or Ryan Reynolds’ team) in a day celebrating soccer and fan connection.

Where: Allianz Stadium, Driver Ave, Moore Park NSW 2021.
When: July 15, 7:30pm kick off.
Price: Tickets start at $59 per person.

14. Bubble Planet

Vivid will leave a hole in our lives when it ends on June 14, but Bubble Planet is the next immersive, artsy, multi-sensory show that’ll blow your mind. It’s popped into Sydney Olympic Park’s Paddington Pavilion this winter, fresh from sold-out runs in London and New York City.

This epic multi-sensory experience has 10 whimsical rooms, each offering a different ecosystem of light, colour, bubbles and fantasy. Kids and their parents can step inside a massive bubble dome filled with colourful magic, walk through a room filled with infinite bubble bulbs and take a plunge into a giant ball pit bubblebath. They’re sure to burn off some energy here.

Where: Paddington Pavilion (Gate 4), Sydney Olympic Park, NSW 2127.
When: Wednesday–Monday, 9am–6pm (last session 5pm; sessions last 60-90 minutes).
Price: Adult from $33.90, child from $26.90.

Book tickets at bubble-planet.com.

15. Madame Tussauds

Australia’s only Madame Tussauds offers endless selfie opportunities with over 100 lifelike celebrity figures. Where else can you see Beyoncé, Chris Hemsworth and E.T. all under one roof?

In the new Wild Australia Zone, you’ll find Australia’s most beloved family, the Irwins, in the recreated Daintree Rainforest. Admire the terrifying jaws of a saltwater crocodile (crikey!) and discover all of Robert Irwin’s top photography tips for capturing the beauty of Australia’s wildlife.

There are also other exciting immersive experiences, including the pulse-pounding Carnival Carnage 7D Experience, which is perfect for teens. You’ll be transported to a creepy carnival ground where you’re tasked with blasting lasers at enemy clowns.

Offer: Combine your SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium ticket with WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, Madame Tussauds Sydney and Sydney Tower Eye to save up to 60% with a Sydney Big Ticket combo pass.

Where: Madame Tussauds, 1-5 Wheat Rd, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: Generally open 10am-5pm, 7 days a week, with last entry at 4 PM.
Price: General admission starts at $39 per adult, $26 per child.

16. Monster Jump

Monster Jump is guaranteed to thrill your children, as who wouldn’t want to make their way through a giant inflatable course? The mobile inflatable obstacle course spans a ginormous 280 metres, allowing children to expend all their energy in an unforgettable experience. There are over 30 different obstacle adventures, including basketball, jousting and even a wrecking ball.

If your inner child feels left out, don’t worry, as Monster Jump has activities to keep the adults entertained too. It’s free for parents to attend the event with their children; however, if you want to enter the inflatable obstacle course for yourself, you’ll need to pay admission.

Where: The Showring, Entertainment Quarter, 122 Lang Rd, Moore Park NSW 2021.
When: Saturday, July 5 to Sunday, July 20, 2025.
Price: Tickets from $35.

17. Sydney Dance Company Winter School Holiday Workshops

Calling all aspiring dancers and dance mums. Bring your children along to Sydney Dance Company’s Winter School Holiday Workshops, where they’ll develop their dance skills and be taught by some of the best in the industry. Children of all talents are welcome, with classes designed especially for beginners, as well as those with some experience. Children and teenagers aged five through to 18 are welcome, with different classes designed for different age ranges.

Where: Sydney Dance Company, Wharf 4/5, 15 Hickson Road, Dawes Point.
When: July 7–July 18, 2025
Price: Prices range from $38 to $295, depending on which class is selected.

18. Ninja Kids

With two Sydney locations in Hornsby and Brookvale, Ninja Kids is inviting children to unleash their inner warrior over the school holidays, with action-packed training sessions designed to turn them into the ultimate ninja champions. Their holiday program is all about building strength, new skills, agility and self-confidence, all while having fun and making new friends.

The day includes designated warm-up and stretching time, obstacle training, team-based activities and even an arts and crafts section of the day.

Where:
Hornsby: 1/4 Leighton Pl, Hornsby NSW 2077.
Brookvale: 22/130 Old Pittwater Rd, Brookvale NSW 2100.
When: July 7 until July 21, 2025. Session times vary.
Price: Full day school holiday program costs $70 per day.

19. ACO Families: The Princess, The Pea (and the Brave Escapee)

The Australian Chamber Orchestra is putting on a stunning theatrical show this winter, with a live classical concert performed by the talented ACO musicians. This family-friendly performance follows the story of The Princess and the Pea, in an amazing blend of drama, adventure, storytelling and music.

For an added bonus, stay after the performance for the chance to meet the musicians and learn more about their instruments. You can also enjoy free creative play activities in the foyer before and after the performance.

Where: ACO On the Pier, Pier 2/3, Suite 3, 13A Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay Arts Precinct, Dawes Point NSW 2000.
When: Sunday, July 13 to Sunday, July 30 at various times.
Price: Tickets start at $39.

20. DeLovely Cake Design and Academy: Kids Holiday Workshops

Roll up your sleeves and take part in a creative workshop; there are 11 to choose from. For budding bakers, there are classes for cupcakes, donuts, cookies or brownies. If they’re more artistically inclined, take a look at the balloon art workshops, or creative arts and crafts sessions including modern Chinese ink painting with acrylics, Matisse-inspired acrylic painting or glow-in-the-dark magic painting.

Kids can explore their creative side independently, or parents can join the fun with the parent-child booking option. Find the full program here.

Where: Shop 20, 369 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood, 2067 NSW.
When: July 7 to July 20 at 10am~1pm.
Price: Classes vary in price but start at $80.