Things to do this July: The Hills Sydney

By | Jun 29, 2026 | Latest, Play & explore

KEY DATES

  • Public school holidays start Saturday 4 July. School goes back on Monday 20 July but most public schools have a staff development day on the first day back, with kids returning to school on Tuesday 21 July.

WHAT’S ON

 

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

Do you still need to arrange a camp, class or activity if you need to work or just need to fill in a half-day, a day or more? Here are some options in and around the Hills that may have some spots left.

Celebrate 60 years of Play School at Riverside Theatres

Celebrate 60 years of Play School with Humpty and friends in a joyful 40-minute live concert of songs, surprises and family fun. 2026 marks a remarkable milestone: Play School, Australia’s most beloved children’s television program, turns 60. For generations, Play School has been part of the rhythm of childhood, bringing songs, stories and learning into family homes. And just like the show itself, ‘play’ is timeless. This joyful live concert invites families to join Humpty as he prepares to put on a BIG show. He’s planned singing, dancing and even a little magic! But just as the curtain is about to rise, the wheels on the bus get stuck near Old MacDonald’s farm! Can Humpty’s friends come to the rescue in time to help him put on a fantastic show? Featuring Australia’s favourite presenters and cherished toys, Big Ted, Little Ted, Jemima, Kiya and Fergus, this 40-minute concert promises fun for little ones and the young at heart.

DATES & TIMES: Saturday 11 July 9.30am, 11.30am and 1pm Sunday 12 July 10am, 12pm and 1.30pm.

TICKETS: From $39. CLICK HERE to book.

VENUE: Riverside Theatres, Corner Church and Market Streets, Parramatta.

 

Hudson Hotel Seven Hills

Hudson Hotel’s popular School Holiday Program is back. All activities are FREE and start at 11am unless otherwise specified

Week 1: Tues 7 July – Slime Making 11am or 1pm | Wed 8th July – Cookie Decorating | Thurs 9 July – Movie Day – How to Train Your Dragon (2025) -12pm

Week 2: Tues 14 July – Slime Making 11am or 1pm | Wed 15th July – Cookie Decorating | Thurs 16 July – Reptile Show 1pm | Fri 17 July – Winter Disco (from 6pm)

Bookings are essential to guarantee a spot! Click here for more info.

School Holidays at Castle Hill RSL

  • Ultimate Magic Show with Jonas Jost – Monday 6 July. 11am. A super popular action packed family show, featuring hilarious comedy and mind-blowing magic for kids and adults alike. This show is highly interactive, getting the kids involved in all the action onstage and isn’t just funny for the kids but the parents will have a good laugh too! Find out more here.
  • Glow Art Workshop – Tuesday 7 July. Held at Castle Hill Bowling Club. 10am & 11.15am. Find out more here.

School Holidays at Lynwood Country Club

 

Minions & Monsters at Castle Towers Shopping Centre

Get ready for an epic adventure at the Castle Towers Minions & Monsters Activity Zone these School Holidays! Strike a pose at their larger-than-life Hollywood-inspired photo experience and step into the spotlight as the star of your very own Minions & Monsters movie moment. Then, let creativity run wild at their daily Slime Workshops, where little monsters can make and take home their own gooey slime creation.

Dates: 6 – 19 July
Time: 11am – 2pm daily
Location: Level 2, opposite Uniqlo
Age Recommendation: 3 and up
Cost: FREE! No booking required

In addition, The Minions are bringing a little chaos to Castle Towers with a special Meet & Greet.  Dates: 8 July and 16 July. Schedule: 20 minute blocks between 11am and 2pm on Level 2, opposite Uniqlo.  It’s free, with no booking required. Find out more here.

With Minions & Monsters, Toy Story 5 and Moana all hitting the cinemas these school holidays, take advantage of Event Cinemas Family Saver Session – find out more here.

There is also the Bundle of Fun Package to consider these school holidays. The Kids Bundle ($40) and Adult Bundle ($50) include access to Event Cinemas, Strike Bowling, Holey Moley, Archie Brothers, Brooklyn Donuts and a Castle Towers Gift Card, with savings of up to $48.90 compared to standard retail prices. Find out more here.

Hills Shire Council

The Hills Shire Council has a great line-up of free and low-cost activities to keep children, teens and families entertained these winter school holidays.

  • Trivia Afternoon – Monday 6 July, 3:00pm–5:00pm: Free trivia for ages 12–24 covering pop culture, movies, trends, sustainability and recycling.
  • NAIDOC Experience – Tuesday 7 July, 10:00am–11:00am: Families can enjoy Dreamtime stories, meet native reptiles and learn about First Nations culture.
  • Tennis & AFL Workshop – Wednesday 8 July, 10:00am–11:00am (ages 5–11) or 11:15am–12:15pm (ages 12–16): Try both sports through fun, beginner-friendly skill stations.
  • Yarn at the Farm – Thursday 9 July, 10:00am–2:00pm: Celebrate NAIDOC Week with free food, live music, cultural performances, workshops, markets and sporting activities.
  • Technology Workshop – Scratch Coding – Friday 10 July, 9:00am–12:00pm: Ages 6–9 can create animations, stories and games while learning coding basics.
  • NRL League Stars Clinic – Monday 13 July, 9:30am–11:00am: Ages 5–12 can learn rugby league skills including passing, kicking and game play.
  • Waves of Wonder – Discover our Amazing Oceans! – Monday 13 July, 10:30am–11:30am: K–2 students will explore ocean life and discover ways to protect our seas.
  • Art Therapy – Monday 13 July, 2:00pm–3:30pm: Ages 11–15 can enjoy painting, drawing, collage and other creative activities in a supportive environment.
  • No-Dig Garden in an Upcycled Polystyrene Box – Tuesday 14 July, 10:00am–12:00pm: Families can paint a planter, plant herbs and vegetables, and take home a mini edible garden.
  • Technology Workshop – Minecraft Camp – Friday 17 July, 9:00am–12:00pm: Ages 8–14 can design, build and code in Minecraft while developing creativity and problem-solving skills.

Registrations are essential for all workshops. For more information and to register for a workshop, visit www.thehills.nsw.gov.au and search for ‘Winter School Holidays’.

City of Parramatta Council

As winter sets in, Parramatta comes alive with warmth, fire and shared moments. Midwinter Festival turns Parramatta Square into a lively winter destination, inviting everyone to explore buzzing daytime experiences and stay on as the sun sets for cosy evenings around firepits, food and entertainment. Running day to night for two weeks, 4–18 July, Midwinter brings people together to gather, explore and experience Parramatta in a new and memorable way.

Key Event Highlights:

  • 360° Dome Cinema – Step inside the awe-inspiring 360-degree cinematic dome where immersive films and music led visuals invite you to explore and imagine. Bookings required, don’t miss out.
  • The Soft Forest – Be enchanted by the larger-than-life puppetry experience at PHIVE, where giant characters and immersive storytelling captivate all ages. Limited spots, bookings required.
  • IGNITE Sculpture – Grab a buddy to seesaw beneath the towering illuminating sculpture by Amigo & Amigo. The installation is inspired by the communal bonfire, offering warmth and illumination.
  • Midwinter Markets – 12pm – 9pm, Thursday – Saturday. Wander through seasonal market bites and artisanal offerings; there’s something to savour at every turn.

Explore the Festival

MARKETS

  • Sydney Boutique Markets. Sunday 5 July. 10am to 4pm. Rouse Hill Town Centre.
  • Castle Hill Farmers and Fine Food Market – Saturday 11 July and Saturday 25 July. 8am to 12pm. Castle Hill Showground.
  • Dural Village Markets. Sunday 12 July. 9am to 1pm. Dural Country Club.
  • DownTown Markets. Sunday 19 July. 9am to 3pm. Wollundry Park, Pennant Hills.

STORYTIME

  • FREE storytime sessions for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers are held by libraries in the Hills throughout the week. Check out the Hills Shire Library website for more details. Note:  These sessions don’t run during school holidays.

Other articles that might interest you: