School holiday activities with Museums of History NSW

These Summer holidays explore Sydney’s fascinating history through fun and unique museum experiences. 

Cyanotypes Workshop

Photography and installation artist Izabela Pluta will lead this hands-on workshop where kids will explore the early photographic process of cyanotype.

Sessions: Vaucluse House, Wentworth Road, Vaucluse | Wednesday 28 January, 10.30 am–12.30pm and 1.30pm–3.30pm and Thursday 29 January, 10.30 am–12.30pm and 1.30pm–3.30pm | Free event, registration required | Register here

Bee Magic

Kids can explore the world of bees in this hands-on workshop that’s buzzing with creativity and fun.

Sessions: Vaucluse House, Wentworth Road, Vaucluse | Friday 30 January, 10.30 am–12pm and 1.30pm–3pm | Free event, registration required | Register here

Enjoy FREE drop-in activities across our museums this summer: 

Hyde Park Barracks

Kids Trail | Available daily 10am–6pm, closed Christmas Day

Start your adventure with our engaging kids trail and immersive audio tour that bring the stories of the Hyde Park Barracks to life. Then dive into hands-on activities that make history tangible and exciting!

Make your own convict love token | Monday 5 January – Friday 9 January | 10am–3pm

Craft your own convict love token and learn about these touching symbols of remembrance or construct your very own paper replica of the Barracks to take home.

Plan your visit

Museum of Sydney

Kids Trail | Available daily 10am–5pm, closed Christmas Day

Explore the hidden tales beneath your feet with an engaging kids trail related to our new exhibition Unearthed. Become a history detective as you search for objects and discover the stories they hold.

Story time at the Museum | Monday 12 January – Friday 16 January | 11am, 12.30pm and 2pm

Drop in for a relaxed story time session that celebrates Country. Led by museum staff, the stories will encourage curiosity, conversation, and connection with our world.

Plan your visit

Vaucluse House

Wednesday 28 January – Friday 30 January | 10am–3pm

Have fun in the garden playing quoits, a popular 19th-century game. Make your own peg doll using fabric scraps and simple wooden pegs, or create a paper replica of Vaucluse House. Step back in time to experience what it was like to do the laundry the old-fashioned way – by hand!

Plan your visit

Justice & Police Museum

Kids Trail | Open Saturday and Sunday, 10am–5pm | Every day from 5 January to 30 January during NSW school holidays, 10am–5pm

Pick up a kids trail and explore our captivating displays, and discover the stories of Sydney’s original Water Police Station and courts.

Earn your own police badge, dress up in costume and perform a mock trial with your family. Unlock secrets and solve mysteries as you move through the museum.

Plan your visit

Plus, enjoy free entry across Museums of History NSW sites. Plan your visit