The holiday season is almost here, which means it’s your chance to come up with some exciting day trips to spend with your children. The great news is that Sydney is the epicentre of entertainment, and there’s no shortage of fun things to do – whether you’re travelling into the city or spending a relaxing day out in the suburbs.
Here are 10 suggestions for fun things to do with the little ones over the holidays!
What’s more fun than science? How about music, art, trains, space and science all in one place? That’s what you’ll get at the Powerhouse Museum (500 Harris Street, Ultimo). Best of all, there are heaps of free events planned for the rest of the year, so check out the website for information on free tickets.
For the price of a train or bus fare into the city, you can spend the day explore the sprawling Royal Botanic Garden (Mrs Macquaries Rd, Sydney), right next to Circular Quay. Entry is free and there really is so much to explore – bring a blanket and some snacks for a fun picnic in the park, or make the day extra-special with a Bush Food Morning Tea (bookings essential).
Forget the playground in your local park – if you really want to get the children excited there’s only one place to go: Darling Quarter. The Darling Harbour Children’s Playground (1-25 Harbour Street, Darling Harbour) is a kids wonderland filled with slides, sandpits, tunnels, water fountains aplenty and so much more. Plus, it’s free and open 24/7!
Whether or not you’ve been there before, there really is something special about visiting Taronga Zoo (Bradleys Head Road, Mosman) – the location, the wide open spaces, and of course the animals! Lions, zebras, giraffes, meerkats and more are all here. Catch the ferry from Circular Quay for a fun start to the day. If you so dare, there is also the option to sleep overnight with the animals, learn more about the Roar and Snore here.
From Thursday 3 December until Sunday 14 February next year, Darling Harbour is turning into a gigantic floating cinema! You can reserve a lounge bed, book a spot at the VIP area or go all-out and hire a rowboat. There are lots of classic movies on show plus some of the latest blockbusters.
What’s better than putt-putt golf? Making all the holes look like scenes from famous Pixar movies. Finding Nemo, Toy Story, The Incredibles and so many more characters will welcome you to Pixar Putt Parramatta (Bankwest Stadium, 11-13 O’Connell Street, Parramatta). The season has just been extended to 31 January 2021, so make sure you book ahead!
If you’ve done the zoo and want to experience a whole new world, dive into the SEA LIFE Aquarium (1-5 Wheat Road, Darling Harbour) over the holidays. You can even bundle your tickets to include visits to Madame Tussauds, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo and the Sydney Tower Eye.
Dancing, singing, drama, cooking, science and craft – it’s all here with the Bop Till You Drop School Holiday Performing Arts Program (10/5 Gladstone Road, Castle Hill). It’s a one-day event on Wednesday 20 January (9am–3.30pm) so make sure you register to reserve your spot – they’ll fill up fast!
The Galston Valley Railway (29 Mid Dural Road, Galston) hosts one open day per month. The miniature train ride is perfect for the whole family and runs for a full kilometre. Check out the days it’s open and remember that train rides take place from 10am to 3pm.
The holiday season is great for spending time with family and friends, but sometimes you just need a break from the children! Heritage House is open right up until Christmas Eve (Thursday 24 December, 3pm) and will reopen for the new year on Monday 4 January 2021. So why not take some time for yourself, book in a casual day, and enjoy some child-free time!
Let’s end 2020 on a high by spending time with those we care about most: family and friends. Hopefully these suggestions make for a fun day out over the holidays!
For more information about our Childcare services, call your local Heritage House centre or contact us online.