It seems like school holidays are always just around the corner, and excitement is brewing in households across Sydney -- especially when it's the big summer break coming up. With winter finally behind us, the spring school holidays also means sunnier, longer and, most importantly, warmer days.

Whether you’re a parent seeking creative ways to keep your kids entertained, an educator looking for enriching activities, or a Sydney resident exploring the city's best attractions, we’ve got you covered. From thrilling adventures to cultural escapes, here’s your guide to the best summer school holiday activities in Sydney!

Public school holidays start on Saturday 20 December 2025 and last to Monday 26 January 2026. That means if you're planning to take some time off with your kids, for local adventures or a holiday, then you'll also get to take advantage of the Christmas, Boxing Day, New Year's Day and Australia Day public holidays that fits nicely into the school break.

Where is it? Bradleys Head Road, Mosman When can you go? Daily from 9:30am to 4:30pm How much is it? AU$30 per child, AU$49 for adults How much time will you need? A full day

Unleash your inner wildlife explorer at Taronga Zoo. Spy on giraffes with Sydney Harbour as their backdrop, and enjoy educational talks and animal encounters. Children will love the zoo's kid-friendly trails, and adults can take in the stunning waterfront views.

Where is it? 1-5 Wheat Road, Darling Harbour When can you go? Daily from 10am to 4pm How much is it? AU$27 per child, AU$34 for adults How much time will you need? A few hours

Dive into Sydney's vibrant marine life and explore mesmerizing exhibits, including the Penguin Expedition and Shark Valley. A perfect indoor activity, it's ideal for rainy holiday days.

Where is it? 1 Olympic Drive, Milsons Point When can you go? TBC closer to the school holidays How much is it? Free to enter, and you can purchase unlimited rides passes from AU$34 for kids under 132cm tall, or AU$44 for adults How much time do you need? A full day if your kids love rides

Feel the thrills on Sydney's iconic amusement rides, like the Wild Mouse roller coaster, or try your luck at carnival games. It’s a family classic where laughter is guaranteed!

Where is it? Katoomba, Blue Mountains When can you go? 10am to 4pm on weekdays, 9am to 5pm on weekends How much is it? $42 for a child, $61 for an adult How much time do you need? A full day

Get a unique perspective on the mystifying Blue Mountains with a full day of adventure at Scenic World. Pick up an unlimited pass to experience it from above and below with the Scenic Railway, Scenic Skyway, Scenic Cableway and Scenic Walkway.

Where is it? 217-229 Kildare Road, Doonside When can you go? Daily from 8am to 5pm How much is it? $29 per child, $49 for adults How much time do you need? A few hours

Pat a kangaroo or cuddle a koala at Featherdale Wildlife Park. This is a hands-on Australian animal adventure that’ll create lasting memories.

Where is it? 1003 Upper Fort Street, Millers Point When can you go? Wednesday to Saturdays How much is it? $24 per child, $36 per adult How much time do you need? Tours run for 1 hour

Introduce your kids to the wonders of the night sky through a telescope at Sydney Observatory. Day and evening sessions include fascinating astronomy lessons!

Where is it? Mrs Macquaries Road, Sydney When can you go? Daily from 7am to 6pm (open until 7:30pm from 1 October) How much is it? It's free to visit, with special activities from $22 How much time do you need? A few hours to a full day

Sydney’s gardens offer free, serene spaces to relax or join fun, guided kids' activities focused on plants and eco-education. Join in on Aboriginal heritage and bush tucker tours, starting from AU$22 for kids.

Where is it? 1-5 Wheat Road, Darling Harbour When can you go? Daily from 10am to 4pm How much is it?: $28 per child, $35 per adult How much time do you need? A few hours

Snap photos with lifelike wax figures of your favorite stars. From sports icons to superhero figures, kids will adore this unique experience.

Where is it? Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour When can you go? 24 hours How much is it? Free How much time do you need? A few hours

With exciting water play areas, climbing walls, and slides, this playground is a slice of paradise for energetic kids—and it’s totally free!

Where is it? Cruises depart from Circular Quay and King Street Wharf When can you go? Daily How much is it? From $23 for kids, $33 for adults How much time do you need? Minimum 1 hour sailings

Enjoy Sydney’s iconic landmarks, such as the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and Luna Park, from the water. If you're short on time, this Captain Cook sailing packs everything into just over an hour.

Where is it? Darling Harbour When can you do? Daily showings How much is it? Prices vary by film. How much time do you need? A few hours

Immerse yourself in larger-than-life movies on the world’s biggest movie screen at IMAX Theatre Sydney. From Hollywood blockbusters to educational documentaries, there’s something for everyone here. Get your tickets now!

Where is it? Eastern Creek, Western Sydney When can you go? Daily from 9am to 5pm How much is it? $20 for a child, $50 for an adult How much time do you need? A full day

Home to more than 4,000 animals, this relatively new zoo in Western Sydney is a great alternative to Taronga. Featuring both land and water animals, this zoo doesn't have any hills or steps making it very accessible and pram/wheelchair friendly. Plus, there's free, on-site parking.

Not every fun day out has to cost a fortune! Here are free options to keep the kids entertained and your wallet happy:

Museums and galleries tend to release their school holiday event calendar closer to the day, but we've seen these ones offer workshops, tours and special activities during the school holidays

Here are the dates for school holidays in Sydney in 2025/2026. Plan ahead to make the most of family time together!

Make these school holidays extra special by booking these exciting activities directly on Traveloka. From iconic attractions to hidden gems, there’s something to delight everyone in your family. Create unforgettable memories—start planning today!

Planning a larger Sydney holiday? We can help with flights to Sydney and accommodation in town too.

Written by: Alex Keshen

Alex Keshen is the content strategist and SEO lead for Traveloka Australia, managing the blog and other pages across the site. An avid traveller, digital content creator and writer, she’s contributed to publications such as Australian Women's Weekly, Marie Claire, Elle, Gourmet Traveller, Finder and Explore Travel… and has found the time to visit 50+ countries while doing it. She loves good flight sale and will share some of the best ones she can find right here on our Explore blog.