Phew, the Christmas chaos is over, now for some proper summer fun! This weekend, January 3rd and 4th, we've got the last chance to catch the epic City of Wonder: Wildflower Edition down at the Botanic Garden before it closes for good, and if you need a good laugh, Pirates Love Underpants is on at the Opera House – perfect for getting the littlies to sit still for an hour. Let's dive into what's actually on offer for families this mini-break.
Quick Picks
Free Traditional Candy Making Demonstration
The Rocks
Watch the world-famous candy makers at Sticky Lollies whip up their magic – no entry fee needed!
The Curious World of Pamela Allen
State Library of NSW
Duck into the State Library for a whimsical, indoor, school holiday program based on Pamela Allen's books.
Storytime Ballet: The Nutcracker
Sydney Opera House
An interactive, shorter ballet perfect for little ones (3+) to experience the magic without getting restless.
Pirates Love Underpants
Ahoy, mateys! This is your chance to see the hilarious quest for the legendary Pants of Gold. It’s short, colourful, and perfect for the younger crew members who need a good stage show.
Why we picked it: It's a fun, age-appropriate theatre show at an iconic venue this weekend.
City of Wonder: Wildflower Edition
This is your final weekend to build an entire city out of 75,000 recycled plastic planks! It’s screen-free, sustainable, and genuinely fun for everyone to get hands-on. Go see it before it packs up!
Why we picked it: It's closing on the 31st of January so this is a great weekend to get along before it’s gone.
Storytime Ballet: The Nutcracker
The Australian Ballet does a gorgeous, shorter version of the Nutcracker that’s interactive for little ones. It’s a super fancy outing that’s actually designed to keep toddlers engaged—bonus points for making it through the whole show!
Why we picked it: It’s the perfect length and style for introducing little kids to classical ballet.
Mind Games – Art Alive
If your teens are glued to their screens, drag them here—it’s a total mind-bender with 60+ interactive illusion exhibits. You’ll both be touching walls and questioning reality, which is a win for family bonding.
Why we picked it: It's a genuinely cool, immersive art experience that will appeal to older kids who think galleries are boring.
Free Traditional Candy Making Demonstration
Head to The Rocks for a free show where the famous Sticky Lollies makers show off how they create their epic candies. It’s quick, sweet-smelling, and totally free – perfect for a casual wander.
Why we picked it: It's a genuinely free, local gem in a historic part of town that's always entertaining.
The Curious World of Pamela Allen
If the weather turns, this is a great indoor option at the library, letting kids step into the world of the beloved author Pamela Allen. It’s usually part of their school holiday program, so it's designed for little hands.
Why we picked it: It's an indoor, curated experience tied to a well-known children's author.
School holiday: Japanese drumming workshop for families
Time to channel some energy into Taiko drumming—it's powerful, exhilarating Japanese percussion you can actually get involved in. Perfect for older kids needing a big energy burn-off that isn't just running around.
Why we picked it: It's a unique cultural workshop focusing on powerful, rhythmic physical activity.
Rhythm n Bubs
This is the ultimate free music and playtime session for your littlest ones down at Darling Quarter. Let them dance, play, and make some noise without worrying about destroying a fancy gallery!
Why we picked it: It's a free, dedicated, music-filled play session for the under-5s at a great family hub.
Creature 2025
This is your last chance to check out the immersive 360-degree space where native wildlife comes to life—it’s super high-tech and visually stunning. Great for kids interested in nature and digital art.
Why we picked it: It's closing this weekend (Jan 10th listed but checking for run dates), so it’s a great 'last chance' unique digital experience.
Waterworld Central Sydney 2026
Australia's largest inflatable waterpark is back for summer, so get ready for epic slides and splish-splash fun. It’s essential summer action for the days when the backyard pool just isn't cutting it.
Why we picked it: It's the giant inflatable waterpark experience—a huge hit for burning off that holiday energy.
Hide and Go Creek Around Hornsby Shire!
This is a totally free, fun outdoor hunt where you use AR (QR codes!) to find a cheeky crayfish named Craig along local creeks. It gets you out of the inner-city bubble and into nature while learning about local wildlife.
Why we picked it: It’s a free, tech-meets-nature activity in a local council area that tourists definitely won't know about.
Big summer reading challenge
Get the kids signed up for Sydney's biggest summer library reading challenge—it's free motivation to keep reading when school is out. Great for a rainy day or just a quick stop to get new books.
Why we picked it: It's a free, low-pressure way to encourage literacy throughout the long summer break.
School holidays: Pop-up book houses, 5-8 years
A hands-on workshop at the library where kids get to make their very own pop-up book house—super creative and keeps them off screens. Check the specific times for the library branch you are visiting.
Why we picked it: It's a structured, creative activity targeted right at the younger primary school age group.
Museum of History NSW School Holiday Activities
Explore Sydney's fascinating history through fun and unique museum experiences that are specifically tailored for the school holidays. It's a great way to sneak in some local education without it feeling like homework.
Why we picked it: These museum-led holiday programs are usually excellent value and less crowded than major attractions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Sydney this weekend?
This weekend (Jan 03-04) there are a few genuinely free options: check out the Free Traditional Candy Making Demonstration at The Rocks and the Big summer reading challenge at your local City of Sydney Library. Plus, Rhythm n Bubs at Darling Quarter is usually a free music play session for little ones.
What's a good indoor activity if it rains on Sunday?
If the weather turns on Sunday, pop into the State Library of NSW for The Curious World of Pamela Allen school holiday program. Alternatively, the mind-bending illusions at Mind Games – Art Alive in Chippendale will keep everyone happily distracted indoors.
Best event for a 4-year-old this Saturday?
For a 4-year-old this Saturday (Jan 3rd), I’d recommend Storytime Ballet: The Nutcracker at the Opera House—it’s short and sweet for that age group. If you want something more casual and free, head to Rhythm n Bubs at Darling Quarter.