Looking for fun things to do with the kids this winter that don’t involve staying glued to a screen or spending a fortune? We’ve got you covered! Whether it’s a chilly school holiday, weekend outing or just a reason to get out of the house, there are so many family-friendly activities happening around Sydney’s North Shore and beyond, perfect for the cooler months.
From cosy cafes and classic roasts, to ice skating, indoor play and even Christmas in July celebrations, there’s no shortage of ways to make winter wonderful. Think crisp bushwalks, scenic train rides, and warm bowls of food the whole family will love.
Sure, you’ll need to factor in things like parking, transport or the odd hot chocolate, but many of these activities are budget-friendly, low effort, and packed with family fun.
- Snuggle up at a cosy café
- Catch a family flick at the movies
- Head for a day in the city
- Celebrate Christmas in July
- Head to a winter festival
- Take a scenic train adventure
- Enjoy a sunny winter walk
- Tuck into a Sunday roast
- Rainy day fun
- Visit the library for storytime
Warm up with a cosy treat
Blessed Bowls, Manly
Hot chocolates, babyccinos and warm brunch spots – winter is the perfect excuse to indulge in something cosy and delicious. Whether you’re after a steaming latte while the kids run around, or an acai bowl packed with winter fruits, there are plenty of North Shore cafés to try. Look for spots with outdoor heaters, kid-friendly menus, and ideally… a playground nearby!
Some of our favourite cafés to warm up at this winter include:
- The Boathouse, Balmoral: Beautiful harbour views, delicious hot drinks and a beach stroll to follow. A classic winter warmer spot.
- Café Patina, Wahroonga: Hearty meals, warm indoor seating and leafy views make this perfect on a cool day.
- The Incinerator, Willoughby: A stunning space with fantastic food and coffee, plus outdoor heaters to keep you toasty.
- Flying Egg, St Leonards: A convenient stop before or after a family train trip, this café is warm, welcoming and kid-friendly.
Catch a family flick
When it’s too cold to play outside or you just need a break, a family movie outing is always a winner. Winter is packed with exciting new releases – and there’s nothing better than snuggling into a comfy cinema seat with a choc top and popcorn in hand. Whether it’s a rainy day or school holiday boredom is setting in, a trip to the local cinema is a perfect escape.
Check out the latest kids’ movies at:
- Hoyts Broadway or Chatswood: With recliner seats and family discounts, it’s a comfy choice for the whole gang.
- Events Cinemas Hornsby: Plenty of food options nearby for a post-movie treat.
- Roseville Cinemas: A charming local option with a more relaxed vibe and classic movie snacks.
- Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace, Cremorne: Step back in time at this stunning Art Deco cinema, complete with a Wurlitzer organ and family-friendly screenings in a heritage setting.
- Kids’ movie nights at home: Can’t get to the cinema? Turn your living room into a theatre and browse our best family movies list for inspiration.
Head for a day in the city
Why not make a whole day of it in the city? Head to Darling Harbour for the Winter Festival (6–20 July), a magical setup with an open-air ice rink, fairy lights, live entertainment, and plenty of family-friendly eats nearby. After a skate, warm up with lunch at one of the many nearby restaurants, ride the carousel, or stroll through the Chinese Garden of Friendship.
You could also:
- Jump aboard a ferry from Circular Quay for a breezy harbour ride.
- Stop into Barangaroo Reserve for stunning views and a casual walk.
- Visit the Maritime Museum or SEA LIFE Aquarium.
Celebrate Christmas in July
Mercantile Hotel + 4 Doors Down, The Rocks
Love the idea of all the festive cheer without the December heat? Winter is the perfect time to experience a European-style Christmas – with roast dinners, mulled wine, twinkling lights and even snow machines! Many family-friendly events across Sydney offer cosy mid-year celebrations to enjoy with the kids.
Here are some top picks for a magical Christmas in July experience:
- Yulefest, Blue Mountains
- Strangers’ Restaurant, Parliament House
- Mercantile, The Rocks
- Forrester’s, Surry Hills
- P.J.O’Brien’s, Sydney
- The Greens, North Sydney
- Christmas in July, The Galston Club
DIY at home: Can’t make it out? Create your own winter celebration with a roast lunch, hot chocolates, festive table setting and a Christmas movie marathon!
Embrace the chill at a Winter Festival
Chill Fest Campbelltown
Winter is festival season across Sydney – and there’s something genuinely magical about rugging up and heading out to enjoy fairy lights, ice skating, market stalls, and live entertainment under the stars. These winter wonderlands are packed with family-friendly fun, from snow play zones to glowing installations and festive treats.
Some of the most popular winter festivals for families include:
- Darling Harbour Winter Festival, Sydney: 6-20 July
- Bastille Festival, The Rocks: Thursday 17 July – Sunday 20 July
- Bondi Festival, Bondi: Friday 4 – Sunday 20 July
- Chill Fest, Campbelltown; Friday 4 – Sunday 20 July
- Cherry Blossom Festival, Auburn Botanic Gardens: TBA
- Frost and Fire: A Winter Solstice Spectacular, Forbes: Saturday 21 June
- Winterfest, Hawkesbury: Saturday 5 – Sunday 6 July
- MidWinter Festival, Bowral: Saturday 26 July
- Snow Time in the Gardens, Hunter Valley: Friday 28 June – Sunday 27 July 2025
- Bathurst Winter Festival, Bathurst: Saturday 5 – Sunday 20 July
- Orange Fire Festival: Friday 1 August – Sunday 10 August
Hop on a family metro or train adventure
Freak at Macquarie Centre
There’s something extra cosy about a winter train trip, watching the world go by through the window, wrapped in a warm coat and scarf. Whether hopping on the Metro for a quick outing or planning a full-day adventure by rail, public transport opens up heaps of family-friendly destinations without the parking hassle.
Here are some of our favourite train-themed adventures for winter:
- Macquarie Centre: Get off the metro at Macquarie University station to go to Macquarie Centre! There are plenty of indoor entertainment options to keep the whole family entertained – Event Cinemas, Macquarie Ice Rink, a Timezone arcade, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Strike Bowling Bar, KiddoKove Macquarie Centre and FREAK Virtual Reality. With plenty of dining options to suit every taste, it makes it ideal for a full day of indoor fun.
- Museum Station: Visit the Australian Museum for dinosaur skeletons, interactive science exhibits and rotating kids’ programs. Kids under 16 enter free, and it’s right above the station!
- Circular Quay: Watch ferries come and go, grab lunch at The Rocks, or explore the nearby Museum of Contemporary Art.
Ride a heritage steam train: Look for seasonal steam train events for an unforgettable day out the kids will love.
Take a pram-friendly winter walk
Taronga Zoo
Winter is the perfect time for a gentle stroll. Cooler temps mean no sweaty toddlers or overheated parents! Grab a jacket, pack some snacks, and hit one of Sydney’s scenic, pram-friendly walking tracks. Whether you’re chasing coastal views or forest trails, there are plenty of buggy-accessible paths across the North Shore and beyond.
These pram-friendly walks are great for a crisp winter day:
Enjoy a hearty meal
Enjoy a hearty roast this winter!
Nothing says winter comfort quite like a warm, hearty roast with all the trimmings. Whether you’re craving crispy roast potatoes, rich gravy, or Yorkshire pudding, there are plenty of local pubs and restaurants serving up delicious Sunday lunches that the whole family can enjoy.
Here are some top spots to get your roast fix this winter:
Do you prefer something a little bit different? The best buffets around Sydney offer all cuisines, from Korean to seafood. Try one of these mouthwatering smorgasbords, as listed in this collection of the best buffets around town!
- Korean Charcoal BBQ Buffet, Chatswood
- BahBQ Brazilian Grill, Crows Nest
- Kong’s BBQ, Macquarie Park
- Gyuniku, Chinatown Sydney
Rainy Day Fun
Climb Fit, St Leonards & Macquarie
Rainy winter days don’t have to mean staying cooped up at home! There are plenty of exciting indoor activities around Sydney to keep the kids active, entertained and warm. One of our favourite winter picks? Ice skating! Whether your kids are total beginners or love to glide, indoor rinks are a fun way to embrace the chill (without getting wet).
Here are some great indoor activities for wet winter days:
- Canterbury Olympic Ice Rink: A popular venue with public skating sessions and penguin helpers for little ones learning to balance.
- Indoor play centres: From trampolines to inflatables, our guide to rainy day activities is packed with options to keep the kids busy.
- Museums & galleries: Warm, educational and inspiring, perfect for all ages. Try the Powerhouse Museum or the Australian Museum on a drizzly day.
- Indoor rock climbing at Climb Fit, St Leonards: With climbing walls for all ages, it’s a fantastic way to build confidence and burn energy on a grey day. More centres in our rock climbing guide.
- DIY rainy day at home: Build a cubby, bake cookies, or create an obstacle course, no umbrellas needed!
Curl up with storytime
There’s nothing better than escaping the winter chill by stepping into a warm library filled with stories, imagination and comfy corners. Many North Shore libraries offer free storytime sessions perfect for babies, toddlers and preschoolers – complete with songs, rhymes, and winter-themed picture books. It’s the ideal low-key outing for younger kids during school term or the holidays.
Here are a few local favourites offering regular storytime:
- Chatswood Library: A bright, modern space with engaging weekly sessions for babies and toddlers.
- Gordon Library: Cosy corners and friendly staff make this a local go-to for pram-friendly outings.
- Stanton Library, North Sydney: A great community vibe and regular storytime sessions for different age groups.
- Turramurra Library: Welcoming and quiet, with puzzles and books to explore before or after storytime.
- At-home read alouds: Can’t make it to the library? Rug up with a hot chocolate and enjoy storytime from your own couch – let the kids choose their winter favourites!
