Looking for something a little different to do with the kids these spring school holidays? A day in one of Sydney’s beautiful national parks could be the perfect excuse to get everyone outdoors, explore somewhere new and enjoy a break from the usual school holiday routine.
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is running a range of ranger-guided activities and family experiences across Sydney during the holidays. Kids can become junior rangers, learn bush and navigation skills, get creative with nature, search for native wildlife or discover some of Sydney’s fascinating local history.
There are activities for different ages, including programs for little ones under six, as well as experiences the whole family can enjoy together. And with locations ranging from Vaucluse and the Royal National Park to Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, there are plenty of opportunities to turn an activity into a full family day out.
Here are some of the school holiday adventures happening in and around Sydney this spring:
Junior ranger: Bobbin Head – Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
Kids can learn what it’s like to be a park ranger on this guided tour at Bobbin Head through fun and engaging hands-on activities. Along the way, they can discover local wildlife, make new friends and learn why protecting the environment matters.
When: 1, 8 October
Junior ranger: Royal National Park creativity in nature – Royal National Park
Kids can explore nature through creative play, artmaking and hands-on environmental learning in this interactive school holiday program. Inspired by the natural elements, participants can create artworks using materials found in the bush, learn how rangers protect local plants and animals, and discover how to protect the natural environment.
When: 30 September (Earth theme), 7 October (Water theme)
Little Lyrebirds – Royal National Park
Children under 6 can discover the wonders of the bush through play-based activities designed for early learners. Through sensory play, creative games and nature exploration inspired by the elements, participants can learn about local ecosystems, build problem-solving skills, develop outdoor safety awareness and discover simple ways to care for the environment.
When: 30 September, 1, 7, 8 October
Junior ranger: Royal National Park ranger skills – Royal National Park
Kids can become junior rangers on this hands-on guided tour in Royal National Park, learning navigation and bush survival tips while exploring nature. Along the way, they can develop new skills, discover specialised ranger roles and learn why protecting the environment matters.
When: 1, 7, 8 October
Guided nature walk: Lady Carrington Drive – Royal National Park
The whole family can join this guided walk along historic Lady Carrington Drive and explore the natural beauty of the park. Participants can discover local plants, wildlife and ecosystems while enjoying a scenic walk beside the Hacking River, with opportunities to spot lyrebirds, wallabies, echidnas and yellow-tailed black cockatoos along the way.
When: 1, 8 October
Greycliffe House and Nielsen Park heritage tour – Sydney Harbour National Park
Families can step back in time these school holidays on a guided tour of historic Greycliffe House in Vaucluse. They can explore the grand 1850s estate and discover stories of the families who lived there. After the tour, families can enjoy a picnic on the beautiful grounds overlooking Sydney Harbour. When: 2, 11 October
Start planning a spring school holiday adventure and book your spot now. View all Sydney school holiday tours in NSW national parks: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/kids-tours-greater-sydney
