Bored kids? Not on our watch. The best family events of 2026

School holiday fun is sorted with these seriously cool shows

Looking for something a little different to do with the kids these school holidays? Fool’s Paradise is bringing a whole lot of circus, comedy, bubbles and family-friendly fun to Sydney from 5 September to 11 October, with a line-up of shows guaranteed to keep little (and big) kids entertained.

From jaw-dropping acrobatics to giant balloons and spectacular bubble tricks, there’s plenty to add to your school holiday calendar and tickets start from just $21.

Fool’s Paradise Director, Thomas Gorham said, “We can’t wait to bring Fool’s Paradise back to Sydneysiders this Fringe following sell out events in Adelaide, Perth and the UK. With a mix of brand new shows and returning favourites, audiences will experience pure, uninhibited entertainment across every moment. Everyone can find something to see and love this year at Fool’s Paradise and we can’t wait to welcome you!”

Need to know:

• When: 29 September – 9 October 2026
• Where: Pioneer Theatre, Castle Hill (29 Sept–3 Oct); The Joan, Penrith (6–7 Oct); Zenith Theatre, Chatswood (8–9 Oct)
• Who it’s for: Families with children aged 4+
• Tickets: From $30 per person or $100 for a family pass

Season Squad is bringing big pop musical energy to the Sydney school holidays

Season Squad is a brand-new Australian pop musical designed for families with children aged 4+, following a group of friends on a fun-filled adventure through the four seasons. With original music by Emmy-nominated songwriters Jason Pennock and Matt Wong, whose credits include Disney’s Descendants and ZOMBIES and Netflix’s Spirit Rangers, plus a talented cast with strong Sydney connections, it’s a fresh family theatre experience that promises plenty of singing, dancing and laughs.

Need to know:

• All-Star Circus – A fast-paced, G-rated 50-minute show packed with world-class acrobatics, comedy and audience interaction. Tickets from $25.
• Giant Balloon Show – Expect comedy, circus and seriously impressive balloon creations in this award-winning international show. Tickets from $21.
• Flying Bubble Show – A playful mix of bubble artistry, aerial movement and immersive theatre, fresh from a sell-out Edinburgh Fringe run. Tickets from $30.
• And there’s more! – With 14 other family-friendly shows across the Fool’s Paradise program, there’s plenty to choose from.

Pokémon GO x LEGO® in-store adventure

Calling all Pokémon fans! From 3 August to 30 September 2026, participating LEGO® Stores across Australia are transforming into interactive Pokémon GO destinations, with exclusive gameplay, special rewards and hands-on LEGO Pokémon fun for the whole family.

Need to know:

• When: 3 August – 30 September 2026
• Where: Participating LEGO® Stores across Australia
• Exclusive Pokémon GO one-star Pikachu raids (with the chance to encounter a Shiny Pikachu)
• Complete a LEGO-themed Stamp Rally for a special Pikachu encounter and in-game rewards
• Unlock event-themed Timed Research, collectible Pokémon GO stickers and exclusive rewards
• Try the new LEGO Pokémon SMART Play experience and collect a SMART Play Tag and LEGO Passport stamp
• Perfect for Pokémon Trainers and LEGO fans of all ages.

Titanic: A Voyage Through Time

Experience the Titanic like never before with this 45-minute VR adventure in Sydney. Dive to the wreck site today, then travel back to 1912 to explore the ship as a passenger. Walk the Grand Staircase, meet real-life characters, and explore iconic spaces. With immersive VR, you can move freely and interact with your surroundings. Perfect for families, history buffs, and Titanic fans!

What are the details?

Where?  Fever Pavilion at Sydney Showground
Who? Ages 10+
How much? From $34.50
When? Choose your date and time when booking.

Visit Taronga Zoo, Sydney

Discover daily keeper talks, check out the seal show, meet adorable baby animals, and so much more!

All this is included with your Zoo ticket or annual pass.

Plan your adventure: Taronga Zoo Sydney is open daily, 9:30 am – 5:00 pm. Upgrade to a Zoo Friends membership and enjoy 365 days of wildlife fun!

For tickets and up to 20% off online, tap the link below.

Code Camp: Fun School Holiday Camps

Code Camp runs award-winning school holiday and after-school programs where kids can get creative with coding, tech, and hands-on crafts. Whether your child loves Minecraft, robotics, design, or DJing, there’s something for every interest.

Tech Camps (Ages 5–13):

• Minecraft Minis, Little Coders, Curious Minds (Ages 5–7)
• Spark Coding, Ignite Intermediate, Minecraft Engineers/Masters, Robotics, Roblox, Drones, AI, 3D Coding, Web Builders (Ages 7–13)

Creative Camps (Ages 5–13):

• Animation Minis, Bejewel & Bedazzle, Graphic Novels, Animation, Crochet & Macramé, DJ Camp, Design, YouTube Creators, Build a Mini House

Why Code Camp?
With over 250,000 kids inspired so far, Code Camp is Australia’s #1 holiday program. It’s a fun, safe space for kids to learn new skills, meet friends, and let their imaginations run wild.

Bluey’s World

Northshore Pavilion in Hamilton, Queensland.

Created by BBC Studios, HVK Productions, the Queensland Government, Brisbane City Council, and Brisbane Economic Development Agency, this exciting new attraction is a must-visit for Bluey fans and families.

The immersive experience will bring everyone’s favourite Blue Heeler, Bluey, to life. Wander through life-size sets inspired by the show’s most beloved episodes.

Explore Bluey and Bingo’s bedroom, hang out in the Heeler family’s living room and kitchen, and soak in every perfectly recreated detail.

Don’t miss the outdoor area, where Bluey’s backyard comes to life under the beautiful Poinciana tree.

Afterwards, relax at the café, shop for exclusive Bluey merchandise, or let loose in the playground.

Cost: Tickets start from $49.90.

Let your mind bloom at the Museum of Illusions

Step into the Museum of Illusions in Sydney this Easter and get ready to see the world in a whole new way! Opened on Boxing Day 2025, this 900+ m² playground of optical tricks, gravity-defying rooms, 3D illusions, holograms, and mind-bending perspectives is perfect for Wonder Seekers of all ages. From March 30 – April 27, the museum is going full Easter mode with a series of playful, immersive illusions that spark laughter, curiosity, and awe.

Museum of Illusions visitors will experience:

• Easter-themed décor and activities throughout the museum
• Onsite interactive experiences with Easter additions including the Cloning Room, Infinity Room, Head on a Platter and Colour room.
• A walk-in Kaleidoscope experience with Easter projection.
• A museum-wide Egg Hunt, where guests are invited to track the eggs for a small prize!
• Photo Op in a mind-blooming atmosphere

The Museum of Illusions is also offering a special school holidays promotion; Buy 2 adult tickets and get $10 off to use on your next visit, either on tickets or at the MOI shop.

Bloodsuckers: Nature’s Vampires Exhibition Accommodation Package

Perfect for families and curious kids, Bloodsuckers dives into the weird and wonderful world of nature’s most infamous biters. With hands-on exhibits, interactive displays and fascinating facts, from medical uses to bite prevention, this award-winning exhibition is as educational as it is entertaining.

Now, you can turn it into a staycation. Pullman Sydney Hyde Park is offering an exclusive package that includes overnight accommodation, buffet breakfast, tickets to Bloodsuckers: Nature’s Vampires at the Australian Museum, plus a kids’ activity pack.

Packages start from $399 per night. Available until 11 October 2026, subject to availability.

The Looney Tunes Step Off the Screen and Onto the Sports Field in New Kids’ Program

Looking for ways to keep kids active these school holidays? Bugs Bunny, Tweety, and the rest of the Looney Tunes gang are hitting the sports field! Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products has teamed up with Sport Star Academy to launch Looney Tunes-themed holiday sports camps across Australia.

For kids aged 4–12, the camps will offer story-led drills like “Hop Like Bugs Bunny” and “Run Like Road Runner,” turning traditional sports clinics into playful, character-driven experiences.

Every participant also receives exclusive co-branded merchandise to make sport even more exciting.

With over 390 locations nationwide and around 15,000 kids taking part each year, Sport Star Academy brings trusted expertise and scale to the program. Families can register their interest now.

Catch a wave at URBNSURF

Dive into gentle, rolling white-water waves at URBNSURF’s surf park – perfect for swimming, surfing or boogie boarding in The Bays. Sessions suit all abilities, with expert coaches ready to help beginners start their surfing journey in a safe, fun environment.

Sydney: Sydney Olympic Park (25 mins from the CBD, 20 mins from the airport)
Melbourne: Tullamarine (5 mins from the airport, 20 mins from the CBD)

Perfect waves. All year. Always pumping.

Visit Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo

Just a 5-6 hour drive from Sydney, Canberra, or Newcastle, Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo is home to incredible animals from around the world. From cheetahs, rhinos, and zebras to Sumatran tigers, Asian elephants, and iconic Australian wildlife – there’s so much to see!

Pro tip: Download the Taronga Western Plains Zoo app for an interactive map, keeper talk times, and feeding schedules to help you plan your day.

Opening hours: Open 365 days a year, including public holidays.
8:30am – 4:00pm: Savannah Visitor Plaza
9:00am – 4:00pm: Zoo Circuit

Plan your visit: For more information about planning a visit to Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo or to purchase your tickets online for up to 20% off, tap the link below.

Hire a GoBoat and explore Sydney’s Middle Harbour

Looking for a unique experience these school holidays? Families can explore Sydney’s stunning Middle Harbour aboard your very own electric picnic boat as GoBoat launches from D’Albora Marina at The Spit, Mosman – just in time for the Easter break.

What you need to know:

• No boat licence needed
• Dogs welcome
• Kids (and dogs!) welcome, with up to 8 people on each boat
• All safety gear provided

Since launching in Canberra in 2017, GoBoat has welcomed over 350,000 guests (and played a part in over 50 wedding proposals!).

Prices start from just $19 per person, making it an easy and affordable way for everyone to enjoy Sydney’s sparkling waters – no experience required!

Dig IT

Tamborine Mountain, Queensland

Real excavator machinery and construction-themed fun? Grab your hard hats, throw on your high-vis gear, and get ready for the “best day ever” at Dig IT, Australia’s first-ever mini-excavator park at Tamborine Mountain, just an hour from the Gold Coast and Brisbane.

Open every weekend plus school holidays: Dig IT – Australia’s first mini excavator park
Thunderbird Park – Tamborine Mountain Road, Tamborine Mountain, Scenic Rim Queensland.

Child or Adult admission $59 and Concession is $55 for 2 hour sessions.