Spring school holidays are made for breaking free, getting outside, letting little imaginations run wild and making the most of every day off school.
From 26 September to 11 October 2026, families can spend the holidays building, discovering and playing together with a huge program of activities at Darling Harbour.
There are plenty of FREE activities on offer, including robotics, STEM experiments, cooking classes, giant lawn games, movies, Moon Festival celebrations and more.
Leading the school holiday fun is the debut of Big Ideas Factory at Tumbalong Park, a brand-new hands-on program combining science, robotics, construction, creativity and plenty of opportunities for kids to experiment and explore.
Here are some of the highlights to add to your school holiday calendar.
Big Ideas Factory at Tumbalong Park
When: Saturday 3 & Sunday 4 October, 11am–3pm
Where: Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour
Cost: FREE
Making its debut these school holidays, Big Ideas Factory is a free outdoor program bringing science, technology, creativity and engineering to life for curious kids.
Families can drop into Science Storytime for STEM-inspired experiments and crafts, get building in the Creative Construction Zone, or head to the Robotics Lab where kids can program an Edison robot through circuits and obstacles.
Budding engineers can also help build a replica of Sydney’s Pyrmont Bridge from reclaimed and recycled materials with Reverse Garbage.
Keep an eye out for a roaming humanoid robot making its way around Tumbalong Park, meeting visitors, showing off its moves and posing for photos.
There are also giant lawn games and building-block challenges to keep everyone busy.
Most activities are drop-in and self-paced, so families can choose their own adventure.
Find out more about Big Ideas Factory here.
Stay for a Free Family Movie
Don’t rush home when the daytime activities finish.
On Saturday 3 October, Tumbalong Park will transform into an outdoor cinema with two free family favourites.
3.30pm – The LEGO Movie
5.30pm – Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
Pack a picnic rug, find a spot on the lawn and settle in for an afternoon movie in the heart of Darling Harbour.
See the Big Ideas Factory and movie program here.
Darling Square Moon Festival
When: 19 September–4 October
Where: Darling Square
Cost: FREE
Celebrate the Moon Festival at Darling Square, with the precinct coming alive with colourful lanterns, entertainment and family-friendly activities.
The Moon Festival is an important celebration across many Asian cultures, traditionally centred around family, togetherness and giving thanks.
Families can wander through an illuminated lantern installation, enjoy live music and take part in free activities including lantern decorating and interactive dance workshops.
Kids may even spot Emperor Guan and Chang’e, the Moon Goddess, making special appearances around Darling Square.
The final weekend of the festival coincides with the beginning of the school holidays, making it easy to combine a visit with Big Ideas Factory and the other activities happening around Darling Harbour.
Discover the Darling Square Moon Festival program here.
Little Chef at Darling Quarter
When: 3–11 October
Where: Darling Quarter North Village Green
Ages: 6–12 years
Cost: FREE – bookings essential
Have a budding chef in the family?
Little Chef at Darling Quarter is a free hands-on cooking program giving kids aged 6–12 the opportunity to get into the kitchen and create their own dishes.
During each 90-minute session, young chefs will cook alongside culinary teams from Darling Quarter, learning how to prepare, create and plate dishes inspired by flavours from around the world.
Young chef and entrepreneur Morgan Hipworth will also make a special guest appearance during the program.
Sessions are divided into three age groups:
- 6–7 years
- 8–9 years
- 10–12 years
While the kids are cooking, parents can relax nearby at the Parents’ Terrace.
Places are limited and bookings are essential.
Find out more and book Little Chef here.
Build Your Own Chinese Garden
When: 28 September–9 October, weekdays 11am–1pm
Where: Chinese Garden of Friendship
Cost: FREE with Garden entry
Little green thumbs can get creative at the beautiful Chinese Garden of Friendship.
Kids can decorate and assemble their own miniature 3D Chinese Garden to take home.
The activity is inspired by the real garden, with children creating features including traditional pavilions, koi carp, bamboo, waterways and other elements found throughout this peaceful corner of Darling Harbour.
It’s an easy way to combine a little craft and creativity with a visit to one of Sydney’s most beautiful gardens.
Find out more about Build Your Own Chinese Garden here.
Darling Harbour Fireworks
When: Saturday 3 October, 8.30pm
Where: Cockle Bay
Cost: FREE
Planning a full day at Darling Harbour?
Stick around into the evening and finish your family adventure with fireworks over Cockle Bay at 8.30pm.
With Big Ideas Factory, the Moon Festival, family movies, dinner and fireworks all happening around the precinct, Saturday 3 October is a particularly good day to plan a Darling Harbour adventure.
More School Holiday Adventures Around Darling Harbour
The fun doesn’t stop with the free activities.
Little explorers can make a splash at the Australian National Maritime Museum or head out on an animal adventure at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium.
Families can also come face-to-face with famous faces and larger-than-life characters at Madame Tussauds Sydney.
Movie fans can see what’s screening on one of the world’s biggest cinema screens at IMAX Sydney.
Family Shows and Entertainment
There is also plenty happening on stage throughout the school holidays.
The entertainment program includes BINI, Naruto: The Symphonic Experience and The Lord of the Rings in Concert, while Darling Quarter Theatre has family entertainment including Mr Snotbottom’s Stinky Silly Show.
See everything happening at Darling Harbour here.
Burn Off Some Energy at Darling Harbour Playground
Sometimes the simplest school holiday activities are the best.
The Darling Harbour Playground is open daily and FREE, giving kids plenty of opportunities to climb, splash and explore.
The playground includes water pumps, streams and jets, climbing equipment, ropes, a giant slide and flying fox, with different areas catering to different ages.
Families looking for even more action can check out FlyMotion Bungy Trampolining, while those after something calmer can look out for Kids Yoga at Darling Quarter.
Explore more active things to do with kids at Darling Harbour here.
Where to Eat with the Kids
With so much happening, chances are you’ll be staying for lunch or dinner.
Darling Harbour and Darling Quarter have plenty of family-friendly options, including Pancakes on the Rocks, Fratelli Fresh, Betty’s Burgers and Harry’s Cafe de Wheels.
You could easily turn your school holiday visit into a full day – start with an activity, let the kids burn off some energy at the playground, grab something to eat and then stay for an afternoon movie or evening entertainment.
Discover family-friendly places to eat at Darling Harbour here.
Getting to Darling Harbour
Darling Harbour is accessible by train, Metro, bus, ferry and light rail, with several parking options available for families travelling by car.
If you’re coming from Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, public transport can be a good option during the busy school holiday period, particularly if you’re planning to stay for the evening activities.
Spring School Holidays at Darling Harbour
Dates: 26 September–11 October 2026
Location: Darling Harbour, Sydney
Cost: Many activities are FREE; admission charges apply to some attractions
Suitable for: Families and children of various ages
Whether your kids love robots, science, cooking, movies, playgrounds, cultural activities or simply exploring somewhere different, there is plenty happening at Darling Harbour these spring school holidays.
With many of the headline activities completely free, you can choose one activity or combine several into a full family day out in the city.
👉 See the full Darling Harbour Spring School Holiday Program and plan your visit here.
