Things to Do with Kids in Sydney These Winter School Holidays — July 2026

The NSW winter school holidays 2026 run from Monday 6 July to Friday 17 July — two weeks to fill with things that will actually keep the kids entertained, without breaking the bank or losing your mind.

Sydney in July can be chilly, but that just means the best activities are the ones with a mix of indoor warmth and outdoor adventure. Whether you're looking for something creative, active, educational, or just genuinely fun, there's plenty happening across the city this winter break.

Here's our guide to the best school holiday activities for kids in Sydney — July 2026.

1. Bondi Festival 2026 — 3 to 19 July

If you're in the eastern suburbs — or happy to make the trip — the Bondi Festival returns for its biggest year yet from 3 to 19 July, running right across the school holiday period. The annual winter arts and cultural festival takes over Bondi Beach and the surrounding area with music, theatre, comedy, visual arts, and interactive performances for all ages.

Festival highlights this year include the iconic beachside ice rink and Bondi Vista Ferris Wheel, the Waverley Art Prize, the Pavilion Paw Parade, and the Bondi Beach Sea Wall street art exhibit. The Blue Sky Markets in Bondi Park run every Saturday through the festival, making it a great weekend outing for the whole family.

Many events are free or very affordable — but ticketed events are expected to sell out quickly, so book ahead.

📍 Bondi Pavilion and Bondi Beach foreshore 💰 Free entry to many events; ticketed events vary

2. Cartooning and Drawing Workshops — Toon Creations

If your child loves drawing, anime, superheroes, gaming, or just being creative, a Toon Creations school holiday workshop is one of the most unique and genuinely engaging things you can do with kids these winter holidays.

Toon Creations runs full-day cartooning and drawing workshops for kids aged 5–12 and teens aged 11–15 at their Bondi Beach studio and at venues across Sydney including the Northern Beaches. Kids learn to draw their favourite cartoon characters by finding hidden shapes, letters and numbers — a unique method that means even kids who think they can't draw leave with a portfolio of finished artworks they're genuinely proud of.

The program runs from 9am to 5pm at the Bondi studio with games, activities, and breaks woven throughout — so kids stay engaged from drop-off to pickup. Creative Kids vouchers accepted.

📍 Bondi Beach studio + Northern Beaches and other Sydney venues 💰 Creative Kids vouchers accepted — check pricing and book here 🎨 Find out more about Toon Creations holiday workshops

3. SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

An absolute classic for a reason — SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium at Darling Harbour is one of Sydney's best indoor winter activities for kids of all ages. The aquarium runs special school holiday workshops that blend science and creativity, alongside the regular exhibits including the Day and Night on the Reef glass-bottom boat experience.

It's fully indoor, warm, and endlessly fascinating — a great option for a rainy July day when outdoor options aren't appealing. Book online in advance for the best pricing.

📍 Darling Harbour, Sydney CBD 💰 Tickets from approx. $40 per child — book online for discounts

4. Australian Reptile Park — Day Trip

About an hour north of Sydney, the Australian Reptile Park is one of the best family day trips from the city and a perennial school holiday favourite. Kids can get up close with kangaroos, koalas, wombats, komodo dragons, and — for the brave ones — some of Australia's most iconic snakes and spiders.

The park offers keeper talks and handling experiences throughout the day, making it educational as well as exciting. Pack a picnic and make a day of it — the park has plenty of space and is easy to navigate with kids of all ages.

📍 Pacific Highway, Somersby (approx. 1 hour from Sydney CBD) 💰 Family tickets available — book online

5. Art Gallery of NSW — Free Family Activities

The Art Gallery of NSW runs free family programs during school holidays that let kids discover art by doing and making, not just looking. This July, the gallery is also hosting a whimsical interactive exhibition celebrating beloved Australian children's author and illustrator Pamela Allen — creator of classics including Who Sank the Boat? and Mr McGee — running until 18 July 2026.

The exhibition invites exploration through original illustrations, drafts, and interactive scenes from Allen's most famous books, with cosy reading nooks and creative spaces designed for young visitors.

📍 Art Gallery Road, Sydney CBD 💰 Free (some ticketed exhibitions may apply)

6. Blue Mountains Day Trip

For families happy to venture a little further, the Blue Mountains in July are genuinely spectacular. Cool temperatures, crisp air, and the dramatic views from Echo Point make for an unforgettable winter family outing.

Scenic World at Katoomba is the obvious drawcard — featuring the world's steepest railway, a glass-bottomed skyway with floor-to-ceiling harbour views, and a boardwalk through ancient rainforest. It's designed with families in mind and works for a wide age range.

If snow is on the radar (it does occasionally fall in Orange and the upper Blue Mountains in winter), check local weather reports and make a weekend of it.

📍 Katoomba, Blue Mountains (approx. 1.5 hours from Sydney CBD) 💰 Scenic World tickets from approx. $45 per adult, children's rates available

7. Bridge Climb Sydney

For families with older kids (aged 8 and above, over 120cm), a Bridge Climb during the school holidays is one of Sydney's most memorable experiences. The winter months are actually a fantastic time to climb — the air is crisp, the skies are often clearer than in summer, and the views across the harbour are spectacular.

Climb Leaders guide groups across the bridge with safety-first equipment, and Private Climb options are available for families wanting an exclusive experience.

📍 Cumberland Street, The Rocks 💰 From approx. $174 per child — book online well in advance

8. Local Library Holiday Programs — Free

Don't overlook your local library these winter holidays. Libraries across Sydney run free school holiday programs including craft workshops, storytelling sessions, coding classes, and reading challenges. Programs vary by council area so check your local library's website for what's on in July.

Some Sydney library systems with strong holiday programs include:

• City of Sydney Libraries

• Northern Beaches Council Libraries (Dee Why, Mona Vale, Manly)

• Waverley Library

• Inner West Library Service

📍 Your local library 💰 Free

Tips for planning school holiday activities in Sydney — July 2026

Book early. Popular workshops and attractions fill up fast during the two-week July holidays. If you see something you want, book it now.

Mix paid and free activities. Sydney has an incredible range of free things to do — galleries, parks, libraries, and festivals. You don't need to fill every day with paid activities.

Use your Creative Kids voucher. If you haven't used your $50 NSW Creative Kids voucher yet, the school holidays are the perfect time. Toon Creations is a registered Creative Kids provider — find out how to use your voucher here.

Plan for the weather. July in Sydney can be cold and occasionally rainy. Have a mix of indoor and outdoor options planned so you're never stuck.

Think about the age range. What works for a 5 year old won't always work for a 12 year old. If you have kids of different ages, look for activities with a wide age range — or plan some age-specific days.

Ready to book your Toon Creations workshop?

Toon Creations school holiday workshops at Bondi Beach and across Sydney book out fast every winter holiday period. If you'd like to secure a spot for your child these July holidays, book early to avoid missing out.

Creative Kids vouchers accepted. Ages 5–15. No experience needed.

🎨 Book a July 2026 holiday workshop 📧 Contact us with any questions 📞 0411 789 878

Toon Creations runs cartooning and drawing workshops for kids aged 5–15 during every NSW school holiday period. Based at Bondi Beach with venues across Sydney, NSW, VIC, and QLD. Creative Kids vouchers accepted.