Things to do during the school holidays
22 December to 2 February 2026
Keeping children and teens entertained in the school holidays can be a tricky business, so we’ve done the hard work for you.
Highlights
Pirates Love Underpants
Ahoy, mateys! Set sail on a hilarious quest for the legendary Pants of Gold in Pirates Love Underpants
Waterworld Central Sydney 2026
Summer fun is back and bigger than ever! Waterworld Central, Australia’s largest inflatable waterpark is returning!
Dec/Jan Summer Holiday Gymnastics Camp
Skill challenges, games, creative crafts and more
Library events and programs
Big summer reading challenge
Join Australia’s largest summer public library reading challenge for kids and young people aged up to 18 years.
School holidays: Pop-up book houses, 5-8 years - Kings Cross
Come and join us for a fun hands-on workshop where you learn to make your own pop-up book house.
Flutter Craft Academy, 8-12 years - Customs House
Create moving butterflies, bees or other winger creatures.
School holidays: Creative coding 1 - code & create 8-12 yrs
Make your very own computer-generated artwork using coding.
Flutter Craft Academy, 8-12 years - Glebe Library
Create moving butterflies, bees or other winger creatures.
School holidays: Sphero robot maze 9-12yrs
Master coding with our Sphero Bolt robot workshop
School holidays: Creative coding 2 - Imagination Lab 8-12yrs
Make your very own computer-generated artwork using coding
School holidays: Creative coding masterclass 12-16yrs
Push your creativity to the next level with advanced coding techniques!
Pine Street Creative Arts Centre
School holidays: wheel throwing basics, 12-17yrs
Explore the wonderful medium of clay in this half-day workshop for teens
School holidays: manga comic workshop, 9-12 yrs
Create your own manga-style comic book in this introductory workshop
School holidays: manga comic book workshop, 13-17 yrs
Learn how to make your own manga style comics in this introductory workshop
School holidays: wheel throwing for kids, 9-12yrs
Explore the wonderful medium of clay in this half-day workshop for kids
School holidays: drypoint etching, 13-17yrs
Learn the basics of drypoint etching in this fun school holiday workshop
School holidays: Under the Sea, Ceramics for 6-9yrs
Create a crazy creature from under the sea in this 2.5 hour hands on clay workshop for kids
School holidays: silver jewellery making, 12-17yrs
Students will get to design and make their own jewellery pieces in this fun 2-half-day school holiday workshop.
School holidays: block-print your tote or t-shirt, 10-13yrs
Design, carve and print a personalised block, then press it onto a tote, cards or a T-shirt in this hands-on workshop.
School holidays: Mythical metal keyrings, 10–13yrs
Create your own mythical metal keyring in the jewellery studio at Pine Street Creative Arts Centre
All events
Big summer reading challenge
Join Australia’s largest summer public library reading challenge for kids and young people aged up to 18 years.
Free Traditional Candy Making Demonstration
The world famous candy-makers at Sticky Lollies host a free candy-making show every day.
Raquel Caballero: The Patchwork Portal
A new interactive exhibition for the whole family at the Art Gallery of NSW
School Holiday Pony Camp at Centennial Equestrian
School Holiday Pony Camp at Centennial Equestrian
The Centenary Exhibition
The evolution of Australian military service, focusing on the personal stories of NSW service.
Spirits of The Rocks: Sydney’s Dark Past
Venture back to historic Sydney. A time when prisoners were the law
Santa at the summit of the Sydney Harbour Bridge
Santa is coming to the Summit and you can meet him for an iconic festive photo atop the Sydney Harbour Bridge
December + January school holiday art program
Get off screens and into art this school holidays at Waverley Woollahra Art School
Make Your Own One-of-A-Kind Sock Puppet All Ages Workshop
Make your very own quirky sock puppet in this fun, creative workshop suitable for kids and adults!
ACO Carols on the Pier
Celebrate the festive season with classical music and your favourite carols in a magical holiday experience.
Dec/Jan Summer Holiday Gymnastics Camp
Skill challenges, games, creative crafts and more
Rydges Plane Spotter Open Day
Exclusive front-row experience overlooking Sydney Airport’s international runway at Rydges Sydney Airport Hotel!
The 13-Storey Treehouse – Live on Stage
Following a smash-hit UK tour, the first show in the award-winning 'Treehouse' series returns to Sydney!
Dreaming of a green Christmas
Get ready for a hilarious Christmas story this December!
Santa’s Studio
Santa has landed in Centennial Parklands! Join us for hours of creative gift making and nature exploration.
Park Theatre: Mr Bower Bird Scrooge
Come on a Christmas Carol adventure with an Aussie twist.
Related reading
Things to do in Sydney with kids
After school, during the weekend and indoor, Sydney has plenty of fun for all ages.
What to do in Sydney these school holidays
There's plenty to keep the kids entertained in autumn.
The best picnic spots in our area
13 parks, gardens and reserves to explore during warmer weather.
Discover the best events that Sydney has to offer