Sydney School Holiday Activities - July 2026

The July school holidays are nearly here, and if you are already wondering how to keep the kids entertained for two whole weeks without losing your mind (or your savings), you are in good company. The good news is that Sydney absolutely shines in winter. From a harbourside ice rink to animatronic Ice Age creatures and a museum full of bloodsuckers, there is a brilliant line-up of things to do these holidays. Here are our favourites for July 2026.

First, the dates

The NSW winter school holidays run from Monday 6 July to Friday 17 July 2026. That gives you two solid weeks to fill, so we have pulled together a mix of free outdoor adventures, cosy rainy-day picks and a couple of special events worth booking ahead for.

Free and outdoor fun

Bondi Festival

Bondi Festival is back and it is one of the best free family days out on the calendar. Running from 3 to 19 July, the festival brings a pop-up ice rink and a Ferris wheel to Bondi Park, plus live music, comedy and food stalls. Wandering the festival grounds is free, and the ice rink runs every day rain or shine if you fancy a skate (tickets required for the rink). Rug up, bring a beanie, and make an afternoon of it.

Best for: All ages | Location: Bondi Park, Bondi Beach | Festival entry free, ice rink ticketed

Hive Festival at the Art Gallery of NSW

The Art Gallery of NSW is one of the best free destinations in the city, and on 11 and 12 July it transforms for the Hive Festival - a weekend of live performances, storytelling, music, interactive tours and creative workshops celebrating nature and Sydney's waterways. General entry is free, and there are usually free family trails and activity sheets at the front desk on any day you visit.

Best for: Ages 3+ | Location: Art Gallery Road, The Domain | Free

Museums and rainy-day winners

Bloodsuckers at the Australian Museum

If you have a kid who loves anything creepy, the Australian Museum is the spot these holidays. General entry is free, and during July there are hands-on craft and science activities running Monday to Thursday, 10am to 3pm, alongside the Bloodsuckers exhibition (a ticketed special exhibition). Keep an eye out for the Splatter and Sketch workshop on 7 and 8 July. It is warm, dry and endlessly distracting, which is exactly what you want on a wet Sydney morning.

Best for: Ages 4+ | Location: 1 William Street, Sydney CBD | Museum entry free, special exhibition ticketed

Creatures of the Ice Age at Sydney Zoo

Over at Sydney Zoo in Western Sydney, the Creatures of the Ice Age trail features 14 life-size animatronic Ice Age animals, with snow dome soft-play moments and snow machine magic along the way. It is included with zoo entry, so you get the regular animals plus a woolly mammoth or two. A great option if you want to combine a big day out with something a little different.

Best for: Ages 2+ | Location: Bungarribee, Western Sydney Parklands | Included with zoo entry

Shows worth booking

Flying Fruit Fly Circus at the Sydney Opera House

The much-loved Flying Fruit Fly Circus returns to the Opera House with spectacular circus skills the whole family will enjoy. The Opera House runs a full Kids and Families program over the holidays, so it is worth a look at their what's-on page for shows pitched at different ages, including theatre for older children. These sell out, so book early if you can.

Best for: Ages 5+ (check individual shows) | Location: Bennelong Point, Sydney CBD | Ticketed

For the wettest days

Sydney winters can throw a soggy week at you, and sometimes the answer is simply somewhere warm where the kids can run riot. Our guide to the best indoor play centres in Sydney has six tried-and-tested options with ball pits, slides and toddler zones. If you would rather a flat white than a foam pit, our round-up of family-friendly cafes with play areas is full of spots where you can actually finish a coffee while it is still hot.

A few tips to make the holidays easier

• Book the big-ticket items early. Opera House shows, the Bondi ice rink and museum workshops fill up fast in the first week, so lock those in now.
• Check your Active Kids vouchers. NSW Active Kids vouchers can help offset the cost of eligible activities, so it is worth checking what is available and what each venue accepts before you book.
• Dress in layers and pack snacks. Sydney mornings are cold and afternoons can warm up fast. Layers, beanies and a stash of snacks will save the day every time.
• Mix it up. Alternate big outings with quiet days at home or the local library so nobody (including you) burns out by week two.

Whatever you get up to these holidays, we would love to see it. Tag @mylittlerewards in your photos for the chance to be featured, and head to the MyLittleRewards journal for more local guides to keep the kids busy all winter long. Happy holidays!

Frequently Asked Questions

When are the school holidays in Sydney in July 2026?

The NSW winter school holidays run from Monday 6 July to Friday 17 July 2026.

What free things can families do in Sydney during the July 2026 school holidays?

Wandering the Bondi Festival grounds (3 to 19 July) is free, the Art Gallery of NSW has free general entry with the Hive Festival on 11 and 12 July, and the Australian Museum has free general entry plus free hands-on activities Monday to Thursday.

What are the best school holiday activities for toddlers in Sydney?

Sydney Zoo's Creatures of the Ice Age trail is included with zoo entry and suits ages 2 and up, while the Bondi Festival and the Art Gallery of NSW are great for all ages.

What can we do on a rainy day in Sydney these holidays?

Head to an indoor play centre, visit the Australian Museum, or find a family-friendly cafe with a play area so the kids can run around undercover.

Do I need to book school holiday activities in advance?

Yes for the popular ones. Sydney Opera House shows, the Bondi Festival ice rink and museum workshops fill up fast in the first week, so book early.

Can I use Active Kids vouchers for school holiday activities?

NSW Active Kids vouchers can help offset the cost of eligible activities. Check what is available and confirm which venues accept them before you book.