One moment you’re packing lunchboxes, the next you’re staring down two weeks of wide-eyed kids asking, “What are we doing today?”. But, fear not! We’ve rounded up a dozen brilliant boredom-busting school holiday activities that will keep your little (and not-so-little) ones entertained all break long. No digital device required!
1. A theme park adventure
Whether you head to Queensland’s famous cluster of theme parks or embrace the nostalgia of a suburban show ground, nothing quite compares to a classic afternoon spent riding roller coasters and gorging on sugary treats. In Sydney, prime position is held by Luna Park.
Imagine, the glittering harbour at your feet, the Opera House in view, and squeals of delight spiralling from the Big Dipper – the world’s first double launch single rail coaster and Australia’s tallest and fastest multi-launch coaster. For the daredevils, the Sledgehammer will spin and swing you until your stomach flips. Or, brave the the Hair Raiser which drops you 50 metres in a blur of wind and wide eyes. Families can keep it gentler on the Ferris Wheel or the carousel, while tiny thrill-seekers can test their courage on rides like Loopy Lighthouse and Freaky Frogs. And if all else fails? Step inside the heritage-listed Coney Island for slides, mazes, and classic sideshow charm.
2. A screen-free surprise with Bloomables
Need a break from the endless iPad tug-of-war? Bloomables by Hatchimals (available at amazon.com.au) are ripe for the picking. These flowers bloom again and again to reveal Hatchipillars that transform into Kittyfly or Puppyfly friends. Complete with over 100 sounds and reactions. They’re collectible, interactive, and, most importantly, keep little hands busy without a glowing screen in sight.
3. Play, Puzzle & Piece Together the Past
For something that feeds both fun and curiosity, take them to the Australian Museum’s new exhibition, Relics: A New World Rises. Dreamed up by Lego Masters champions Jackson Harvey and Alex Towler, this exhibition reimagines vintage objects. Think typewriters, fridges and radios—by turning them into futuristic Lego civilisations. It’s part science fiction, part art, and totally absorbing. Kids will love the scavenger hunts and build zones, while adults will get a kick out of the wild creativity. (And probably want to move in with the Minifigures).
Bonus: From August 16th until the end of January, guests who book an accommodation package at Pullman Sydney Hyde Park will receive tickets to the exhibition at the museum, which is conveniently located just 100m from the hotel!
4. Make cooking cool
If your kids treat broccoli like it’s kryptonite, here’s a trick – turn them into food critics. Youfoodz has launched its new Small Meals range for little appetites, and they’re inviting kids to play “Tiny Tasters.” Meals come with a fun review sheet, so your junior foodies can score each dish like pint-sized MasterChefs. Bonus: you get dinner sorted, and they learn that cooking and nutrition can be exciting, not exhausting.
5. Customise their Crocs
Crocs just levelled up – literally. Their first-ever collaboration with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing is here, and it’s every gamer’s dream. Think cute-coloured straps and adorable Jibbitz charms featuring fan-favourite characters like Rosie and Marshal. Whether your kids are hardcore Switch players or just love quirky shoes, these Crocs let them wear their favourite game on their feet.
6. Movie magic at home
Not every day has to mean a big outing. Sometimes the magic is in your lounge room. With Home Premiere, the latest blockbusters land in your living room for one price, no subscriptions needed. This holiday’s line-up is stacked. And, includes The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Smurfs with Rihanna as Smurfette, Elio, and a live-action How To Train Your Dragon. Plus, revisit classics like The Karate Kid alongside its 2025 reboot, or rewatch Wicked before the new one drops. Grab the popcorn, pile onto the couch, post on a projector, and you’ve got instant screen-free cinema vibes. Available across leading digital platforms: Apple TV+, Fetch, Foxtel, Google TV, Prime Video, YouTube.
7. Pick Peppa Pig (or almost any other animal)
Sydney Zoo is calling, and this holiday, it’s hosting Peppa Pig herself. From 27 September to 12 October, kids can catch the daily Peppa Pig Mini Show. Plus a meet-and-greet with baby Evie – on her first ever trip to Australia! Add in all the regular zoo favourites, from cheeky meerkats to majestic lions, and you’ve got a day of squeals, snorts and selfies.
8. Take them to new heights
Want to wow them without rollercoasters? The newly reimagined Sydney Tower Eye has reopened its Observation Deck with sleek interiors, comfy seating, and a brand-new cafe. The views stretch across the harbour, out to Bondi, and all the way to the Blue Mountains. For just $29, it’s an affordable way to give kids a perspective they’ll never forget – literally above the clouds.
9. Space Out (in the best way)
If your kids are obsessed with planets, rockets, and anything cosmic, pencil in IAC 2025 Space Day powered by Lego Play at Darling Harbour, Sydney, on Friday 3 October as part of Space Week 2025. Expect hands-on science workshops, real-life astronomers, and starry-eyed exhibitions designed to ignite young imaginations. From building model rockets to learning what astronauts eat in space, this free family event is a galaxy-sized win for curious minds.
10. Cars, Chaos and Disney Magic
Rev your engines! Westfield is teaming up with Disney & Pixar’s Cars to bring Lightning McQueen and friends roaring into shopping centres across Australia these holidays. Kids can dive into themed play zones, race in interactive games, and even snap pics with life-sized replicas of their favourite racers. It’s free fun with a dose of Disney sparkle. And, the perfect bribe to sneak in a bit of back-to-school shopping while you’re there.
11. A sanctuary that will save your sanity … and Australian species
Looking for a school holiday adventure that’s a little wild? Head just 50 minutes west of Melbourne to the Odonata Mt Rothwell Sanctuary, where kids can join expert guides on a torchlit night walk through woodlands buzzing with life. From the ultra-rare southern brush-tailed rock-wallaby to cheeky bandicoots and even the elusive eastern quoll, every step feels like a real-life nature documentary. With small group sizes and plenty of animal encounters, it’s a magical after-dark experience they’ll never forget.
12. A super staycation
Make the most of the school holidays with a city staycation at Hyatt Regency Sydney, where the brand-new Kids Concierge is rolling out the red carpet for little travellers. From free buffet breakfasts for the under-fives (and half-price for bigger kids) to cosy mini robes, cookies in the lobby and a treasure map of Darling Harbour’s best attractions, every detail is taken care of. With adventures like Sealife Aquarium and Madame Tussads just steps away, this is one family getaway that promises big fun for small guests.
13. Paw (and Fire!) Patrol
Here’s a “no chocolate” rule we’re happy to make an exception for! These school holidays Paw Patrol and Kinder Surprise will unveil Heroes HQ – a brand-new, interactive experience celebrating its exciting collaboration with everyone’s favourite rescue pups.
Housed at the historic Alexandria Fire Station, the pop-up brings the animated series to life with themed play zones and creative activities. Plus, plenty of surprises for the whole family. Kids can meet some of the show’s heroic characters, dive into rescue-inspired games, and join fun hands-on workshops.
Adding to the excitement, Fire & Rescue NSW will be on site to share important lessons about safety. However, spots are limited, so be sure to register early to secure your place.
14. From screen to stage
Finally, just 30 minutes by train from Central Sydney, Play! Kids Festival is back these school holidays, bringing five days of live entertainment, creative workshops and hands-on fun to The Pavilion Performing Arts Centre in Sutherland from 1–5 October.
This action-packed festival is perfect for kids of all ages. And, will star a stellar line-up that includes ARIA Award-winner Emma Memma and the world premiere of Shark Dive by acclaimed puppeteers Erth. Little ones can join daily dance and art workshops, while older kids will love shows like The Box Show by Junkyard Beats and Imagine Live, inspired by Alison Lester’s beloved book.
With tickets starting at just $29 and plenty of free activities like Storytime, foyer games and colouring competitions, Play! Kids Festival is an affordable and exciting day out for the whole family.