Things to do in Sydney over the Summer School Holidays

The National Maritime Museum

The National Maritime Museum has many exciting activities for kids these summer holidays from films, theatre, making puppets, going on an adventure trail to getting wet.

Mythic creatures

18 January 2010 - 22 January 2010

Discover some of the oldest stories ever told as we explore myth and spirituality across Aboriginal cultures. Children will be captivated by the mythical indigenous puppet creatures that inhabit our landscape - the lizardy Potkoorok, the shadowy Turongs, the cave dwelling Nyols and the mysterious mermaid-like Yawkyawks.

Museum sleepover. Where the wild things roam

14 January 2010 - 15 January 2010

Dress as a dragon, unicorn, mermaid or mythical monster for a wild overnight rumpus at the museum. See mythical creatures come alive on a torchlight tour through the Mythic Creatures exhibition. Enjoy lots of fun activities, mythic films and a sleepover in the Tasman Light. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Mermaids in Wetworld

7 January 2010

Meet Ariel the mermaid and splash about in Wetworld, the museum's interactive water-based space. Ariel will teach you how to sing, dance and act like a mermaid. Be prepared to get wet and grab your swimmers for all the Wetworld fun. There's the Super Soaker Action Zone, a chance to make amazing bubbles, our radio-controlled boats (sponsored by Waterways) and much more. We will even kick off with a champagne for parents and carers.

Indonesian shadow puppets

4 January 2010 - 8 January 2010

Join master puppeteer and artist Jumaadi as he shares his Indonesian culture through the art form of wayang - traditional shadow puppets.

Wetworld - wacky water fun!

27 December 2009 - 24 January 2010

Bring your swimmers! Bring your friends! And prepare to get wet! Wetworld is full of fun, watery games for children to safely play as they learn about water objects, and how people use water for recreation, work and living. It is a wacky water playground of wild river races, splashy experiments, Aqua Play activities and the Super Soaker Action Zone. Wetworld is the coolest place this summer holidays! For ages 3-9.

Mythic Creatures reading room

27 December 2009 - 24 January 2010

Enter the reading room to discover the world of myths and legends that have been inspired by mythic creatures. Read about mermaids, dragons and unicorns from our selection of books.

Free family films and much more. The National Maritime Museum seems determined to be the place to take your kids over the school holidays. I suggest you don't disappoint them:

The National Maritime Museum

Power House Museum

This summer school holidays we are going back to the decade when your parents were kids, that’s right the 80s! Explore The 80s are back exhibition and laugh and cringe at the clothes, music and games from your parents generation. Then head down to the Turbine Hall for an all-generations dance session as we learn the moves made famous in the 80s iconic music video Thriller.

The Thriller Experience

4 – 26 January, 11.00am & 2.00pm

Take to the dance floor and be part of Michael Jackson’s Thriller in a holiday event guaranteed to embarrass and delight all ages. Our choreographer will take you through your “zombie” paces as you learn some of the dance moves made famous in the Thriller music video.

On 26 January at 2.00pm, join us for the GIANT Thriller experience, as we stage a mass Thriller dance. Zombies and people with two left feet welcome! All ages.

The 80s photo scavenger hunt

4 – 26 January, 11.00 – 3.00pm daily

Grab your digital camera, family and friends and take our photo challenge. Each week the Museum will post a new ‘tribute to the 80s’ series of challenges. Each team will be awarded points according to the degree of difficulty achieved. There may be some tricky challenges set but there are great prizes to be won. . All ages.

Cogs Workshop

4 – 26 January, 11.00 – 3.00pm

It is a little known fact that Inspector Gadget, made famous in his self-titled 1980s cartoon series, is a Cogs favourite – Cogs loves gadgets! Children can make their own ‘’go go gadget’’ these school holidays. Suitable for under 8s.

80s creative workshops for kids

4 – 22 January

A range of workshops for all ages exploring drama, art and music and inspired by 80s fashion, film and television. Presented in association with Thinkspace, Australian Theatre for Young People and the National Institute of Dramatic Art. Additional charges will apply and bookings are essential.

For more details and for other events visit powerhousemuseum.com

Sydney Olympic Park, particularly for kids 3 to 12

Collect your clue-trail map from visitor centre and bike-hire shop in Bicentennial Park and discover the wonders and secret history of Sydney Olympic Park, following the hints to solve the message and claim a prize.

Bring their bikes down and take off on an "Amazing Chase around the park", solving puzzles along the way.

For more

www. sydneyolympic park.com.au/whatson.

Free Get Fit For Teens

One of Australia's largest health-and-fitness companies is encouraging teenagers to keep active during the school holidays with a challenging program. The Fitness First Initiative for Teens - throughout the holidays, gives teenagers free access to gym equipment and group fitness classes. FFIT Holidays participants need to bring in a pre-exercise form signed by a parent or guardian. Forms can be collected from any Fitness First or downloaded from their web site. Once registered, students receive a FFIT Holidays membership card for the holiday period. For more

www.fitnessfirst.com.au/community/ffit

Or take just take them Bowling

AMF Bowling Centres are offering school holiday sessions for $8 a game including shoe hire. Buy three or more games a person and get a free hot dog, fries and drink. The offer is for the Christmas school holidays at all 44 Australian AMF Centres.

Call 132 263 or visit www.amfbowling.com.au

Eden Gardens

Eden Gardens at North Ryde has a school holiday program to introduce children of all ages to the joys of digging in the dirt. Not that they need much encouragement. The Little Green Thumbs gardening workshops have programs for three age groups: - one to four years, five to seven and eight to 12. The toddlers' workshop mixes craft with horticulture in an hour-long session. Prices start from just over $10 so not expensive unless you spend up while you are there. You'll forget about the road noise once you are there. See Eden Gardens website for details

www.edengardens.com.au

Give your kids nightmares..go on a Ghost Tour

Think hard about this one:

Ghost Stories on Manly's Q Station

If you are looking for a family activity that's a little different, then Q Station's Family Ghosty interactive experience is ideal.Let nightfall be your doorway into another world as you hear the stories and legends of the former Quarantine Station internees. The guides select as captivating stories to bring your experience to life!

Ghost Stories and Tour at Manly's Q Station ::: Ghost Stories and Tour at the Rocks Sydney

Big Top - Circus in Sydney

Sydney attracts the worlds best circus including one or two Australian acts such as Circus Oz.

Info on Circus Oz plus

Sydney Harbour Bridge - A good looker whatever the weather

Climb The Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon

The Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon is great value and packed full of great information and 200 steps. You will be rewarded at the top with a great view of the Sydney Opera House so unless it is really chucking it down its well worth taking steps to see it. The kids will enjoy the climb and the view but you might miss out on much of the info.

Indoor Play Centres

There has been a significant growth in indoor play centres. Many have cafes and provide an area for parents to relax whilst their kids let of steam (particularly if they are already wet :)

Recommended Sydney Indoor Play Centres

Darling Harbour

Darling Harbour is a good destination as you have the Powerhouse, Imax, Wild Life World and Sydney Aquarium and more

Swimming

If you looking for a cheaper option there's always your local swimming pool. My favourite would be Willoughby Leasure centre as they have a nice hot spa, coffee and cake.

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 'çonsult' 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

Escape Sydney

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