Things to do these summer school holidays in NSW
Meeting dinosaurs, dancing, craft workshops and trips to the zoo are guaranteed to be the perfect antidote for summer boredom.
NSW
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Kids already complaining about nothing to do during the long summer break? Don’t despair.
Patrick Tadros has compiled the best in school holiday entertainment, from stage shows to workshops and excursions run by local organisations.
Moonlight Cinema is back at Centennial Parklands with more movies under the stars to enjoy. Expect a line-up of Hollywood blockbusters, like The Hunger Games: Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, Trolls Band Together and Anyone But You, and classic Christmas movies including Love Actually, Die Hard and Elf. Until March 24
Travel millions of years back in time for Dinosaur Valley at Scenic World. This year, the herd is double in size, so there are even more dinosaurs and new activities to discover. Catch the world’s steepest train into the ancient rainforest of the Jamison Valley. Roam the elevated boardwalk beneath the canopy, listen out for the roars, spot the dinosaurs in the natural habitat, and meet baby dinosaurs and expert dinosaur rangers. Until January 28
Pixar Putt will arrive in Sydney for the second time when it opens at Pier Street Underpass, Darling Harbour. It’s made up of interactive putt-putt holes inspired by some of Pixar’s most beloved films, including Toy Story, The Incredibles and more. After-Dark sessions will be available for adults from Thursday-Saturday nights. December 15-February 4, 3-10pm
Discover over 180 ancient Egyptian treasures at the Australian Museum’s latest exhibition, Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs, It’s the largest cultural exhibition to visit Australia in more than a decade and features artefacts and one-of-a-kind relics such as animal mummies, jewellery, royal masks and amulets, and the coffin of Ramses II. Daily, 10am-5pm
Animal-loving kids can join Future Vet Kids Camp for a virtual or face-to-face program at Waverley College. The five-day workshop is run by vet twins Drs Audrey and Alison Shen from the Bondi Vet TV show. Campers will learn about genetic diseases, pet nutrition, exotic animals, surgery, animal rescue and wildlife conservation. January 8-12, 15-19, 9am-3.30pm
Hoops Capital has launched the Sydney Kings & Flames Youth League, offering young athletes an opportunity to train and compete in a professionally run league in Moore Park with experienced coaches and referees. Kids can also spend the summer holidays watching the Sydney Kings compete at Qudos Bank Arena. Family tickets from $48. December 25-February 11
Families can meet their favourite Wind in the Willows characters as Kenneth Grahame’s story comes to life in Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. The production delivers music, songs and laughs for young and old and next year celebrates 22 years in the beautiful gardens. January 5-28, from 10.30am
Dav Pilkey’s beloved characters come to life in an epic new musical adventure based on the best-selling Dog Man books at the Sydney Opera House. Dog Man loves to fight crime and chew on the furniture. But can he catch the world’s most evil cat? January 3-13, from 10am
Jurassic World: The Exhibition has been extended at SuperLuna Pavilion. The exhibition has captured the imaginations of all ages, transporting them through prehistoric environments and providing an interactive experience with realistic, life-sized dinosaurs. Until February 18, 9-6pm
Locals are invited to explore a world of art, nature and play at the new Hive Festival. Presented over two weekends, at the Art Gallery of New South Wales on January 13-14 and The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre on January 19-20, the free event will see both venues buzzing with interactive artworks, hands-on workshops, performances, storytelling and more.
Kids can explore and channel their creativity at their local Code Camp, with new offerings, including DreamWorks Trolls and Artificial Intelligence programs. Ideal for aspiring game designers, YouTubers, animators, web builders and fashion designers. Various locations; starting from $260
At Taronga Zoo, visitors can cool off with seals in the splash zone, see birds soaring over Sydney Harbour or hear keeper stories at the new Reptiles Alive show. With more than 13 daily keeper talks, animal encounters and daily presentations, kids will have lots of opportunities to learn about diverse animals and ask keepers their favourite facts. Daily, 9.30am-5pm
WAYS in Bondi is helping families save money with some easy, local activities. From soaring to new heights with a trip to Tree Tops in St Ives, to swimming, jumping and climbing at Ninja Parc, the organisation’s vacation care program has lots to offer kids of all ages. January 8-25, 8am-6pm
Dinosaur lovers are invited to embark on an adventure as the roarsome interactive show Dinosaur World Live makes its way to Riverside Theatres in Parramatta. Audiences will discover a world of life-like dinosaurs including a Triceratops, Giraffatitan, Microraptor and the Tyrannosaurus Rex. January 18-20
Sea Life Sydney Aquarium penguin encounters are back. Suiting up in snow gear, guests 14 years and over can spend some time with Sydney’s only sub-Antarctic penguin colony. The 45-minute keeper-led tour takes locals onto the ice to meet the birds in their exhibit. From December 15
Young performers can experience the Sydney Dance Company Studios at Walsh Bay Arts Precinct or Bondi Pavilion in dance workshops taught by the best in the industry. Available in a range of styles and experience levels, including contemporary, jazz, hip hop and musical theatre. January 2-25
The new Immersive Gamebox at Sea Life offers an unforgettable gaming experience that will ignite fun through interactive smart rooms. There’s something for everyone, with over 13 games to choose from, including Squid Game, Angry Birds and PAW Patrol. From December 21
Seek and play at Luna Park Sydney’s latest attraction, Dream Circus. It combines 360-degree visual and audio projections, lovable characters and psychedelic worlds, promising absolute escapism and entertainment. From December 22
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