July School Holiday Events Guide
🎉 Inner West Mums’ Ultimate July School Holiday Guide
Updated for July 2025 – because we know you need the real details!
The July school holidays are here and as an Inner West mum, you’re probably already calculating travel times from Summer Hill Station and wondering which activities are actually worth the trek into the city. We’ve done the legwork for you – here’s your comprehensive guide to the best family activities this July, complete with addresses, transport tips, and the insider info you actually need.
🧸 Toy Story in Concert – Sydney Opera House
16–19 July | Multiple sessions
For families who love a bit of movie magic, Toy Story in Concert offers a unique experience: watch the beloved Pixar film on the big screen while the Sydney Symphony Orchestra performs the soundtrack live. It’s a perfect mix of nostalgia and excitement for kids and grown-ups alike, with the iconic story and characters brought to life through music. Early booking is recommended as seats fill quickly.
Why Inner West Mums Love It: Perfect for families with kids 4+ who can sit still for 90 minutes. The Opera House has excellent family facilities including baby change rooms and a café perfect for pre-show snacks. Pro tip: Book the earlier sessions (2pm or 4pm) to avoid late nights with little ones.
The Details:
- Address: Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000
- Transport from Inner West: Catch the train from Newtown/Redfern to Circular Quay (15-20 mins), then 5-minute walk
- Tickets: From $59 adult, concessions available
- Booking: sydneysymphony.com or Sydney Opera House website
- Sessions: Multiple times daily including family-friendly matinees
Parking Reality Check: Don’t drive – parking at Circular Quay is $25+ for 3 hours. The train journey from Newtown gives kids time to get excited without the stress of city parking.
❄️ Christmas in July at The Rocks
11–20 July | Daily 10am-6pm
Feel the festive spirit early with Sydney’s charming Christmas in July market at The Rocks. This European-style winter market features twinkling lights, cosy food stalls serving mulled wine and festive treats, and plenty of family-friendly entertainment including carol singing and craft activities. Wrap up warm and enjoy a day of shopping, snacking, and soaking in the festive atmosphere right in the heart of the city.
The Details:
- Address: The Rocks Markets, George Street, The Rocks NSW 2000
- Transport: Train to Circular Quay, 2-minute walk up George Street
- Cost: Free entry, food and activities from $5-15
- Website: therocks.com/christmas-in-july
What to Expect: European-style winter market with mulled wine (yes, mums!), hot chocolate for kids, and fairy lights everywhere. The kids’ craft station runs every day 11am-4pm with activities like ornament making and cookie decorating.
Inner West Mum Hack: Combine this with the Opera House or harbour walk. The Rocks has clean public toilets and the historic buildings provide wind shelter – crucial for July weather.
🇫🇷 Bastille Festival – Circular Quay & The Rocks
17–20 July | From around 10am-8pm daily
Celebrate all things French at the Bastille Festival — a colourful cultural event packed with authentic food stalls, live music, dance performances, and art installations. Kids can enjoy hands-on activities like face painting and craft workshops while parents indulge in French delicacies and coffee. It’s a lively, vibrant way to experience a slice of Paris without leaving Sydney.
The Details:
- Address: East Circular Quay & The Rocks foreshore
- Transport: Train to Circular Quay
- Cost: Free entry, food from $8-20
- Website: bastillefestival.com.au
The Lowdown: Authentic French food stalls, kids’ activities, and live music. The children’s area features French-themed craft workshops and storytelling sessions in both English and French. Perfect for introducing culture without the museum-level attention span required.
Food Highlights: Real French crepes, cheese platters, and excellent coffee. Most stalls accept card payments.
🏰 Monster Jump – Entertainment Quarter
5–20 July | Sessions from 9am-7pm
For the energetic crew, Monster Jump is Australia’s largest inflatable obstacle course and a must-visit. Spread over 280 meters and featuring over 30 obstacles, this huge jumping arena is perfect for kids, teens, and adventurous adults alike. It’s a fun way to burn off energy, test agility, and share laughs with the whole family. Booking online ahead is essential to secure your preferred time slot.
The Details:
- Address: Entertainment Quarter, 122 Lang Road, Moore Park NSW 2021
- Transport: Train to Central, then Bus 392/393 to Entertainment Quarter (25 mins total from Newtown)
- Cost: $20-35 per person depending on session length
- Booking: Essential via monsterjump.com.au
- Age Range: 3+ (dedicated toddler sessions available)
What Parents Need to Know: This is Australia’s largest inflatable obstacle course – 280 meters of pure energy-burning heaven. Sessions run for 60 or 90 minutes. There’s air conditioning, café seating for parents, and lockers for bags.
Practical Tips:
- Book the 10am session for less crowded experience
- Kids need covered shoes (no sandals) and comfortable clothes
- Parking onsite is $5 flat rate
- Bring water bottles – they have filling stations
🏞️ Putney Park & Riverside Walk – Parramatta River
Open daily, perfect for winter exploration
The Details:
- Address: Putney Park, Morrison Road, Putney NSW 2112
- Transport: Train to Meadowbank, then 10-minute walk along river
- Cost: Free
- Facilities: BBQ areas, playgrounds, car parking, covered picnic shelters
- More info: Putney Park
Winter Reality Check: While swimming might not be on the cards in July (river temperatures drop to 12-15°C), Putney Park is actually brilliant for winter family outings! The riverside location is perfect for rugging up and enjoying outdoor activities without the summer crowds.
What to Do Instead:
- Riverside walks: The Parramatta River foreshore walk is stunning in winter with crisp air and clear views
- Playground fun: The excellent adventure playground is perfect for burning energy on chilly days
- BBQ lunch: Use the free gas BBQs (BYO gas bottle) in the covered shelters – cozy and wind-protected
- Bike riding: The flat paths are ideal for kids learning to ride or family cycling
- Bird watching: Winter brings different bird species to the river – pack binoculars!
- Kite flying: The open spaces and riverside breezes make this a kite-flying paradise
Pack for Winter: Thermos of hot chocolate, warm layers, waterproof jackets, and a picnic blanket for ground warmth. The covered shelters provide wind protection for lunch stops.
🎭 NAIDOC Week Celebrations
6–13 July | Various Inner West locations
Engage the family with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture during NAIDOC Week. Across Sydney, community centres, libraries, and cultural institutions offer storytelling sessions, art workshops, and performances that are both educational and entertaining. These events provide a wonderful opportunity for kids to learn about Australia’s rich Indigenous heritage in a respectful and inspiring environment.
Local Highlights:
- Leichhardt Library: Daily storytelling sessions 10:30am, free
- Newtown Library: Aboriginal art workshops for kids 2-4pm weekdays
- Marrickville Community Centre: Cultural performances and bush tucker tastings
- Petersham Bowling Club: Family day with traditional games and food
Transport: Most events are walking distance from Inner West train stations Cost: Mostly free, some workshops $5-10 Booking: Check individual venue websites or call ahead
Why It Matters: These events provide authentic cultural education in a relaxed, family-friendly environment. Perfect for school project inspiration too.
🖼️ Art & Craft Workshops
Throughout July | Various Inner West locations
Many local community centres and libraries host hands-on creative workshops over the school holidays. From painting and pottery to craft kits and design sessions, these activities cater to a range of ages and interests. Keep an eye on your local library’s event calendar or community noticeboards for sessions near you, with many offering free entry or low-cost options.
Your Local Options:
- Newtown Library: Daily craft sessions 10am-12pm, ages 3-10, free
- Leichhardt Library: Pottery workshops Tues/Thurs 2-4pm, $10, bookings essential
- Marrickville Community Centre: Screen printing for kids 6+ Mon/Wed/Fri 1-3pm, $15
- Petersham Bowling Club: Kids’ art classes with local artists, various times
Booking: Most require advance booking through library websites or community centre reception
More info: Inner West Libraries school holiday program
What to Bring: Just the kids – all materials provided
🛍️ The Loco Markets – South Eveleigh
Every Sunday 8am-2pm
Spend a Sunday exploring the vibrant Loco Markets, a lively marketplace featuring artisan food, handcrafted goods, and live entertainment. With plenty of stalls offering treats, toys, and unique gifts, it’s a great place for families to browse, snack, and enjoy the weekend together. There’s a welcoming community vibe, plus spaces for kids to roam safely while parents shop.
The Details:
- Address: South Eveleigh, 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh NSW 2015
- Transport: Train to Redfern, 10-minute walk (or free shuttle bus on Sundays)
- Cost: Free entry
- Parking: $5 flat rate onsite
- More info: Loco Markets South Eveleigh
What Makes It Special: Local artisan food, kids’ activities, and live music in a relaxed warehouse setting. The kids’ zone has face painting, temporary tattoos, and often visiting farm animals.
Inner West Mum Perks:
- Excellent coffee and fresh pastries
- Many stalls accept card payments
- Covered areas for weather protection
- Clean family facilities
🗓️ Quick Reference Calendar
Week 1 (July 7-13):
- Christmas in July starts (11th)
- Bastille Festival (11-14th)
- NAIDOC Week begins (6th)
- All community workshops running
Week 2 (July 14-18):
- Toy Story concerts (16-19th)
- Monster Jump continues
- Final weekend of Christmas markets
- Last chance for most library workshops
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