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50 Fun Things to do This Summer

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1What: Taronga Zoo.
Dates: Open every day.
Ages: All ages.
Where: Taronga Zoo, Bradleys Head Road, Mosman.
Cost: Family day tickets start at $85.60.
Website: https://taronga.org.au/sydney-zoo

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With over 4000 animals and more keeper talks and shows than ever before, this summer, you and your family are in for a great time at Taronga Zoo. Open every day of summer including Christmas and New Year’s Day.

What: Circus and flying trapeze workshops.2
Dates: 22 December to 27 January 2020.
Ages: Kids, Teens and Adults.
Cost: Workshops start from $49.
Where: Olympic Blvd, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127.
Website: https://circusarts.com.au/sydney/

Circus Arts will take kids on the adventure of their lives with amazing high flying trapeze and circus workshops these school holidays!

3What: Trees Adventure Grose River Park.
Dates: Open every day except Christmas and New Years Day.
Ages: 4 Years plus.
Cost: Prices start from $25 for kids, $38 for teens and $48 for adults.
Where: 200 Springwood Rd, Yarramundi NSW 2753.
Website: https://treesadventure.com.au/park/grose-river-park/

Soar through the treetops at the foothills of The Blue Mountains on an array of flying foxes, tight ropes and tunnels! This 2.5-hour adventure will have you laughing along with the kookaburras.

4What: Frozen 2 At the Grounds.
Dates: Open every day until 29 January.
Ages: All ages.
Cost: FREE!
Where: The Grounds of Alexandria, 7A, 2 Huntley Street, Alexandria.
Website: https://thegrounds.com.au/christmas/

In celebration of Disney’s cinema release of Frozen 2, The Grounds of Alexandria is transforming into an enchanting Frozen 2 experience.

5What: Shrek the Musical.
Dates: 1-19 of January.
Ages: All ages.
Cost: Prices start at $49.90.
Where: Sydney Lyric Theatre.
Website: https://shrekthemusical.com.au/

Shrek the Musical, based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks film, brings the hilarious story of everyone’s favourite ogre to life on the stage at the Sydney Lyric Theatre!

6What: Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre Holiday Programs.
Dates: 2-3, 6-10, 13-17 & 20-24 January 2020.
Ages: 5 – 12 years-old.
Cost: $59 per day or $270 per week (5 day consecutive).
Where: Aquatic Centre, Olympic Boulevard Sydney Olympic Park.
Website: https://www.aquaticcentre.com.au/Things-to-Do/All-Day-Holiday-Recreational-Program

The Kids in the Park all Day Holiday Recreational Program at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre, is a fantastic school holiday activity; with qualified instructors, supervision and loads of fun activities.

7What: The Midnight Gang.
Dates: 3 – 21 January.
Ages: All ages.
Cost: Prices start at $35.
Where: Sydney Opera House.
Website: https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/events/whats-on/Kids-and-Families/2020/the-midnight-gang.html

Each night when the clock strikes midnight, The Midnight Gang go on a series of amazing journeys as they turn the hospital into the places they’ve always wanted to go and make dreams come true. David Walliams’ bestselling book comes to life on stage in a celebration of friendship, love and the power of the imagination.

8What: Kool Kidzz Summer Camps.
Dates: Monday-Fridays through the summer. Check the website for dates.
Ages: 5 to 13 years-old.
Cost: $84 per day.
Where: St Ives, Masada College, Waverley College, or Randwick Tafe.
Website: https://koolkidzz.com.au/

Kool Kidzz was designed with a focus on having fun, while learning new skills, making new friends and sharing new experiences. This high-quality day-camp delivers a reassuring peace of mind for parents and awesome entertainment for kids.

9What: Foot Golf.
Dates: Every day, 3pm to 5.30pm.
Ages: All Ages.
Cost: Adults $15, Under 16 for $10.
Where: Northbridge Golf Club, Sailors Bay Road, Northbridge.
Website: https://www.northbridgegolfclub.com.au/foot-golf

The objective is to get a football (soccer ball) into a series of holes in the least possible number of kicks. The sport is played on a golf course and is a super fun, entertaining activity for families and groups of friends.

10What: The Wind in the Willows.
Dates: 4 to 26 January.
Ages: All ages.
Cost: $25.
Where: Royal Botanic Gardens, Mrs Macquaries Road, Sydney.
Website: https://shakespeareaustralia.com.au/shows/thewindinthewillows/

The amazing Mr. Toad and his bonny, boisterous pals are heading back to Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden for the 17th consecutive year to entertain littlies and biggies in Glenn Elston’s outdoor production of The Wind in The Willows.

11What: Code Camp.
Dates: Varying dates throughout January 2020.
Ages: 5-13 years-old.
Cost: Prices start at $240.
Where: More than 100 locations across Australia. Head to the website to find a code camp near you.
Website: https://www.codecamp.com.au/

At Code Camp you’ll find fun school holiday camps and activities that empower kids to learn to code, create and design their own apps at more than 100 locations across Australia.

12What: Zoo Adventures school holiday program.
Dates: Monday –Friday between the 6th and 24th of January.
Ages: 5 to 10 years-old.
Where: Taronga Zoo, Bradleys Head Road, Mosman.
Cost: Prices start at $69 per child, per day.
Website: https://taronga.org.au/sydney-zoo/special-experiences/zoo-adventures

Taronga Zoos fun and educational school holiday program for young kids aged 5 to 10 years old takes would be conservationists on an exciting zoo journey to learn about animals and the environments they live in. Prices start at $69 per child, per day.

13What: Camp Blue.
Dates: 6-10 and 13-17 January.
Ages: 5 to 15 years-old.  .
Cost: Daily enrolments $142, Full week enrolment $655, Second sibling discounts available.
Where: Monte Sant Angelo Mercy College. 128 Miller St, North Sydney.
Website: https://campblue.com.au/holiday-programs/north-sydney/

Camp Blue is a premier day camp for girls and boys in Sydney. We offer a rich variety of activities and experiences designed to stimulate the imagination and challenge the skills of kids age 5 to 15.

14What: Magic School
Dates: 6 -10 January
Ages: 8 years plus.
Cost: $495
Where: Lane Cove NSW 2066, Australia Shop 1, 29 Bertram St, Chatswood
Website: https://kids.traceofmagic.com/5dayworkshop

This 5-day intensive workshop is the ultimate magic program for little Wizards to experience what it is like to attend Magic School and how to become an amateur Wizard.

15What: Kids Candy Decorating Workshop.
Dates: 6 and 21 January.
Ages: 4 to 12 years-old.
Cost: $25
Where: The Grounds of Alexandria, 7A, 2 Huntley Street, Alexandria.
Website: https://events.humanitix.com.au/kids-summer-candy-decorating-workshop#

Inspired by the festive season, the experienced Kids Team at The Grounds will lead the children in decorating, topping and icing all of their favourite sweet treats.

16What: NIDA Musical Theatre Boot Camp.
Dates: Varying dates throughout January 2020.
Ages: Students in grades 7-10.
Cost: Prices start at $285.
Where: NIDA Kensington, 215 Anzac Parade, Kensington NSW 2033 and The Concourse, 409 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood NSW 2067.
Website: https://www.open.nida.edu.au/course/OHMB12

Work with a NIDA musical theatre expert to create a short song and story presentation for stage! A great way to introduce yourself to the magic of musical theatre and find out just what it takes to become a musical theatre star!

17What: Operation Ouch! Live on Stage.
Dates: 7 and 8 January .
Ages: 6 years plus.
Cost: Prices start at $45.
Where: Sydney Opera House.
Website: https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/events/whats-on/Kids-and-Families/2020/operation-ouch.html

TV’s favourite doctors return to Australia these summer school holidays with a brand new show! This brilliant show will be packed with all-new crazy experiments and amazing facts, as the doc’s explore the fascinating world of biology and show you the incredible things your body can do.

18What: Dodecalis Luminarium.
Dates: 8-26 January.
Ages: All ages. Under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult.
Cost: Free general admission. Ticketed sessions available from $20
Where: Tumbalong Park at Darling Harbour
Website: https://www.sydneyfestival.org.au/events/dodecalis-luminarium

Explore an immense, radiantly lit, inflated labyrinth of winding paths and soaring domes in Darling Harbour’s Tumbalong Park. Wander through the otherworldly interior of the Dodecalis Luminarium bathed in the radiant colours of daylight shining through its translucent fabric.

19What: Kikoff Bubble Soccer.
Dates: Weekends and Afternoons.
Ages: 8 years plus.
Cost: $175 includes 10 bubbles and 60 minutes pitch hire.
Where: Kikoff Harbord or Lakemba.
Website: https://www.kikoff.com.au/bubble-soccer-sydney//

The latest craze to hit the football world sees players strapped in to inflatable balls with only their legs sticking out to play the game. This action-packed game sees players encased in inflatable bubbles, encouraged to bounce into each other as they fight for possession of the ball.

20What: ArtSpark Holiday Workshops.
Dates: Monday- Friday during January. Check the website for times.
Ages: Primary School Students.
Cost: Prices start at $70
Where: 43 Merton Street, Rozelle, 2039.
Website: https://www.artspark-studio.com.au/holiday-workshops/

Art loving children will have fulfilling days at this studio with a range of art programs including water colour, print making and sculpture work. The ArtSpark garden is a perfect place to have lunch, a rest and play during the day.

21What: Super Hero Special Effects.
Dates: 9 January.
Ages: 11 to 13 years-old.
Cost: Tickets start from $100.
Where: Sydney Powerhouse Museum.
Website: https://maas.museum/event/youtube-superhero-special-effects-11-13/

Have you ever wanted the powers of your favourite superheroes? Find out how through the magic of editing you gain the power of flight, invisibility or even shrink and grow. Recreate some classic super powers using creative cloud and other industry technologies for a special power of your own!

22What: The Snail and the Whale.
Dates: 10-21 January.
Ages: 4 years plus.
Cost: Prices start at $30.
Where: Sydney Opera House.
Website: https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/events/whats-on/Kids-and-Families/2020/the-snail-and-the-whale.html

Join an adventurous young girl and her seafaring father as they reimagine the story of a tiny snail’s incredible trip around the world, inspired by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s much-loved picture book.

23What: Kids Pizza Making Workshop.
Dates: 10 January.
Ages: 4 to 12 years-old.
Cost: $25
Where: The Grounds of Alexandria, 7A, 2 Huntley Street, Alexandria.
Website: https://events.humanitix.com.au/kids-pizza-making-workshop-summer-holidays#

The experienced Kids Team will lead the children as they customise, decorate and create their very own pizza. They’ll provide the dough and toppings, and the kids get to do the rest!

24What: Sydney Observatory Rocket Day.
Dates: 10 & 20 January.
Ages: 8 – 10 years-old.
Cost: Tickets start from $100.
Where: Sydney Observatory.
Website: https://maas.museum/event/rocket-day-ages-8-10/

Start the day by constructing and decorating your own rocket to take home, along with plans for a launch pad pump. While these dry and set, pilot a simulator game to design, build, launch and fly your own digital rockets.

 


STAR WARS
The Rise of Skywalker.

“No one’s ever really gone… Rey’s journey continues and the Skywalker saga concludes in Star Wars, The Rise of Skywalker.”

25When: In Cinemas from 19 December.
Rating: Not Yet Rated.
Cost: Check your local cinema.
Find out more at: https://www.disney.com.au/movies/star-wars-episode-ix-the-rise-of-skywalker

JUMANJI
The Next Level

The gang is back but the game has changed. As they return to Jumanji to rescue one of their own, they discover that nothing is as they expect. The players will have to brave parts unknown and unexplored, from arid deserts to snowy mountains to escape the world’s most dangerous game.

26When: Boxing Day.
Rating: PG- Parental Guidance.
Cost: Check your local cinema.
Find out more at: https://www.sonypictures.com/movies/jumanjithenextlevel

SPIES IN DISGUISE

Super spy Lance Sterling and scientist Walter Beckett are almost exact opposites. Lance is smooth, suave and debonair. Walter is … not. But when events take an unexpected turn, this unlikely duo are forced to team up for the ultimate mission.

27When: 1 January.
Rating: Not Yet Rated.
Cost: Check your local cinema.
Find out more at: https://family.foxmovies.com/movies/spies-in-disguise

SHAUN THE SHEEP
Farmaggedon

When the intergalactic visitor – an impish and adorable alien called LU-LA – crash-lands near Mossy Bottom Farm, Shaun soon sees an opportunity for alien-powered fun and adventure and sets off on a mission to shepherd LU-LA home.

28When: 9 January.
Rating: G- General Audiences.
Cost: Check your local cinema.
Find out more at: https://www.shaunthesheep.com/movie

DOLITTLE

When the young queen falls gravely ill, a reluctant Dr. John Dolittle is forced to set sail on an epic adventure to a mythical island in search of a cure, regaining his wit and courage as he crosses old adversaries and discovers wondrous creatures.

29When: 17 January.
Rating: Not Yet Rated.
Cost: Check your local cinema.
Find out more at: https://www.dolittlethemovie.com/


30What: Sydney Observatory Rocket Day.
Dates: 10 & 20 January.
Ages: 8 – 10 years-old.
Cost: Tickets start from $100.
Where: Sydney Observatory.
Website: https://maas.museum/event/rocket-day-ages-8-10/

Start the day by constructing and decorating your own rocket to take home, along with plans for a launch pad pump. While these dry and set, pilot a simulator game to design, build, launch and fly your own digital rockets.

31 What: Taronga Zoo Junior Keepers.
Dates: Every Saturday from 9.45am to 3pm.
Ages: 8 to 11 years-old.
Where: Taronga Zoo, Bradleys Head Road, Mosman.
Cost: Prices start at $110 per child, per day.
Website: https://taronga.org.au/sydney-zoo/keeper-for-a-day-junior

A hands-on day of fun, this program gives kids at 8-11 years old a chance to go behind-the-scenes at the zoo, learn about conservation and get up close with some unique Australian fauna.

32What: On the Move Exhibition.
Dates: Every day.
Ages: All Ages.
Cost: Adults for $15.00, Children $12.00, Kids under 3 enter free.
Where: Museum of Sydney, Corner of Phillip and Bridge Streets, Sydney.
Website: https://sydneylivingmuseums.com.au/exhibitions/on-the-move

Journey into an interactive world of transport in the latest children’s exhibition created by Sydney Living Museums in collaboration with renowned illustrator James Gulliver Hancock.

33What: Balance Bike Clinics.
Dates: 9am to 11am Saturdays.
Ages: 3 to 8 years-old.
Cost: FREE!
Where: Sydney Park Cycling Centre.
Website: https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/balance-bike-clinics

These balance bike clinics are interactive classes designed to get parents involved in their children’s learning. Come along to spend some time with your kid and help them build valuable skills.

34What: JoJo Siwa D.R.E.A.M The Tour.
Dates: 13 and 14 January.
Ages: All ages.
Cost: Prices start at $54.90.
Where: First State Super Theatre at ICC Sydney.
Website: https://www.firststatesupertheatre.com.au/whats-on/jojo-siwa-d-r-e-a-m-the-tour/

YouTube sensation Jojo’s unparalleled live show, overflowing with colour and energy, is built on her natural flair for entertaining and has been wowing audiences around the world night after night.

35What: Kikoff Holiday Camps.
Dates: 13-17 January.
Ages: 6 to 12 years-old.
Cost: $70 per day or $299 for a week.
Where: Heffron Park, Maroubra or Kikoff Harbord, Curl Curl.
Website: https://footballpathway.com.au/holiday-programs/

FPA coaches will engage players in age-appropriate training sessions with a daily focus, entertain them with challenges, talent contests and team-building activities, and challenge them with small-sided competitive games.

36What: Time Flies.
Dates: 14-19 January.
Ages: 6 years plus.
Cost: Tickets start from $45.
Where: The Seymour Centre.
Website: https://www.sydneyfestival.org.au/events/time-flies

The Flying Fruit Fly Circus celebrates 40 years as Australia’s world-famous national youth circus with its biggest show ever, four decades after its community beginnings as a school holiday workshop.

37What: The Australian Wildlife Show.
Dates: 15 January.
Ages: 5 – 12 years-old.
Cost: $16.00 per person or $60.00 for a family of four.
Where: The WILD PLAY Discovery Centre at Centennial Park.
Website: https://www.centennialparklands.com.au/whatson/The-Australian-Wildlife-Show

The experienced rangers of Australian Wildlife Display will bring a range of animals from cute and cuddly to scaly and scary. Kids can see them, hear their story, and maybe even touch them or have a photo taken with them!

38What: NIDA The Peach Factory.
Dates: 16 – 17 January.
Ages: Kids in grades 3-6.
Cost: $345.
Where: NIDA Kensington, 215 Anzac Parade, Kensington NSW 2033.
Website: https://www.open.nida.edu.au/course/OHPF36

Riddle, fly and rhyme your way through Roald Dahls most famous stories adapted for the stage. Be introduced to acting and voice technique for live performance, rehearse scenes from your favourite Roald Dahl stage plays then present your rehearsed scenes to family and friends at the end of the course.

39What: ParkScience – Water.
Dates: 16, 20 and 24 January.
Ages: 5 – 12 years-old.
Cost: $29.
Where: The WILD PLAY Discovery Centre at Centennial Park.
Website: https://www.centennialparklands.com.au/whatson/ParkScience-Water

This summer it’s time to find out about the cool science behind our water. The team at Centennial Parklands has a range of activities that are heaps of fun for kids which will educate them about the importance of water conservation.

40What: Sydney Observatory Family Friendly Twilight Tours.
Dates: Daily.
Ages: Family friendly.
Cost: Adult tickets start from $17, Children from $12.
Where: Sydney Observatory.
Website: https://maas.museum/event/family-friendly-twilight-tours/

Enjoy the sunset over the harbour while learning about the twilight sky. Watch the sky turn from day to night in the digital planetarium and discover the constellations of the southern sky. Look through telescopes and observe the sky through a whole new lens.

41What: Sydney Symphony Under The Stars.
Dates: 18 January.
Ages: All ages.
Cost: FREE!
Where: The Crescent Parramatta Park.
Website: https://www.sydneyfestival.org.au/events/sydney-symphony

One of the best-loved Sydney Festival events returns to Parramatta. Join the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and conductor Benjamin Northey for a night of beautiful music under the southern sky. It’s the perfect evening for families and friends to pack a hamper, grab a blanket and enjoy the Sydney summer in style.

42

What: Sydney Sea Life Aquarium: Sharks of the Reef.
Dates: Daily.
Ages: Family friendly.
Cost: Tickets start $36.80 for adults and $26.40 for Children. Kids under 3 go free.
Where: Sydney Sea Life Aquarium.
Website: https://www.sydneyaquarium.com.au/explore/school-holiday-activities-sydney/

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium will be celebrating all things JAW-some about Sharks! Embark on your shark escapade through the aquarium and put your knowledge to the test – can you spot all 13 of our shark species?

43

What: Acrobuffos Air Play.
Dates: 21-25 January.
Ages: 6 years plus.
Cost: Tickets start from $40.
Where: Roslyn Packer Theatre Walsh Bay.
Website: https://www.sydneyfestival.org.au/events/air-play

Air Play is the result of years of experimentation with simple materials, movement and technology. Air Play blends family-friendly comedy, circus and theatre into a visual poem constructed of images seemingly sewn from the sky.

44What: Taronga Wild Ropes Course.
Dates: Open Daily.
Ages: Courses available for children 3 years and up.
Where: Prices start from $39 for adults, $34 for juniors and $22 for Children.
Website: https://taronga.org.au/sydney-zoo/wild-ropes

Taronga’s adrenaline-fueled Wild Ropes courses take you into the tree tops for an unparalleled look at Sydney Harbour. With four courses available, the experiences is suitable for kids through to adults.

45What: The Gruffalo at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo.
Dates: All Summer.
Ages: All ages.
Cost: Adults from $35 and Kids from $24.60.
Where: WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo.
Website: https://www.wildlifesydney.com.au/news/the-gruffalo/

WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo is celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the classic children’s picture book The Gruffalo by encouraging families to embark on the Gruffalo Spotters Trail! Explore and search for The Gruffalo and other characters from the story using the Spotters Activity Trail and exciting New Augmented Reality App!

46What: Lunar Spectacular Show at Lunar Lanes.
Dates: 25 January.
Ages: All ages welcome.
Cost: FREE!
Where: Chinatown.
Website: https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/major-events/sydney-lunar-festival

The Lunar Spectacular program attracts people from cultures that celebrate the Lunar New Year, or countries where the Lunar New Year is a major celebration, including Chinese, Korean, Thai, Japanese, Vietnamese, Malaysian and Indonesian community groups.

47What: Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail.
Dates: All Summer.
Ages: All ages.
Cost: FREE!
Where: Royal Botanic Garden Sydney.
Website: https://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/whatson/Hello-Koalas-at-The-Calyx

Hello Koalas Sculptures visit the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney over summer. Delight in the unique designs hand painted by Australian artists on three engaging one metre high koala sculptures – Koalasaurus-MAX, Wildlife Warrior and Flying Fifie and learn about why it’s important for everyone to care for Australian plants and wildlife, especially koalas!

48What: Drop In and Make: Year of the Rat.
Dates: 26 January.
Ages: All ages welcome.
Cost: FREE!
Where: Art Gallery of NSW.
Website: https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/drop-in-and-make-year-of-the-rat 

Celebrate Lunar New Year and make a garland of rapturous rodents to welcome in the Year of the Rat.

49What: Ferrython.
Dates: 26 January.
Ages: All ages welcome.
Cost: Free to watch or buy a ferry ticket to be out on the water.
Adult tickets $155.00, Children $100.00 or a Family of 4: $480.00.
Where: Barangaroo Wharf, Wulugul Walk, Barangaroo.
Website: https://www.sydneyfestival.org.au/events/ferrython

Sydney Harbour hosts the annual ocean extravaganza Ferrython, one of Australia’s most popular and iconic free events. See our beloved ferries in this hugely popular Australia Day tradition, as they voyage from Barangaroo Wharf to Shark Island and then back to a glorious finish at the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

50What: Taronga Zoo Cadet Keepers.
Dates: Every Saturday from 9.45am to 3pm.
Ages: 12-17 year olds.
Where: Taronga Zoo, Bradleys Head Road, Mosman.
Cost: Prices start at $110 per child, per day.
Website: https://taronga.org.au/sydney-zoo/keeper-for-a-day-cadet

This program offers a sneak peek at a career in conservation. The hands-on program guides teens through the daily routines and responsibilities of a Taronga Keeper with plenty of opportunities to meet the animals.

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