Summer School
Holidays Things to do in Sydney
What to do
over the long Summer School Holidays with the kids?
What to do in
Sydney over the School Holidays?
Once
all the presents have been unwrapped, batteries purchased, toys played
with, broken, returned and finally ignored it won't even be New Years.
You'll soon be wondering how you are going to survive till February. I
know its scary but we can do it..we have to..
The
Wind In The Willows - The Royal Botanic Garden - select days to Saturday,
28th January
If you venture into
the Royal Botanic Garden you may discover a Toad (of Toad Hall), a Rat,
a Badger, a Mole, a Weasel and even an Otter (not often found in a garden)
playing around and entertaining the ‘wabbits’. The 'Wabbits'
or kids, are encouraged to get involved and make lots of noise.
Circus Oz - Darling
Harbour - Wednesday 4th January - Sunday 29th January
If you take the kids
to the circus when they are young, maybe they won't join up when they
grow up. The boys and girls from Circus Oz are back in town. Performing
in the slightly out of place (should be in a park really) Big Top in Darling
Harbour, their new show, 'Steampowered', may impress upon you the need
to keep feet firmly on the ground. Expect to see some amazing acrobatics
and slap-stick comedy. It is bound to be good as Circus Oz are world class
and, sadly for us, seem to spend more time overseas than in Australia:
Annie the Musical
- Lyric Theatre, Star City - Friday, 5th January - Thursday, 9th February
Should you take the
kids to see Annie? Well it's a tricky one given the price tag, and there's
no guarantee they will enjoy it. But on the other hand, little orphan
Annie is such a great musical filled with wonderful songs like "Tomorrow,
Tomorrow, we love you, Tomorrow, your always a day away" and many
more. Maybe it's worth the risk:
The Australian Museum
- ends 18th March
 How
cute am I!
If your kids love
animals you might want to consider a trip to the Australian Museum to
see the "Wildlife Photographer of the Year"
Cockatoo Island
- Sydney Harbour
Catch your island
ferry from Circular Quay (each half hour) for a voyage into Sydney's past
and, if you are daring enough, try staying out of jail with "Convict
Clues". A free booklet (and map) are available from the Station Visitor
Centre.
Recommended for ages
7 - 12, with some adult assistance.
Golden Ridge Animal Farm -
Dural
"Bring the children
to the farm for hands on farm fun. Hold baby chicks, ducklings and rabbits,
milk the cow, bottle feed, baby lambs and kids and go for a farm walk
to feed the sheep and goats with bread and see all the other farm animals"
Visit the Golden
Ridge Animal Farm website for more on what to expect. Please note bookings
maybe required.
Royal Botanic Gardens - Free
Twice Daily Guided tours
Explore the world
of plants and the history of Sydney’s magnificent Royal Botanic
Gardens with a knowledgeable Royal Botanic Gardens volunteer
guide.
Daily at 10.30 am
(except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and Good Friday) - allow 1.5 hours.
1 hour lunchtime
walk - Monday-Friday at 1 pm (March-November only, except
Good Friday) - allow 60 minutes. :)
Departs from the
Information Booth outside the Gardens Shop at the Palm Grove Centre
Sydney Indoor Play Centres
Over recent years,
there has been a significant increase in indoor play centres in Sydney.
Many have cafes and provide an area for parents to relax whilst their
kids let of steam (particularly if they are already wet :)
Darling Harbour
Darling Harbour is
a good destination as you have the Powerhouse, Imax, Wild Life World and
Sydney Aquarium and more
Go Swimming
Willoughby Leisure Centre
If you looking for
a cheap option there's always your local swimming pool. My favourite would
be Willoughby Leisure centre as they have a nice hot spa, coffee and cake.
Greenwich Baths
Greenwich Baths (Albert
st, Greenwich NSW) is also a good choice for families with youngsters.
You get free use of beach toys, banana lounges and lifeguard :0). If you
take your snorkel you might catch a glimpse of a seahorse attached to
the safety net.
Local Library
Not for kids straining
at the car restraints but can work for some. Besides, worst that will
happen is you will be shhhhhhhh'd, asked to leave, be shamed and never
spoken to again :)
Your local Toy Shop
Potentially expensive
and real head ache but if you were planning on going for little Johnny's
birthday then maybe now is the time.
For more things to
do with kids over the School Holidays go to Sydney's
Child and see their calendar pages. You should also 'consult' your
local council's website for any holiday activities, check your local library
notice board, RSL and other club websites.
Alternatively, if
you want to make a run for it there are options north, west and south
of Sydney
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One Hundred Things To Do In Sydney, Australia and Sydney100
Travel Guide 2012
