_edited_edited.png)
Winter School Holiday Activities in the Sutherland Shire, Sydney and Surrounds
- Jul 6
- 5 min read
The winter school holidays are here, and if you’re anything like us, you’re probably looking for a few ways to keep the kids busy without completely exhausting yourself.
Some days call for creative workshops and indoor activities. Other days need giant inflatables, ice skating, theatre, animals or somewhere the kids can burn energy while you stay warm.
Whether you’re staying close to home in the Sutherland Shire or heading into Sydney for a bigger day out, here are our picks for winter school holiday activities to keep on your list.
Prices, dates and inclusions can change, so always check directly with the venue before booking.
Close to home: Sutherland Shire School Holiday Activities
Hazelhurst Arts Centre Winter School Holiday Program
Hazelhurst is always a beautiful local option during the school holidays, especially for creative kids who love making things.
Their winter school holiday program usually includes hands-on art classes for primary school aged children, with activities like clay, painting, drawing and mixed media. It’s indoors, relaxed and a little calmer than the usual holiday chaos.
The cafe is also a lovely bonus if you want to grab a coffee before or after.
Best for: Creative kids, rainy days and an easy local morning.
Sutherland Shire Singing School Holiday Workshops
Sutherland Shire Singing is a great local option for kids and teens who love music, singing or performing.
Their school holiday workshops are suited to children who want to build confidence, try something creative or spend time doing something a little different during the break.
It’s a beautiful one for kids who enjoy singing, want to perform more or simply need a creative confidence boost.
Best for: Kids and teens who love singing, performing or confidence-building activities.
Felicity J Aitken School Holiday Creative Workshops
Felicity J Aitken offers creative school holiday workshops for kids who love art, painting, drawing, making and hands-on creative play.
Her small-group workshops give children the chance to explore different creative projects, including natural weaving, painting, mixed media, printmaking and drawing, in a relaxed and encouraging environment.
A great one for kids who love using their imagination.
Best for: Kids who love art, drawing, painting, making and creative play.
Sutherland Shire Libraries School Holiday Program
The Shire libraries are always worth checking during school holidays, especially if you want something low-cost, local and easy.
Keep an eye out for story time sessions, craft activities, STEM workshops and kids’ events across branches like Sutherland, Cronulla, Miranda and Caringbah.
These are especially great for younger kids when you want something simple and easy on the wallet.
Best for: Younger kids, free activities and quieter holiday mornings.
libraries.sutherlandshire.nsw.gov.au
Tradies School Holiday Activities
Tradies Gymea often puts together a school holiday line-up that is worth checking, especially when you want something indoors with parking, food and minimal effort.
Depending on the week, you may find kids’ bingo, creative workshops, science activities, shows or hands-on sessions.
It’s a reliable local option when you want a simple activity without turning it into a full day out.
Best for: Indoor entertainment, easy parking and local family outings.
Motiv8sports School Holiday Camps
For kids who need to move, Motiv8sports school holiday camps are a great option.
Their programs are designed for primary school aged children and usually include multi-sport games, team activities and plenty of energy-burning fun.
It’s the kind of day that feels like fun for the kids and gives you a few hours to breathe.
Best for: Active kids who love sport, games and being part of a team.
Worth the Drive: Sydney and Beyond School Holiday Activities
Sydney Opera House Winter School Holiday Program
If you’re going to do one bigger school holiday outing this winter, the Sydney Opera House is a beautiful option.
The winter school holiday program includes theatre, creativity and family-friendly shows in one of Sydney’s most iconic locations. Half the fun is getting into the city, walking around Circular Quay and making a proper day of it.
Program highlights include YOU & ME and The Land of Lost Things, running until 19 July 2026, a stage adventure for children aged 6 and up.
There is also Pay No Attention, running from 4 to 11 July 2026 in the Studio, and MaaMaa and Nonna’s Kitchen, running from 10 to 18 July 2026 at the Centre for Creativity.
Best for: Kids who love stories, theatre, creativity and a city day out.
Bondi Festival
Running from 3 to 19 July 2026, Bondi Festival brings winter energy to one of Sydney’s most iconic beaches.
Expect the ice rink, Bondi Vista Ferris Wheel, live performances, food, music and public art across Bondi Pavilion, Bondi Park and the beachfront.
It’s the kind of outing that feels like a proper winter event, especially for kids who love the idea of ice skating by the beach.
Best for: A winter school holiday day out with a bit of magic.
Monster Jump
For kids who have way too much energy, Monster Jump at the Entertainment Quarter is exactly what the school holidays need.
Running from 4 to 19 July 2026, this giant inflatable obstacle course is open daily from 10am to 4pm and includes more than 30 challenges across a 280 metre course.
Think climbing walls, tunnels, slides, bounce zones and a lot of very tired kids on the way home.
Best for: Active kids and parents who need a proper school holiday energy release.
Tuff Nutterz
Running from 9 to 19 July 2026, Tuff Nutterz brings Australia’s biggest inflatable obstacle course to Centennial Park.
Expect climbing walls, slides, crawling sections, the Tuff Slide and food and drinks on site. It’s outdoors, so dress warmly, but the kids will warm up quickly once they start running, climbing and bouncing.
Best for: Kids with endless energy.
Symbio Wildlife Park
For a proper day out that still feels close to the Shire, Symbio Wildlife Park is always a beautiful one to keep on the list.
There are animals, landscaped gardens, picnic areas, an adventure playground and plenty of space for the kids to roam.
From Cronulla, it’s roughly a 35 to 45 minute drive depending on traffic, making it a great big day out without going too far from home.
Best for: A wildlife day out with animals, fresh air, gardens and room to explore.
A Simple School Holiday Idea for Mums Too
The school holidays can be beautiful, but they can also be a lot.
The constant planning, feeding, driving, entertaining and trying to keep everyone happy can feel exhausting. So while you’re filling the calendar for the kids, try to add one thing for yourself too.
A coffee with another mum.
A walk by the beach.
A lunch you didn’t have to cook.
A morning where the kids can play and you can have an actual conversation.
That’s what SLAM is here for too.
We have family catch ups, mums and kids dinners and community events happening across the Shire all year round, including during the school holidays.
See what family events we have coming up.
Looking for More Local Family-Friendly Events?
SLAM Society brings women and families together through relaxed events, walks, dinners, family catch ups and getaways across Sydney and the Sutherland Shire.
If you’re looking for more ways to get out, meet other mums and feel connected beyond the school holidays, we’d love to have you join us.
