Summer holidays are here, which means weeks of distraction, refereeing fights and battling the cries of, ‘Muuuuum, I’m bored!’.
But don’t worry, we’ve got your back. Here’s 7 things to do in Sydney this school hols that will get the kids out of the house AND earn you top mum points.
1. Get wet at Waterworld
So it’s going to be hot, but you still want to get outside and tire them out? Forget queuing at Wet and Wild, Australia’s first mobile waterpark is coming to you! Waterworld is setting up in Sydney, Doyalson, Nowra and Forster throughout January. Tickets: $25
2. Catch a show
Make some memories at one of the brilliant, interactive kids shows on across the city. There’s The Funatorium: Captain Hook’s Pirate Party at the Opera House (11 – 27 January). Shrek the Musical will have you all singing along at the Riverside Theatres, Parramatta (2 – 17 February). Or go al fresco for Wind in the Willows in the Royal Botanic Gardens (5-28 January).
3. Marvel at LEGO
Do your kiddos love LEGO? The Brickman – Aussie LEGO expert Ryan McNaught – is bringing his latest LEGO creations to Sydney for Brickman Awesome. The 38 never-seen-before LEGO models took more than 4,500 hours and 1.5 million bricks to make! There’s a life-sized LEGO Harley Davidson, the largest ever LEGO Caterpillar 797 dump truck and a full-sized saltwater crocodile built from more than 40,000 LEGO bricks that weighs more than 60kgs!. See it at ICC Sydney, International Exhibition Centre until 4 February, 2017.
4. Head to the zoo
A visit to the zoo is a classic kids holiday adventure, but Taronga Zoo has even more on offer than animals this school holidays. Get kids to tackle the Wild Ropes course, set in the bush land surrounding Taronga with epic views of the Harbour. Children’s courses from $20.
5. Hit the Park
For some free fun, why not head to Centennial Park? Yep, we know the park has always been free, but now you can pimp your park experience with their cool Nature and Wildlife Walking Tour App. The app teaches you all about the park’s wildlife and plants, making you (or the kids), a tour guide pro.
6. Go on an adventure
Want a bit of peace and quite while knowing your little darlings are having the time of their life? Just over an hour’s drive from Sydney, Glenworth Valley Outdoor Adventures has horse riding, abseiling, kayaking and more as part of their half day and full day adventure camps. They also have camping and activities for the whole family if you want to get away too. Prices vary depending on age and camp.
7. Learn to surf
Get the kids away from the iPads and into the surf. Better yet, teach them to ride the board the right way with surfing lessons at popular Manly Beach. Manly Surf School runs learn to surf classes for kids aged from five every day. And mums and dads can join in too.
Did you know 42 NSW school playgrounds are staying open for the summer holidays? Check out our list to find your nearest one. And make sure to check out other holiday guides if you’re travelling interstate with the kids, including our top picks in Brisbane, Adelaide and Melbourne.Â
