School holidays in Sydney

School holidays in Sydney

School holidays in Sydney

By Alannah Maher Posted: Time Out Friday July 3 2020

 Find our picks of the best activities to entertain the kids over the September school holidays

The last school holidays were a pretty unusual affair under lockdown. But with restrictions eased across New South Wales, when it comes to the September school holidays in Sydney, the city is your toy box (just pack some hand sanitizer and keep up the physical distancing as best you can).

Attractions across the city are welcoming back visitors of all ages and there's plenty to keep little humans occupied and burn off some of that pent up energy.

What to do with the kids in Sydney

Go looking for Nemo at the aquarium

This Darling Harbour aquatic haven has opened back up to the public so you can get your fix of the briny deep. The kids will love meeting Pig the dugong and all the creatures of the deep. During the school holidays, it is open seven days a week. New health and safety measures are being followed and the daily ticketed capacity has been significantly reduced to allow for physical distancing. Visitors are advised to book online in advance where possible. While you're in the area, why not add on a visit to Wild Life Sydney Zoo or Madame Tussauds? 

Read more

Get your skates on for a twirl on the ice

A cold breeze is brewing and requests to dress up as characters from Frozen on Sydney’s ice rinks are coming. While some of our favourite icy pop-ups are taking a hiatus this winter (except for one setting up at Darling Harbour just in time for the school holidays), permanent rinks have frosted back up for eager skaters. We've rounded up all the places you can go ice skating in Sydney this winter.

Read more

Make some furry friends at Sydney’s original and only cat café

Is your little human a budding feline fanatic? Then they'll lose their ever loving mind at the prospect of a visit to Catmosphere. This cat café is welcoming back visitors after lockdown and its pussycat residents are eager for all the pats and scritches. You can make a private booking to enjoy some quality time with quality cats (and some of them are even up for adoption). We spoke to the owner about how they've kept kitties happy under iso and what you can expect from a visit now.

Read more

Inspire creative young minds with AGNSW's online kids art project

The Art Gallery of NSW’s Together In Art Kids online project has heaps to keep young ones amused and your fuse unblown this holidays. Aimed at kids aged between five and 12, the first iteration earlier this year featured artist Del Kathryn Barton. It was so popular they don’t want anyone missing out this time round, so it's going global. Indonesian-Australian artist Jumaadi has chosen the theme ‘Special to Me’, inviting artworks inspired by someone, something or somewhere special to your little ones. 

Read more

Meet lions and tigers and orangutans at Sydney Zoo

Have you paid a visit to Sydney's newest zoo? Get out there soon to see the Zoo’s newest arrivals, a trio of baby baboons, before they grow up – as well as Sydney’s only orangutans and hyenas. The zoo is open every day during the school holidays. All visitors must pre-book online and are advised to plan ahead. Strict physical distancing restrictions and hygiene measures will be in place.

Read more

Burn some energy at the best playgrounds in Sydney

It's been a while since we've been able to get out and about in fresh air, but now that restrictions are eased, Sydney's playgrounds are open and the perfect place to burn off all that iso-energy. Got a wriggly little one who has been allowed way too much screen time in these last few months? Let them run off some of that energy at these parks and playgrounds that know how to entertain the real bosses of the household.

Read more

Tick off Australia’s best big things on a family road trip

Australia is home to more than 150 "big things" – huge outdoor novelty sculptures scattered across the continent. The reason behind our love of big things is unknown, though its been suggested the sculptures started as a reason to lure road trippers off the highways. New South Wales residents now have the freedom to drive around the state and cross other state borders (sorry, Victoria) so why not take the kids on a quest to see the Big Banana or the Big Merino?

Read more

Grab some teddy bears and go for a pretty picnic

There's no better way to soak up some winter sunshine and fresh air than with a picnic at one of the city's prettiest places. Why not make some sandwiches with your little mate and head to one of these top places to enjoy a picnic. We’ve called ahead to find out if there’s parking, toilets and barbecues too.  Remember to continue to practice physical distancing, be sensible, and a tube of hand sanitiser wouldn't go astray from your picnic pack.

Read more

Explore Japanese art and culture with this free online program

The whole family can learn and understand the significance of Japanese cultural practices including pop culture, craft, music and dance with this brand new free online program. You can learn the ropes of cosplay; how to create cute, easy-to-make crafts from origami to handmade stamps and notebooks; move to the beat of traditional Japanese instruments such as taiko drums; and get an introduction to the movement art of Butoh (Japanese dance theatre) and contemporary dance forms.

Read more

 Stir up some healthy competition with a game of bowling

It's time to lace up those iridescent, glowing white shoes and step out in style – because Strike Bowling has reopened its doors around the country. This includes the harbourside location at King St Wharf, the Entertainment Quarter location in Moore Park, as well as the Chatswood and North Ryde bowling alleys. Round up the whole fam and get thinking up some hilarious team names.