Keeping children and teens entertained in the school holidays can be a tricky business, so we’ve done the hard work for you.
We’ve rounded up some online events and in-person activities to keep your kids occupied. There are things on the list for infants, as well as primary and high school kids.
School is out for most NSW pupils from Monday 5 April to Friday 16 April.
For young children aged up to 5
Mini Mariners at the Australian Maritime Museum
A perfect rainy day activity for the younger ones. Explore the galleries or sing and dance through interactive tours with costumed guides. Enjoy creative free play, craft, games and story time in a themed activity area.
Easter trails at Vaucluse House
This Easter Sunday, enjoy a range of fun activities inspired by traditional Easter games including egg-and-spoon racing and a hot-cross bun ingredient challenge. A great day out for the whole family, this activity is recommended for children aged 3 and older.
Bluey's Big Play at Sydney Opera House
This brand new theatrical adaptation brings Bluey the 6-year old Blue Heeler to life with puppets and music.
Balance bike clinics
These interactive classes are designed to get parents involved in their children’s learning. They run every weekday through the school holidays, held outdoors at Sydney Park Cycling Centre.
For primary school-aged children
Mini-makers studio at the MCA
Transform trash to treasure in this eco-minded workshop. After taking a tour through The National 2021: New Australian art exhibition, you’ll head to the creative studio to turn recycled materials and everyday objects into new artworks.
Demi-Demo at Customs House
Champion skaters, BMXers, parkourists and dancers parachute into the city for a performance like no other. There’ll also be workshops in street-style choreography and performance skills for ages 6 and older.
Family tours at Sydney City Farm
Learn how organic farmers work with nature, and get up close to discover insect life in and around the farm. Pot up pea shoots to grow at home on your windowsill and harvest your own fresh greens before school returns!
Terrarium workshop at The Grounds
Guided by a team of experts, kids can create their own miniature garden with layers of pebble, soil and a succulent plant.
Family spotlight prowl at Centennial Park
Join the experienced rangers for a fascinating and surprising spotlight walk to see how the park transforms when the sun goes down. Expect to see a variety of nocturnal creatures, from brushtail possums, microbats and tawny frogmouths to one of Sydney’s largest colonies of grey-headed flying foxes.
Creative workshops at Maritime Museum
The perfect spot for kids these holidays. Children aged 5 to 12 can explore the role of mapping and navigation in the exhibition Map it! The museum also has art-making workshops and scientific experiments going on.
Music camp in Stanmore
See your little ones transform into musical superstars at this 2-day camp. No musical experience is required, and children will get to try a range of instruments and activities.
For high school students
Youth in the city
From archery and swimming to bowling, surfing and paddle-boarding, this 2-week program has something for every teen. Prices range from $5 to $25 and pick-ups are from Sydney Town Hall.
Free tours at NSW Parliament
Throughout the school holidays, free educational tours take place through the Legislative Chambers and the historic Parkes, Wentworth and Jubilee rooms.
Hyde Park Barracks experience
Explore Australia’s convict foundations and its impact on Aboriginal peoples. New audio technology lets you experience the museum like never before. This is a great chance for older kids to get up close and personal with Australia’s past.
Laser cut designs and stamps at Darling Square Library
13 to 15 year-olds learn the basics with Adobe Photoshop and design their own stamp. They’ll use laser cutters and 3D printers to see their design come to life, ready to take home at the end of the session.
Jewellery workshops at Joynton Avenue Creative Centre
For older kids that love getting crafty! This 3-day course teaches 14 to 18-year-olds techniques for basic jewellery making. All students will leave with at least 1 piece of jewellery.
Want more?
• Download the free Sydney Culture Walks Apps. Take your kids to see hidden laneway art and historical sites in Sydney, and uncover our city's stories
• Discover Sydney’s best public artworks for kids