The winter school holidays are just around the corner (Monday, July 6 to Friday, July 17), so it’s time to start locking in some activities to get you through the coldest holiday season of the year.
Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean there aren’t a bundle of wild activities in the line up to entertain the little ones these winter school holidays. Sydney Travel Guide has unearthed a whole range of adventures to cater for every age, every forecast, every budget and every parent in tow.
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 Treasures of the Viking Age – The Galloway Hoard, and travel back in time to early medieval Scotland and discover unique and mysterious Viking-age treasures.
For those interested in maritime history, it’s also currently hosting the HMAS Vampire, Australia’s largest museum vessel, the last of the country’s big gun ships. Visitors can board the vessel and experience first hand what the Vampire experienced as she served in the Royal Australian Navy from 1959 to 1986.
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: Enjoy a journey onboard the HMAS Vampire at The National Australian Maritime Museum.
2. SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
Take a deep dive to SEA LIFE Sydney, where you can get your adrenaline pumping and take the plunge in one of the most thrilling animal encounters in Australia. Shark Dive Xtreme is a rare opportunity to get closer than ever to incredible Grey Nurse Sharks, Port Jackson Sharks, Wobbegong Sharks, as well as giant Stingrays, and many more amazing sea creatures… all without a cage!
Each guest will take part in a 90-minute introductory briefing and a 25-minute diving experience to go face-to-fin with sharks, rays and more! This one is for the older kids, with a minimum age requirement of 14 years – but there’s plenty on offer for the smaller kids.
Explore the Great Barrier Reef Day and Night. Set entirely on the reef as it transitions through night and day, life on the reef is recreated for guests to encounter & experience, across 24 hours of the day. The exhibit uses state-of-the-art technology to deliver a unique, interactive experience & is the largest Great Barrier Reef exhibit in the world!
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: Magic in The Stars!
Chart a course through the night sky to Disney On Ice – where every story starts with a wish. Take a magical journey with Mickey, Minnie, and friends through the timeless stories of Cinderella, Aladdin, Toy Story, and Cars, and today’s favourites including Encanto, Frozen 2, and Moana. Create new memories with Raya from Raya and the Last Dragon and Asha from Wish, and become enchanted by Tiana, Rapunzel, and The Disney Princesses.
Add a little extra magic to your Disney On Ice experience with the all-new 2026 Magical Pass, including premium seats with some of the best views in the house. Arrive an hour early to enjoy a visit with a special Disney star before the start of the show and commemorate your very special experience with a collectable lanyard. These spots are limited.
Where: Qudos Bank Arena, 19 Edwin Flack Ave, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127.
When: Wednesday, July 15 to Sunday July 19 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.
Highlights for 2026 include a fabulous fluffy big Paw Parade on Saturday July 11, as well as a giant Underwater Creatures Festival with creators of giant illuminated puppets, immersive storytelling and unforgettable spectacle. These creators will transform streets, parks and public spaces into living, breathing playgrounds of light, story and wonder.
There’s an endless array of activities, displays, interactive adventures and hosted highlights on offer this year for the festival. Fore more info and to book your tickets, click here.
Where: Bondi Beach, Sydney NSW 2026.
When: July 3 to July 20.
Price: Open-access sites and ticketed events ranging from free to $55.00.
5. BridgeClimb Sydney
Book a Day Summit, Summit Insider or Mandarin Climb for your family, or select one of the Family Bundle offers with over $100 in savings, during the Winter School Holiday promotional period (27 June – 17 July 2026).
When you arrive for your Climb, simply say KIDS EAT FREE to the BridgeClimb team during check-in. Eligible child Climbers on the booking (maximum four per booking) will each receive a Kids Eat Free voucher to redeem at Harbour View Hotel after their Climb.
After your BridgeClimb experience, present your voucher to a Harbour View Hotel team member to redeem a complimentary meal from the eligible kids menu. Vouchers are valid for same-day use only.
Adventure above Sydney Harbour, then enjoy a family meal in The Rocks — sorted! Click here to find out more and book your tickets.
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
Aussie kids tend to miss out on the white Christmas theme, except in July! Thanks to the annual Christmas In July In The Rocks Festival, our little ones can enjoy the concept of a winter wonderland Christmas Festival with, Christmas in July 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.
From the picturesque snow lane to live concerts and the Firepit Cinema, this festival will become your preferred way to say hooray! The Christmas in July festival will take place in The Rocks from 10 – 19 July. Families, friends, and Christmas enthusiasts alike will have the opportunity to gaze through a memorable combination of free and ticketed experiences.
Where: The Rocks, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: July 10–July 19, 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. You, Me & The Land of Lost Things -Sydney Opera House
The utterly gruesome twosome will be at the Sydney Opera House during the school holidays, bringing You, Me & The Land of Lost Things theatre production.
YOU and ME have lost something important. Well… actually, lots of things. A guinea pig. A lucky rabbit’s foot. Possibly the plot! So they’re off on a wild quest through the Land of Lost Things – a world of snapping turtles, flying socks, treasure-hungry pirates and a very anxious bull.
It’s a dangerous adventure – but with a bathtub boat, a guinea pig detector and just a little bit of luck, they might just make it home. That’s if they don’t get eaten by sharks. Or tricked by Johnny Knucklehead. Or trapped in the Lost Foot Empawrium…
The team behind the 13-, 26-, 52-, 78- and 91-Storey Treehouses brings Andy Griffiths and Bill Hope’s brilliantly bonkers book to the stage in a hilarious new theatrical adventure for children aged 6+ and their adults.
Get ready for action, imagination and extremely questionable navigation. And whatever you do… don’t lose your ticket!
Where: The Playhouse, Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: Saturday, July 4 to Saturday, July 19 at various times.
Price: Tickets start at $35.95.
10. Australian Museum
From ink-splatter art workshops to vampire-slaying film screenings, alongside after- hours adventures, the Australian Museum (AM) is serving up a school holiday program with serious bite for all members of the family this winter, including a two-for-one ticket offer to Bloodsuckers: Nature’s Vampires.
The AM’s latest family-friendly science exhibition invites visitors get up close to a remarkable evolutionary adaptation that has enabled tiny micro-predators to dominate the planet. Developed by the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) in Toronto, Canada, the Bloodsuckers exhibition helps visitors transform “ick” into interest and fear into fascination, and offers a fresh take on science.
Where: The National Museum, 1 William St, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: From 7th July
Price: Adult tickets start at $52 Members | $65 Non-members
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. Harry Potter: The Exhibition
Harry Potter: The Exhibition celebrates all things Harry Potter with many of your favourite moments, characters, settings, and creatures from the film series, as well as the extended world of Harry Potter.
Get up close to authentic props and costumes, practice your Quidditch skills, pot a Mandrake, and more in this unforgettable experience.
Excited to attend but don’t know what date you want yet? The VIP and Flex Ticket options guarantee you entry on any date and time within operating hours. They’re also a great option for gifting tickets!
Where: Paddington Pavilion at Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2021.
When: All through the month of July.
Price: Tickets start at $25 for kids and $30 for adults
Click here for tickets.
14. Escape This! The Wizard’s Chamber
Fever is hosting an escape challenge – Within the Headmaster’s sanctum, flickering candlelight dances across dust-laden parchment and the air is thick with traces of ancient enchantment. As students of magic, you have been tasked to uncover the perilous immortality elixir and obliterate the formula before the dark sorcerers breach the castle walls. Wield your collective spellwork to defy the darkness – the realm is counting on you!
Escape This delivers Australia’s most immersive escape experiences – cinematic, story-led adventures that go far beyond what an escape room is expected to be. At the Sydney CBD location, players can choose from the city’s largest collection of immersive worlds, including three adventure and six horror themed experiences.
Where: Escape This – Sydney CBD, NSW 2127.
When: Throughout the month of July. Bookings essential
Age: 9+ age rating but kids 7+ can play as paid guests in family groups. Kids under 7 can also play and for free
Group size: 2-8 players
Price: Adult from $55, child from $45.
Book tickets here
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 just got even more monstrous! Now located at Moore Park and Rose Bay for the holidays, this is 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 4 to Sunday, July 19, 2025.
Price: Tickets from $35.
Where: Lyne Park Mini Fields, Rose Bay, NSW 2021.
When: Saturday, July 5 to Sunday, July 19, 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 6–July 17, 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. Half day and afternoon sessions are also available.
Where:
Hornsby: 1/4 Leighton Pl, Hornsby NSW 2077.
Brookvale: 22/130 Old Pittwater Rd, Brookvale NSW 2100.
When: July 7 until July 17, 2025. Session times vary.
Price: Full day school holiday program costs $75 per day.
19. ACO Families: Pinocchio
The Australian Chamber Orchestra is putting on a stunning theatrical show this winter… Let your imagination come alive in our brand-new ACO Families show, Pinocchio.
Combining an actor and theatrics with original music played live on stage by string and percussion musicians, this reimagined tale is filled to the brim with joy, wonder and just a touch of real magic.
There once was a boy who was made. And although his papa (who is also his sculptor) sees him as more than enough, he sees himself as less. Because he isn’t a real live boy. But he does have a gift. In a world of half-truths and fake news, his nose… knows.
So when he sets off into the world, Pinocchio finds that he can smell a rat. And also ride in a whale. And act like an ass (when he gets turned into one). And outwit a cat and outfox a fox. And eventually… save his papa, Geppetto.
Where: ACO On the Pier, Pier 2/3, Suite 3, 13A Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay Arts Precinct, Dawes Point NSW 2000.
When: Sunday, July 9 to Sunday, July 19 at various times.
Price: Tickets start at $42.
20. DeLovely Cake Design and Academy: Kids Holiday Workshops
Roll up your sleeves and take part in a creative workshop; this year there are 12 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. (Dates may change, check the website here for updates_
Price: Classes vary in price but start at $80.
