Sydney families can shake off the winter chill these school holidays as Darling Harbour transforms into a winter playground, complete with free family activities, ice skating, creative workshops, dance parties and plenty more to keep kids entertained.
Running from Saturday 4 July to Sunday 19 July 2026, Darling Harbour’s Winter School Holiday program is its most packed yet, offering families an easy day out in the heart of Sydney.
A highlight of the program is the free Arctic Activity Zone, taking over the Convention Forecourt on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 July. Kids can get creative, join a dance workshop, take part in a scavenger hunt and enjoy a range of winter-themed activities designed for little explorers.
Also returning by popular demand is the much-loved Darling Harbour Ice Rink, open daily from 27 June to 19 July at Palm Grove Forecourt, outside IMAX Sydney. Whether children are stepping onto the ice for the first time or showing off their skating skills, the rink is set to be one of Sydney’s coolest school holiday attractions.
Across the precinct, families can also enjoy kung fu workshops, free kids’ yoga, trampolining, winter activities at Darling Square and plenty of family-friendly dining.
Arctic Activity Zone
When: 11am–3pm, Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 July
Where: Convention Forecourt
Price: Free
The Arctic Activity Zone will bring two days of free family fun to Darling Harbour, giving children the chance to explore, create and play through a series of winter-inspired experiences.
Families can set off on a self-guided Scavenger Hunt through Darling Harbour, searching for hidden winter-themed surprises across the precinct. Those who complete the hunt can collect a prize at the finish line.
At the Dance Den, a Norwegian-inspired teepee will come to life with Northern Lights-style lighting, live DJ sets, interactive games and hourly 20-minute dance classes. Families can drop in and join the fun throughout the day.
Creative kids will love Craft Camp, a hands-on winter craft station featuring a rotating program of activities including snowman and snowflake making, slime workshops and take-home snow globe creations.
Darling Harbour Ice Rink
When: 10am–9pm daily, 27 June–19 July
Where: Palm Grove Forecourt, outside IMAX Sydney
Price: $17 under 4 | $22 under 14 | $29 adult | $77 family pass
The Darling Harbour Ice Rink returns to the waterfront this winter, welcoming skaters of all ages to hit the ice in the heart of the city.
With daily sessions, skating aids available for younger children and a festive winter atmosphere, the rink is a favourite for families looking to make the most of the school holidays.
On Fridays, audiences can also enjoy special ice-skating performances at 5.45pm and 6.45pm, with six skaters taking to the ice for a 12-minute choreographed winter show.
Kids Go Free at Kids Kung Fu Animal Adventures
When: Weekdays from 6–17 July
Session times: 11am, 12pm and 1pm
Where: Chinese Garden of Friendship
Offer: For every full-paying adult, one child goes free
Hosted inside the beautiful Chinese Garden of Friendship, Kids Kung Fu Animal Adventures invites children to stretch like a crane, prowl like a tiger and discover the basics of martial arts.
The 20-minute instructor-led workshops combine kung fu movements, animal-inspired tai chi poses and breathing techniques, offering a fun and engaging introduction to traditional Chinese martial arts.
Winter Fun at Darling Square
When: Thursday 16 July–Sunday 19 July, 12pm–3pm daily
Where: Darling Square, in front of The Exchange building
Price: Spend at any Darling Square retailer to enjoy free entry
Darling Square will also be joining the winter festivities with family-friendly activities across the final weekend of the school holidays.
Families can step inside a giant inflatable snow globe, complete with falling snow, for a memorable winter photo moment. Children can also enjoy winter-themed face painting, with designs inspired by snowflakes, icy landscapes and frosty characters.
More Family Fun in Darling Harbour
Families looking to turn their visit into a full day out will find plenty more to explore across www.darlingharbour.com.
Kids can discover marine life and take part in the Animal Crossing™: New Horizons experience at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, meet native animals at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, explore hands-on exhibitions at the Australian National Maritime Museum, snap photos with famous faces at Madame Tussauds Sydney, or catch the latest family films at IMAX Sydney.
There will also be free Kids Yoga every Friday from 10.30am–11.30am, plus Flymotion Bungy Trampolining, the ever-popular Darling Harbour Playground and a wide range of dining options across the precinct, including IIKO Mazesoba, One Dining, Chinta Ria Buddha Love, Sailor Boy Thai, Hello Auntie and more.
Event Details
What: Darling Harbour Winter School Holiday Program
When: Saturday 4 July–Sunday 19 July 2026
Where: Darling Harbour, Sydney
Getting there: Easy access by ferry, bus, train and light rail
For more information and the full program, visit: www.darlingharbour.com
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