Sydney school holidays: what to do with the kids

The summer break is the long one, and a Sydney summer means heat, humidity and the odd storm. Water play and shade in the morning, somewhere indoors and air conditioned by early afternoon, and a plan B for the wet days.

Holiday programs and events

Dated events running during the break. Always confirm with the organiser before you drive over.

🎄 Everything on for Christmas around Sydney: pageants, carols, Santa photos and lights.

Water play, for the hot days

Splash pads, pumps and creeks. Free, and the most reliable way to make a hot day work.

Playgrounds with real shade

An unshaded playground is unusable from mid morning in summer. These have shade sails or mature trees over the equipment.

Indoors, for the wet days and the hottest ones

Air conditioning and somewhere to burn energy. Play centres are spread across the suburbs, and the free museums and libraries are the cheapest cool room in town.

Big days out

When you need one proper outing to break the week up. Book ahead for the ticketed ones.

More ways to choose

Common questions