Escape the cold with our top 5 activities these school holidays
Calling Harry Potter fanatics
The winter school holidays are the perfect time to check-in to the school of witchcraft and wizardry, with the Harry Potter exhibition running until 11 October at Sydney Showground.
Explore behind-the-scenes moments, interactive storytelling and immersive environments. Tap into your inner Harry by hiding inside the cupboard under the stairs and putting your Quidditch skills on show – there’s even an opportunity to take a seat in Hagrid’s oversized chair!
Visitors also have the chance to explore the real-life costumes and props from the Fantastic Beasts film and the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child play.
Tickets are from $33 per adult, with discounts for children under 12. Visit harrypotterexhibition.com/locations/Sydney to find out more.
Art Gallery fun
The Art Gallery of NSW offers something for everyone. Among a variety of exhibitions, the Young Archie finalists will be up until 16 August, with artworks from young people aged five to 18. The Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prize artworks will also be displayed until mid-August.
While there, be sure to visit the Underground Art Park, ‘The Key’s Under the Mat.’ Developed by artist Mike Hewson, the park is made from thousands of salvaged objects and materials. For Mike, it’s all about welcoming guests to use the artwork as their own.
For more information, visit the Art Gallery of NSW website. Tickets for the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prize exhibitions are $30 for adults, and $10 for children aged 12 to 17. It’s free for children under 12.
Gowrie NSW Vacation Care
Your children are on holidays but you’re not? North Sydney Gowrie Vacation Care has got you covered.
With an action-packed school holiday program, participants can take part in a variety of incursions and excursions, and build new friendships and skills along the way.
On the program there’s activities including a reptile show, movie screening, craft workshop and laser tag. There’s something for everyone at Gowrie Vacation Care.
The cost is $68.90 per session. Book at gowriensw.com.au/vacation-care
Get debating
Although it is, after all, the ‘holidays,’ that doesn’t mean your children can’t continue learning during their break from school.
Speaking Schools Australasia offers holiday programs to build communication skills and enter the world of public speaking and debating. Their workshops have supported thousands of students to develop confidence and improve their speaking skills.
With locations across Sydney as well as online, the winter school holidays will see workshop topics from presentation skills and good speaking habits to policy debating and impromptu speeches, depending on the age group.
Visit speakingschools.com.au/holiday-workshops to find out more. The cost is from $260 per child for a two-day workshop.
Get active, or stay in!
To have fun these school holidays, you don’t necessarily need to spend money. There are plenty cost-free ways to spend the school holidays.
The North Shore is home to a few Park Run locations, including in Willoughby, Mosman and North Sydney. Park Run is on every Saturday and is 5km long. If your family hasn’t tapped into the running craze yet, the upcoming school holidays may be your chance.
There are plenty of walking trails and circuits on the North Shore too, including the North Sydney Public Art Trail and Balmoral Beach loop.
Sydney winter is no stranger to a bit of wet weather. If you find yourself stuck inside, there’s no better time to cozy up and run a movie marathon with your family, cook a new meal together or play some board games.