Your guide to fun in NSW during the spring school holidays
As the school holidays are approaching at a rate of knots, it’s time to find some things to do over the coming weeks to keep the kids amused.
Luckily NSW is not short of things suitable for families.
Here are the best things to do in Sydney and across the state over the spring school holidays.
With free activities, affordable activities and big days out, there’s something for every family on this list.
Australian spring school holiday dates 2024
NSW: 30 September to 11 October
Victoria: 21 September to 6 October
ACT: 28 September to 14 October
Tasmania: 28 September to 13 October
South Australia: 28 September to 13 October
Western Australia: 21 September to 6 October
Northern Territory: 21 September to 6 October
Queensland: 14 September to 29 September
What’s on in NSW in the spring school holidays
Witches & Sorcerers High Tea at Shangri-La Sydney
Wands up! Banish those winter blues with a Witches & Sorcerers High Tea at Shangri-La Sydney. In the magical Grand Ballroom, enjoy enchanting sweets and delicious bites.
Step into the wizard’s lair and feast like a sorcerer with bubbling chocolate fountains, colourful eclairs, and more. It’s a spellbinding treat you won’t want to miss!
- When: 6 & 7 July, 13 & 14 July, 19, 20 & 21 July
- Time: 11 AM – 1 PM or 2 PM – 4 PM (excluding 21 July)
- Price: AUD 84 per adult (age 12+) and AUD 64 per child (age 3 – 11)
For more information and ticket prices, visit Shangri-La Sydney.
DJ Dorothy the Dinosaur and her crew are taking over Sonic Neon at Luna Park Sydney
Get ready to party with remixes of classic Wiggles hits like Hot Potato, Fruit Salad, and Big Red Car at DJ Dorothy’s Rave of Innocence.
Step into Sonic Neon, where music transforms into stunning visuals across eight unique rooms.
This immersive experience is perfect for all ages and is located within Luna Park Sydney’s iconic Crystal Palace.
Best of all, the fun continues beyond the break, offering a year-round adventure!
- DJ Dorothy’s Rave of Innocence will run from 10am-4pm daily
- $34 for a single entry ticket or $25 when bundled with a regular Park ticket
- Guests under 85cm get in free
For more information and session times visit DJ Dorothy’s Rave of Innocence at Luna Park.
Check out one of the many performances, classes and workshops at the Sydney Opera House
If you’re looking for a fun day out, look no further than the Sydney Opera House’s spring school holiday program.
Here’s our top picks:
- Edward the Emu: 27 September – 6 October
- Kids Music Playtime: 20 September – 15 November
- Big Sky: 28 September – 5 October
- There’s a Sea in my Bedroom: 28 September – 4 October
For more details visit Sydney Opera House What’s On guide.
Meet ALL the new baby animnals at Taronga Zoo
The winter school holidays are the perfect time for a wild adventure with the whole family at Taronga Zoo Sydney.
From a newborn Pygmy Hippo calf learning to dive, two adventurous chimp babies learning the ropes, an impending public debut of a young seal pup and the ecstatic announcement of twin Red Panda cubs – there is so many adorable new arrivals to meet.
Upgrade your zoo ticket to a Zoo Friends Annual Membership where you can have 365 days of fun at Taronga Zoo Sydney and Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo.
For more information about planning a visit to Taronga Zoo Sydney or to purchase your tickets online for up to 20% off, visit Taronga Zoo.
Don’t miss Darling Harbour’s annual Winterfest
From 6 July to 21 July, Darling Harbour will transforms into a winter wonderland filled with epic activities for the whole family.
Winter Park (July 18 – 21): Head to Tumbalong Park for a FREE 4-day festival.
- Winter Gaming Zone – Play classic games like Minecraft, Mario Kart, and Just Dance.
- Winter Slime Workshop – Kids can create their own slime masterpieces.
- Winter Adventure Film – Enjoy screenings of extreme winter sports films.
- Winter Park Beats – Dance to DJs and live children’s acts with Soul of Sydney.
Family Fun Activities
- WINTERFEST Ice Rink Presented by 2DayFM (July 6 – 21): Skate the open-air rink at Palm Grove Forecourt daily from 10am to 9pm.
- Winter Skies Fireworks (July 18 – 21): Every evening at 8:30pm, Cockle Bay lights up.
Visit DarlingHarbour.com for more details.
Escape the chill and head to the movies
The winter school holidays are among us and HOYTS is turning up the heat with some of the hottest movies of the year to date.
Here’s our top movie picks for kids:
* Inside Out 2
* Despicable Me 4
* The Garfield Movie
* IF
Plus, HOYTS cinemagoers can also enjoy $10* movie tickets for movie sessions prior to midday every Sunday.
*Valid for all movie sessions before 12:01pm on Sunday until offer is withdrawn. Online booking fee and surcharges apply, excludes HOYTS LUX and special events. No further discounts apply.
For more information and to book your tickets, visit hoyts.com.au.
Experience the wild cinematic beauty of Creatures of Australia: An Immersive Digital Experience
Families and nature enthusiasts will get a close-up look at Australia’s wildlife through stunning high-speed cinematography, larger-than-life projections, and immersive spaces.
Ten wildlife projections will showcase animal behaviors, offering insights into Australia’s fascinating creatures. From close-up views of kookaburras to detailed observations of koalas, kangaroos, and reptiles, visitors will journey into these animals’ natural habitats for a memorable experience.
Tickets are on sale now at creaturesofaustralia.com.
Hands on art and science fun for families at Australian National Maritime Museum
Adventure awaits at the Maritime Museum during the school holidays with a program of exhibitions, vessels, themed creative activities and hands-on workshops.
Get creative with crafts and experiments in the Kids on Deck activity space, explore touchable objects and specimens, climb on board the Museum’s fleet of vessels and loads more.
For more information and ticket prices, click here.
Meet your idols and heroes in person (sort of) at Madame Tussauds Sydney, Darling Harbour
Kids go half price during the winter school holidays! Party with the Hemsworth brothers or take a photo with Wolverine, Madame Tussauds features 11 zones of famous faces and legends including movie stars, Marvel heroes, world leaders, sporting legends and much more.
Kids go half price during the winter school holidays at Madam Tussauds.
Get up close to animals at Featherdale Wildlife Park
From cuddly koalas munching on eucalyptus leaves to playful kangaroos hopping around, our park offers an immersive experience into the unique behaviors and habitats of Australia’s diverse wildlife.
Join us with your family and friends for a fun-filled day of exploration, learning, and unforgettable encounters with some of the most iconic creatures on the planet. Come and discover the magic of Australian wildlife at Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park!
Cost: Save 10% onlne: Adult: $37.80; Kids (ages 3-15) $25.20.
Click here for tickets and more information.