If there’s one place Time Out’s editors think is an undiscovered Sydney gem, it’s the Chau Chak Wing Museum. Tucked inside the University of Sydney, there you’ll find a mix of art, photography, science, history and ancient cultures, all under one roof. And, from September 21 to October 9, the Museum is hosting a stack of family-friendly activities for the school hols, including interactive exhibits and hands-on holiday workshops. Entry’s free and getting there is easy – just get the train to Redfern or Central, hop on the bus along Parramatta Rd to the uni’s main gate (or drive your car and there’s parking, too).
The Museum will keep curious kids busy these holidays with everything from creative art sessions to interactive journeys through history and immersive deep-dives. Workshops range from $25 to $185, with highlights like Odyssey: A Kid’s Journey into Storytelling, a family workshop exploring ancient Egypt, marine-themed Gyotaku printmaking and Finding Prometheus, a drama workshop for budding actors.
One of the best things about the Chau Chak Wing Museum is that it always has plenty of free exhibitions. And these school holidays, there’s no shortage. Wander through Fibre Optics, a vibrant showcase celebrating the artistry, colour and storytelling of First Nations women artists. Animal lovers can get up close and personal with all sorts of birds, mammals, fish, insects and invertebrates at Natural Selections: Animal worlds. Don’t worry, nothing will jump out at you – it’s all taxidermy, which means kids can get as close as they want to some pretty cool creatures, including a cattle egret all the way from Madagascar. And, of course, no visit is complete without hitting the Egyptian Galleries to check out ancient mummies and artifacts.
Channel your inner Nancy Drew and team up with your little ones to solve clues and uncover hidden objects throughout the Egyptian Galleries exhibition. Grab a Family Trail worksheet from the front desk, crack the clues, and track down hidden treasures. Once they’ve solved the mystery, young explorers can head back to the desk to claim a special sticker reward. This experience is totally free, super fun and the perfect excuse to play detective together for an hour or two.
There’s nothing quite like the sudden hunger that hits after a packed day of detective work and exploration. Luckily, you don't have to venture too far for sustenance. The on-site café, Sounds Sydney, serves up delicious brunch and lunch alongside brews from The Little Marionette. It’s the perfect spot to take a breather or grab takeaway if the kids are too hyped up to sit still for long. The café is open Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 4pm (weekends midday to 4pm), with the kitchen wrapping things up at 3.30pm daily.
Taking kids out can feel like a logistical nightmare at times, but the Chau Chak Wing Museum makes it easy. There’s full lift access across all levels so you can roll through the spaces with a pram without fuss, plus there are lockers near the entrance to stash heavy bags. Head down to level one for a dedicated parents’ room with change table, a microwave for warming milk, cushioned seating and a lockable door for complete privacy. Everything is laid out so you can take things at your own pace and enjoy the day – because let’s be honest, a smooth, stress-free outing is the ultimate school holiday win.