Looking to plan some fun days out with the kids these school holidays? There’s plenty of live shows, events and attractions to visit around Sydney’s North Shore! Here’s your round up of the best things to do these school holidays to enjoy some quality time with your kids, while keeping them nice and busy. Get planning!
So have a scroll down the list of school holiday activities on Sydney’s North Shore below, and click the Quicklink to go directly to the listing with all the event details!
If you’re looking for things to do in school holidays in Sydney, you’ll find plenty of inspiration below:
- Australian Reptile Park – Deadly Creatures
- Captain Cook Cruises (Circular Quay) – Kids cruise free
- Crowne Plaza (Hawkesbury Valley) – Family Getaway
- Dural Putt Putt
- Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park – Kids go FREE in April!
- Glen Street Theatre (Belrose) – 36o ALLSTARS, The Alphabet of Awesome Science
- Jeral Puppets (Castle Cove) – puppet shows for kids
- Richard the Stork & The Mystery of the Great Jewel – In all local cinemas
- Morvern Valley Farmstay (Southern Highlands)
- St Ives Shopping Village
- Sydney Kidz Fest 2024 (Moore Park)
- Sydney Opera House – RATBURGER, I Wish… and Polar Bear & Penguin.
- Tuff Nutterz (St Ives Showground)
HOLIDAY CAMPS, VACATION CARE & WORKSHOPS
Fun attractions in Sydney these School Holidays
Kids Cruise Free on Sydney Harbour
North Shore Mums Offer: One child free with every adult on selected cruise. Use promo code FAMILY.
Looking for fun things to do with the whole family these school holidays? Sydney Harbour is bursting with activities and Captain Cook Cruises have made sure they don’t break the bank with one child cruising free with every full-priced adult.
Jump on a Taronga Zoo Express and check out Taronga’s NEW immersive Australian Habitat where the kids can stroll amongst Kangaroos, Dingo pups and walk under the tree canopy to see Koalas! A fun way to travel with the kids onboard a rocket ferry with Zoo entry and access directly from the wharf included. Departures from Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, Manly or Watsons Bay.
Explore Sydney Harbour and surrounds on a Captain Cook Hop On Hop Off Cruise and head out to Watson’s Bay for a headland nature walk to Hornsby Lighthouse; pack a picnic and your swimming gear for a Shark Island hideaway; or visit Mosman’s favourite family beach, Clifton Gardens.
Did someone say Free? Who doesn’t love a freebie especially when you are running out of ideas for the kids over the holidays? One child 4-15 years cruises for free with every full paying adult on Rocket Sightseeing, Hop On Hop Off Day Passes and the Harbour Experience cruises.
- When: Departures daily from 9am
- Suited for: The whole family
- Cost: Adults from $28
- Discount: One child free with every adult on selected cruises. Use promo code FAMILY.
- Book: Online
- Website: captaincook.com.au or follow on Facebook
Dural Putt Putt
North Shore Mums offer: Family Deal (2 Adults & 2 Children) 18 Holes for $50, 36 Holes for $65
Welcome to Dural Putt Putt in the Gardens, where you set the pace! Choose to play either one or both of their two 18-hole mini golf courses, Camelot & Space Trek, which wind their way through picturesque landscaped gardens.
Both courses are challenging and will entertain the whole family! You have the option to relax near the water fountain, in their fully shaded and paved seating area, which is adjacent to the rose garden. This is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a coffee and lunch from the café.
- Where: Corner of Cranstons & Old Northern Roads (Entrance via Cranstons Road) Middle Dural
- Suited for: The whole family
- Cost: Family Deal (2 Adults & 2 Children) 18 Holes $50, 36 Holes $65
- Book: [email protected] or (02) 9651 1334
- Website: duralputtputt.com.au
Get Ready to Bounce, Slide and Conquer at Tuff Nutterz St Ives!
Tuff Nutterz is returning to St Ives for more bouncing action during Easter school holidays!!
Tuff Nutterz is a fantastic family-friendly event that promises a day filled with fun and excitement for everyone. The event features Australia’s biggest inflatable obstacle course (300m long!), which provides an exhilarating experience for both kids and adults alike.
All Ages Welcome! Parents with children under 5 are offered a complimentary accompanying parent ticket.
Don’t miss out on this top-voted school holiday activity for the whole family!
- When: Everyday from 16-21 April from 9am-4.45pm
- Suited for: Children ages 2+ years
- Cost: Tickets start at $25
- Book: Online, 0451 895 890, or [email protected]
- Website: tuffnutterz.com
Sydney Kidz Fest 2024
The Entertainment Quarter is set to come alive with excitement as Sydney Kidz Fest takes centre stage from Saturday 13 – Sunday 28 April. Designed as a perfect day out for families, this event promises an unforgettable experience for all!
Families can immerse themselves in the world of adventure with the Paw Patrol Stage Show, featuring the beloved rescue pups in action, plus a special Paw Patrol meet and greet allows kids to get up close with their favourite characters, Chase and Marshall.
There will be carnival games, market stalls, show bags, animals, rides and so much more! Tickets are on sale now.
- When: Saturday 13 – Sunday 28 April 2024, 10am-4pm daily
- Suited for: Families, children 14 years and under
- Cost: Child (3-15 years) $10 |Adult $20 | Family $50 | Rides: 3 hour Unlimited $40
- Book: Online
- Website: sydneykidzfest.com.au or follow on Facebook
Book tickets to a live kids show
Sydney Opera House
RATBURGER is at Sydney Opera House these autumn holidays
Book a show at the Sydney Opera House these autumn school holidays! Located at Circular Quay, you can make a day of it by walking around the harbour, stopping for an ice cream, enjoying a relaxing waterside lunch, and watching the ferries. Take a look at the kids shows playing at the Sydney Opera House these holidays:
RATBURGER
Step into the world of David Walliams, as his bestselling book RATBURGER comes to life on stage in this Australian premiere.
Shows: Wednesday 17 – Sunday 28 April | Suited for: 6+ years | Tickets:
I Wish…
I Wish… is an acrobatic adventure exploring all the things we could be. Through physical theatre, stunning visuals, and a healthy dose of humour, explore our differences to reveal the magic of individuality. Kids will be thrilled by gravity-defying acrobatics, and coloured lights and lasers.
Shows: Friday 12 – Sunday 14 April | Suited for: 4-8 years | Tickets: From $25. Book now.
Polar Bear & Penguin
A charming play for young audiences about an unlikely encounter between a Polar Bear and a Penguin. This is the story of polar opposite characters meeting for the first time, getting to know one another and learning how to survive in a world that is melting beneath their feet…paws…flippers.
Shows: Saturday 20 – Wednesday 24 April | Suited for: 5+ years | Tickets:
Kids Music Café
Ignite a love of music in your little ones at the Sydney Opera House, with child-friendly classics from the fantastic musicians from Sydney Youth Orchestras. Kids Music Café is a beautiful introduction to live music and instruments.
Shows: Friday 26 April, 11.55am & 1.30pm | Suited for: 0-2 years | Tickets: Adults $29 | Children (1+ years)
Kids Shows at Glen Street Theatre
The Alphabet of Awesome Science at Glen Street Theatre
Keep the kids entertained these Autumn school holidays with a fabulous line-up of family shows at Glen Street Theatre in Belrose!
360 ALLSTARS
Boasting a stellar cast of World Champion and World Record holding artists and athletes, 360 ALLSTARS is a spectacular fusion of the extraordinary artistry that emerges from street culture. A magnificent, colourful and astonishing expression of a generation that has reinvented the circus, 360 ALLSTARS is a revolutionary production that will leave you dizzy with excitement.
Shows: Wed 17 Apr & Thu 18 Apr | Suited for: All ages | Tickets: $50 | Family $190
The Alphabet of Awesome Science
Join professors Lexi Con and Noel Edge (the Word Nerd and the Science Freak) for a thrilling voyage through the alphabet – where great big chewy sesquipedalian words inspire mind-blowing scientific surprises. Features 26 explosive experiments in a scientific race through the alphabet that will have everyone ‘ooh-ing’ and ‘aah-ing’!
Shows: Mon 22 Apr – Wed 24 Apr | Suited for: 5+ years | Tickets: $40 | Family $150
Puppeteria Theatre presents Jeral Puppets (Castle Cove)
Puppeteria Theatre presents Jeral Puppets
Take the kids to a puppet show these autumn school holidays! Join the Jeral Puppets for a program filled with familiar stories, songs, and rhymes to engage and entertain preschool and primary-aged children! With easy parking, air-conditioning and a playground next door, a trip to the puppet show is a fun, easy and comfortable activity for kids and their parents, grandparents and carers.
- When: Jeral Puppets present a range of shows at 10.30am:
- Rosie The Elephant’s Picnic – 10, 14, 22, 26 March
- Pinocchio + Cinderella – 17 March
- Hooray for The Easter Bunny – 24, 29, 30, 31 March
- The Three Pigs’ – 1 April
- The Gingerbread Man – 3, 7,16, 21, 24 April
- Little Red Riding Hood’ + Three Billygoats Gruff- 9, 14, 17, 19 22, 26, 28 April
- Hansel and Gretel’ + Treasure Island- 15, 18, 23, 29 April
- Where: 12H Denawen Ave, Castle Cove
- Suited for: 2-5 years and 3-9 years
- Cost: Adults: $15 | Children: $13. Book online at trybook.com
- Website: puppeteria.com
Meet some animals these school holidays!
Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park
Offer: Two children (aged 3 to 15) to get FREE entry with every adult ticket.
Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park
Looking for fun day out with native animals thse Autumn School Holidays? Look no further! This April, kids can go FREE at all three Australian Wildlife Parks locations—Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park, Mogo Wildlife Park on the South Coast and Hunter Valley Wildlife Park. It’s the perfect opportunity to unlock fun for the whole family and create unforgettable memories with your little ones.
Whether you’re spending the school holidays in the bustling city of Western Sydney, soaking up the coastal charm of Eurobodalla on the NSW South Coast, or exploring the scenic beauty of the Hunter Valley, this opportunity is tailor-made to bring your family closer to nature.
Kids aged 8-11 years can also Be a Zookeeper for a Day! This one-of-a-kind experience invites your children to step into the shoes of a zookeeper and engage directly with the wonders of wildlife. Guided by our passionate and knowledgeable zookeepers, participants will embark on a journey filled with exclusive animal encounters designed to enchant and educate. This is available at Featherdale and Hunter Valley Wildlife Park.
- When: Every day of the school holidays & throughout April
- Locations: Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park (Western Sydney) | Mogo Wildlife Park (South Coast) | Hunter Valley Wildlife Park
- Suited for: All ages
- Special April 2024 Prices:
- 1 Adult + 1 FREE Child $37.80 (normally $70)
- 1 Adult + 2 FREE Children $37.80 (normally $98)
- 1 Concession + 1 FREE Child $34.20 (normally $62.20)
- 1 Concession + 2 FREE Children $34.20 (normally $90.20)
Deadly Creatures at the Australian Reptile Park
Immerse yourself in the world of fanged, spurred, and toothy creatures with “Deadly Creatures” these Autumn school holidays at the Australian Reptile Park!
- Encounter the world’s most venomous snakes, lizards, and spiders, alongside the awe-inspiring power of crocodiles and Tassie devils.
- Watch their brand-new Fang Frenzy Show and witness the deadliest creatures on the planet in action
- Explore their new Wildlife Discovery Zones
- Watch free daily live shows throughout the day
All of these activities are included with your zoo ticket!
- When: Saturday 13 April – Sunday 28 April 2024, 9am-5pm
- Address: Australian Reptile Park, Somersby, Central Coast (30 minute’s drive from Hornsby)
- Suited for: 3-15 years
- Cost: Child (3-15 years) $30.99 | Adult $47.99 | Family Pass (2 adults, 2 kids) $134.99
- Book: Online
- Website: reptilepark.com.au
Head to a movie
Richard the Stork & The Mystery of the Great Jewel
Get ready for a feather-filled escapade this April School Holidays! Join Richard at your local cinema as he journeys through Northern Africa, facing marabous, a greedy peacock, and a mysterious riddle to find the Great Jewel. Teamwork, trust, and spork skills will save the day. Adventure awaits!
- When: April school holidays
- Suited for: 4-9 years
- Book: kismetmovies.com
Book a getaway!
Family Getaway @ Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley
Start your autumn adventure & enjoy 25% off accommodation with the ‘Book Early & Save’ offer at the beautiful Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley. It’s less than an hour’s drive from the North Shore, yet you’ll feel a million miles away!
It’s the ideal holiday for families. Enjoy a lineup of special events for the whole family, including an exclusive Lindt High Tea featuring Lindt milk chocolate macarons & Lindt Bavarian mouse cake. They’re also hosting scavenger hunts to egg decorating & even cooking classes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
Savour the flavours of the season at Harvest Restaurant & indulge in hearty meals made from locally sourced ingredients.
25% off accommodation offer – Valid for bookings made between 12th March to 28th April 2024 made on the Book Early & Save rate.
Lindt High Tea – Available every Thursday to Sunday from 12.00pm – 2:00pm Starting Friday 29th March and finishing Sunday 28th April 2024.
School Holiday Program – April 13th to April 28th.
- Where: Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley
- Suited for: Families of all ages
- Cost: Family Getaway Package, priced from $222 per night (based on a weekend stay, Friday to Saturday in 2 Queen Beds Premium room)
- Book: cphawkesburyvalley.com.au
Farmstay at Morvern Valley Farmstay, Southern Highlands
Morvern Valley Farm Stay
Morvern Valley Farm Stay offers self-contained cottages with Farm Animal Experiences just 90 minutes from Sydney in the Southern Highlands of NSW. The widest range of Farm animals of any Farm Stay in NSW, you will find horses, alpacas, sheep, chickens, cows, donkeys, rabbits, miniature horses, ponies, geese, ducks, goats and more.
Each cottage has its own private chicken pen to collect eggs every morning, parking area, BBQ and house yard. ‘Step into a different lifestyle’ – it’s just like a return to Grandma’s Farm. The cottages are boutique styled with doilies, muslin nets and antiques. Each cottage is completely private to your family – 3 bedrooms for up to 8 people. Large groups can have up to 24 stay! Toast marshmallows by the fireplace while planning tomorrow’s adventures!
You can enjoy tractor rides, and up-close & personal experiences with Fudge the mini horse! Perfect for making family memories. Bundanoon has plenty of Restaurants and Cafes in walking distance.
We’ve stayed there and loved it! Read our review.
- Address: 1 Grey Gum Lane, Bundanoon NSW 2578
- Location: Bundanoon, Southern Highlands (20 mins from Bowral)
- Getting There: 2 hour drive from Sydney’s North Shore
- Phone: 0428 040 250
- Email: [email protected]
- Website | Facebook
Shopping Centre Fun!
St Ives Shopping Village
There’s lots of fun planned for kids at St Ives Shopping Village these school holidays.
Head along to watch Marian Street Theatre for Young People in a free performance of Fairy Tale News. Performances are taking place on 15 to 18 April at 9.30am, 10.30am and 11.30am daily.
You can also enjoy the fun at Plaster Fun House from Monday 15 April to Monday 29 April.
- When: Monday 15 to Monday 29 April 2024
- Where: St Ives Shopping Village
- Suited for: All ages
- Book: stivesvillage.com.au
Keeping the kids entertained over the school holidays is never an easy task. Good luck in your search for fabulous school holiday activities on Sydney’s North Shore – we hope this guide has helped!
HOLIDAY CAMPS, VACATION CARE & WORKSHOPS
More things to do with the kids these school holidays
- Best things to do with kids on a hot day in Sydney
- Pretty North Shore picnic spots by the water
- Top North Shore spots for fish & chips by the water
- Harbour beaches & swimming enclosures around Sydney’s North Shore
- Sydney’s Best Water Playgrounds
Want your school holiday event featured in this guide? Get in touch and we’ll share the details!
