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 Sydney is not short of things to do suitable for families. Here are the 10 best things to do in Sydney over the September school holidays.
With some free activities, some affordable activities and some big days out, there’s something for every family on this list.
1. Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia
The Museum of Contemporary Art or the ‘MCA’, has free and ticketed events for ages 4+ these school holidays.
Strike a pose in front of a green screen and explore your own imaginary landscape. See the world in new ways through the eyes of Australian artist Shaun Gladwell at his solo exhibition Pacific Undertow. Experience BMX, surfing, skate and extreme sport culture through works that challenge our perception of the way we move in the world.
When: Program runs Tuesday 1 October to Saturday 5 October from 11am – 3pm.
Where: 140 George Street, The Rocks
The October school holiday programme at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia is worth checking out.
(Image: Museum of Contemporary Art Australia)2. Head to the Royal Botanic Gardens
The Royal Botanic Gardens is a beautiful 30 hectares of lad in Sydney’s city centre. The gardens wrap around the Sydney harbour and houses some of the most exotic plants you’ll ever see. These school holidays you can walk the koala trail, find fairies, dig for grubs and take a family adventure by torch light!
When: The gardens are open daily from 7am-5pm
Where: Mrs Macquaries Road, Sydney
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3. Head to Observatory Hill Park
If you’re looking for a million-dollar view, for FREE, we highly recommend the Observatory Hill Park. It’s a popular spot for locals and tourists and offers sweeping panoramic views of Sydney Harbour and the Harbour Bridge.
When: Open 7am-8:30pm Mon-Sat, and 7am-5pm on Sun
Where: Upper Fort Street, Millers Point
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4. Join the Wild Squad at Taronga Zoo Sydney
Taronga Zoo is a must visit these school holidays. Before you go, get your kids to join the Wild Squad by downloading their app to your phone. Then get each kid to choose a mission and find out more about their chosen animal and how they can help care for its environment. With over 4,000 animals and known for its stunning views, it is a great day out! Admission includes daily keeper talks and shows, and access to the Sky Safari, Sydney’s only cable car.
When: 09:30 – 16:30 Mon-Sun
Where: Bradley’s Head Road, Mosman
With over 4,000 animals and known for its stunning views, Taronga Zoo is a great day out
(Image: Taronga Zoo)5. Make some magic at the NSW Rail Museum
Wizards and witches are taking over the NSW Rail Museum these school holidays!
Put on your hat, take out your wand and jump on your broomstick… it’s time to enter the world of magic. During the day you can take a heritage steam train ride on the Cauldron Express, join the Professor of Magic for a spells and potions workshop, participate in a tea leaf reading workshop, get up close to mini beasts, reptiles, birds and other magical creatures and much more!
The NSW Rail Museum offers spectacular information about how the NSW railways brought life to the town and country.
When: Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 October – 9am – 5pm
Where: 10 Barbour Road, Thirlmere
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6. Splash over to the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
Located in the middle of Darling Harbour, the Sydney SEA LIFE Aquarium offers a wide range of marine creatures to please all families. If you have a marine enthusiast in your family, you just can’t ignore the Sydney Aquarium. These school holidays, you can partake in ‘Bird Island Academy’, a Angry Birds 2 themed challenge as you make your way through the aquarium.
When: 09:30 – 18:00 Mon-Sun
Where: 1-5 Wheat Road, Darling Harbour
7. Check out the Australian National Maritime Museum
Make a splash at the Australian National Maritime Museum these school holidays. With workshops, and themed crafts, there is something for everyone when you visit the museum. You can even have the chance to take a trip to Antarctica with the new ‘Antarctica VR Experience’.
When: 09:30 – 17:00 Mon-Sun
Where: 2 Murray Street, Darling Harbour, Sydney
8. Rub shoulders with your favourite celebs at Madame Tussauds Sydney
Become a Bollywood Superstar at Lights, Camera, Bollywood as you DANCE and ACT alongside Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Shah Rukh Khan these school holidays. From Superman to Her Majesty The Queen, to Steve Irwin, there is nobody who can’t be pleased when they visit Madame Tussauds Sydney.
When: 09:30 – 18:00 Mon-Sun
Where: Aquarium Wharf, 1-5 Wheat Road, Darling Harbour
9. Get learning at the Rocks Discovery Museum
The Rocks Discovery Museum is one of the best places you can take your family these Sydney school holidays. At the museum kids can learn how to make their very own ‘Chatterbox finger game’, using artefacts from the museum as inspiration. The sessions are from 11am-1pm and no bookings are required.
When: 10:00 – 17:00 Mon-Sun
Where: Kendall Lane, The Rocks, Sydney
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10. Stargaze at Sydney Observatory
The Sydney Observatory houses everything and more that could please any little space enthusiast. There are so many things to do at the Sydney Observatory these school holidays, such as the ‘Space Odyssey Tinkertoreum’, the ‘Apollo 11 Exhibition’ and so much more. You can even take a peek through Australia’s oldest functioning telescope! For more information click here
When: 10:00 – 17:00 Mon-Sun
Where: 1003 Upper Fort Street, Millers Point
For more inspiration when it comes to things to do with kids, Get Out with Kids shares reviews of kid friendly places to eat, play and travel around Australia and beyond!
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