Beyond the very adult options of Harbour Bridge climbs, Opera House performances and rooftop bars, Sydney absolutely delivers when it comes to family-friendly adventures that feel special, memorable and, most importantly, fun for all ages. Whether you’re a local or heading in from overseas and searching for ideas that entertain little ones, tweens or the whole extended clan, these school holiday ideas pair classic icons with crowd-pleasing experiences that turn the Summer holidays into something genuinely exciting.
Start with a hit of pure nostalgia at Luna Park. Few places capture that carefree, giddy holiday feeling quite like Sydney’s most iconic amusement park, perched right on the harbour with the city skyline twinkling behind it. For younger kids, the gentler rides and colourful carnival atmosphere are a thrill without being overwhelming, while older children will make a beeline for the roller coasters and adrenaline-pumping attractions. Between rides, there’s fairy floss, classic sideshow games and plenty of photo-worthy moments under the famous smiling face. It’s the kind of place where time slips away easily – which is exactly what school holidays are for.
Alternatively (or additionally?) Balance the excitement with something a little more educational (but still very entertaining) at Sea Life Sydney Aquarium. Located in the heart of Darling Harbour, the aquarium is a reliable crowd-pleaser, rain or shine. Kids can wander through underwater tunnels surrounded by sharks, rays and turtles, while parents get a breather as everyone moves at a calm, curious pace. The penguin expedition is always a highlight, and there’s something quietly magical about watching children press their noses to the glass, completely absorbed by life beneath the surface. It’s the perfect mid-week outing when energy levels need a reset but curiosity is still running high.
For a dose of live theatre that feels both magical and meaningful, Shrek The Musical is set to be one of the standout family events of the summer. After enchanting audiences across the US, UK, Asia and the Middle East, this larger-than-life production is bringing its ogre-the-top sets, dazzling costumes and donkey-sized doses of DreamWorks magic to Sydney (Coliseum Theatre Jan 21 – 24) . Brought to life by Showcase Entertainment Group – the team behind Madagascar The Musical and The Cat in the Hat – the show is a joyful celebration of humour, heart and being unapologetically yourself.
With a cast of 16 professional performers and Broadway-quality staging, audiences are swept into Shrek’s world alongside Fiona, Donkey, Lord Farquaad and a lively band of fairytale misfits. Expect show-stopping songs, high-energy choreography and a dragon so spectacular it reportedly needs its own 40-foot shipping container. Perfect for children aged four and up, the two-hour performance offers more than entertainment — it delivers gentle lessons about kindness, courage and inclusion, wrapped in laughter and song. The Sydney season runs at the Sydney Coliseum Theatre from 21 to 24 January 2026, making it an ideal centrepiece for a holiday week.
Round out your school holiday plans with something a little different via Sydney Zoo’s new VIP Safari Tour, which offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the African precinct, with access never before open to the public. Launching from 26 December, this keeper-led tour takes you beneath the African Savannah boardwalk, where you’ll come face-to-face with rhinos, lions and cheetahs while learning about their care routines and conservation stories. It’s immersive, eye-opening and designed to spark curiosity about wildlife and the natural world — without feeling like a classroom lesson.
To make the most of a busy holiday itinerary, choosing the right base matters — and Skye Suites Sydney stands out as a surprisingly family-friendly option in the heart of the CBD. As Sydney’s first boutique serviced apartments, the hotel offers spacious one- and two-bedroom suites designed to feel more like a stylish home than a traditional hotel room. Fully equipped kitchenettes make family breakfasts and low-key dinners easy, while separate living areas give kids space to unwind after big days out. The indoor, glass-encased pool is a standout for children, with its softly lit, almost magical atmosphere turning an afternoon swim into a destination in itself. Add in generous bathrooms, thoughtful storage, and a central location close to Darling Harbour, Pitt Street Mall and Martin Place, and it becomes an easy, stress-reducing choice for families navigating school holiday chaos.
