Looking for an educational day out that the whole family will enjoy these school holidays? The Australian Museum has put together an exciting program of hands-on workshops, behind-the-scenes experiences and interactive activities designed to inspire curious minds aged 5 to 16.
Located in the heart of Sydney, the Australian Museum is one of the city’s favourite family destinations, combining fascinating exhibitions with unique learning experiences that children simply can’t get in a classroom. Whether your child dreams of becoming a scientist, loves dinosaurs and wildlife, or enjoys getting creative with STEM activities, there’s something for every young explorer these holidays.
Become a Scientist for a Day
One of the highlights of this year’s program is the popular Scientist for a Day experiences, giving children a rare opportunity to go behind the scenes and work alongside real museum scientists.
Collection Care & Conservation
9 & 10 July
Ever wondered how priceless museum collections are protected?
Kids will discover the fascinating world of conservation by visiting the Collection Care & Conservation laboratory. They’ll learn professional packing techniques, search for museum pests and meet the experts responsible for preserving Australia’s incredible natural and cultural history.
Wildlife Geneticist
13 & 14 July
Young science lovers can step inside the Australian Centre for Wildlife Genomics for a full-day adventure exploring the world of DNA.
Participants will conduct real DNA experiments, meet researchers and discover how genetics helps protect Australia’s unique wildlife. It’s an unforgettable opportunity for children interested in science, animals and conservation.
Build, Create and Explore with STEM Together
15 & 16 July
The ever-popular STEM Together: Make it Move! workshops invite children and adults to work as a team solving creative engineering challenges.
Families will experiment with different ways to make objects move while learning important science, technology, engineering and maths concepts through fun, hands-on activities.
Celebrate NAIDOC Week
Throughout 5–12 July, families can also enjoy a range of NAIDOC Week activities celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
Visitors can:
- Join free drop-in weaving sessions in Hintze Hall.
- Take part in guided Waranara Tours led by First Nations guides.
- Learn about Australia’s rich Indigenous history and culture through stories and significant museum objects.
Don’t Miss Bloodsuckers: Nature’s Vampires
If your kids love creepy crawlies, this special exhibition is guaranteed to be a hit.
Bloodsuckers: Nature’s Vampires explores the surprising world of creatures including vampire bats, mosquitoes, ticks, leeches and other fascinating blood-feeding animals. Through interactive displays, science exhibits and hands-on experiences, children will discover how these remarkable creatures survive and why they play an important role in nature. During the winter school holidays, the museum is also offering a special 2-for-1 ticket offer for the exhibition.
A Great Family Day Out
Alongside the special holiday program, families can spend the day exploring the museum’s permanent galleries featuring dinosaurs, Australian wildlife, First Nations cultures, minerals, fossils and much more.
With activities suitable for a wide range of ages, it’s an ideal way to keep children entertained while encouraging curiosity, creativity and a love of science.
As many workshops have limited places, bookings are highly recommended.
Australian Museum School Holiday Program
📍 Location: Australian Museum, 1 William Street, Darlinghurst
📅 Dates: Throughout the July school holidays
👧 Ages: Activities available for children aged 5–16 years (varies by program)
🎟️ Bookings: Essential for most workshops
For the full program and to book your tickets, visit: https://australian.museum/event/school-holidays/
Light Up Bondi Festival at the Free Spark Workshop & Fire Spirit Parade
