Affordable School Holiday Activities for Sydney Families – July 2025
Hi! You’ve landed on our blog for the 2025 July School Holidays. If you’re looking for activities on now, head to our most recent blog posts or the daily activities calendars.
Looking for fun, affordable things to do with the kids these school holidays in Sydney? You’re in the right place. We’ve rounded up some great school holiday activities for kids in Sydney, with a focus on budget-friendly options that spark creativity, adventure, and connection.
Whether your little one loves building, crafting, cuddling animals or getting hands-on with science and technology, there’s something happening across Sydney to keep them busy these July school holidays. From petting zoos and art workshops to interactive experiences at iconic spots like the Sydney Opera House and Anzac Memorial, these activities are designed to entertain, educate, and inspire — without breaking the bank.
We’ve included activities for toddlers, primary school kids and teens, so you’ll find options for the whole family. All of these events require bookings, but there are still tickets available at the time of posting! So check the details and get in early.
Looking for something even more budget-friendly? Check out these 15 free workshops on in the winder school holidays.
Here’s what’s on for kids these July school holidays in Sydney.
Try Something Out of the Ordinary
City of Wonder at the Sydney Opera House (4 to 14 years)
10–18 July 2025 | Various session times | $10 per child | Bookings required | Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney
Step inside the iconic Opera House this winter and let your child take the lead in a city-building experience like no other.
City of Wonder is a hands-on holiday program where kids aged 4+ become the architects, planners, and problem-solvers of an evolving city made from 100% recycled materials. Children will collaborate to build — and rebuild — a large-scale cityscape using planks crafted from recycled plastic waste, while learning about sustainability, storytelling and teamwork through play.
Led by renowned Italian artist Raffaele Salvoldi and co-created with the Australian team behind Kidwonder, this immersive workshop series is designed to inspire creativity and action.
Sessions are $10 per participant and include family-friendly workshops for ages 4+ as well as special drop-off options for kids aged 10–14. More info and tickets here
A Day in the Life of a Soldier at the ANZAC Memorial (5 years +)
10 & 11 July 2025 | 8:30am – 10:30am & 2pm – 4pm | $6.60 per child | Bookings required | Anzac Memorial, 126 Elizabeth Street, Sydney
Step into the boots of a soldier these school holidays with this hands-on experience at the Anzac Memorial.
Kids aged 5 and up can explore real military gear, try on uniforms, and see how soldiers sleep in the field — complete with a full-sized tent set up inside the auditorium. Guided by the Anzac Memorial team, children will get a close-up look at objects used by service members and learn how they’re used in day-to-day military life.
Drop in at any time during your session. Neuroinclusive sessions are also available on both days, offering a quieter, low-stimulation environment with adjusted lighting and sound. A quiet space and trained staff will also be available.
Sessions run:
Thursday 10 July: 8:30am – 10:30am (general) & 2pm – 4pm (neuroinclusive)
Friday 11 July: 8:30am – 10:30am (neuroinclusive) & 2pm – 4pm (general)
Tickets are $6.60 per child (free for accompanying adults) and include a copy of the Anzac Memorial Family Discovery Trail. Entry is via Liverpool Street. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Cuddle up with a Baby Animal at a Petting Zoo
VillageKIDS Ultimate Afternoon: Petting Zoo & Play
10 July 2025 | 2:30pm – 5pm | $10 per child | Bookings required | Village Church Annandale, 122 Johnston Street, Annandale
Join VillageKIDS for a fun-filled afternoon designed especially for little ones aged 0–5 and their parents or carers.
This relaxed holiday session includes a petting zoo, hands-on activities, and plenty of space for kids to play and explore. Afternoon tea is also provided for both kids and grown-ups, making it a lovely way to spend time together during the school holidays.
Please note this session is tailored for children not yet at school. Older siblings are encouraged to check out the separate VillageKIDS Holiday Club program.
Make some art
Sydney Harbour MER Activity - Pastel Painting and Juice Boxes (5 to 9 years)
11th July 2025 | 9:30am - 11:00am | $10 per child | Bookings required | Cooper Park Community Hall, 12 Cooper Park Rd, Bellevue Hill
A creative and educational school holiday activity for kids aged 5–9. Children will take part in a pastel drawing session led by local artist Andrea Alembakis and learn about Cooper Park’s biodiversity from scientist Dr Joseph DiBattista. The session includes talks on the park’s freshwater creek and native wildlife, with additional nature-inspired craft and outdoor play (weather permitting).
Parents must stay for the duration. Bring sunscreen, a hat, water or a juice box, a snack, and clothes suitable for art and outdoor play. The event is under cover, so it will go ahead rain or shine.
The event is $10 per child and bookings are essential. Grab your tickets here.
Collage Workshops for Kids (8 years +)
15 & 16 July 2025 | 10:30am – 12pm | $15 per child | Bookings required | Museum of Sydney, Cnr Phillip and Bridge Streets, Sydney
Kids aged 8 and up are invited to explore their creativity at this hands-on collage workshop led by the Sydney Collage Society.
Inspired by Let’s party like it’s 1815, a digital artwork by Joan Ross currently on display, children will use bold colours, textures and found images to create their own mixed-media artwork. Through playful layering and composition, the workshop encourages young artists to reflect on the impact of colonisation on the natural world.
No experience is needed, and all materials are provided. The session includes step-by-step guidance to help kids develop new artistic skills while expressing their own ideas.
A parent or carer must remain with each child for the duration of the workshop.
Craft your own bubble tea!
Bubble Tea Making Workshop
15 July 2025 | Various times | $6.60 per child | Bookings required | East Village Shopping Centre, 4 Defries Avenue, Zetland
Minis is hosting a school holiday workshop with Sharetea Zetland where kids can craft their own bubble tea masterpiece.
Sessions are running at 1pm, 2pm and 3pm (each runs for 45 minutes).
Every child participating will require a ticket, at $6.60 each.
Parental supervision is required throughout the activity (parents do not need their own ticket). Sessions are held on the Ground Floor near Bowan Island Bakery.
Get creative at a local library
School Holiday: Fun Flower Power Craft at Watsons Bay Library (5 to 12 years)
8 July 2025 | 10:30am - 11:30am | $5 per child | Bookings required | Watsons Bay Library, 8 Marine Parade, Watsons Bay
Get creative with nature in this hands-on art workshop for kids aged 5–12.
Explore the beauty of organic art through printmaking, flower pounding, and tie-dye using natural materials found in your own backyard. It's a fun and mindful way to connect with nature and experiment with different techniques.
Cost: $5 per child. Parents and carers of children aged 12 and under must remain to assist their child throughout the session. Book here.
Seed Art Workshop at Watsons Bay and Double Bay Libraries (8 to 12 years)
15 and 16 July 2025 | 10:30am - 11:30am | $5 per child | Bookings required | Watsons Bay Library and Double Bay Library
In this hands-on workshop for children aged 8 to 12, participants will explore the fascinating shapes, textures, and patterns of seeds as inspiration for their own unique artworks. With all materials provided, all they need to bring is their curiosity and creativity.
This session costs $5 per child. Tickets should be booked only for participating children. Parents and carers of children aged 12 and under are required to remain and support their child throughout the workshop.
Creative Coding Masterclass (12–16 years)
17 July 2025 | 3pm – 5pm | $10 each | Bookings required | Darling Square Library, Makerspace, Level 1, 1 Little Pier Street, Haymarket
This hands-on creative coding workshop invites teens aged 12–16 to dive into the world of digital art using code.
Led by experienced creative coder Jared Berghold, participants will explore coding as a form of self-expression, learning how to generate beautiful, unexpected digital artworks. The workshop is suitable for both beginners and intermediate-level coders and is ideal for young people interested in design, technology, or digital creativity.
All equipment is provided, including laptops and a printed postcard-sized version of each participant’s final artwork to take home. Small class sizes (max 10) ensure lots of one-on-one guidance. Tickets are $10 each, and classes are capped at 10 participants. Book here
