July School Holidays - Last minute activity ideas
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.
Forgot to plan anything for the school holidays? Or maybe your original plans have fallen through (or booked out)? Don’t stress — we’ve rounded up a list of easy, free activities you can do at the last minute to keep the kids entertained.
From creative drop-in workshops to outdoor winter zones, family-friendly festivals and even at-home activities for those quieter days, here’s your go-to guide for free fun these July school holidays.
And if you’re ever stuck for ideas, keep an eye on our Instagram — we’re always sharing easy outings, activities and inspiration for the holidays and beyond.
Escape the Cold with an Indoor Excursion
Drop-in Art-Making at the Art Gallery of NSW
In addition to their regular exhibitions, the Art Gallery is also running two drop-in workshops exclusive to the July school holidays. There’s also their Happy Birthday 2U2 workshop and their regular Friday storytime at 11am in the Children’s Library. If you’re visiting on a Tuesday or Wednesday, head to the main hall in the Naala Nura building at 11:30am for the free roving art-making tour for families.
Busy Bees Drop-in Workshop
5 - 20 July 2025 | Drop in anytime during gallery opening hours | Free | In the Naala Badu building, Lower Level 1, Learning Studio
Inspired by Yolŋu artist Gaypalani Waṉambi, this free drop-in workshop invites kids to make their own ḏawurr (stingless native bees) using paper, raffia, and tape. Children can take their creation home or add it to the eucalypt forest installation in the Learning Studio.
Waṉambi’s work explores the relationship between bees, honey, and native blossoms, celebrating ancestral stories and Country. All materials and instructions are provided. Suitable for all ages and abilities — children under 12 must be supervised. More details here
Pet Portraits Drop-in Workshop
7 – 20 July 2025 | Drop in between 11am – 3.30pm | Free | Naala Nura building, Ground Level, Kaldor Hall
Get creative with Thai-Australian artist and 2025 Archibald Prize finalist Vipoo Srivilasa’s fun pet portrait workshop. Kids can create a portrait of their pet or favourite animal — and even include themselves in the picture!
Inspired by Srivilasa’s Self-portrait as a cat king and other animal-themed artworks from this year’s Archibald Prize, children can let their imagination run wild. They’ll also receive a specially illustrated animal scavenger hunt to explore the Gallery’s collection.
Materials and instructions are provided. Suitable for all ages and abilities. Children under 12 must be supervised. More details here
Happy Birthday 2U2 Drop-in Workshop
15 March – 17 August 2025 | Drop in anytime during gallery opening hours | Free | Naala Nura building, Lower Level 2
This one will be open after the school holidays as well, but you may as well drop in while you're there! Celebrate creativity and connection at this free drop-in workshop by artist Hikoko Ito. Kids will receive a hand-drawn birthday card and create one for someone else, adding their own imaginative touches.
The interactive artwork features a colourful series of mailboxes representing every day of the year, each decorated with symbols of happiness. Children can join in anytime during gallery hours — materials and instructions provided. Suitable for all ages and abilities. Children under 12 must be supervised. More details here
Dino Fun at the Australian Museum
Mondays to Thursdays during Winter School Holidays | 10:30am – 2pm | Free | Hintze Hall, Australian Museum, Sydney
Step into the world of dinosaurs these school holidays with a series of free, drop-in dino-themed activities perfect for kids of all ages.
In Hintze Hall, little explorers can get creative with hands-on arts and crafts, curl up with a book in the cosy Dino-Den reading nook, or take on Winny’s Dino Trail through the museum galleries—complete the trail for a chance to win fun prizes from the Museum Shop!
No bookings are required—just turn up and enjoy the fun.
Weaving the Colours of Country
8 July | 11am – 3pm | Free | No bookings required | Museum of Sydney, Cnr Phillip and Bridge Streets, Sydney
As part of NAIDOC Week 2025, families are invited to take part in a special drop-in weaving workshop led by Gumbaynggirr textile artist Sancia Ridgeway.
Drawing inspiration from the Seeing Sydney, Knowing Country exhibition and landscape imagery, children aged 8 and up will create a simple woven piece using provided materials. Each creation will contribute to a collaborative artwork celebrating the colours and stories of Country.
This relaxed, hands-on session is designed to be welcoming and accessible to all skill levels. You’re welcome to join in at any time during the session. Parents and carers are required to stay with participants.
Play Some Board Games at Waverley Library
Sat & Sun 12-13 July | 10am - 4pm | Free | Drop-in | Waverley Library, 32-48 Denison St, Bondi Junction
Waverley Children’s Library invites families and friends to enjoy a relaxed session of board and card games these school holidays. A wide selection of games will be available for children to explore and play together.
This is a drop-in session, so you’re welcome to come along at any time during the scheduled hours. While bookings aren’t essential, you can register your interest via the tickets page.
Please note that this is a self-guided activity and not facilitated by staff. Parents and carers are required to remain in the library while their child participates. More details here.
Enjoy the Winter Sunshine with these Outdoor Activities
Darling Harbour Alpine Activity Zone
Thu 10 - Sun 13 July 2025 | Times vary | Free | No online bookings required (first in, first served) | 14 Darling Drive, Darling Harbour
Darling Harbour’s Alpine Activity Zone is back for the Winter School Holidays, bringing free fun for kids of all ages. Explore winter-themed activities in the heart of the city — no bookings needed, just drop in and enjoy!
Games Area
Thu – Sun | 11am – 3pm
Classic lawn games for little ones to enjoy while you soak up the winter vibes.
Kids Karaoke
10 – 13 July | 11am – 3pm
Budding performers can sing their hearts out and star in their own music video, played live on the big screen!
Winter Craft Workshops
10 – 13 July | 11am – 3pm
Get creative with a different drop-in craft each day:
10 July: Snow globe making
11 July: Winter crowns
12 July: Snowman decorating
13 July: Winter sparkle slime
Workshops are limited to 30 kids at a time per session — arrive early to secure your spot (there’s colouring-in available in the waiting area). Children under 16 must be supervised during the session.
Amazing Arctic Race
10 – 13 July | 12pm – 1pm & 2pm – 3pm
Form a team of 4-6 people and complete challenges around Darling Harbour in this fun family race. Complete puzzles and challenges to uncover snowflake checkpoints and claim your gold token. Recommended for ages 10+, kids under 16 must be accompanied by parents. No online bookings required, register in person at the Alpine Activity Area.
Dive into Weekends at Darling Square
Head to Darling Square for free winter fun these school holidays, with hands-on craft workshops and face painting for the kids — all just a short stroll from Darling Harbour. While the kids get creative, parents can explore over 50 eateries offering everything from family favourites to sweet winter treats.
Free Snow Globe Making Workshop
Fri 11 & Fri 18 July | 11am – 2pm
Design your own mini snow globe using clay and craft supplies to take home.
Free Snowflake Painting Workshop
Thu 10, Thu 17, Sat 19 & Sun 20 July | 11am – 2pm
Decorate a wooden snowflake with paint, glitter and festive craft materials.
Free Face Painting
Fri 11, Fri 18, Sat 19 & Sun 20 July | 11am – 2pm
Choose from a range of winter-themed designs including snowflakes and snowmen.
Balance Bike Clinics at Sydney Park
Tuesdays 8 and 15, and Wednesdays 9 and 16 July | 9am to 11am | Free | No bookings required | Sydney Park Cycling Centre, 410-416 Sydney Park Road, Alexandria
Sydney Park is hosting free balance bike clinics for children aged 3 to 8 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays during the school holidays. Kids start on balance bikes and can transition to pedal bikes as they build confidence. Parents are welcome to participate and assist your kids.
Sessions will be held on 8, 9, 15 and 16 July from 9am to 11am.
No booking needed! Bikes and helmets are provided, but you can also bring your own. Remember, sessions may be canceled in bad weather, so check for updates.
There are a couple of car parks at Sydney Park, as well as some street parking on surrounding streets.
For further details and updates, visit the organisers’ Facebook page: www.facebook.com/getbikewise/
Bastille Festival
17 - 20 July 2025 | 10am - 11pm | Free | No bookings required | Circular Quay and The Rocks, Sydney
Celebrate all things French at this free harbourside festival, with French food, wine, art, and entertainment spread across Circular Quay, The Rocks, and Customs House. Enjoy live music, roaming performers, and a bustling atmosphere that’s fun for the whole family.
It’s a popular event, so families with young children or strollers might find the morning and early afternoon the most relaxed time to visit.
NAIDOC on the Green at Double Bay
Sat 12 July | 2pm - 5pm | Free | No bookings required | 536 New South Head Road, Double Bay
Join Woollahra Council for an afternoon of music, dance, and storytelling as we celebrate the rich heritage and ongoing contributions of Australia’s First Nations peoples.
Bring the whole family for a vibrant community event featuring:
A traditional Yidaki and Clapsticks performance by Gumaroy
A live set by The Green Hand Band – a Redfern-based reggae fusion group led by Tim Gray, proud Gumbaynggirr / Wiradjuri man
This free, family-friendly celebration is a chance to connect with culture, community, and Country during NAIDOC Week.
All are welcome. Details here.
Keep the Kids Busy at Home
Staying in? There are plenty of easy, free activities to keep little ones entertained — no fancy supplies required!
Bunnings has a great collection of free colouring pages, craft ideas and DIY projects you can download. Many of the projects are designed for kids, so it's a good spot for inspiration on a rainy day.
Explore Bunnings kids' activities
The Art Gallery of NSW offers a fantastic range of free art-making activities inspired by past exhibitions. There are printable resources, guided art projects and virtual tours the whole family can enjoy from home.
The Australian Museum has a whole section of fun, educational activities for kids to do at home — from craft and science experiments to puzzles and colouring-in.
Explore Australian Museum at-home activities
Code Camp offers free printable activity packs and coding games to keep budding tech-lovers busy. You’ll just need to pop in your email to access their freebies.
Access Code Camp freebies
More free printables and activities:
Great Little Trading Co. play printables and activities — perfect for pretend play setups like cafés or vet clinics.
Looking for school holiday activities in the Eastern Suburbs? Check out our daily activities calendar here.
