Stuck for things to do with the kids these summer school holidays? Check out our list for some ideas.

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Reef Rave – SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium celebrates the return of Day and Night on the Reef with a unique morning dance party led by DJ Lenny Pearce. Families can groove to toddler-friendly beats and while viewing the breathtaking reef-inspired exhibit. Kids $15, adults $25, under-2s free. 8-9am, January 17, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, Darling Harbour.
Warner Bros Open Air Cinema – Kick back with your favourite snacks and classic films at the Warner Bros Open Air Cinema at Darling Quarter. January 9-26, Darling Quarter.
Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru – This immersive museum experience shares the secrets of five ancient Peruvian Empires, dating back more than 3000 years. Visitors will also be able to see the Virtual Reality experience, Machu Picchu and the Spirit of the Condor, which includes a bird’s-eye tour of Machu Picchu. Be sure to check out the museum’s school holiday summer programming too. Australian Museum, Sydney.
MOV’IN BED – Back at Barangaroo’s Harbour Park for another year, MOV’IN BED as once again transformed the area into a beach with cloud-like bean beds. Choose from a range of blockbuster films and enjoy the ultimate movie night under the stars on Australia’s largest outdoor screen. Films include Moana 2, Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Mufasa and more. Until March. Barangaroo.
Sydney Opera House School Holidays – See the SOH’s extensive programming for the summer school holidays, catering to children of all ages.
Darling Harbour – Dive into a world of quirky entertainment with synchronised swimming shows, mesmerising bubble-blowing, and playful roving performances like Bouncy Tennis Players and mischievous seagulls and much more. January 1-31, Darling Harbour.
Bluey’s Big Play – Join Bluey and her family in their first live theatre show made just for you. This is Bluey as you’ve never seen it before, brought to real life. January 2-18, Theatre Royal, Sydney.
NORTH
The Gruffalo – Join Mouse on a daring adventure in the Deep Dark Wood these summer holidays, when The Gruffalo comes to life on stage. Recommended for ages 3+. January 17-19, The Concourse, Chatswood.
Andy & the Odd Socks – Straight off the TV and onto the live stage, Andy and the Odd Socks bring their brilliant madcap mix of songs, slapstick and silliness to life with a show to entertain families of all ages. 1pm & 4pm, January 20, The Concourse, Chatswood.
Q Station – Q Station Manly is putting on a weekly tour for the whole family to enjoy these summer school holidays. Experience arrival at the Quarantine Station on the RMS Niagara in 1921. A case of smallpox has been discovered as the boat steams into Sydney Harbour and everyone must be quarantined. Discover what life had been like on board the ship and how the arriving passengers were processed as they arrived at the Quarantine Station. 2pm, January 10, 17 and 24.
Sonic Neon – This all-ages event at Luna Park Sydney takes visitors on an electrifying journey through eight unique zones of light, lasers, mirrors, and interactive installations. The attraction illuminates over 150 metres of the historic Crystal Palace and features more than 26,000 lights set to a pulsating soundtrack of iconic beats. Luna Park, Milsons Point.
Spot Live on Stage – Eric Hill’s beloved puppy comes to life on stage in a show that’s fun for the whole family, with puppetry, songs, and puzzles for children from 18 months, and their adults. January 3-5, The Concourse, Chatswood.
Vegesaurs Immersive Experience – Adapted from the wildly successful ABC Kids Series Ginger and the Vegesaurs, this immersive experience will have audiences running, swimming and flying through the incredible environments of Vegesaur Valley alongside their favourite characters from the show. From heart-pounding chases to heartwarming reunions, this immersive experience promises thrills, laughter, and unforgettable moments for viewers of all ages. From January 11, Luna Park, Milsons Point.
SOUTH
Super Family Fun Day – Enjoy a huge night of family fun. There will be carnival rides, bubbles, food trucks, market stalls and more. $2 entry. 3-9pm, January 7, Miranda Park, Miranda.
The Rec Club – Rec Club turns into a kid’s wonderland in the School Holidays, with the Kids Club House.
With Inflatable World and their school holiday camp programs and activities, there’s something for everyone and the fun never stops. Until January 31.
Council Events – Georges River Council has a range of fun activities on this summer, from crafts, movies, rock climbing, and more. Until January 29.
Cinema Under the Stars – Sutherland Shire Council is hosting Cinema Under the Stars once again, with family-friendly movies premiering on select nights at outdoor spaces around the Shire.
Tinkerbell and the Dream Fairies – In an enchanting world of song and dance, the adventurous Tinkerbell meets up with the fairies from A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Together, the cheeky Mustardseed, fluttery Moth, daring Cobweb and sweet Peaseblossom go on a magical quest with Tinkerbell. The audience is invited to dress up and join in the fun. January 8-19, Gunnamatta Park Amphitheatre, Cronulla.
EAST
Kid’s Gardening Class – Bring the kids to learn all about summer in the Chiswick garden with classes hosted by resident gardener Pete Hatfield. From their bug hotel to blooming veg patch, and herb garden to solar-powered butterfly scarers, children will get a chance to learn all about how Chiswick’s food is grown and get their hands dirty helping Pete keep the garden in tip-top shape. January 22 & 29, Chiswick Woollahra.
Waverley Council – Council is kicking off 2025 with an incredible line-up of arts, culture, and fun for the whole family. From interactive theatre and dance workshops to powerful art exhibitions, there’s something for everyone this summer.
Moonlight Cinema – This outdoor cinema experience returns with a stellar line-up of some of 2024’s best releases, plus two weeks of classic “Christmas Favourites” in December. Moonlight sessions will run until March 2025. Family-friendly films showing include Moana 2, Shrek, Paddington in Peru and more. Until March 30, Centennial Parklands.
Future Vet Kids Camp – This virtual and in-person camp is again in January for children aged nine to 16. This veterinary-inspired holiday camp gives students hands-on experience treating animals. The program encourages responsible pet ownership, explores the profession of veterinary medicine and fosters a love and appreciation of all animals and their habitats. The five-day program is run by Dr Audrey and Dr Alison Shen from the Bondi Vet.
INNER WEST
Burwood Summer – Experience Bloom, presented by Burwood Place and Holdmark as the Burwood Park Pond transforms into a stunning night-time wonderland. Unwind with live Music by the Pond and enjoy the perfect summer vibes. Get ready to dance the night away at the Global Village Music Concert with a vibrant lineup of world-class performances. Burwood Park.
WEST
Kangaroo Beach – Meet Neville and Pounce from Kanagroo Beach for a photo opportunity. Meet and greet times are between 10am – 1pm daily. January 13-17, Winston Hills Mall, Winston Hills.
Liverpool Council – Join in on kite making, cartoon workshops, family yoga, the Liverpool youth chess tournament and so much more. Until February.
Dinos Alive Exhibit – See what it’s like to stand in the shadows of the largest creatures to have walked the earth. Visit takes about 45-70 minutes. All ages. Fever Pavilion, Sydney Olympic Park.
Bikes & Bulls – The world’s ultimate extreme stunt show, Bikes & Bulls, is bringing a heart-pounding, high-stakes spectacle to Sydney this summer. In one arena, on one night, two extremes collide featuring the grit of professional bull riding and gravity-defying FMX, packed into a single, unforgettable show. Saturday, January 4, Qudos Bank Arena, Homebush.
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