Dive into a sea of creativity and discovery with family-friendly workshops, exhibitions, and hands-on activities these school holidays.
Saturday 4 April 2026
to Sunday 19 April 2026
10:30am - 4:00pm
2 Murray St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Included with paid ticket; free for members and annual pass holders; special events free
Experience a vibrant world where imagination meets the sea during the Autumn School Holidays at the Australian National Maritime Museum. This family-friendly program offers a full day of fun with exhibitions, interactive vessels, and creative workshops designed to engage children and adults alike.
Children aged 4 to 14 can explore the KIDS ON DECK maker space inside the Aquatic Imaginarium, climb aboard historic vessels, and enjoy themed activities like weaving and paper flower making inspired by Torres Strait Islander artist Brian Robinson.
With sensory installations, roving science performances, and special events like dress-up disco days, there's something for every curious mind and creative spirit.
The Aquatic Imaginarium playscape is open daily during the school holidays from 10:30 to 16:00, offering hands-on artmaking, ocean-inspired experiments, and sensory discovery. Activities include building sandcastles with giant blocks, dancing in a kaleidoscopic disco, and crafting sea creature pom-poms and slime.
Special events include Fintastic Fridays on April 10 and 17 from 11:00 to 14:00 featuring dress-up, face painting, and live DJ music. The Bubble-ology roving science cart runs Tuesday to Sunday with 30-minute sessions at 11:30, 12:30, and 13:30.
Explore exhibitions such as Ultimate Depth and Ocean Photographer of the Year, and climb aboard historic vessels like HMAS Onslow and the tall ship James Craig.
The museum is located on Gadigal land at 2 Murray Street, Darling Harbour, Sydney NSW 2000. It is accessible by public transport and offers facilities suitable for families including pram and wheelchair access.
Visitors can relax in the kelp forest reading corner or enjoy the Bamal Gallery Book Nook, where drop-in workshops inspired by Brian Robinson’s marine art are available.
The venue welcomes families with children of all ages and provides a safe, engaging environment to explore maritime history and ocean science.
This program is suitable for children aged 4 to 14 years plus accompanying adults. Entry to the Aquatic Imaginarium and most activities is included with any paid museum ticket.
Members and annual pass holders enjoy free entry to these activities. No bookings are required for drop-in sessions, making it easy to join in at your convenience.
Special events like Fintastic Fridays and Bubble-ology performances are free for everyone and designed to be inclusive and sensory friendly.
Entry to the Australian National Maritime Museum and participation in the Autumn School Holidays activities require a paid ticket, except for members and annual pass holders who enter for free.
Drop-in activities such as the maker space, exhibitions, and workshops do not require advance booking, allowing families to plan flexibly.
Special events like Fintastic Fridays and Bubble-ology performances are free to attend, providing excellent value for families looking for engaging holiday entertainment.
