Discover 20 fun and exciting school holiday activities in Sydney, from outdoor adventures to creative indoor experiences.
Are you gearing up for the long-awaited school holidays but unsure how to stay sane, entertained, or productive during the break?
Or maybe you’re the superhero parent, guardian, or older sibling on a mission to create a treasure trove of activities to keep those energetic young minds engaged?
We’ve put together a list of 20 fun and exciting things to do during the school holidays in Sydney, featuring a mix of outdoor and indoor activities.
1. Go Indoor Rock Climbing
Sydney is home to numerous indoor bouldering and rock climbing venues, offering a fantastic workout for both beginners and seasoned climbers, all while having plenty of fun.
If you’re looking to try a sport that’s energetic, exciting, and social, indoor rock climbing or bouldering deserves a top spot on your list.
Some of our favourite climbing gyms in Sydney include Sydney Indoor Climbing Gym in St Peters, 9 Degrees in Alexandria, and 1UP Bouldering in Chullora.
2. Play Mini Golf
Also known as putt-putt, mini golf is a fun and social activity that’s perfect for all ages and skill levels. It’s one of those games where having a good time matters far more than winning.
Fortunately, you don’t need to be a golf pro to enjoy mini golf. It’s incredibly easy to pick up, with courses designed so anyone who can hold a golf club can jump in and start playing straight away.
Some of our favourite mini-golf venues in Sydney include Holey Moley in Darlinghurst, Mega Mini Golf in Campbelltown, and Unreal Mini Golf in South Penrith.
3. Go Racing in Karts
Go-karting is an exciting activity suitable for all ages, with several venues across Sydney featuring both indoor and outdoor tracks.
While go-karting isn’t the cheapest option, a session or two offers an intense and thrilling experience that feels like a workout, making it well worth the money when enjoyed with friends.
Some of our favourite go-kart race tracks in Sydney include Hyper Karting in Moore Park, Extreme Indoor Go Karting in Villawood, and Ultimate Karting Sydney in Smeaton Grange.
4. Explore the Opera House
Have you ever ventured inside the iconic Opera House? If not, it’s way more exciting than you might think!
A guided tour is a fantastic way to discover more about this world-famous landmark. You’ll get to explore beneath the iconic sails, navigate the Opera House’s 300 corridors, and uncover unique and intriguing details about Sydney’s most popular tourist attraction.
For an even deeper experience, consider a backstage tour. It takes you behind the scenes, into the orchestra pit, and even inside a dressing room.
Sydney Opera House tours:
5. Jump on Trampolines
Trampoline jumping is a classic Australian pastime, whether it’s in the backyard or at one of the trampoline parks that have sprung up across Sydney in recent years.
If you’ve never visited a trampoline park before, you’ll be amazed by their size and the variety of trampolines on offer. Fun is absolutely guaranteed!
Some of our favourite trampoline parks in Sydney include Flip Out in Marsden Park, BOUNCEinc in Cromer, and Ultimate Family Entertainment Centre in Northmead.
6. Do a Pottery Class
Ready to get your hands a little muddy? A pottery class is the perfect mix of creativity and fun, where your hands become the ultimate tools for crafting.
Imagine the thrill of transforming a simple lump of clay into a unique creation. Whether it’s a giant mug, a quirky bowl, or a funky vase, the possibilities are only limited by your imagination.
Experience the joy of creating something from scratch, the excitement of the spinning wheel, and the satisfaction of seeing your masterpiece come to life.
Recommended Sydney pottery classes:
7. Visit a Sydney Zoo
Are you a wildlife enthusiast, an aspiring zoologist, or simply looking for an exciting day out in Sydney?
Sydney is home to several fantastic zoos and wildlife parks, filled with everything from playful penguins and cuddly koalas to majestic elephants and roaring lions.
One of our favourites is Sydney Zoo, where you can see all the classic zoo animals, including lions, monkeys, and tigers, as well as Australian natives like koalas and kangaroos.
Read our guide on Sydney zoos and wildlife parks for a complete list of the best zoos in and around Sydney.
8. Discover the Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout
Have you ever thought about climbing the Harbour Bridge but found the idea a bit too daunting? A fantastic alternative is a visit to the Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout and Museum!
This hidden gem offers stunning views of the Harbour and city skyline, along with a fun and educational museum. The entrance to the pylon is located on the southeastern side of the Harbour Bridge. Simply follow the pedestrian walkway onto the bridge and keep an eye out for the large entrance sign.
Read our guide on the Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout and Museum which includes photos and details on how to get there.
9. Go Ice Skating
Sydney boasts several indoor and outdoor ice skating rinks, along with pop-up rinks that appear during the winter school holidays.
Some of the indoor rinks are world-class, Olympic-sized arenas where both seasoned skaters and beginners can enjoy a fun-filled afternoon on the ice.
Some of our favourite ice skating venues in Sydney include Ice Zoo in Mascot and Macquarie Ice Rink in Macquarie Shopping Centre.
10. Visit a Free Museum
While there are some fantastic museums in Sydney where you must pay an admission fee, quite a few museums still offer free entry.
Some of our favourite free museums in Sydney are the Justice and Police Museum, the Chau Chak Wing Museum, the Australian National Maritime Museum, and the Australian Museum.
Read our guide on the best free museums in Sydney with a list of great options to spend a fun and educational afternoon.
11. Swim in an Aquatic Centre
Swimming at an aquatic centre during the colder winter months is not only a great way to stay in shape but also a fantastic spot to have loads of fun.
Many Sydney aquatic centres feature exciting indoor and outdoor slides, wave pools, saunas, steam rooms, and much more to enjoy.
Some of our favourite aquatic centres in Sydney include Aquatic Leisure Centre in Ryde, Aquatic Centre in Sydney Olympic Park, and Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre in Ultimo.
12. Visit an Escape Room
Ever dreamed of being a hero, secret agent, or explorer? Escape rooms let you step into a thrilling story packed with cryptic puzzles, hidden clues, and unexpected surprises.
Work together with friends to crack codes, solve mysteries, and beat the clock. It’s an adventure filled with challenges, teamwork, and plenty of fun!
Some of our favourite escape rooms in Sydney include Next Level Escape on O’Connell Street, PaniQ Room in The Rocks, and The Cipher Room in Newtown.
13. Ride a Bike
While Sydney might not be the most bicycle-friendly city, it still offers several tracks with little to no car traffic.
These bike-friendly paths provide a safe environment to enjoy the benefits of cycling while getting a great workout with friends and family.
Read our guide on the best bicycle tracks in Sydney with a list of short and longer bike rides.
14. Go Hiking
Hiking is one of the best ways to take in Sydney’s natural beauty, whether you’re exploring the bush, strolling along the coast, or venturing into the mountains.
Grab your friends and set out on an outdoor adventure, as there are plenty of walking tracks to choose from in and around Sydney.
Read our guide on the best hikes in Sydney with a list of great walking tracks of various distances.
15. Explore the Blue Mountains
If you’re keen to venture a bit further, the Blue Mountains, west of Sydney, are surprisingly easy to reach by public transport.
Simply catch a train from Sydney Central Station, and within two hours, you’ll arrive at Wentworth Falls, Leura, or Katoomba. Here, you can explore popular tourist attractions or enjoy a few bushwalks. In Katoomba, the hop-on-hop-off bus makes it easy to visit all the highlights.
Read our guide on the best things to do in the Blue Mountains with lots of tips and ideas.
16. Go Stand-Up Paddle Boarding
Stand-up paddleboarding, or SUP-ing, is a fun and exciting water sport that’s not only a great social activity but also an excellent workout.
Sydney offers plenty of secluded spots to enjoy paddling, and many gear hire shops provide basic lessons for beginners keen to give this sport a try.
Popular SUP locations in Sydney include Double Bay, Rose Bay, Watsons Bay, Manly and Clareville Beach, to name a few.
17. Jump on a Ferry
Explore the most beautiful parts of Sydney Harbour by hopping on the ferries for a full day of outdoor fun.
With exciting destinations like Watsons Bay, Manly, Rose Bay, Barangaroo, Darling Harbour, and Cockatoo Island, you might even need two days to take it all in.
Read our guide on the best ferry trips in Sydney for a complete list of great ferry rides and destinations.
18. Go Skateboarding in a Skate Park
Skateboarding is a great way to exercise, socialise with like-minded people, and improve your coordination, balance, and agility.
The best place to learn and practice your tricks is at a skatepark, and luckily, Greater Sydney is home to plenty of fantastic options across various suburbs.
Read our guide on Sydney’s best skateparks for some really cool skateboarding venues in Greater Sydney.
19. Discover a New Beach
It’s no surprise that Sydney’s stunning coastline is home to a vast number of incredible beaches.
While Bondi and Manly are certainly worth a visit, there are countless other stretches of sand to explore, including a few hidden gems that only the locals know about.
Read our guides on Sydney’s best beaches and the most secluded beaches to help you find that perfect stretch of sand.
20. Water Fun at Raging Waters
Located in Prospect in Sydney’s west, Raging Waters is a massive outdoor water park spanning 25 hectares, packed with family-friendly fun, including over 30 water slides, rides, and attractions.
Beyond the thrilling slides and rides, you can rent your own cabana, host a birthday party, and enjoy much more.
Check the Raging Waters Sydney website for opening hours, admission prices and more information.
