Top summer school holiday activities in Canterbury-Bankstown

Summer is here and Canterbury-Bankstown is buzzing with epic school holiday fun!

Grab your crew and dive into hands-on science, creative workshops, family movies and immersive play adventures.

Explore parks, enjoy picnics, splash at leisure centres or join exciting events like racing nights and rooftop socials. There’s something for everyone—little explorers, teens, families and anyone chasing fun, food and unforgettable experiences.

Plan your days with our guide to the coolest activities across the area, packed with adventures, tasty treats and endless laughter. Get ready to make this school holiday one to remember!

Chester Hill Library

Volcanoes and slime time

Slimy, scientific, explosive fun awaits at Chester Hill Library!

Roll up your sleeves and dive into two of the messiest, coolest science experiments ever!

Children will mix, squish and watch volcanoes erupt in this hands-on session that blends learning with outrageous fun.

Registrations open Monday 29 December at 9:30am and spots are essential to secure your place.

Please arrive 10 minutes before start time as any unclaimed spots may be offered to others after 5 minutes.

Cost $3 per child.

Monday 5 January, 1.30–3pm

Chester Hill Library and Knowledge Centre, 12 Chester Hill Rd, Chester Hill 2162

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Canterbury park racecourse

Fun, food and fast action

Get ready for lights, action and good vibes at Canterbury Park with Kia Friday Night Racing!

Enjoy FREE entry and a night packed with live racing, family entertainment, food markets and music. There’s something for everyone—jumping castles, pony rides, a petting zoo and heaps of fun for the kids!

Foodies can explore up to 30 market stalls, while adults relax in The Canterbury Social trackside beer garden with drinks, live beats and unbeatable views of the racing.

Experience horses up close, cheer on jockeys racing for charity, and make it a night to remember with VIP perks, premium dining and themed events throughout the season.

Fridays, 5–9.30pm

Canterbury Park Racecourse, 591 Canterbury Rd, Canterbury

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Bankstown Arts Centre

Ceramic bird nests

Create your very own ceramic bird and nest in this two-part workshop!

First session focuses on hand-building techniques to sculpt the bird and nest, second session is for painting and glazing.

Ages 6-10. Spots are limited to 10 students, with a minimum of 6 required for the class to run.

Registrations essential and participants must attend both sessions.

Cost $70 (Eventbrite fees included), $20 with Creative Kids Voucher (Eventbrite fees included).

Tuesday 20 and 27 January, 10am–12pm

Bankstown Arts Centre, 5 Olympic Parade, Bankstown

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Lady Banks Rooftop

Drinks, views and vibes

Step into the Secret Garden Social at Lady Banks Rooftop, a lush escape above Bankstown bursting with colour, cocktails and good vibes!

Running until 28 February 2026, the rooftop is filled with hanging florals, fairy lights and stunning skyline views—perfect for catch-ups, celebrations or sunset drinks.

Sip on botanical cocktails, graze on fresh bites and enjoy signature moments like Secret Hour spritz specials, Bottomless Banks brunches and the Sunset Fiesta. Don’t miss teapot cocktail high tea or special events including NYE Soirée, Valentine’s Weekend and Garden Games Party—all adding extra sparkle to your summer nights.

Now until 28 February 2026

Lady Banks Rooftop, 25 Restwell St, Bankstown

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Various parks and reserves

Explore and picnic

Pack your picnic, grab the family and head outdoors to explore Canterbury-Bankstown’s amazing parks and playgrounds!

There are so many green spaces to enjoy—perfect for sporting activities, family get-togethers, barbeques or peaceful walks.

Discover hidden gems, scenic picnic spots, playgrounds for the kids and open areas for games, running, and fresh air fun.

Many parks are access friendly, with paths suitable for prams, wheelchairs and visitors with some mobility limitations, making it easy for everyone to join in the fun.

Check out your local favourites or explore new ones using the search-by-park feature to plan your perfect outdoor day.
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Belmore Youth Resource centre

Quick snacks cooking class

Learn how to whip up quick, easy and tasty snacks in Belmore!

Designed for ages 12-17, this hands-on class teaches simple techniques to make delicious treats using everyday ingredients.

Kids will learn to mix, bake and taste-test their creations, gaining confidence in the kitchen while having fun.

Registrations essential to secure a spot and please arrive 10 minutes early.

Cost FREE.

Wednesday 14 January, 2–4pm

Belmore Youth Resource Centre, 3/38 Redman Parade, Belmore

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Lakemba Library

Family movie

Grab your popcorn and join us for a FREE family movie at Lakemba Library!

Four ordinary people tumble through a portal into a cubic gaming world where they must survive, defeat evil and find the way back home.

Children must be accompanied by an adult and adults need a ticket too. Snacks provided for kids only.

Registrations open Sunday 4 January at 10am and spots are essential.

Please arrive 10 minutes before the start as unclaimed spots may be offered after 5 minutes.

Cost FREE.

Wednesday 7 January, 2:30–4pm

Lakemba Library and Knowledge Centre, 62 The Boulevarde, Lakemba

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Greenacre Library

Buildtopia

Dive into STEM at Greenacre Library and build, create and explore!

Children can explore construction, magnetic tiles and science in an immersive STEM adventure designed to spark curiosity and imagination.

Hands-on challenges and creative building projects make learning about science, technology, engineering and mathematics heaps of fun.

Registrations open Wednesday 31 December at 9:30am and spots are essential to attend.

Please arrive 10 minutes early as unclaimed spots may be offered after 5 minutes.

Cost $3.

Wednesday 7 January, 1:30–4pm

Greenacre Library and Knowledge Centre, Community Pl, Greenacre

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