Making the Most of the School Holidays

Making the Most of the School Holidays

The School Holidays are upon us and if you haven’t already planned your kids or grandkids holiday activities, Sydney has plenty of fun activities on offer.

Jumping on a Sydney Harbour ferry to Taronga Zoo or riding the rollercoaster at Luna Park are perennial favourites, plus the whale watching season is in full swing until late Spring.

Sydney’s range of museums have a whole host of new and exciting experiences, but for most kids you just have to add water in the form of a boat, pool, aquarium or beach and the digital devices are quickly forgotten!

Tailored Activities for Kids

Check out your local council website for events during the school holidays (lots of which are free)! You might discover some things you’ve never done or places you’ve always wanted to visit like story time at your local library (great for the younger school kids and their little siblings), a walking tour of historic sites, a craft class at the art centre, tree planting at a local park, a festival or holiday event – bonus points if they offer free face painting!

Animal Adventures

For those whole love the fluffy, furry, creepy and cool, a visit to a zoo, animal park or museum is sure to be a winner. We’ve got plenty to choose from in and around Sydney, from Sea Life Sydney Aquarium and Wild Life Sydney Zoo in the heart of the city, to Featherdale Wildlife Park, Calmsley Hill City Farm and Sydney Zoo to the west, Symbio Wildlife Park down south, and Koala Park Sanctuary to the north.

Travelling a bit further afield is the Australian Reptile Park located in a natural bush setting on the Central Coast. And when it comes to the mummified, weird and whacky you can’t beat the Australian Museum.

Of course, the most famous, with arguably the best views overlooking Sydney Harbour is Taronga Zoo, where you can get up close and personal with over 5,000 amazing animals from around the world. The Taronga Zoo Express is the best option for a fun family day, including zoo entry and a return trip on a rocket catamaran from Circular Quay with commentary – a sightseeing cruise and wildlife adventure all rolled into one!

In the market for a more adventurous animal experience? Take the family on a Captain Cook Cruises Whale Watching Cruise! October is an excellent time for whale spotting in our region. Join us on a thrilling whale watching cruise and witness these magnificent creatures as they migrate along the coast. It's an awe-inspiring experience that will leave your family with unforgettable memories and a deep appreciation for the wonders of nature. Or, if you’re up for it, choose the Whale Watching & Taronga Zoo combo for the ultimate animal experience.

Explore your Surrounds

Set out on a walk around your neighbourhood (not the same route you take to school) and look out for any new houses, wildlife, construction, bike tracks or alleyways, playgrounds, sports fields, or even the Postie doing the rounds!

You could take a tally of what you spot, and even throw in a game of eye spy or a scavenger hunt to make it a bit more enticing.

Just add Water

Head to the beach or local pool for some aqua therapy. If you’d prefer to be on the water rather than in it, why not get out on Sydney Harbour! The kids will love cruising our impressive Harbour, past the iconic smiling face of Luna Park, the sails of the Sydney Opera House, or even under the Harbour Bridge – even more exciting when a train is crossing overhead at the same time.

Jump on a ferry from Circular Quay for a direct trip to your destination, or if you’d like to make a day (or two) of it, join the Hop On Hop Off Harbour Explorer with Captain Cook Cruises with the flexibility to visit up to six famous stops with free re-boarding over one or two days. Think Shark Island for a morning walk with panoramic Harbour views, Watsons Bay for fish and chips, then Manly for afternoon tea - icecream anyone?

Head into the City

Discover all the wonders of our city from the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney (Harbour views included), to exploring science, nature and culture at the Australian Museum, taking a stroll through the weekend markets at The Rocks, or an exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Why not take in the stunning views of our world-famous Harbour from a different perspective – on the water! Captain Cook Cruises offer plenty of family-friendly options from sightseeing cruises with commentary, to lunch and dinner cruises onboard super-cruiser Sydney 2000 – now that would impress both the kids and the grown-ups.

But if that’s not enticing enough, Kids go Free or Dine for Less on selected cruises! We understand the importance of offering great value for families, and that's why we've designed our cruises to provide an exceptional experience for everyone onboard. Take advantage of the fantastic Family Bonus offer, and the kids could be cruising free on a sightseeing cruise, or dining for less on a lunch or dinner cruise with dedicated Children’s Menu.

It's not too Late!

If you haven't planned anything for the school holidays yet, fear not! For unforgettable family adventures that combine fun, education, and breathtaking views, look no further than Captain Cook Cruises. Set sail with us and discover why cruising is the perfect way to enjoy all the wonders our amazing city has to offer. We can't wait to welcome you aboard for an unforgettable journey.

P.S. For even more ideas and inspiration for the school holidays, check out our dedicated Things to do in Sydney with Kids page. We're here to make your family's holiday one to remember!