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:
- 360 Action Park Castle Hill
- Australian Chamber Orchestra (Dawes Point) – How To Catch A Star
- Australian Reptile Park (Somersby) – Winter Wonderland
- Bounce (Cromer & Homebush West) – huge indoor trampoline park, rock climing, ninja & playcentre
- Captain Cook Cruises (Circular Quay)
- Crowne Plaza Sydney (Darling Harbour)
- Dural Putt Putt
- Jeral Puppets (Castle Cove) – puppet shows for kids
- Monster Jump (Moore Park) – massive inflatable obstacle course for all ages
- SHACK by Marian Street Theatre (St Ives)
- Morvern Valley Farmstay (Southern Highlands)
- Nottingham Farm (Orange)
- St Ives Shopping Village – Circus tricks, Lego bricks and plaster painting fix
- Sydney Opera House – four kids’ shows to choose from
- Tuff Nutterz (Centennial Parklands)
HOLIDAY CAMPS, VACATION CARE & WORKSHOPS
Animal Attractions & Encounters
Captain Cook Cruises: A Whale of a time
North Shore Mums Offer: Adults cruise for $65 on Whale Watching Cruise with code 2QCTQ6C.
Whale Watching with Captain Cook Cruises
Whales ahoy! Looking for fun and adventurous things to do with the whole family these Winter school holidays? The Humpback Whale migration is in full swing and the July school holidays is the best time to see all the action. Over 20,000 Humpback whales make the 3,500km journey from sub-Antarctic waters to the Great Barrier Reef every year!
Jump onboard Captain Cook Cruises Whale Watching cruise where the whales are guaranteed or you cruise again for free! Start your 2½ hour cruise from Circular Quay with an expert commentator providing fun and educational insights into whale behaviour. Whales are not all you may see – seals, fairy penguins, marine birds and dolphins are all regular visitors. The cruises are family friendly with indoor and outdoor leisure decks.
- When: Wed-Sun during NSW July school holidays for 9:30am departures and Sat-Sun for 1:30pm departures.
- Suited for: The whole family
- Cost: Adults $65 (normally $92) | Child 4-15yrs $62.
- Book: Online
Winter Wonderland @ Australian Reptile Park (Central Coast)
Winter Wonderland @ Australian Reptile Park (Central Coast)
The Australian Reptile Park is the coolest place to be these school holidays! There’s heaps of FREE Frozen Fun included in your Australian Reptile Park ticket, like:
- Glide across their FREE Ice Skating Rink (skates provided)
- Meet their ADORABLE Dingo Puppies “Bluey” & “Bandit”
- Hop inside the FREE Giant Inflatable Snow Globe for a winter photo with the family
- Race through the FREE inflatable Winter Maze
- FREE animal meet and greets
- FREE live keeper talks every day
Colourful snow cones available to purchase for some extra fun. Book online and save up to 25% on gate prices!
- When: Every day of the holidays, 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
- Website: reptilepark.com.au
Fun attractions in Sydney these School Holidays
360 Action Park Castle Hill
North Shore Mums Offer: Save 5% off online bookings with code: NS-MUM
360 Action Park in Castle Hill offers a wide range of exciting activities for all ages, including trampolining, laser tag, arcade games and upcoming attractions like Playland and a pizza kitchen. It’s an ideal venue for birthday parties, featuring custom party packages to create memorable celebrations.
The park also offers general entry, group booking discounts, memberships, fit 360 classes and venue hire options. Club 360 nights are a must after 5pm every Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights where we turn the lights down, the music up and the smoke machines on.
Their extended trading hours are Monday to Thursday 9.30am to 9pm – Friday 9.30am to 10pm – Saturday 9am to 10pm and Sunday 9am to 9pm. 360 Action Park provides a fun and safe environment for families and groups to enjoy various activities.
- Suited for: The whole family
- Where: 18 Anella Ave, Castle Hill
- Cost: 1 hour: 0-2yrs $10, 3+ $20, Family Pass $60, Laser tag $6 and Club 360 Entry $20 with unlimited laser tag and jumping
- Book: 360actionpark.au
BOUNCE, Sydney’s Northern Beaches
Escape the elements these winter school holidays but stay active at BOUNCE! Their brand new location opened on Sydney’s Northern Beaches in March 2024, so if you haven’t been yet, be sure to take the kids. It has something for kids of all ages – from toddlers through to teens (and beyond!).
With a unique blend of activities that caters to all ages and skill levels, BOUNCE is all about fun, movement, and keeping the kids active. Prioritise an unmatched experience that can’t be found anywhere else!
It’s the adrenaline rush as you jump on the trampolines or the free-fall feeling before you land in the Big Bag. It’s the bright smiles, red faces, and high-fives that only come from having a go and living in the moment.
That’s extra time to fly into the Big Bag, flip through Free Jump, channel your inner ninja and chase the high of adrenaline.
There’s a large cafe overlooking the jumping arena serving coffee, snacks and hot meals.
- When: Open every day from 9am
- Where: BOUNCE, Unit 7 & 8, 4-10 Inman Road, Northern Beaches Business Park, Cromer
- Suited for: If you can walk, you can bounce!
- Tickets: $22.50 – $24.50
- Offer: Add an extra 30 minutes to your BOUNCE session for just $6!
- Book session: www.bounceinc.com.au
Tuff Nutterz, Centennial Parklands
Tuff Nutterz, Centennial Parklands
Tuff Nutterz is back and ready to take over Centennial Parklands over the Winter School Holidays.
Get your heart racing as you conquer the twists, turns, and challenges of Australia’s Biggest Inflatable obstacle course. It’s the ultimate family day out, where the young and young-at-heart can climb, jump, and laugh their way through a whirlwind of fun.
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) and a 6m tall water slide, which are sure to provide an exhilarating experience for both kids and adults alike.
- When: Thursday 11 – Sunday 21 July. Sessions daily at 9am, 11am, 1pm & 3pm
- Where: Centennial Parklands
- Suited for: Children ages 2+ years
- Tickets: From $25 for 2 hour session
- Book tickets: tuffnutterz.com
Monster Jump, Moore Park
Monster Jump, Moore Park
It’s time to bounce into some action-packed school holiday fun! Australia’s hottest new attraction, Monster Jump, is a mobile inflatable obstacle course boasting a monstrous 280 metres of endless excitement! The course is set to jump into the Entertainment Quarter in Sydney over the school holidays from the 6 – 21 July.
Don’t let the kids have all the fun, Monster Jump is suitable for everyone from children to adults! For the competitive type, race your mates and see who can complete the course the fastest. If slow and steady is more your style, stroll on through and stop to enjoy your favourite parts with more than 30 different obstacle adventures to choose from! With sliding, climbing, bouncing, and more, it’ll be an epic experience for the whole family!
- When: Saturday 6 – Sunday 21 July.
- Sessions times 9:30am-11:30am, 10:30am-12:30pm, 11:30am-1:30pm, 12:30pm-2:30pm, and 1:30pm-3:30pm
- Suited for: The whole family
- Where: Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park
- Cost: 2-hour Pass – $35 (5yrs – Adult) | 2hr Toddler Pass – $35 (Under 5 with Adult/Carer Included)
- Book: Online
Dural Putt Putt
North Shore Mums offer: Family Deal (2 Adults & 2 Children) 18 Holes for $50, 36 Holes for $65
Take the kids for some mini golf fun at Dural Putt Putt in the Gardens! 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
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: (02) 9651 1334
- Website: duralputtputt.com.au
Book tickets to a live kids show
Sydney Opera House
James and the Giant Peach is at Sydney Opera House these winter holidays
Book a show at the Sydney Opera House these Winter 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:
James and the Giant Peach
Join James and his collection of curious critters on an enchanting, great escape direct from his backyard, soaring high across the world, from Dover to New York and back again.
Shows: 5 – 21 July | Suited for: 6+ years | Tickets:
A Forest in the City
Create an imaginary city through projections and play! This interactive performance uses full scale colourful projections, digital technology and dance, and comes direct to Sydney Opera House from.
Shows: 16-19 July | Suited for: 4+ years | Tickets: From $35 + $8.95 booking fee. Book now.
The River that Ran Uphill
In 2015, Cyclone Pam ravaged the South Pacific. Edgell Junior, a Ni-Vanuatu man from Pentecost Island experienced and survived Cyclone Pam and its aftermath. Based on his lived experience, this moving production emphasises the importance of community cooperation and resilience.
Shows: 9-10 August | Suited for: 7+ years | Tickets: From $39 + $8.95 booking fee.
Little Murmur
From award-winning choreographer Aakash Odedra, Little Murmur is a new international dance theatre performance featuring groundbreaking projections, an extraordinary soundscape and a blizzard of paper and confetti.
Shows: 25-27 July | Suited for: 8+ years | Tickets: From $35 + $8.95 booking fee.
How to Catch a Star, Australian Chamber Orchestra (Dawes Point)
These winter school holidays, take the kids to the Australian Chamber Orchestra’s enchanting production of ‘How to Catch a Star’, brought to life on stage with live music performed by an ACO string quartet.
Based on the internationally bestselling children’s book by acclaimed artist, author and illustrator Oliver Jeffers, this heartwarming production about reaching for dreams will take you on a journey from awe and wonder, through perseverance to triumph. In this stunning adaptation, Jeffers’ magical tale is brought to life on stage through storytelling and exquisite music performed by an ACO string quartet.
This magical production is the perfect introduction to the world of classical music for audiences young and young at heart.
It’s 40 minutes in duration, and ideal for 2-8 year olds. Before and after the show, children can enjoy free creative play activities, while parents enjoy the magnificent harbour views from our foyer spaces.
- Shows:
- Sat 6 July: 10am, 11.30am & 2pm
- Sun 7 July: 10am, 11.30am & 2pm
- Mon 8 July: 10am & 11.30am
- Tue 9 July, 10am & 11.30am
- Wed 10 July: 10am & 11.30am
- Thu 11 July: 10am & 11.30am
- Where: ACO Pier 2/3 Suite 3, 13A Hickson Road Dawes Point
- Suited for: 2-8 years
- Watch Trailer: https://youtu.be/nmFWfQ7hzw4
- Tickets: $39 for children & adults. Babes-in-arms free of charge on a parent’s lap.
- Book Tickets: aco.com.au
SHACK by Marian Street Theatre (St Ives)
Support local theatre, and take the kids to see SHACK by Marian Street Theatre at St Ives Showground these winter school holidays.
A captivating adventure story: Shack awaits! Antarctica. A blizzard. A group of school kids are stranded in a shack, on the bottom of the world, with a sinister force circling outside…
Our young explorers, in the ghostly footsteps of Ernest Shackleton, question their place in the natural and social order of the world as the limits of their courage are pushed into uncharted waters.
Shack by George Kemp is an adventure story for the Greta Thunberg generation. Zip up your warmest parka and be ready for anything…
For ages 8-108, this is a brilliant local and affordable theatre experience.
- When: 11-14 July: 1pm & 7.30pm (75 minutes, no interval)
- Where: Douglas Pickering Pavilion, St Ives Showground, St Ives
- Suited for: 8+ years – adults
- Cost: $20 General Admission, Group of Four $70
- Book tickets: Online
- Email: [email protected]
Puppeteria Theatre presents Jeral Puppets (Castle Cove)
Puppeteria Theatre presents Jeral Puppets
Take the kids to a puppet show these Winter 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 10.30 am:
- Goldilocks & The Three Bears – 10, 26, 30 June & 9, 12, 14, 17, 19 July
- Magic Toyroom – 9, 12, 18 June
- Town Mouse & City Mouse + Micecapades – 2, 7, 10, 15, 21 July
- Snow White & The 7 Dwarfs + Peter Pan – 8, 11, 16, 18, 22 July
- Where: 12H Denawen Ave, Castle Cove
- Suited for: 2-5 years and 4-9 years
- Tickets: Adults: $16 | Children: $13. Book online at trybook.com
- Website: puppeteria.com
Book a getaway!
Crowne Plaza Sydney (Darling Harbour)
Experience a dynamic getaway at the Crowne Plaza Sydney Darling Harbour these winter school holidays with their Drive, Dine, and Discover package. This package includes:
- Premium overnight accommodation
- Complimentary parking
- Delicious breakfast for two adults
- Complimentary bottled water
- Access to a selection of in-room movies
- 20% discount at the in-house Two 88 Bar & Kitchen
Enviably located on the corner of Sussex and Bathurst Streets, the Crowne Plaza Sydney Darling Harbour is the ultimate base for a family getaway in the heart of Sydney. Within a 5-minute walk, you can be exploring the vibrant waterside pocket of Darling Harbour, with its entertainment, museums, and incredible wildlife centres.
Book now and indulge in a memorable experience from just $319.
Nottingham Farm, Orange
Fully equipped with modern appliances
Looking for the ultimate winter getaway? Immerse yourself in the charm of day-to-day life on this picturesque cattle farm near Orange. Engage in hands-on activities such as hand-feeding their friendly cows and horses, or simply wander through the property, taking in the exceptional sunrises and sunsets that paint the sky with vibrant hues.
After indulging in the delights of Orange’s exceptional dining options and renowned wineries, return to their cosy abode to gather around the fire pit under the stars or snuggle up inside next to the living room fireplace in winter.
Book for the winter school hols… or go off season and stay mid-week for 20% off!
- Address: Nottingham Farm, 376 Kent Road Belgravia (near Orange)
- Getting There: 3.5 hour drive from Sydney’s North Shore
- Phone: 0421 661 222
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: nottinghamfarm.com.au
- Follow: Instagram | Facebook
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
Discover St Ives Shopping Village’s Ultimate School Holiday Fun!
Kids will love their action-packed school holiday programme filled to the brim with engaging activities at St Ives Shopping Village:
- Circus Tricks: Let your kids unleash their inner performer as they learn fun circus skills including juggling, spinning and rudimentary acrobatics with legendary performer Nick Fury. Wednesday 10 July – Friday 12 July (1pm – 4pm)
- LEGO Building: Inspire their imagination and critical thinking with LEGO building challenges. Every child receives a gift. Wednesday 17 July – Friday 19 July (12pm – 2pm)
- Plaster Painting: Watch their creativity soar with hands-on plaster painting sessions all holidays. Monday 8 July – Monday 22 July (9am – 5pm)
No bookings required. For more details visit stivesvillage.com.au
- Where: St Ives Shopping Village, Level 1 (outside Nextra Newsagency)
- Suited for: All ages
- More information: 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 kids these Winter school holidays
- Things to do with kids on a rainy day in Sydney
- Winter Steam Train Events around Sydney in 2024
- New Darling Harbour Playground!
- A family trip to Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park
- Ninja Warriors! The Best Ninja Courses around Sydney
Want your school holiday event or attraction featured in this guide? Get in touch and we’ll share the details!
