School holidays: a magical time for kids. A slightly terrifying time for parents who have just realised they need to fill two whole weeks with activities, snacks, and enough entertainment to prevent the “I’m bored” chorus from starting before breakfast.
Luckily, Darling Harbour has entered the chat.
From ice skating under city lights to kung fu, giant snow globes and winter-inspired fun, the precinct is transforming into a family playground from 4-19 July.
So whether you’re planning a full family day out or just desperately looking for something to do between meals, screens and the inevitable “can we get a puppy?” negotiations, here’s everything happening at Darling Harbour these school holidays.
Lace Up: The Darling Harbour Ice Rink Is Back
Sydney may not exactly be known for its snowy winters (unless you count the wind that somehow finds its way through every layer of clothing), but that hasn’t stopped Darling Harbour from bringing the icy magic.
The much-loved Darling Harbour Ice Rink is returning from 27 June to 19 July, giving families the chance to channel their inner Olympian – or simply master the art of staying upright.
Set up at Palm Grove Forecourt outside IMAX Sydney, the rink will be open daily from 10am to 9pm, with sessions suitable for all ages. Younger skaters can even use skating aids, meaning everyone from first-timers to tiny future figure skating stars can hit the ice.
And because watching people gracefully glide around a rink is much more fun than watching your own kids attempt it, Friday nights will feature special performances, with six ice skaters taking over the rink at 5.45pm and 6.45pm.
When: 27 June – 19 July, 10am-9pm
Where: Palm Grove Forecourt (outside IMAX Sydney)
Tickets: From $17 for under fours, $22 for under 14s, $29 for adults
Kung Fu, But Make It Kid-Friendly
Think your child’s current skill set is mostly running, jumping and dramatically falling onto the couch? Time to level up.
Kids Kung Fu Animal Adventures at the Chinese Garden of Friendship lets little ones discover the basics of martial arts through fun, instructor-led sessions.
They’ll learn how to stretch like a crane, move like a tiger and try animal-inspired tai chi poses – all while practising breathing techniques and kung fu movements.
Even better? For every full-paying adult, one child goes free.
When: Weekdays from 6-17 July
Sessions: 11am, 12pm and 1pm
Where: Chinese Garden of Friendship
Enter a Giant Snow Globe
Sydney may be missing the snow-covered streets and European winter markets, but Darling Harbour is making sure nobody misses out on the photo opportunities.
From 16-19 July, families can step inside a giant inflatable snow globe at Darling Square, complete with falling snow.
There will also be winter-themed face painting, with kids able to transform into frosty characters, snowy creatures or whatever their imagination decides.
When: Thursday 16 – Sunday 19 July, 12pm-3pm daily
Where: Darling Square
Make a Full Day of It
Of course, Darling Harbour isn’t just about keeping the kids entertained. It’s also about giving parents a reason to leave the house without packing an entire suitcase of snacks.
Families can explore attractions including Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, Wild Life Sydney Zoo, Australian National Maritime Museum, Madame Tussauds Sydney and IMAX Sydney.
There are also free Kids Yoga sessions every Friday, Flymotion Bungy Trampolining, Darling Harbour Playground and plenty of places to refuel – because after a full day of skating, crafting and kung fu, everyone deserves a snack.
This winter school holidays, Darling Harbour is basically doing the hard work for parents: providing the activities, the entertainment and enough distractions to make the two-week break feel slightly less intimidating.
Now all you need to do is remember where you parked.
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