Spring School Holidays - Last minute activity ideas, no bookings required!
Didn’t get around to planning the school holidays? Or maybe your plans have fallen through (or booked out)? Don’t worry we’ve pulled together a list of simple, free activities you can jump into at the last minute to keep the kids happy. Every activity is drop-in only, because we know the struggle of missing out when everything is already booked.
From hands-on workshops to outdoor winter fun, family festivals and even easy at-home ideas for the quieter days, here’s your guide to free Spring school holiday activities.
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.
Activities in the city
Drop-in Art-Making at the Art Gallery of NSW
Drop-in workshop Raquel Caballero: The Patchwork Portal
Sydney artist Raquel Caballero presents The Patchwork Portal at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Inspired by The Patchwork Girl of Oz and her collection of vintage fabrics, Caballero has created a larger-than-life Patchwork Girl doll. Visitors are invited to decorate a fabric square to help complete the Patchwork Girl’s dress as part of a collaborative artwork. Materials and instructions are provided.
Dates: 6 September 2025 – 8 February 2026
Location: Naala Nura building, Lower level 2, Art Gallery of New South Wales
Cost: Free, no bookings required
Suitable for all ages and abilities. Children under 12 must be supervised by an adult
Kids drop-in workshop: Foil figures
Families are invited to a drop-in workshop at the Art Gallery of New South Wales to create foil figures inspired by large-scale sculptures from Francis Upritchard, Thomas Hirschhorn and Justene Williams. Using card, chenille stems and foil, children can design their own figures in a range of poses – balancing, leaning, sitting or standing.
Dates: 7–12 October 2025
Time: Daily, 10am–5pm
Location: Naala Badu building, Lower level 1, Learning Studio
Cost: Free, no bookings required
Suitable for all ages and abilities. Children under 12 must be supervised by an adult
Kids drop-in workshop: Busy bees — Inspired by Yolŋu artist Gaypalani Waṉambi
Children can take part in a free drop-in workshop at the Art Gallery of New South Wales inspired by Yolŋu artist Gaypalani Waṉambi. Create ḏawurr (stingless native bees) using paper, raffia and tape to take home or add to a collaborative eucalypt forest installation in the Learning Studio.
Waṉambi’s work explores the connection between bees, honey and gadayka blossoms (Darwin stringybark tree), inspired by the ancestral figure Wuyal.
Dates: 28 September – 6 October 2025
Time: Daily, 10am–5pm
Location: Naala Badu building, Lower level 1, Learning Studio
Cost: Free, no bookings required
Suitable for all ages and abilities. Children under 12 must be supervised by an adult
Stories under the fig tree at the MCA
A vibrant collection of First Nations children’s books for ages 0–10.
Drop by to explore joyful stories that celebrate First Nations languages, cultures, and imagination. Books are by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander authors and illustrators, all published by Magabala Books. Perfect for reading aloud with little ones or for older children to enjoy independently.
When:29th of September, 2nd - 6th, 9th - 12th October, 10am–5pm
Where: NCCL foyer, Level 3
Cost: Free, no booking required
Spinning Threads of Knowledge at the Museum of Sydney
Spinning Threads of Knowlegde
The Museum of Sydney hosts an intergenerational spinning workshop with Gumbaynggirr textile artist Sancia Ridgeway, inspired by the exhibition Seeing Sydney, Knowing Country. Participants will learn simple yarn-spinning techniques and contribute to a collaborative artwork inspired by the pathways of knowledge known as songlines.
Date: Wednesday 8 October 2025
Time: 11am–3pm (drop-in; demonstrations begin on the hour at 11am, 12pm, 1pm and 2pm)
Location: Museum of Sydney, Corner Phillip and Bridge Streets, Sydney
Age: Suitable for ages 8+
Cost: Free, no bookings required
All materials provided. Children must be accompanied by a parent or carer
Kids entertainment at Eateries
Coogee Pavilion hosts a program of family activities these school holidays from 29 September – 10 October. Families can enjoy workshops, shows and entertainment while dining at the Pavilion. Bookings are not required; activities are first-come, first-served.
Week One
Mon 29 Sept, 10am–12pm: Sand Art Workshop
Tue 30 Sept, 10am–12pm: Kaleidoscope Making Workshop
Wed 1 Oct, 10am–11am: Reptile Show
Thu 2 Oct, 10am–12pm: Face Painting & Balloon Twisting
Fri 3 Oct, 10am–12pm: Canvas Painting Workshop
Week Two
Tue 7 Oct, 10am–12pm: Bookmark Designing Workshop
Wed 8 Oct, 10am–12pm: Balloon Comedy Show
Thu 9 Oct, 10am–12pm: Cupcake Decorating Workshop
Fri 10 Oct, 10am–12pm: Face Painting & Balloon Twisting
The Newport hosts a program of family activities these school holidays from 29 September – 10 October. Families can enjoy workshops, shows and films by the sea while dining at the venue. Bookings are not required; activities are first-come, first-served.
Week 1
Mon 29 Sept: Cinema by the Sea – 12pm Over the Hedge; 6pm How to Train Your Dragon (Live Action)
Tue 30 Sept, 12pm: Tote Bag Making
Wed 1 Oct, 12pm: Lego Building
Thu 2 Oct, 12pm: Cap Decorating
Fri 3 Oct, 12pm: Slime Workshop
Week 2
Mon 6 Oct: Public Holiday (No Activity)
Tue 7 Oct: Cinema by the Sea – 12pm Elio; 6pm Lilo and Stitch (Live Action)
Wed 8 Oct, 12pm: Trinket Box Decorating
Thu 9 Oct, 12pm: Reptile Man
Fri 10 Oct, 12pm: Cupcake Decorating
Darling Harbour activities
Chinese Garden of Friendship
Koi Lantern Making Workshop
Children (ages 5–12) and their parents are invited to craft colourful koi fish lanterns using recycled toilet paper rolls at the Chinese Garden of Friendship. Inspired by Chinese lantern-making traditions, the workshop blends creativity, culture and sustainability. Materials and guidance are provided.
When: Weekdays during the September–October school holidays (excluding Monday 6 October)
Session 1: 11:00–11:45am
Session 2: 12:00–12:45pm
Session 3: 1:00–1:45pm
Where: Pier Street, Darling Harbour, Chinese Garden of Friendship
Cost: Free with Garden entry ($12 adult, $8 child, $30 family; concessions apply)
Notes: Children must be accompanied by an adult. Places are limited; register on arriva
Darling Square Moon Festival
Celebrate the Mid-Autumn or Moon Festival at Darling Square with a mix of illuminated lantern displays, traditional and contemporary performances, hands-on workshops, and family-friendly activities. Explore the festival while enjoying global cuisines and live entertainment.
When: 27 September – 12 October 2025
Where: Darling Square, 35 Tumbalong Boulevard, Haymarket
Cost: Free
Festival Highlights:
Illuminated Lantern Installation: Wander through a large-scale lantern display that lights up Darling Square each night, creating a vibrant and magical atmosphere.
LED Lion Dancing: Experience the energy and tradition of LED lion dancers performing on 27 Sept, 4 Oct, and 11 Oct at 6:30pm.
Clay Mooncake Making Workshop: Kids can create and decorate their own clay mooncakes to take home. Runs 27–28 Sept and 4–5 Oct from 12–3pm. (Note: clay mooncakes are non-edible; limited daily availability.)
Scavenger Hunt: Families can participate in a fun-filled scavenger hunt across Darling Square from 6–10 Oct, 12–3pm. Pick up a map from the Hunt Station, follow the clues, and complete the worksheet to receive a sweet treat at the finish.
Fan Painting Workshop: Join a hands-on workshop on 11–12 Oct, 12–3pm, to decorate and take home your own fan. Suitable for all ages and a perfect DIY festival souvenir.
Live Music: Enjoy live performances by talented singers while dining and exploring Darling Square on Saturdays and Sundays from 6–9pm.
Food and Dining: Feast at over 50 restaurants offering cuisines from across the globe. Try exclusive festival menus or special mooncakes at XOPP by Golden Century and Lilong by Taste of Shanghai.
Free Illuminated Lantern Giveaway: Shoppers spending $30 or more at any Darling Square retailer on weekdays can claim a free illuminated lantern at Lillianna Gifts (Mon 29 Sept – Fri 3 Oct, Mon 6 Oct – Fri 10 Oct).
Russ the Story Bus
Hop aboard Russ the Story Bus, the travelling library from the Sydney Writers’ Festival, for a magical celebration of books and storytelling. The bus is covered in colourful illustrations and filled with books for children to explore, read, and borrow. Special storytime sessions with authors and illustrators bring stories to life.
When: Thursday 2 – Sunday 5 October 2025
Time: 10:30am – 2:30pm daily
Where: Pier Street Underpass, Darling Harbour
Cost: Free
Age: Suitable for all ages
Notes: Drop-in anytime
Storytime Schedule:
Thursday 2 Oct: 10:50–11:20am Ashleigh Barton; 11:45–12:15pm Nisaluk Chantanakom
Friday 3 Oct: 10:50–11:20am Ashleigh Barton; 11:45–12:15pm Charmaine Ledden-Lewis
Saturday 4 Oct: 10:50–11:20am Matt Cosgrove; 11:45–12:15pm Mick Elliott
Sunday 5 Oct: 10:50–11:20am Mick Elliott; 11:45–12:15pm Kristin Darrell
Russ the Story Bus has been visiting children across Sydney and regional NSW for nine years, supporting early reading and fostering a love of storytelling.
Craft Space Station
Blast off into creativity at the Craft Space Station! Kids can design spaceships, decorate astronaut masks, build rockets, and make alien finger puppets. Activities are drop-in, free-flowing, and materials are provided—perfect for budding astronauts and intergalactic engineers.
When: Thursday 2 – Sunday 5 October 2025, 10:30am – 2:30pm
Where: Pier Street Underpass, Darling Harbour
Cost: Free
Age: Suitable for 4–8 years
Daily Activities:
Thursday 2 Oct: Build your own spaceship
Friday 3 Oct: Decorate an astronaut mask
Saturday 4 Oct: Make your own rocket
Sunday 5 Oct: Alien finger puppets
Drop in anytime and let your imagination soar!
Art Cube Creations
Children can bring giant art cubes to life in an interactive colouring activity at Darling Harbour. Renowned illustrator James Gulliver Hancock has created playful, space-themed cubes ready for kids to paint, with all materials provided and guidance available.
When: Thursday 2 – Sunday 5 October 2025, 10:30am – 2:30pm
Where: Pier Street Underpass, Darling Harbour
Cost: Free
Age: Suitable for 8–15 years
Notes: Drop in anytime
Let your creativity shine and help transform these blank canvases into colourful works of art!
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.
