January 2026

The summer school holidays are here, and if you’re wondering how to keep the kids entertained without spending every day at the beach or breaking the budget, you’re not alone. From free museum drop-ins and creative workshops to outdoor movies, live performances and hands-on history experiences, Sydney is packed with family-friendly activities this January.

We’ve rounded up some 20 of the best school holiday ideas across the city to help you plan easy, fun days out for kids of all ages.

1. Get immersed in CREATURE at Carriageworks

Step into an interactive 360-degree digital play space where kids explore the Australian bush alongside responsive native animals. Part of Carriageworks’ Summer Moves program and free to attend — perfect for flexible holiday days. The projection cycles through every 30 minutes, but you’re free to stay for as much time as you like. More details here.

Carriageworks, 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh | Wed–Sun until 10 Jan | 10am – 5pm | Free | No bookings required

2. Plant Explorer Kids’ Scavenger Hunt in the Garden

Kids follow a trail of clues through the Chinese Garden of Friendship, solving riddles and discovering plants from around the world. Scavenger hunt kits are included with garden entry, making this a lovely low-cost, educational outing. More details here.

Chinese Garden of Friendship, Darling Harbour | Weekdays, 5–16 January | 11am–2pm | $8 to $12 per person | Tickets can be purchased at the garden entrance, no pre-booking required

3. Build a Paper Replica of the Hyde Park Barracks

Visit the Hyde Park Barracks between 5 and 9 January 2026 and create a convict love token or build a paper replica of the Barracks to take home. More details here.

Hyde Park Barracks, Queens Square, Macquarie Street Sydney NSW 2000 | Mon 5 Jan - Fri 9 Jan | 10am - 3pm | Free entry | Booking recommended

4. Krispy Kreme Doughnut Decorating

Kids can decorate two Original Glazed doughnuts at Krispy Kreme’s hands-on decorating sessions (and take home their creations). Sessions run on select January dates at multiple Sydney stores, cost $9.50 per child and require advance booking here.

Krispy Kreme Stores in the CBD, Mascot, Auburn, Liverpool, Parramatta and Penrith | 13, 14, 15, 20 and 21 January | $9.50 per person | Booking required

5. Grab a Movie Under the Stars

The HBO Max Open Air Cinema is back with sixteen free outdoor screenings featuring a mix of family favourites and older-kid crowd-pleasers. Bring a picnic rug, settle in early and enjoy a relaxed summer cinema experience under the stars. Bookings recommended with free tickets available, although some walk-ins will be allowed.

HBO Max Open Air Cinema, Darling Quarter North Village Green, 1-25 Harbour Street | Thu - Sun, 8 - 25 Jan | Gates open 4pm, movies from 6:30pm or 9pm | Free | Bookings recommended

6. Story Time at the Museum of Sydney

Drop-in for relaxed story time sessions celebrating Country and sparking curiosity. Sessions run at 11am, 12:30pm and 2pm from Mon 12 Jan to Fri 16 Jan. More details here.

The Museum also provides a kids trail throughout the year, allowing kids to become history detectives and explore stories connected to Unearthed exhibition.

Museum of Sydney, Corner Phillip and Bridge streets, Sydney NSW 2000 | Mon 12 Jan - Fri 16 Jan | 11am, 12:30pm and 2pm | Free entry | Booking recommended

7. Bop and Jive with Rhythm n Bubs in Darling Harbour

Rhythm n Bubs is a free weekly music session designed for children aged 1–5, offering a fun and gentle introduction to music through sing-alongs and hands-on percussion. Held outdoors on the lawn behind the Tumbalong Park playground (or indoors nearby if it rains), with mats provided. It’s right next to the water fountains, so be prepared for the kids to get wet afterwards (or be ready to make a quick escape). More details here.

Darling Quarter Village Green (next to Tumbalong Park) | Wednesdays until 25 Mar | 10:30am - 11:15am | Free | No bookings required

8. Movie and Meet and Greet with SpongeBob

A special school holiday cinema session for Minis and their grown-ups, featuring The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants on the big screen, a meet and greet with SpongeBob before and after the movie, plus a bonus Ben & Jerry’s ice cream for Minis members. Bookings essential, tickets are $9.25 each, and you can grab them here.

Hoyts Broadway | Fri 16 Jan | 10am - 12:30pm | $9.25 per person | Bookings required

9. Hive Festival 2026 at the Art Gallery of New South Wales

The Art Gallery is a great destination at any time of year, but especially during the school holidays. The Hive Festival is running throughout the weekend on 17 and 18 January 2026, and is the ultimate way for families to experience the Gallery.

This year’s theme celebrates the power of play, with hands-on art making, music, storytelling, movement workshops and interactive experiences spread across the Gallery campus.

Families can drop in and explore a packed program featuring artist-led workshops, bubble installations, plushie-making, felt faces, paper wearables, live music, dance sessions and storytime events. With surprises around every corner, kids are encouraged to create, move, imagine and play at their own pace.

All Hive Festival events are free, with no bookings required, making it an easy and flexible school holiday outing. Free entry also applies to most exhibitions and displays across the Gallery during the festival.

Art Gallery of NSW, Art Gallery Rd, Sydney | Hive Festival on 17 - 18 Jan (Gallery open every day) | 10am - 5pm | Free | No bookings required

If you can’t make it in for the festival, drop in any other time and enjoy some of the kid-friendly exhibitions currently on.

In the Naala Badu Building (white building):

Plushie pals Drop-in Workshop
Naala Badu Building, Lower Level 1, Learning Studio | 5 - 26 Jan
A hands-on textile workshop where you can make your own plushie pal to take home. More details here.
Aula grande (outlined)
Naala Badu Building, Lower level 2 | On until 18 Jan
Part of the It Takes a Village exhibit, every object and surface in Aula grande (outlined) is covered in green chalkboard paint, ready to be drawn on. More details here.
Mike Hewson’s The Key’s Under The Mat
Naala Badu building, Lower level 4, Nelson Packer Tank | On until 23 August 2026
Mike Hewson has transformed the Nelson Packer Tank into a playful, hands-on sculptural space designed for families to explore together. The exhibition includes a climbing frame, water play elements and even operational clothes dryers, all from salvaged materials. A rare part of the gallery where kids are allowed to touch and play with everything (except maybe the operational BBQs). More details here.

In the Naala Nura Building (sandstone building):

The Patchwork Portal
Naala Nura Building, Lower Level 2 | On until 8 Feb
The Patchwork Portal is a colourful, interactive exhibition where children and adults are invited to help create a giant patchwork doll inspired by The Patchwork Girl of Oz. Visitors can decorate a fabric square with either fabric pens or by sewing, explore playful sculptures and portraits, and follow a patchwork yellow brick road through the exhibition, complete with a guided audio meditation. More details here.
Children’s Art Library
Naala Nura building, Lower Level 4 | Permanent
Adjoining the research library, the Children’s Art Library has a great collection of picture books for families to enjoy, along with a little book nook for small children to climb in. Get a glimpse of our visit here (although it’s likely to be a fair bit busier than this during the school holidays!). More details here.

10. See a Symphony Under the Stars

The Sydney Symphony Orchestra is putting on a free open-air concert celebrating 50 years of Sydney Festival. Bring a picnic rug, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy a relaxed summer evening of orchestral favourites — wrapping up with fireworks. You’ll need to come early to get a good spot, so have a play in Tumbalong Park, pop into the Chinese Garden of Friendship (paid entry) or walk around to the Maritime Museum to fill the time while you wait. There’s also Darling Quarter library a short walk away (in the other direction).

More details about the symphony here.

Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour | Sat 17 Jan | 6:30pm | Free | No bookings required

11. Earn a Police Badge at the Justice & Police Museum

Usually only open on weekends, the Justice and Police Museum is opening daily from 5 to 30 January 2026. Pick up a kids trail and explore the former Water Police Station, earn a police badge, dress up, and take part in a mock trial. More details here.

Justice & Police Museum, Corner Albert and Phillip streets, Sydney NSW 2000 | Mon 5 Jan - Fri 30 Jan | 10am - 5pm | Free entry | Booking recommended

12. Make Your Own Dragon Puppet in The Rocks

Celebrate the upcoming Chinese New Year with a creative drop-in workshop at The Rocks Discovery Museum. Families can make their own dragon puppet to take home while learning about the history and significance of the dragon through an accompanying exhibition that highlights the local Chinese community’s stories and heritage. More details here.

Please note the activity is held on the second floor of the Museum, which is only accessible via stairs. Pram parking is available in the small entrance hall, next to the welcome desk. The rest of the Museum is accessible via a lift that operates between the Ground and First floor.

The Rocks Discovery Museum, 2-8 Kendall Ln, The Rocks | Weekdays, 5 - 16 Jan | 11am - 1pm | Free | No bookings required

13. Get a Taste of the 1800s at Vaucluse House

Vaucluse House is opening up from 28 to 30 January to give kids a chance to experience a little of life in the 19th century. Play quoits in the garden, experience 19th century laundry methods, or create a paper replica of Vaucluse House. More details here.

Vaucluse House, Wentworth Road, Vaucluse NSW 2030 | Wed 28 Jan - Fri 30 Jan | 10am - 3pm | Free entry | Booking recommended

14. Get Crafty with Minis at Broadway

Broadway Shopping Centre’s Minis program is hosting workshops every week during the school holidays. The lineup includes Lego building, doughnut decorating, Pour Palz creations, (soft toy) puppy adoption and more. Sessions are between $4.50 and $6.60 per child, with bookings required.

See all the sessions here.

Minis at Broadway Shopping Centre, Minis Hub on Level 3 (near Priceline) | Various dates and times | $4.50 - $6.60 per child

15. Petting Zoo at the Pub

The Royal Leichhardt is hosting a series of fun, family-friendly school holiday activities throughout January. Drop in on 25 Jan to meet and interact with friendly animals in the petting zoo. More details here.

The Royal Leichhardt, 156 Norton St, Leichhardt | Sun 25 Jan | 1pm – 4pm | Free | No bookings required

16. D.I.Y. fun for your Kids at Bunnings

Keep kids entertained these school holidays with free, hands-on craft workshops at Bunnings Stores with fun, creative projects like toolboxes, toy trucks, planter boxes and paintings. There’s a different theme every week from garden and woodworking, to mosaics and recycled wall art and it all takes place in a fun, supportive environment.

Workshops run at various times throughout the school holidays, with places limited, so bookings are essential. Activities vary by session and are recommended for children between 3-12 years old. Children must be accompanied by a parent / guardian, remain in store and are responsible for the care of the child during the workshop.

Bunnings Stores | Various dates and times | Free entry | Bookings required

17. Kids Eat Free at Spice Alley

Kids eat free every weekend at Spice Alley in Chippendale until 31 January 2026!

The fine print:

Offer valid every Saturday and Sunday until 31 January between 11:30am and 6pm
Valid for kids under 12
Dine in only
With every main meal purchased, receive one free kids meal from a special reduced menu at each outlet

More details here.

Spice Alley, 18-20 Kensington St, Chippendale | Weekends until 31 Jan | 11:30am - 6pm | Free | No bookings required

18. KPop Demon Hunters Listening Party at Waverley Library

Earlier this year, KPop Demon Hunters took screens by storm, and now fans can celebrate the soundtrack going platinum at this special school holiday listening party. Kids will enjoy hearing the hit tracks together before getting creative and transforming into one of the Huntr/x girls using a range of craft and styling materials provided.

A fun, music-filled session for K-pop fans who love creativity, dress-ups and pop culture, hosted as part of Waverley Council’s School Holiday Program.

More details and bookings here.

Waverley Library, 32-48 Dennison St, Bondi Junction | Thu 22 Jan | 10:30am - 11:30am | Free | Registration required

19. Reptile Show, Animal Farm and More at Public House Petersham

Public House Petersham is hosting a full line-up of kid-friendly events across the January school holidays, with plenty of free entertainment to keep little ones busy while parents relax nearby. All of these weekend activities are free and it’s recommended to book a table. The lineup includes:

Kids eat free every day in January (with every adult’s meal of $30 or more)
Face Painting | Saturdays 3 Jan, 10 Jan, 17 Jan | 1pm - 4pm | Free entry
A professional face painter transforms kids into tigers, butterflies, or whatever they're obsessed with this week.
Jumping Castle | Saturdays 3 Jan, 10 Jan, 17 Jan | All Day | Free entry
Let the kids jump, bounce, and burn off that energy.

Reptile Show | Sun 11 Jan | 1pm – 3pm | Free entry
Bring the kids along for an unforgettable Reptile Show, where they'll get up close with some amazing creatures.
Animal Farm | Sun 18 Jan | 1pm - 3pm | Free entry
A crowd favourite, giving kids the chance to meet and interact with friendly farm animals.
Face Painting & Balloon Twisting | Sat 24 Jan | 12pm - 2pm | Free entry
Watch balloons transform into colourful creations alongside face painting fun.
Back to School Party – Kids Bingo & Giveaways | Sun 25 Jan | 1pm – 3pm | Free entry
A fun send-off before term starts, with bingo games, prizes and holiday cheer.

More details here.

20. Deep Sea Diver Performers and Puppets roaming at Bondi Beach

Extraordinary marine puppets and deep-sea characters take over Bondi for a weekend of colourful, roving performances by acclaimed theatre company Erth. Watch giant sea creatures and divers animate the shoreline as they roam the Pavilion and promenade, delighting beachgoers of all ages.

Families can also sign up for a hands-on puppetry workshop where children will learn basic choreography and performance skills before creating their own shimmering sea creatures. The 40-minute workshop includes joining the roaming performance, swimming along Bondi Beach and performing alongside Erth’s magnificent large-scale puppets.

Ages: 5+ (workshop includes performance)
Note: Registration required for workshops
More details & registrations here.

Bondi Pavilion, Bondi Beach | Workshops 3pm, 4:30pm, 5:30pm | Fri 24 Jan, Sat 25 Jan | Free | Bookings required for Workshops

Bondi Pavilion & Bondi Beach Promenade, Bondi Beach | Performances 3:20pm, 4:50pm, 5:50pm | Fri 24 Jan, Sat 25 Jan | Free