April School Holiday Experiences
School Holiday Fun: Top Picks for Kids in Sydney
The school holidays have arrived and whilst the kids might be buzzing with excitement at their two weeks of bliss, parents all over Sydney are scratching their heads wondering how to keep their little loves entertained! We hear you. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, creative workshops, or laid-back family outings, there’s something for everyone in our April School Holiday Ideas guide. And the best part? You don’t have to break the bank to have a fantastic time. From local playgrounds to budget-friendly events and activities, we’ve rounded up the top picks for kids this school holiday season.
🌳 Explore the Wild at Fagan Park Children’s Forest
It’s official – Sydney has scored its first children’s forest at Fagan Park. Amidst the picturesque hills of Galston, Fagan Park Children’s Forest promises a magical escape into nature. Let your little explorers roam free amongst towering trees, winding paths, and hidden nooks – all waiting to be discovered. With its unique natural playground and tranquil surroundings, this park provides the perfect setting for imaginative outdoor adventures. Plus with toilet facilities, coin operated BBQ, picnic shelters and over 10 hectares of themed gardens in the Gardens of Many, this is one day-trip destination the whole family can enjoy.
Where: 38-48 Arcadia Road, Galston
When: 7am until 5.30pm (6.30pm during daylight savings). Open days: open every day except Christmas day
Cost: Free
More info: (02) 9847 6666 / www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/lifestyle/sports-and-recreation/parks-and-playgrounds/fagan-park
🎨 Get Creative at the Art Gallery of New South Wales
Unleash your child’s inner artist with a visit to the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Join free art-making workshops (like Along Came A Spider), guided kids tours, and interactive activities inspired by the Gallery’s collection, from painting and drawing to sculpture and collage. There’s also Storytime on Fridays for under 5s, as well assc lino-printing workshops for older kids.
When: Various dates across the April school holidays
Where: Art Gallery Rd, Sydney NSW 2000
Cost: Free to paid activities
More info: www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/whats-on/programs/school-holidays/
💫 Uncover the Mysteries of the Night at Scenic World’s Nocturnal Experience
Experience the magic of the Blue Mountains after dark with Scenic World’s Nocturnal Experience. Embark on a guided tour through the ancient rainforest where you’ll encounter fascinating nocturnal creatures and learn about their unique behaviours under the cover of night. With interactive exhibits, wildlife encounters, and breathtaking views of the illuminated forest, it’s an unforgettable adventure for the whole family.
‼️Giveaway ‼️ Don’t miss the chance to win 2x adult and 2x kids tickets to Nocturnal at Scenic World – head to our Instagram page for all the deets but be quick, competition closes on 18 April.
Looking for more Blue Mountains school holiday ideas? Check out this new cliff top walk here.
When: Until 4 May
Where: Violet St &, Cliff Dr, Katoomba
Cost: Tickets from $54.90
More info: theinnerwestmums.com.au/event/nocturnal-at-scenic-world/
🐼 Catch Darling Square’s Kung Fu Panda 4 Celebration
In Darling Habour and want more? From April 13 to 28, Darling Square will be abuzz with activities celebrating the release of Kung Fu Panda 4. Visitors can join the ‘Hunt for the Dragon Warrior’, a scavenger hunt taking participants around Darling Square to discover secret letters and decipher a special word for a gift. Kids can also learn kung fu moves at free classes held each Saturday, catch Po roving the precinct for selfies, and enjoy mesmerizing fire dancing shows on Saturdays. Live DJ sets will keep the atmosphere lively on Friday and Saturday evenings. With over 70 retailers, dining options, and services, Darling Square offers something for everyone to enjoy indoors.
When: 13-28 April
Where: 35 Tumbalong Bvd, Haymarket
Cost: Free
More info: www.darlingharbour.com/whats-on/events/kung-fu-fun-in-darling-square
🐪 Catch Ramses & The Gold of the Pharaohs exhibit at the Australian Museum
For your budding Egyptologists, step back in time and uncover the secrets of ancient Egypt at the Australian Museum’s Ramses & The Gold of the Pharaohs exhibition. Explore the life and legacy of one of history’s most legendary pharaohs through artifacts, interactive displays, and immersive experiences. Kids loved the exhibit but want more? Don’t miss Autumn school holiday experiences like the Scientist for a Day: Archaeologist and Egyptian Treasures Workshops. Hosted by an archaeologist and multi-disciplinary artist respectively, these hands-on, interactive programs allow kids to experience the inner workings of the museum, examining tools and materials used in archaeology, as well as exploring the artefacts and artwork of Ancient Egypt.
When: Until May 19. School holiday program: various dates from 16-24 April
Where: 1 William St, Darlinghurst
Cost: Children from $34, adults from $54, children under 2 years free
More info: theinnerwestmums.com.au/event/ramses-and-the-gold-of-the-pharaohs/
🍿 Hit the movies to see Richard The Stork & The Mystery of the Great Jewel
Popcorn. Ice-cream. 90 minutes of chill-out time. Whilst streaming platforms like Netflix have made movies even more accessible from home, there’s nothing like catching a new film on the big screen – and with cinemas offering added experiences (think reclining chairs, food on demand, widescreens etc), taking the kids to see a movie is a weather proof outing all ages can enjoy. This school break, fly into the wacky animated world of “Richard the Stork and the Mystery of the Great Jewel.” Join Richard and his friends on an adventure filled with mystery, friendship, and plenty of laughs. With animation and a heart-warming story, it’s a child-friendly film that even parents will enjoy.
When: April school holidays
Where: At select cinemas throughout Sydney
Cost: Ticket prices vary depending on cinema
More info: theinnerwestmums.com.au/event/richard-the-stork-and-the-mystery-of-the-great-jewel/
⚽ Explore your own background at a child-friendly park in the Inner West
Been hitting Livvi’s Place in Five Dock a few too many times? Tired of Steele Park in Marrickville and want to find somewhere new for the kids? From fenced playgrounds – for those kids who were just born to run (but somehow don’t know how to come back…yet) – to epic adventure parks for older kids, we’re blessed with an abundance of parks, play areas and picnic grounds in the Inner West. Best of all many include toilets, coin operated BBQ facilities and nearby cafes that make your local playground or park the perfect family outing close to home.
When: Open 7 days a week year-round
Where: Throughout the Inner West
Cost: Free
More info: Best Fenced Playgrounds / Best Playgrounds for Older Kids
👯 See Bluey & Bingo Live at Sydney ZOO!
Everyone’s favourite blue heeler and her little sister will be hitting the stage for a school holiday experience at Sydney ZOO. Join Bluey and Bingo every day as they bring their infectious energy and playful antics to the soo’s amphitheatre, featuring interactive games like Magic Asparagus and Keepy Uppy. Best of all, the Bluey and Bingo show is FREE with a Sydney Soo entry ticket! But the fun doesn’t stop there – Sydney Zoo is bustling with adorable new arrivals, including meerkat pups, a baby capybara, and koala joeys. Don’t miss the chance to get up close with Tino, the rhino, or witness the zoo’s tigers in action during thrilling keeper talks. Want more? Be sure to pop by Sydney Zoo in May for their annual after-dark extravaganza, Glow.
When: 13-28 April
Where: 700 Great Western Hwy, Eastern Creek
Cost: Day tickets from $19.99, free entry for kids under 3
More info:
👻 Go Ghostbusting at Sydney SEA Life Aquarium
Can a visit to an aquarium ever be spooky?! These April school holidays SEA Life Sydney Aquarium has teamed up with Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire for an experience that’s big on fun, with a little bit of Ghostbusters magic thrown in. At Haunted Habitats, kids will dive into the depths of the aquarium and uncover the mysteries lurking beneath the surface. They’ll explore haunted habitats and embark on a scavenger hunt for the chance to win a Sony Playstation in-season passes to see Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.
Best of all – joining in Haunted Habitats is included in the cost of the admission ticket which includes the underwater wonderland at Sydney Aquarium, free exhibits on colourful coral reefs, majestic sharks, and playful penguins, as well as interactive touch pools and feeding sessions.
When: 13-28 April
Where: 1-5 Wheat Rd, Sydney
Cost: Tickets from $38 children; $51 adult
More info: https://www.visitsealife.com/sydney/whats-inside/events/haunted-habitats/
🦖 Get up close to a Mega Creatures at Hunter Valley Gardens
This April, get ready for an adventure like no other at Mega Creatures and Mega Creatures Night Safari at Hunter Valley Gardens! Step into a mesmerising Jurassic world filled with dinosaurs, colossal bugs, and mythical creatures. Dive into interactive fossil digs, enjoy thrilling rides, and watch as the carnival lights up the night! For an unforgettable experience, take a ride on the 25-metre-high Ferris Wheel and soak in panoramic views of the Gardens while spotting dinosaurs below.
Where: 2090 Broke Rd, Pokolbin
When: 6 April – 5 May 2024
Cost: Tickets from $30; Adults from $40; Children Family Passes from $93. Children 3 years and under are FREE.
More info: www.huntervalleygardens.com.au/events/mega-creatures-2024/
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Got a must-do activity these April school holidays? Leave a comment below or email us at info@theinnerwestmums.com.au and share an activity you’re planning with the family that you think other Inner West mums will enjoy.
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