Autumn School Holidays 2026 at Museums of History NSW

Looking for fun activities this autumn? Explore Museums of History NSW sites these school holidays with workshops at Elizabeth Bay House and Vaucluse House, captivating kids' trails and drop-in activities offering hands-on fun throughout the day at selected museums.

Autumn School Holidays 2026 at Museums of History NSW

Aw Yuck, That's Gross!

Explore the world of insects and bugs in this hands-on workshop where kids will discover the important role creepy-crawlies play in our world. Age 5+.

Where:   Elizabeth Bay House, 7 Onslow Ave, Elizabeth Bay
When:    Tuesday 7 April, 10.30 am, 11.30 am, 12.30 pm, 1.30 pm, 2.30 pm
               Thursday 9 April, 10.30 am, 11.30 am, 12.30 pm, 1.30 pm, 2.30 pm
Cost:      General $15 (includes one complimentary adult). Book now.

Spooky Mini-Zine Workshop

Celebrate all things spooky by making your own haunted house mini-zine with author Lucie Stevens. Ages 7–12.

Where:   Vaucluse House, Wentworth Road, Vaucluse
When:    Wednesday 15 April, 10.30 am – 12.00 pm and 1.30 pm – 3.00 pm
               Friday 17 April, 10.30 am – 12.00 pm and 1.30 pm – 3.00 pm
Cost:      General $20 (includes one complimentary adult). Book now.

What Else is on at Museums of History NSW?

Enjoy FREE activities and kids' trails across MHNSW museums:

Macquarie Street Adventure

On Friday 17 April, the Macquarie Street Adventure offers a day of free drop-in activities proudly presented by Museums of History NSW, the Parliament of NSW and the State Library of NSW.

Don't miss the free drop-in activities in the Hyde Park Barracks courtyard. Learn the historical art of knot-tying with macramé artist Carol Lamb from May and Myrtle, and make and take home a decorative keychain. Make your own convict love token, build a paper replica of the Hyde Park Barracks and try your hand at convict bricklaying.

Where:   Hyde Park Barracks, Queens Square, Macquarie Street, Sydney
When:    Friday 17 April, 10.00 am – 3.00 pm
Cost:      Free, registration recommended. Register now.

Hyde Park Barracks Kids’ Trail

Open daily 10 am – 6 pm (last entry at 4.30 pm), closed Good Friday and Christmas Day.

Start your adventure with the engaging Hyde Park Barracks Kids’ Trail and an immersive audio tour that brings the stories of the Hyde Park Barracks to life. Then dive into hands-on activities that make history tangible and exciting!

Plan your visit to Hyde Park Barracks.

Museum of Sydney Kids Trail

Open daily 10 am – 5 pm, closed Good Friday and Christmas Day

Explore the hidden tales beneath your feet with an engaging kids' trail related to the new exhibition Unearthed. Become a history detective as you search for objects and discover the stories they hold.

Plan your visit to the Museum of Sydney.

Justice & Police Museum Kids’ Trail

Open daily, 10 am – 5 pm during NSW school holidays (Saturday 4 April – Sunday 19 April 2026), closed Good Friday and Christmas Day.

Pick up akids's trail and explore our captivating displays, and discover the stories of Sydney’s original Water Police Station and courts. Earn your own police badge, dress up in costume and perform a mock trial with your family. Unlock secrets and solve mysteries as you move through the museum.

Plan your visit to the Justice & Police Museum.

Vaucluse House

Open Wednesday to Sunday, 10 am – 4 pm, closed Good Friday and Christmas Day.

Have fun in the garden playing quoits, a popular 19th-century game. Drop in for craft bunting and learn about entertaining during the Victoria era through a table setting activity inspired by Mrs Beeton.

Plan your visit to Vaucluse House.

Elizabeth Farm

Open Monday to Saturday, 10 am - 4 pm during NSW school holidays (Saturday 4 April – Saturday 18 April 2026).

Have fun in the garden playing quoits, a popular 19th-century game. Make a mini greenhouse to take home, or step back in time to experience what it was like to do the laundry the old-fashioned way – by hand! Connect with local First Nations history through artist Tony Albert’s installation Healing land, remembering Country. Take part in a hands-on ‘memory exchange’ activity that asks participants to write messages on seeded paper as a gesture of intergenerational healing.

Plan your visit to Elizabeth Farm.

Rouse Hill Estate

Every Sunday, 10 am – 4 pm, closed Christmas Day

Get ready for fun-filled experiences at Rouse Hill Estate, with basket-weaving workshops, hands-on building with LEGO® Bricks and a chance to meet friendly farm animals. For more information, visit our Family Fun at Rouse Hill Estate page.

Plan your visit to Rouse Hill Estate.

Main image credit: Photo © Jacquie Manning for Museums of History NSW

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