Best school holiday activities in Sydney for kids this spring
Spring school holidays are one of the best times to explore Sydney with the family. This year, the spring school holidays in Sydney run from Monday 28 September to Friday 9 October 2026, giving families two full weeks to enjoy the city's best school holiday activities. From an unforgettable BridgeClimb to free parks, museums and day trips, this guide covers the best things to do with kids in Sydney these holidays.
Book a family BridgeClimb experience
When Are the Spring School Holidays in Sydney in 2026?
NSW public school students are on spring school holidays from Monday 28 September to Friday 9 October 2026, before Term 4 begins on Tuesday 13 October. These dates apply to both Eastern and Western divisions.
This year, the holidays overlap with NRL Grand Final weekend on Sunday 4 October 2026. If your family is in Sydney for the game, see our guide to things to do in Sydney during NRL Grand Final weekend for more ideas on how to fill the rest of your stay.
Is BridgeClimb Good for Families?
Yes. BridgeClimb Sydney welcomes children aged 8 and above, making it one of the best school holiday activities in Sydney for families with older kids. Small groups of up to 14 guests are fully hosted by a dedicated Bridge Tour Guide, so nervous first timers, parents included, are supported every step of the way.
The experience begins at BridgeClimb Base, where your family suits up and meets your Bridge Tour Guide. You will walk along gradual pathways and gentle arches, hearing stories about the Bridge's construction, Aboriginal culture and Sydney's history as you go. It is part adventure, part history lesson, and entirely memorable.
At the Summit, kids love picking out the Opera House, the ferries below and their next stop for the day. It is an achievement the whole family can share, not just a view.
See our school holiday special offer to save on your Climb this spring.
What Free Things to Do with Kids in Sydney Are There This Spring?
Not every school holiday activity needs a ticket. Sydney has plenty of free things to do with kids these holidays, from playgrounds to parkland.
Darling Quarter Playground
After enjoying the view from the Summit, head back to ground level for a different kind of adventure. In the heart of the city, Darling Quarter Playground is a hands-on, open-air experience that encourages kids to explore, climb, and get a little messy.
The water play area, flying fox, balance ropes, and climbing nets provide hours of entertainment for kids of all ages. For parents, shaded seating and nearby cafes mean you can enjoy a proper break while still keeping an eye on the action.
It’s free, central and close to many other Sydney attractions for families, making it an easy stop before or after lunch.
Water play at Darling Quarter - Destination NSW
Royal Botanic Garden & Centennial Parklands – Outdoor Exploration
Spring is when Sydney’s green spaces truly come alive. Two of the best places for families to connect with nature are the Royal Botanic Garden and Centennial Parklands.
At the Royal Botanic Garden, kids can wander through themed gardens, spot native birds and follow self-guided nature trails. Spring flowers add colour to every path, and there’s plenty of open space for running, rolling or relaxing with a picnic basket.
Centennial Parklands is full of fun for active families. Bring bikes or scooters for a spin around the loop, or book in for a horse/pony ride designed for beginners. There are also family-friendly programs during the school holidays range from nature workshops to wildlife walks.
These spots are not only scenic, but are also a smart choice for anyone looking for affordable and educational family things to do in Sydney. Parents can count on them to keep kids active, curious and off screens for a while.
Hire a Pedal Car to ride around Centennial Parklands - Destination NSW
Bondi to Coogee Walk
If your family’s more into coastlines than canopies, the Bondi to Coogee trail offers a stunning alternative. The coastal path is one of Sydney’s most scenic walks, and it’s surprisingly kid-friendly.
Choose a short section near Bronte or Clovelly, where rock pools and beaches offer a chance for young explorers to detour and explore. Along the way, you’ll find playgrounds, shaded spots for snacks and plenty of ocean views to spark curiosity.
Bondi to Bronte Walk - Destination NSW
What Indoor Activities Suit a Rainy Spring Day?
Spring in Sydney is mostly sunny, but it pays to have an indoor backup. Sydney's museums are some of the best rainy day things to do with kids in Sydney, offering hands-on learning alongside the fun.
- BridgeMuseum: It is a self guided, immersive museum inside the Sydney Harbour Bridge's historic South-East Pylon. Inside, you will find interactive displays, historic memorabilia and multimedia storytelling. Most of the experience is entirely undercover, with the exception of the SkyHouse Lookout.
- Australian Museum: Dinosaurs, fossils, and First Nations exhibits keep kids moving through each gallery with wonder.
- Powerhouse Museum: Hands-on science and tech displays make this a hit with older children, especially during seasonal workshops.
- Australian National Maritime Museum: Climb aboard tall ships and submarines while learning about Australia’s seafaring past.
All three run school holiday programs, so check their websites for more details.
BridgeMuseum
What Are the Best Day Trips from Sydney for Families?
When you're ready to venture a little further, some of the best spring adventures and things to do in Sydney with family sit just outside the city. These trips are easy to manage and don’t require an overnight stay.
- Scenic World, Blue Mountains
Roughly two hours from Sydney, Scenic World gives kids the chance to ride the world’s steepest railway, glide above the Jamison Valley on the Skyway and explore rainforest boardwalks beneath towering cliffs. - Sydney Zoo
Set in Western Sydney, Sydney Zoo features native and exotic animals in spacious enclosures. It’s designed with families in mind, with pram-friendly paths, hands-on exhibits and daily keeper talks.
These are among the most rewarding family activities in Sydney. Both make easy day trips with an early start and a packed lunch.
How Do You Plan the Perfect School Holiday Day?
A little planning goes a long way during the spring school holidays. Keep these tips in mind as you map out your days.
- Book popular experiences early
Family favourites like BridgeClimb, Scenic World and the major museums fill up during the break, so lock in key activities in advance. - Stick to public transport–friendly attractions
Trains, ferries, and buses are efficient and scenic ways to get around Sydney. Many major sites are easily accessible this way, saving you parking headaches. - Check school holiday schedules for events
Pop up festivals and limited time exhibitions are common across the city, so check official websites ahead of time. - Pack reusable water bottles and sunscreen
The sun in spring can be deceptively strong. Stay hydrated and remember to slip, slop, slap so everyone has a great time. - Alternate active days with slower ones
Mix high-energy outings like the Summit Climb with slower-paced picnics or indoor museum visits to keep the family balanced. - Take advantage of promo offers
Use BridgeClimb’s School Holiday Offers to save on your Climb. Keep an eye out for combo tickets or discount entry days at museums and zoos. - Choose flexible activities for unpredictable weather
Spring in Sydney is mostly sunny, but a flexible backup plan ensures the fun doesn’t stop when the clouds roll in.
When planning school holiday activities in Sydney with the family, timing, flexibility, and comfort can make all the difference.
Make This Spring School Holiday One to Remember
This spring, Sydney is your family’s playground.
Take a peaceful garden stroll, climb to the Summit of the Bridge or discover something new together. These shared moments, whether through nature walks or iconic Climbs, are the kind of family activities Sydney families remember long after the school holidays end.
Ready to create a great school holiday story your kids can share with their friends when they’re back in school? Book your family-friendly BridgeClimb today!
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the spring school holidays in Sydney in 2026?
Spring school holidays run from Monday 28 September to Friday 9 October 2026, before Term 4 begins on Tuesday 13 October.
What are the best school holiday activities in Sydney for kids?
BridgeClimb, BridgeMuseum, Darling Quarter Playground, the Royal Botanic Garden, Centennial Parklands, the Bondi to Coogee walk and Sydney's museums are among the best school holiday activities in Sydney for kids of all ages.
Can kids do the BridgeClimb?
Yes. Children aged 8 and over can join BridgeClimb Sydney. The Climb is guided, safe and suited to families during the spring school holidays.
What free things to do with kids in Sydney are there?
Darling Quarter Playground, the Royal Botanic Garden and the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk are all free and do not require bookings.
What indoor activities can families do on a rainy spring day?
The BridgeMuseum, Australian Museum, Sydney Observatory and the Australian National Maritime Museum all offer hands-on, indoor learning for kids, with school holiday programs running throughout the break.
Do I need to book school holiday activities in advance?
Yes, where possible. Popular experiences like BridgeClimb, BridgeMuseum, Scenic World and major museum exhibitions can fill up during the school holidays, so book ahead to avoid missing out.
Book your family-friendly BridgeClimb