Spring is a pretty good time to be a kid on the Northern Beaches! With warmer days and two weeks away from the classroom, there are plenty of opportunities to get out, get active and try something new. Our Spring guide brings together holiday programs and activities from across the Beaches, along with some options worth venturing a little further for.
Updated September 2026 for the Spring school holidays.
Outdoor & Adventure Experiences
Adventure Camp – Three Days of Outdoor Fun & Adventure
Get the kids outside these School Holidays with Adventure Camp! Our 3-day outdoor camps for kids aged 6–11 are packed with games, challenges, teamwork and adventure — with ZERO screens. Kids join teams, make new friends, earn points and take on everything from archery and building challenges to strategy games, water activities and our big Day 3 finale.
Choose from two incredible Northern Beaches locations this Spring — Bayview and Q-Station.
Where? Q-Station, Manly
When? Mon 28th – Wed 30th Sept, 2026
Drop Off from 8am, Pick Up by 5:00pm
Cost: $349.95 per child – 3 Day Camp – Save 10% – just $314.95 per child with code NB-LIVING-SP26
Booking: https://adventurecamp.com.au/new-q-station-manly/
Where? Bayview – BYRA
When? Wed 7th – Fri 9th Oct, 2026
Drop Off from 8am, Pick Up by 5:00pm
Cost: $349.95 per child – 3 Day Camp – Save 10% – just $314.95 per child with code NB-LIVING-SP26
Booking: https://adventurecamp.com.au/bayview-byra/
Outdoor Adventures at Saltwater School, Chowder Bay
Our school holiday programs are back this spring, with an exciting new addition: Become a Marine Biologist for a Day!
If you have an ocean-loving child, this is for them! On Fridays throughout the holidays, curious young explorers will have the chance to step into the shoes of a real marine scientist.
Kids will spend the day snorkeling, collecting and investigating marine samples, discovering sea urchins, kelp forests and other fascinating marine life, and comparing their findings like real marine biologists.
Delivered in partnership with the Sydney Institute of Marine Science (SIMS), this immersive specialist program combines adventure, discovery and hands-on marine science in the unique environment of Sydney Harbour. And from Tuesday to Thursday, our popular Adventure & Exploration Days continue to offer all the fun Saltwater School is known for. Choose from 1- or 3-day programs featuring snorkeling, rafting, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, bushwalking, beach games, nature-inspired arts and crafts, and plenty of outdoor exploration.
Sign your kids up for nature-filled adventures on the Harbour this spring.
When?
Dates: 29 September to 9 October (except public holiday)
Tuesday to Thursday: Adventure & Exploration
Fridays only: Be a Marine Biologist for a Day (NEW!)
Time: 8.30am to 3.30pm
Where?
Location: Clifton Gardens Reserve, Mosman
Cost:
Cost: $110 per day (multi-day savings available – see website for more details)
GET 10% OFF WHEN YOU BOOK BY 6 SEPTEMBER 2026 WITH CODE ‘SPRING26’
Bookings: Book HERE.
Salty Kids School Holiday Surf Camp
Spend the school holidays surfing at Dee Why Beach with Salty Surf School. Designed for kids aged 6–16, our school holiday program caters for all abilities, from complete beginners through to confident young surfers looking to improve their technique.
Kids can choose between our Learn to Surf program, focused on water confidence, ocean awareness and catching waves, or our Level Up Squad, which includes surf coaching, surf-skate training and film review. Wetsuits, surfboards, rash vests, sunscreen and zinc are all included.
When?
28 September – 9 October 2026.
Learn to Surf runs Monday–Friday. Level Up Squad runs Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
9:00am – 3:00pm.
Where?
Dee Why Beach, meeting outside Dee Why Surf Life Saving Club.
Cost:
$140 per child, per day.
5-session pack: $560, saving $140.
Booking: https://www.deewhysaltysurfschool.com.au/pages/kids-school-holiday-surf-camp
Sports Camps & Active Programs
School Holiday Programs at Aussie Gems
Aussie Gems offers action-packed school holiday fun for kids of all ages! Our program keeps children active, entertained and engaged throughout the day, with a variety of activities including Ninja, gymnastics, games, dance, tumbling and trampoline. Most program days also include a special craft activity, plus morning tea and lunch, making it an easy and exciting day out for your child.
Looking for something more specialised? We also offer Cheer & Dance Camps designed for kids who love to learn new skills, build confidence and have fun!
Whether your child is a gymnastics superstar, future cheerleader, dance lover or simply looking for an exciting day of holiday fun, Aussie Gems has something for everyone.
Book your child’s school holiday adventure today!
When?
28th September, 29th September, 30th September, 1st October, 2nd October, 6th October, 7th October, 8th October, 9th October and 12th October
Full Day 8am – 3.30pm
Half Day 8am – 12pm
Long Day 8am – 4.30pm
Where?
Aussie Gems, 10/25 Frenchs Forest Rd E Frenchs Forest 2086
Cost:
Full Day- $95
Half Day- $55
Long Day- $105
Booking: Online at our customer portal- https://portal.iclasspro.com/aussiegems/booking or over the phone 02 9451 5706
Junior Basketball Academy Camps
Join the fun at our JBA Holiday Basketball Camps this September/October! Our high-energy holiday program is perfect for kids of all skill levels who want to stay active, build confidence, and improve their basketball skills while having a great time. With exciting drills, friendly games, and supportive coaches, it’s the best way to make the school holidays unforgettable.
Dates & Locations:
- Manly – September 28 – October 9
- North Sydney – September 28 – October 9
- Wahroonga – September 28 – October 9
- Bondi Junction – September 28 – October 9
- Meadowbank – September 28 – October 9
- Killara & Rhodes – September 28 – October 2
- Ryde – September 28 – October
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Cost:
- 1 day – $117
- Book 3 days (get 1 day FREE valued at $117, for a total of 4 days – $83.50/day!)
Visit our website to book:
https://www.ymcansw.org.au/junior-basketball-academy/school-holiday-camps/
Step-by-step tutorial:
- HOW TO BOOK BUNDLE: https://youtu.be/ibBAcy9GbPI
- HOW TO BOOK INDIVIDUAL DATES: https://youtu.be/qZtkvJ6IWoQ
- Email: info.jba@ymcansw.org.au
Learning, Wellbeing & Skills Programs
Literacy Circle School Holiday Workshops
Boost your child’s reading and writing these school holidays with a Literacy Circle workshop. Delivered in small groups or tailored 1:1 sessions, their experienced, qualified teachers use explicit, evidence-based instruction and multisensory learning techniques to build lasting literacy skills and confidence.
- Alphabet Mastery Workshop
- Intensive Reading Workshop
- Creative Writing Workshop
- Intensive Private Lessons
Dates:
Monday 28th, Tuesday 29th and Wednesday 30th September
Wednesday 7th, Thursday 8th and Friday 9th September
Various times Intensive Private Lessons
Location: 17 Tramore Place, Killarney Heights
Cost: From $130
How to book: Call 0490 516 844 or email enquiry@literacycircle.com.au
More School Holiday Activities Across the Northern Beaches
Kids Giving Back: Cooking & Community Service
Kids aged 8 – 14 are invited to roll up their sleeves for a rewarding day of cooking, packing and giving back. They will prepare nutritious meals and care packs for people experiencing homelessness or financial hardship, while learning more about community support and service.
The program also provides an opportunity to build community service hours, including school, IB and Duke of Edinburgh requirements.
This is a kids-only, drop-off program. Children should bring nut-free food, a drink and closed-toe, rubber-soled shoes.
Bookings and enquiries: https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/whats-on/kids-giving-back-helping-hands-0
Free E-Bike Skills Workshop – Boys 13-15 Years
Do you really know everything about riding an e-bike? Join other boys aged 13 – 15 for a free workshop covering e-bike skills, road safety and basic bike maintenance.
The session includes technical skills and games, a ride to Narrabeen Lagoon, riding safely on roads and paths, road rules and a free pizza lunch.
Participants must bring their own bike and helmet. Normal pedal bikes are also welcome.
Bookings and enquiries: https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/whats-on/e-bike-skills-workshop-boys-13-15
Free E-Bike Skills Workshop – Girls 13-15 Years
Girls aged 13–15 can join this free Northern Beaches workshop for a day of riding, games and practical skills. Learn how to ride confidently and safely on roads and paths, brush up on bike rules and basic maintenance, and put your skills into practice on a ride to Narrabeen Lagoon.
And of course, there is free pizza for lunch!
Participants must bring their own bike and helmet.
Bookings and enquiries: https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/whats-on/free-e-bike-skills-workshop-girls-13-15-years
Major Fun Indoor Play Centre, Freshwater
Major Fun boasts a gigantic and fun-filled play space, with designated age-specific play areas for babies, toddlers and bigger kids to ensure the whole family loves their visit. Located within Harbord Diggers at Freshwater, there’s always fun to be had at Major Fun!
Major Fun is running during school holidays:
$10 Major Fun entry all school holidays (not including events and workshop).
Don’t forget your socks!
Bookings and further information: https://www.majorfun.com.au/freshwater/explore
Kids on the Coast, Narrabeen
Image: Northern Beaches Council
“The Coastal Environment Centre (CEC) offers a school holiday program with a difference. With a unique theme for each day, your child will learn about our natural environment through a range of fun and interesting activities. Fun-filled, action-packed school holiday programs are offered during the summer, autumn, winter and spring school holidays. This is a great opportunity for children to learn about our environment and how they can help preserve it.
Good to Know: The holiday program is suitable for children aged 6 (who have started school) to 12 years (unless otherwise advertised). Programs generally run from 10am–3pm (unless otherwise noted).
Address: Coastal Environment Centre, 1 Lake Park Road, North Narrabeen
Website: https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/environment/coastal-environment-centre/school-holiday-program
PCYC Northern Beaches, Dee Why
Looking for things to do in the upcoming school holidays?
PCYC NSW runs a variety of safe, fun, creative and inclusive school holiday activities for primary and high school aged youth. Our structured programs have a selection of sport and creative-based activities to ensure we offer something for everyone!
PCYC Northern Beaches school holiday activities are run by qualified coaches that have a passion for working with young people in a sport and recreation environment. Our programs are designed to be affordable for the local communities that surround our clubs, ensuring a cost-effective school holiday option for all families. We also accept Active and Creative Kids vouchers at all of our clubs.
Website: https://www.pcycnsw.org.au/northern-beaches/school-holidays
School Holiday Activities Across Sydney
Meet Chase and Marshall at Taronga Zoo These School Holidays
PAW Patrol fans, this one’s for you! Chase and Marshall are heading to Taronga Zoo these school holidays, with a free PAW Patrol Kids Show on the Concert Lawns daily at 10.30am and 12.15pm, plus a character meet-and-greet at 11.15am.
There’s plenty more happening across the Zoo, with wildlife presentations featuring seals, free-flight birds and reptiles, plus 13 interactive keeper talks throughout the day. Families can also say hello to some adorable new arrivals, including Mediterranean donkeys Prince and Nickel, lambs and goat kids, Pea the quokka, Bira the Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat joey and five koala joeys beginning to venture outside their pouches.
For an even bigger adventure, take on the Wild Ropes Treetops Adventure, book an Animal Encounter or check out Taronga’s Zoo Adventures Holiday Program for kids aged 5–11. There’s even Keeper for a Day for older kids and teens, or turn your Zoo visit into a mini holiday with a Roar and Snore overnight stay.
And, of course, there are more than 6,500 animals to discover throughout the Zoo – making it an easy full-day school holiday adventure.
When?
Various dates throughout the school holidays
Where?
Taronga Zoo Sydney, Bradleys Head Road, Mosman
Bookings: Website: https://www.taronga.org.au/sydney-zoo
Season Squad The Musical – Zenith Theatre, Chatswood
Sunny, Blaze, Bloom and Chill are the guardians of the seasons – until Sunny decides it would be much more fun if summer lasted forever! Cue plenty of chaos in this high-energy family musical coming to Chatswood these school holidays. Expect catchy original pop songs, big dance numbers and plenty of laughs as the four friends discover why every season – and every difference – matters. The original songs come from Emmy-nominated songwriters Jason Pennock and Matt Wong, whose credits include Disney’s Descendants, ZOMBIES and High School Musical: The Series.
When?
8 & 9 October 2026 at 10.30am
Where?
Zenith Theatre, Chatswood
Cost: $25–$30 / ticket
Bookings: https://seasonsquad.com.au/
Especially on Birthdays – Zenith Theatre, Chatswood
Start the school holidays a day early with this joyful interactive theatre show created especially for younger children. Especially on Birthdays follows twins about to turn six who discover they’ll be placed in separate classes – something one of them is definitely not ready for! Told through music, movement, play and audience interaction, it’s a funny and tender story about siblings, friendship, growing up and coping with change. Kids can also join a hands-on drama workshop before the performance.
When?
Sunday 27 September 2026; workshop 3pm, performance 4pm
Where?
Zenith Theatre, Chatswood
Cost: $29–$39 / ticket, Workshop: $10
Bookings: https://www.zeniththeatre.com.au/Whats-on/Events/Especially-On-Birthdays-Culture-Bites
Fringe Kids – Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park
Sydney Fringe is bringing plenty of fun for its littlest fans to the Entertainment!
Quarter these school holidays, with a dedicated two-week Fringe Kids program packed with music, magic, bubbles, science, circus and more. There’s a huge line-up of family-friendly shows to choose from, including Bubble Show in Space and all-ages circus. With tickets starting from just $12 and plenty
designed to entertain the grown-ups too, it’s an easy way to turn a trip to the theatre into a fun family day out.
When?
Spring school holidays – 26 August 2026 – 11 October 2026
Where?
Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park
Bookings: https://sydneyfringe.com/fringe-kids/
Cost: Tickets from $12
Wild Things International Kids Festival – Sydney Opera House
The Sydney Opera House is transforming into a giant playground for its first- ever Wild Things International Kids Festival. Running across the school holidays, the festival brings together theatre, music, circus, workshops and creative experiences from Australia and around the world.
Better still, you don’t need to book a show to join the fun: the Forecourt will come alive with free giant swings, installations and performances, while ticketed highlights include Handa’s Surprise, ZOOOM, Waiting! and Grand Soft Day. Programs range from babies through to older kids, plus all-ages.
experiences
When?
26 September – 11 October 2026
Where?
Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point
Bookings: https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/wild-things
Alchemy of a Rainforest – The Calyx, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
Here’s a beautiful option for a day in the city. Step inside The Calyx and be transported into a lush tropical world at Alchemy of a Rainforest. More than 18,000 plants, a spectacular living green wall, rainforest sound art and sculptures made from repurposed materials combine to create an immersive exhibition kids can wander through and explore. Look out for the oversized Satin Bowerbird’s bower and the shimmering canopy overhead.
When?
Daily – check the website for occasional private-event closures
Where?
The Calyx, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
Cost: Free!
Website: https://www.botanicgardens.org.au/whats-on/alchemy-rainforest
Treetops Adventure + Playground, St Ives
Families have a new experience to explore along the southern border of Ku-ring-gai National Park. Hosting 95+ aerial obstacles and 10+ ziplines, all suspended between platforms to create a maze of activities in the treetops. Courses start at 1m for little climbers and jump up to 15 metres for bigger adventurers!
Sessions run for 2.5 hours to climb as many courses as you can during your session. You can choose to start on low easy courses or go straight up on a higher course. If you don’t feel like climbing on a higher level, you are always welcome to complete a lower or the same course again during your session. Your session includes harnessing, training and approximately 2 hours of climbing.
When you’re done there’s a spectacular new playground to explore as well – perfect for school holidays!
Location: 450 Mona Vale Rd, St Ives
Opening hours: School and Public Holidays, Monday – Sunday, 9am–5pm
Website: https://treetopsadventure.com.au/location/st-ives/
Zoo Adventures at Taronga Zoo, Mosman
Children will be amazed and excited on this unique school holiday program, as they join in animal themed activities and meet the wonderful keepers who care for the animals that live at Taronga Zoo.
Where: Taronga Zoo
Website: https://taronga.org.au/sydney-zoo/special-experiences/zoo-adventures
Water Slide and Lazy River at the Aquatic Centre, Sydney Olympic Park
Slip and slide your way through the holidays at Sydney Olympic Park’s Aquatic Centre. Found in the heated indoor leisure area, the Water Slide is the perfect addition to this water wonderland. Make your way up to the top and take a moment to look out over the pools before bracing yourself as you slide down.
Where: Aquatic Centre, Olympic Boulevard, Sydney Olympic Park
When: Daily (School Holidays), 10:00am–7:00pm
Tickets: Included in pool admission – from $6.60
Website: https://www.aquaticcentre.com.au/Things-to-Do/Water-Slide
The Inflatable, Wave Pool and Giant Slide at Ryde Aquatic Leisure Centre
Spring and summer are the best times of the year at Ryde Aquatic Leisure Centre with their Giant Slide and Inflatable obstacle course. Whether you’re swimming laps or want to splash around with the kids, there’s plenty of room for everyone. Don’t miss the 40m wave pool, giant blow-up obstacle course, water slides and more.
The Wave Pool operates on School Holidays and Public Holidays from 10:15am until 4:40pm. The Giant Slide operates on School Holidays and Public Holidays from 10:00am until 5:00pm. The Inflatable operates every day during school holidays from 10:00am to 3:00pm.
Note: These times are subject to change without notice.
Conditions of Use: A swimming assessment must be successfully completed and a wristband provided by the assessor before being permitted on the obstacle course.
Where: Ryde Aquatic Leisure Centre
When: Daily (School Holidays), 10:00am–3:00pm (The Inflatable) and 10:00am–5:00pm (The Giant Slide)
Website: https://www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/RALC/About/Opening-Hours
Spring School Holidays at Darling Harbour
Free family fun at Darling Harbour these Spring School Holidays, with STEM activities, cooking classes, garden adventures, cultural celebrations and fireworks.
Big Ideas Factory Sat 3 & Sun 4 October, 11am–3pm | Tumbalong Park | FREE
- A new hands-on STEM program with a Robotics Lab and a roaming humanoid robot, plus free movie screenings of The Lego Movie (3.30pm) and Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (7pm).
Little Chef at Darling Quarter | 3–11 October | FREE (ages 6–12)
- Free cooking classes for kids, with a guest appearance from young chef Morgan Hipworth.
Chinese Garden of Friendship 28 September – 9 October, 11am–1pm weekdays | FREE with Garden entry
- Kids can build their own miniature 3D Chinese Garden to take home.
Darling Square Moon Festival Until Sunday 4 October | FREE
- Final days of the lantern installation, workshops and live music.
Fireworks over Cocklebay Sunday 4 October 8:30pm | FREE
Website: https://www.darlingharbour.com/whats-on/campaigns/spring-school-holidays
However your family plans to spend the break, we hope you’ve found a few good ideas here for the Spring school holidays. We’ll keep this guide updated as new activities are announced across the Northern Beaches, so check back for any late additions.
We refresh this page ahead of every school holiday period, making it a handy one to bookmark for next time too. And if you organise a kids’ activity or holiday program you think Northern Beaches families should know about, we’d love to hear from you. Email us at northernbeaches@thelivingcollective.com.au
