Diwali: things to do with kids

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Rainy day activities for kids in Sydney City & Inner South: indoor ideas

2 min readUpdated 5 Nov 2026Sydney City & Inner South

Children painting at a round table in a colourful art classroom with paintings on the walls
Illustrative stock photo, not taken in Sydney City & Inner South: “Young students participate in an art class, guided by their teacher in a creative indoor setting.”. Photo by Anastasia Shuraeva, Pexels License · source
In this guide
  1. Exhibitions to wander through
  2. Books, Santa and a big show
  3. For parents and older kids
  4. Wet-day planning

When the sky turns grey, Sydney City & Inner South still has plenty to try. Roolu lists exhibitions, a book exchange, a Santa photo and a big circus show. Here is how to pick one for a wet day.

Exhibitions to wander through

  • Alchemy of a Rainforest exhibition in Sydney is a good fit for curious kids. Check the organiser for opening hours, ticketing and which ages it suits.
  • NAIDOC Poster exhibition - 50 years of Deadly in Redfern is a chance to look at posters together and talk about what you see. Check the organiser for details.

Exhibitions are easy to fit around nap times and lunch, because you can stay as long or as briefly as the mood allows.

Books, Santa and a big show

  • Discover Our Community Book Exchange in Pyrmont is an easy low-key outing. Bring a book or two and see what the kids find.
  • Photos With Santa at David Jones in Sydney is a festive option. Check the organiser for booking, queue times and any cost.
  • Cirque du Soleil - Kooza in Moore Park is a big night out. Check the ticket page for age guidance, seating and what happens in wet weather.

For parents and older kids

Bump, Baby & Beyond: A Motherhood Event in Alexandria sounds aimed at parents rather than kids, so check the organiser to see whether children are welcome. Resume writing workshop for ages 16 to 25 in Glebe is one for teens and young adults.

Wet-day planning

  • Check the organiser's page before you leave. Events can sell out or change.
  • Pack a rain jacket or umbrella for the walk between the car or station and the door.
  • Take snacks and a change of socks for little ones.
  • Pick one main activity and leave time for a rest or a hot drink.

We do not have prices or exact opening hours for these listings, and we are still adding indoor options across the area. The events and clubs below link to the latest details, and the organisers' own pages are the final word.

Built from Roolu's local listings. Dates, prices and ages can change, so check with each organiser before you go.

On now in Sydney City & Inner South

Clubs and classes in Sydney City & Inner South

  • Sydney Pole

    Dance · Hurlstone Park

  • KB School of Music

    Music · Moore Park

  • Directions in Music

    Music · Moore Park

  • 9 Degrees

    Sport · Alexandria

  • Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool

    Swimming · Potts Point

  • Archie Brothers

    Play & playgroups · Alexandria

  • Australian Museum

    Classes & STEM · Koreatown

  • Australian National Maritime Museum

    Classes & STEM · Darling Island

  • Chau Chak Wing Museum

    Classes & STEM · Darlington

Listed from each business's own website. See all clubs & classes

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