5 things for active kids to do at Sydney Olympic Park these school holidays

Get your kids swimming like fish, diving like pros and playing water polo like champions at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre. Led by fully qualified Austswim instructors, the half-hour intensive swimming lessons will help your child become safe and confident in the water. For those looking to dip their toes into a new sport, the Aquatic Centre’s water polo clinic covers all the fundamentals from treading water to ball handling, defending and more. The recreational pool is the perfect end to a day full of fun and activity, and the Splasher's Playground is suitable for everyone including toddlers, with child-friendly waterslides and giant tipping bucket.

Take aim and let fly these school holidays by enrolling your kids in a Sydney Olympic Park Archery Centre class. The Young Archers session is designed for budding bow masters aged 7 and over, while Sharp Shooters caters for kids aged 10+ (including adults and grandparents). Both sessions offer a thrilling introduction to the sport, with expert instruction and the chance to hit the bullseye. Add to the excitement by including a game of laser tag and take advantage of their $32 weekday combo sessions. You’ll experience an adrenaline rush as you enter the outdoor battlefield armed with laser tag weapons, props and realistic sound effects. No experience is necessary, just your game face! 

Whether your kid’s a beginner or a seasonal player, Quaycentre’s ballgame activities will provide a challenging and rewarding experience for all. Netball enthusiasts can participate in an exciting netball clinic led by Australian Diamond and Sydney Swifts player Paige Hadley on Friday April 21 ($65). Future basketball stars can hit the court with NBL champion and former professional player Bruce Bolden and his team from My Hoops on April 17-18 (starting at $110). Meanwhile, football fans can learn about techniques and tactics at the Western Sydney Wanderers football clinic on April 12-13 (starting at $95). Each clinic concludes with a delightful surprise for the kids – a photo session, Q&A or a free jersey. 

Parents, don’t just survive the school holidays; thrive through them by enrolling your kids in one of Sydney Olympic Park’s All-Day Recreational camps. With drop-off by 9am and pick up after 4pm, your little ones will have a blast with a variety of activities available under one roof, including swimming, yoga, gymnastics, and arts and crafts. The Aquatic Centre’s all-day programs for ages 5-12 run on weekdays from April 11-21, while the Quaycentre’s multi-sports camps run on Tuesdays and Wednesdays ($75). This year, kids can look forward to new Dance2bfit hip-hop classes and SLAM drumstick music sessions. With so many thrilling activities, they won't want to miss a day! 

The temperature is cooling and autumn is the perfect time to step outside for a nature-based adventure. Kids can get up close and personal with creepy crawlies at the all-day Junior Park Rangers: Spider Surprise & Nature Play expedition ($80), designed for ages 7-12. Starting at the Education Centre in Bicentennial Park, they’ll learn fascinating facts about our arachnid buddies, followed by nature-based web design and games in the afternoon. With a sense of adventure and some brave faces, this program is sure to be a hit. Explore all of the Junior Park Adventures via the link below.