Overview
Just like that, the sun is shining, and the spring school holidays are here. Wondering how you'll keep the minis busy while you're still working, cooking, shopping and the rest? We've come to your rescue — with ten irresistible activities happening in and around Sydney.
Head to Sydney Zoo to meet Peppa Pig alongside her family, including her brand new baby sister, Evie. Then, make tracks to the 2025 Play! Kids Festival for performances, interactive experiences, and workshops galore. Plus, there are plenty of creative and educational adventures for kids who like to learn — covering music, art, craft and more. Your house is now officially a whine-free zone.
Image credit: Supplied
Meet Peppa Pig at Sydney Zoo
Peppa Pig and her family have flown all the way from Peppatown to spend some time in Sydney. And why not? It's 13 degrees and rainy in London right now. She'll be appearing twice a day, every day, at Sydney Zoo during the spring school holidays, alongside her brother, George, and her mummy and daddy. Her brand new baby sister, Evie, is coming along, too, on her first trip Down Under. Catch a mini show at 10am or midday, then hang around afterwards for a meet and greet at 11am or 1pm. Admission is included in Sydney Zoo entry. Kids under three get in for free; for kids three or older, it's $19.90.
Image credit: Supplied
Join The Play! Kids Festival in Sutherland
Much-loved performer Emma Memma, a shark-themed puppet show and a meet-and-greet with Sharks footy player Jesse Ramien are all on the program at this year's Play! Kids Festival. For five days — from Wednesday, October 1-Sunday, October 5 — there'll be more performances, interactive experiences and workshops than even your most play-crazy kids can handle. Get tickets on an event-by-event basis, or bundle up with a Play! Pass, which, for $50, buys one performance, one dance workshop and one art workshop. All the action takes place at The Pavilion in Sutherland, and the program is on the Play! Kids Festival website.
Image credit: Woollahra Libraries Website
Head to Music Mania! at Woollarha Libraries
Is your little one forever singing, dancing or tapping on hard objects? Help them fulfil their musical potential at Woollahra Libraries this spring school holidays. At Musical Craft Workshops, kids aged 5-12 will build sound-making creations from new and used objects. Then, at African Drumming Workshops, they'll beat their own drums, while learning about the role drumming plays in sharing music, language and culture. Tickets are $5 per workshop. Book them on the Music Mania! website.
Image credit: Supplied
Meet Bluey and Bingo at The Australian Reptile Park
Peppa Pig isn't the only kid's television personality making the rounds this spring school holiday. Head to the Australian Reptile Park in Somersby, and you'll meet the world's favourite blue heeler: Bluey, in the company of her little sister, Bingo. The duo will host daily live shows at 10.15am and 1.30pm with some of their favourite games, like Magic Asparagus, Magic Xylophone and Keepy Uppy. Plus, by pre-booking, you could nab the kids a meet-and-greet at 11.15am or 12.30pm. Admission is included in entry to the Australian Reptile Park. While you're on the Central Coast, check out all the best places to eat, drink and stay with our weekender's guide.
Image credit: Australian Museum website
Relics at The Australian Museum
A team of LEGO Masters winners has created an incredible exhibition at the Australian Museum. Relics will transport your child to a new world where entire, pint-sized LEGO civilisations live within vintage objects. See an old fridge transformed into a cryogenic health resort, a typewriter reimagined as a newspaper office, and a VW Beetle hosting a revolution in how we source and use energy. In between getting lost in 14 displays, the kids can get busy building their own LEGO models and going on scavenger hunts. Tickets are available via the Australian Museum website.
Image credit: Taronga Zoo website
Explore Taronga Zoo by Lantern Light
Got a kid on your hands who wakes up when the sun goes down? Embrace it this spring school holiday at Taronga Zoo's new after-dark event. For ten nights from Friday, October 3-Sunday, October 12, you'll be able to see what the animals get up to after closing time. Catch a seal display at twilight before wandering along trails lit by lanterns, then stopping by a firepit for a street food feast. Also on the program is a magical mermaid show, plus live music and a savannah-side sunset bar hosted by Archie Rose — because not everything has to just be for the kids.
Image credit: Supplied
Get Into Free Activities at Public House Petersham
Public House Petersham has just had a big, family-friendly reno — and, to celebrate, it's putting on a bunch of free activities this spring school holiday. All the action launches on Saturday, September 27, with an entire day of events, from face painting and roaming hula hoopers to an animal farm and a jumping castle. Then, head along on Tuesday, September 30, for pizza-making classes; Thursday, October 2, for arts and crafts classes; Sunday, October 5, for a reptile show and balloon-twisting sessions; and loads more. On top of that, get a free kid's meal with any adult meal daily.
Image credit: Supplied
Kids' Concierge at The Hyatt Regency
Dreaming of taking the family on a holiday but lacking the means or the time? Treat them to a kid-centric staycation on the waterfront at the Hyatt Regency. As soon as they arrive, they'll feel like they're guests of honour, thanks to free treats, including lollies and cookies in the lobby. In the room, settle them into their cosy robes and get them busy with complimentary activities, before checking out the dedicated kids' menus (budget-friendly tip: the brekkie buffet is free for 0-5 year olds and half price for 6-12 year olds, ands several of the hotel's restaurants offer a free kid's meal with an adult meal). You'll then be ready to explore the many family-friendly spots nearby, with the help of the Hyatt's specially curated map.
Image credit: Supplied
Get Tickets to Fringe Kids
Every September, Sydney Fringe takes over the city with performances of all kinds — from plays and musicals to circus and live music. This year, the Fringe Kids program is back, bringing you shows every day of the spring school holidays. Head to the Entertainment Quarter to catch the All Star Circus, the Giant Balloon Show, the Flying Bubble Show and much more. Then catch the Dorothy in Oz cabaret in Marrickville, watch snail-inspired comedy in Erskineville and take a musical adventure in Ultimo. The rest of the program is on the Fringe Kids webpage.