Keep the kids busy this summer in Sydney

From craft to coding, and parks to painting, there is lots happening in the city to keep kids busy during the summer school holidays.

City of Sydney libraries have a full program of activities in January for children aged 8 to 12. Kids can try out new board games and sample a range of art and design pursuits like laser cutting and pixel art. Prices range from free to $40 a session.

Pine Street Creative Arts Centre in Chippendale is hosting ceramics and jewellery making classes in January for young people aged 6 to 17. Small workshops with experienced tutors start at $90 and cover all materials and equipment. Concessions are available.

A holiday program for high school students runs throughout January. Spots are still available for swimming, movies, and trivia days. Book a place at whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/youth-in-the-city

City of Sydney parks, playgrounds, pools and recreation centres are also great places to visit over the break.

Free balance bike clinics at Sydney Park for 3 to 8 year-olds will take place throughout January while the learn to swim holiday program for kids aged 3 and up is on at Cook + Phillip Park Pool from 2 to 19 January.

“Sydney has so much to offer over summer,” Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore AO said.

“Besides the Christmas events, New Year’s Eve celebrations and summer festivals, our local community spaces offer a range of activities to keep young people busy.

“Our libraries and creative arts centre in Chippendale is hosting creative workshops and our fabulous pools, parks and playgrounds are great for burning off energy.

“Sydney Park is just one of many great places to visit with wetlands, cricket nets, Sydney City Farm, balance bike clinics, riding track and skate park to explore.”

Visit whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au to find out more about what’s happening in the local area.

Tabletop games taster, 8 to 11 years An introduction to modern board games and a chance to try of some of the library’s tabletop games in a fun and relaxed environment. Tuesday 16 January, 10am to 12pm, Glebe Library Thursday 18 January, 10am to 12pm, Kings Cross Library

Paint for fun, 8 to 11 years Let your imagination run wild during this free expression painting workshop. We supply the paint, brushes and space. Wednesday 17 January, 10:30am to 11:30am, Green Square Library

Manga comic book workshop, 9 to 12 years Kids will create sketch characters that reflect their personalities and use page layouts to tell their story. Friday 19 January, 10am to 1pm, Darling Square Library

Laser cut keyrings and bag tags, 9 to 12 years Create a personalised keyring or bag tag using templates in Adobe Illustrator. Monday 22 January, 10:30am to 1:30pm, Darling Square Library

Science and nature maker day, 9 to 12 years Embark on a fascinating journey into the natural world, with laser cutting, photography and printmaking. Tuesday 23 January, 10am to 12:30pm, Darling Square Library

Creative coding for kids, 8 to 12 years Beginner level workshop using the magic of code to create printable artwork to take home. Thursday 25 January, 1:30pm to 3:30pm, Darling Square Library

Pixel art maker day, 9 to 12 years Craft your very own pixel-art masterpiece using Piskel and Adobe Illustrator. Wednesday 24 January, 10.30am to 1.30pm, Darling Square Library

Ceramics – fantastic beasts, 6 to 9 years Beginning with imagination exercises and time to sketch ideas, kids will be free to invent fantastic creatures or fearsome foes. Friday 19 January, 9am to 12pm

Silver jewellery making, 12 to 17 years Students will get to design and make their own one-off jewellery pieces. Monday 22 January, 9am to 12pm

Wheel throwing for kids, 9 to 12 years Students will have the opportunity to create a cup, bowl or other ceramic vessel and learn some basic decorating techniques. Monday 22 January, 9am to 12pm

Wheel throwing basics, 12 to 17 years Create a cup, bowl or other ceramic vessel then learn to decorate your piece. Tuesday 23 January, 9am to 12pm

Hand building for kids, 9 to 12 years Explore the medium of clay with a focus on creative play and process. Wednesday 24 January, 9am to 12pm

Free interactive balance bike classes for kids aged 3 to 8 throughout January.

cookandphillip.org.au/swimming-and-aquatics/fast-track-school-holiday-intensives

For media enquiries contact Roxanne Macara. Phone 0438 554 640 or email [email protected]

For interviews with Clover Moore AO, Lord Mayor of Sydney contact Paul Mackay. Phone 0436 816 604 or email [email protected]