The Summer school holidays run from 18 Dec 2026 to 27 Jan 2027 (starting in 7 weeks). These are NSW public-school dates, and Catholic and independent schools can differ, so check your own school's calendar before you plan around them.
Parramatta has a spread of options for kids in the break, from library sessions and sports clinics to theatre, art and music. We're still adding holiday programs near Parramatta, so the events and clubs below will grow as organisers send us their details. Here is how to make sense of what is listed now.
What is on near Parramatta
The events and clubs below come from the people who run them. Some are in Parramatta itself and some are a short trip away in Merrylands and Auburn. Check each organiser's page for times, costs and whether you need to book. If you only have time to check one place, start with the City of Parramatta Council events listing, which includes library events.
Ideas by age
- Babies: a messy sensory play session for babies is listed in Parramatta.
- Toddlers and preschoolers: the Super Smart Play Bus Playgroup in Merrylands, and the School Readiness Program at Auburn. Ask each organiser which ages it suits.
- Ages 4 to 11: ABii Robot Tutoring at Wentworth Point Library, listed under Parramatta.
- Ages 6 to 9 and 10 to 13: basketball clinics in Merrylands, with a separate clinic for each age group. If you have two kids in different age groups, each can have a clinic that suits them.
Places worth a look in the holidays
- Riverside Theatres Parramatta lists a Kids and Family program that includes the school holidays.
- City of Parramatta Council and City of Parramatta Libraries both list events for families.
- Madakto Art Centre for art, Crossroads Music School for music and Swastik Institute of Dance for dance.
- Brislington Medical and Nursing Museum, if your child likes museums.
- Code Red Laser is also listed in Parramatta. Ask the venue what it offers for kids and what the age limits are.
How to plan the day
- Pick one main activity and keep the rest of the day light. Kids tire quickly in busy holiday crowds.
- Merrylands and Auburn are a trip from Parramatta. Check travel time, parking and train options before you leave.
- Book directly with the organiser. We don't take bookings, and popular sessions can fill.
- Bring water, snacks and a spare layer, and have a back-up plan if the weather turns.
Dates, times and prices change, so use the organisers' own pages for the latest details before you head out.
