New South Wales has a lot to offer kids these school holidays.
Sydney Olympic Park
Kids can get into the Olympic spirit and try their hand at sports including archery, badminton, diving, swimming, soccer, gymnastics, golf, tennis, trampolining and so much more during the Kids in the Park program. Activities range from half-hour lessons to four-day workshopsto stimulate and excite junior sports stars of all ages and abilities, every day of the school holidays from Saturday 30 June – Sunday 15 July. There are heaps of free and good-value activities at less than $20. Now in its 32nd season, Kids in the Park makes Sydney Olympic Park the official home of the biggest range of school holiday activities of any single location in NSW!
Details: www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au
Art Gallery of NSW
During the 18th Biennale of Sydney, the Art Gallery of NSW will be holding school holiday workshops to encourage kids to be inspired by contemporary art and create their own pieces. There are sessions for children aged between three and 13 years.
Details: www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au
Sydney Opera House
Families can go behind-the-scenes and learn how the world's busiest performing arts centre works during the kids' discovery tours at the Sydney Opera House. The tour is suitable for children over five years. Also during the holidays the free creative play area is open in the Western Foyer and features storytelling and arts and craft.
Details: www.sydneyoperahouse.com
Powerhouse Museum
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Exhibition is on at the Powerhouse Museum until August 26. During the holidays the museum will also host a science-based workshop demonstrating what would happen if the White Witch plunged our Earth into an ice age.
Details: www.powerhousemuseum.com
The Museum of Contemporary Art
The MCA is holding a series of workshops for kids, including a fun digital workshop where participants create animations and the Art Baby tour, which is suitable for babies up to one year of age.
Details: www.mca.com.au
Taronga and Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo
These fantastic zoos both host a series of educational programs during the holidays that will take five to 12 year olds on fun zoo adventures.
Details: www.taronga.org.au
Find the whales or try skiing in regional NSW
Whale watching
As the giant mammals make their annual migration north, there's an abundance of whale spotting opportunities in NSW. There are whale watching cruises departing from locations including Port Stephens, Sydney, Jervis Bay and Byron Bay or simply watch from one of the many vantage points on shore, such as Cape Solander at Kurnell.
Details: www.wildaboutwhales.com.au
Snowy Mountains
Take the kids to the snow these holidays for a bit of tobogganing or to learn how to ski. The Snowy Mountains has a number of resorts catering for all levels of experience. Selwyn Snowfields and Charlotte Pass are ideal for beginners, while Thredbo and Perisher are popular with intermediate and advanced skiers.