🎉 NSW Winter School Holiday Activities 2025: Top Events for Families & Kids
From snowy gardens to disco lights, film fests to wizard feasts—here’s your ultimate guide to kid-friendly fun across New South Wales this winter.
🪩 School Holiday Disco at The Ary Toukley
A fun-filled disco night designed for kids during the school holidays. Expect lively music, dance games, face painting, jumping and extra entertainment—all in a safe, supervised environment hosted by The Ary Toukley.
Location: The Ary Toukley
Dates & Times: July 10, 2025 | 6:30 pm–8:30 pm
Ticket Information: $7.00 (prices may vary slightly across platforms)
Highlights:
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- Interactive disco experience: Kids can dance and join fun group games
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Face painting adds an artistic twist
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Energetic, safe, and engaging night out for children during the holidays
Plan Your Visit:
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- Conveniently located in Toukley—ample free parking on-site
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Typically runs for about 2 hours
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Nearby amenities include The Ary’s café and child-friendly spaces
- Arrive early to secure good parking and exit smoothly post-event
Insider Tips:
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- Book early: Tickets for July dates are already marked as “Few Left”
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Dress kids in comfy, easy-to-dance clothing—noting that face paint will be applied
- Bring extra shirts or wipes in case of face paint mishaps
Don’t miss this vibrant holiday disco bash—it’s all about dancing, giggles, face paint, and making those holiday memories sparkle!
☃️ Chill Fest at Koshigaya Park
A magical winter wonderland festival right in Campbelltown! Chill Fest transforms Koshigaya Park into a sparkling winter escape filled with amusement rides, an open-air ice rink, Alpine-themed markets, roaming performers, snow fall, DJs, firepit marshmallow toasting, live music, plus food trucks and market stalls.
Location: Koshigaya Park, Campbelltown, NSW
Dates & Times: Friday 4 July – Sunday 20 July 2025 | 12PM
Ticket Information: Free
Highlights:
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- Ice-skating rink with DJ and show performances
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Carnival: amusement rides (mini dodgems, fantasy flyers), sideshow games
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Food village featuring warm European-style winter treats
Plan Your Visit:
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- Arrive 30 minutes early on opening night for ceremony.
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Check council site or ride-tickets platform for ride pricing/times.
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Dog-friendly on-leash, no own food/trade esky/vape allowed.
Insider Tips:
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- Book early for skating sessions and igloos—especially opening weekend.
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Parking hack: rooftop Campbelltown Mall – walk across; best after 12pm.
Don’t miss this coolest family fest in town—it’s all about ice-skating, carnival thrills, twinkling lights, and cozy winter vibes to spark joy during school holidays!
🎨 National Indigenous Art Fair
A vibrant two-day cultural celebration and ethical marketplace during NAIDOC Week, showcasing the work of almost 100 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists from over 30 remote communities. Expect traditional and contemporary artworks—paintings, textiles, fashion, jewellery, homewares—along with workshops, live music, dance, bush tucker tastings, weaving circles, and a fashion runway.
Location: Overseas Passenger Terminal, Gadigal Land
Dates & Times: July 5-6, 2025 | 10AM
Ticket Information: Children under 12: Free entry
Highlights:
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- Ethical marketplace: handcrafted artwork sold directly by artists.
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Live cultural experiences: Welcome to Country, smoking ceremonies, dance performances, and musical acts.
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Hands-on workshops: weaving circles, painting sessions, jewellery-making.
Plan Your Visit:
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- Arrive early to enjoy performances and secure comfortable parking/public transport.
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Ideal for families—kid-friendly booths, performances, interactive weaving sessions.
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Explore nearby cafes, The Rocks precinct, Circular Quay, and walking paths around Sydney Harbour.
Insider Tips:
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- Check the NIAF or City of Sydney website for the full schedule—includes smoking ceremony, weaving workshops, runway times.
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Mindy Woods and other guest chefs lead cooking demonstrations—arrive early for tastings.
Don’t miss this powerful, culturally rich weekend celebration of Indigenous creativity, connection, and heritage—where art meets culture, community, and country.
⛄ Snow Time in the Garden, Hunter Valley
A spectacular winter wonderland experience in the heart of Hunter Valley Wine Country. Guests can skate on real ice, race down a 45 m giant ice toboggan, build snowmen, ride carnival attractions, and enjoy snow-themed entertainment—plus seasonal food and drink vendors—set among the beautifully themed garden landscapes.
Location: Hunter Valley Gardens
Dates & Times: 28 June – 27 July 2025 | 9AM
Ticket Information: Children (4–15 yrs): $31, Under 3s: free (ticket required)
Highlights:
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- Snow Play Zone: build snowmen, make snow angels in man‑made snow.
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Carnival Rides: Ferris wheel, Venetian carousel, superslide, teacups, swing chair.
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Roving entertainment: performers like Little Scallywagz & The Pretty Amazing Jono throughout the festival.
Plan Your Visit:
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- Recommended timing: mid‑morning to early afternoon for skating, kids’ rides, and entertainers.
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Parking: onsite available; public transit via Maitland/Cessnock bus from train.
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Facilities: toilets, café, picnic areas, themed gardens on site; free re-entry allowed same day.
Insider Tips:
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- Bring waterproof clothing, gloves, towels, and an extra set of clothes for wet play.
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Grab a 6-ride pass—it saves money if planning multiple rides.
Don’t miss this coolest family day out—it’s all about ice-skating, snow play, carnival rides, and cozy winter vibes in stunning Hunter Valley Gardens.
🧙 Witches & Sorcerers High Tea
Step into a magical lair in the Grand Ballroom, transformed into a witches’ and sorcerers’ realm, complete with cauldrons, gilded thrones, giant candelabras, spell books and broomsticks. Enjoy a spellbinding buffet featuring both whimsical sweet treats and savory delights conjured by the culinary magicians at Shangri‑La.
Location: Shangri‑La Sydney
Dates: 6–7, 13–14, 19–20 July 2025
Ticket Information: Children ages (3–11): $64; Under‑2s: Free
Highlights:
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- Themed food: kaleidoscope éclairs, Honeydukes fountains, potion coconut pudding, spell‑inspired sandwiches & quiches.
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Immersive set‑up: castle-like décor, props, spell books, broomsticks & throne chairs.
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Potions bar: hot chocolate, mystical teas and non-alcoholic drinks; optional magical “concocted” alcoholic beverages for adults.
Plan Your Visit:
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- Make early bookings—slots (especially weekend sessions) fill fast.
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Arrive 10–15 minutes before seating starts for full experience.
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Located in the heart of The Rocks—easy to combine with café- and Harbour-side strolls.
Insider Tips:
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- Let the venue know of dietary needs at least 48 hrs in advance.
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Don’t skip photo ops—props and decor make for perfect Instagram shots.
Don’t miss this spellbindingly fun high tea adventure—it’s all about enchanting food, magical surroundings, and family-friendly wizarding vibes.
🎬 Children's International Film Festival
CHIFF is a month-long celebration of global cinema crafted especially for young audiences. The festival brings a rich mix of international feature films, family-friendly shorts, and special events—ideal for kids aged 3 and up, including sensory-friendly sessions, dress-up fun, and interactive activities.
Location: Ritz Cinemas, Randwick
Dates: Starts on June 22, 2025
Ticket Information: Standard tickets: AUD 14.50–16.50 each
Highlights:
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- Family Fun Day: special screening of Pixar’s Elio (Sun 22 June, 12:30 PM) with complimentary popcorn.
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Interactive perks: themed dress-ups, face-painting, pre-show arts & crafts sessions.
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Titles range for all ages: from small children (e.g., Bambi: Tale of Life in the Woods) to tween-friendly flicks (Explorers, A Tooth Fairy Tale)
Plan Your Visit:
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- Choose morning or midday sessions—less crowded and ideal for young kids.
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Arrive 15–20 minutes before showtime to grab seats and enjoy any pre-show activities.
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Combine with a visit to Randwick’s cafés, playgrounds, or light rail adventures.
Insider Tips:
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- The Elio Family Fun Day on 22 June is already popular—book early!
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Weekdays during school holidays often have more ticket availability.
Don’t miss CHIFF—a delightful celebration of creativity, diversity, and cinematic wonder for the younger crowd. Perfect for family outings, school holiday fun, and introducing little ones to the magic of movies!
🤪 The Twits
Get ready for mayhem, mischief, and a whole lot of laughs as The Twits comes to life in this hilarious stage adaptation. Perfect for kids who love silly stories and over-the-top fun—with a cheeky dash of gross-out humour.
Location: Sydney Opera House
Dates: July 5-12, 2025
Ticket Information: Prices start at B‑Reserve $39.95, A‑Reserve $49.95, Premium $59.95, plus booking fees.
Highlights:
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- A wild stage adaptation with gross-out humour, bird‑pie chaos, upside-down monkeys—and a message about kindness.
- Produced by Shake & Stir, creators of Fantastic Mr Fox, George’s Marvelous Medicine and more.
- Perfect for children aged 5+, though older kids love the zaniness too.
Plan Your Visit:
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- Doors open ~30–60 minutes before showtime; arrive early for parking and pram space.
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Sydney Opera House is easily reached by train, ferry, bus, light rail, walking and cycling.
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Pre‑show foyers offer pram parking, a snack bar, and relaxed seating.
Insider Tips:
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- Audio-described session on Tuesday 8 Jul — book early, they fill fast.
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Multipacks are great value if you plan other kids’ shows like BullyBully on 6–12 July.
Don’t miss this delightfully disgusting adaptation under the sails—The Twits brings Dahl’s funniest filth to life with high-energy antics, gross humour, and a warm heart. Belly laughs, pranks, and pop‑off scenery await audiences of all ages this July at Sydney Opera House!
🧒 VillageKIDS Holiday Club
VillageKIDS is a community-powered program packed with games, craft, music, and positive vibes. It’s the kind of place where kids can make new friends, try new things, and burn some energy in a safe, welcoming environment.
Location: Village Church Annandale
Dates: Tuesday 8 July – Thursday 10 July 2025, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Ticket Information: $120 per child for the full 3-day program.
Highlights:
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- Mystery-themed games and crafts centered on discovering “the man who defeated death!”
- Petting zoo during Ultimate Afternoon—ages 0–5 welcome with parent/carer.
- Engaging outdoor and indoor activities: magnifying-glass hunts, creative craft-making.
Plan Your Visit:
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- Arrive by 7:50 am for check-in (club officially runs 8–5 pm; most kids arrive around 8:30 am).
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Bring a packed lunch, water bottle, hat, and play clothes suitable for crafts/outdoor activities.
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Supervised drop-off/pick-up at the church premises.
Insider Tips:
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- Book early—spots fill fast and capacity is limited for quality experience.
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Pack a change of clothes, as some activities (like outdoor play) can get a little messy.
Don’t miss this exciting holiday mystery at Village Church Annandale—three days of crafty detective games, farmyard friends, storytime, and sunny community fun wrapped up in a safe, welcoming setting for young adventurers!
🖤💛❤️ NAIDOC Week Activity Centre
Celebrate NAIDOC Week at the John B Fairfax Learning Centre with a drop-in, family-friendly hub of creative and cultural activities. Join interactive stations offering drawing, puzzles, cozy story corners featuring First Nations authors, and collective weaving artwork to contribute to a community installation.
Location: John B Fairfax Learning Centre, State Library of NSW
Dates: Monday 7 July – Friday 11 July 2025, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Ticket Information: Free, on-site drop-in — no bookings required.
Highlights:
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- Interactive drawing and puzzle stations inspired by Indigenous themes.
- Large communal weaving project—everyone invited to contribute!
- A culturally rich, inclusive setting to immerse in First Nations creativity.
Plan Your Visit:
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- Simply walk in between 10 am and 3 pm, from Monday to Friday.
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Located inside the John B Fairfax Learning Centre—look for cheerful Indigenous-themed displays and activity tables.
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Situated within the State Library, nearby facilities include accessible restrooms, café, lifts, and stroller-friendly spaces.
Insider Tips:
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- Visit early to contribute to the weaving installation before spaces fill.
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Perfect for families and intergenerational groups—kids and adults of all ages welcome.
Don’t miss this inspiring NAIDOC Week experience at State Library NSW—a vibrant hub of storytelling, weaving, art, and community spirit celebrating First Nations culture and the strength, vision, and legacy of the next generation!
🎶 Kids at the Con – School Holiday Workshops
An immersive musical holiday program from Sydney Conservatorium of Music's Open Academy, tailored for children aged 3–10. These interactive workshops—based on Orff‑Schulwerk, Dalcroze, and Kodály methods—include singing, movement, percussion play, improvisation, storytelling, echo‐singing, motor skill activities, and instrument‑making.
Location: Sydney Conservatorium of Music
Dates: Tuesday 15 July – Thursday 17 July 2025
Ticket Information: From $40-$105
Highlights:
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- Music fundamentals: pitch, rhythm, tempo, dynamics.
- Percussion, singing, movement, storytelling, instrument craft.
- Mini parent performance at end of each session (5–6 & 6–10 classes)
- Expert tutoring by Simona Green (3–5 yrs) & Adi Firth (5–10 yrs)
Plan Your Visit:
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- Arrive ~10 min before session starts for sign-in.
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Pack nut‑free snacks, lunch, water, and wear comfortable clothes.
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Located in historic heritage building—accessible via buses, trains, parking nearby.
Insider Tips:
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- Choose one age‑appropriate session; no need to book multiple.
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Early booking is recommended—spots fill quickly once released.
Don’t miss this enriching winter music journey at "The Con"—a fun, hands‑on immersion into rhythm, sound, creativity, and performance for young musicians in Sydney’s cultural heart!
☀️ Quick Links
- School Holiday Disco at The Ary Toukley
- Chill Fest at Koshigaya Park
- National Indigenous Art Fair
- Snow Time in the Garden, Hunter Valley
- Witches & Sorcerers High Tea
- Children's International Film Festival
- The Twits
- VillageKIDS Holiday Club
- NAIDOC Week activity centre
- Kids at the Con – School holiday workshops
💡 Pro Parent Tip: Bookmark this page, screenshot your faves, and get in early—these events sell out fast!
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