Pop Play

As part of the Pop to popism exhibition showing at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, children can enjoy POP PLAY, a specially designed space to experience and learn about pop art. The dynamic space features plenty of interactive exhibits, including a Pop Twister mat covered with Andy Warhol's print of Marilyn Monroe, and a Warhol-inspired feature wall with cut-out holes for  children to pop their heads through and become part of the art.  They can also create art in the space, drawing on famous works of pop art for inspiration. A "design your own soup can" activity, based on the famous Campbell's can, is available, as well as an opportunity to make a collage using colourful stickers featuring aspects of 1960s culture. Beyond POP PLAY,  cjildren are able to wander through the Pop to popism exhibit on the Children's Trail, with a special audio guide and labels to help them understand the works. It's a great opportunity to introduce your children to pop art in a fun and interactive space. Open daily until March 1, 10am-5pm, open late certain days in January, closed Christmas Day, Art Gallery of NSW, Art Gallery Road, Sydney, adult $20, concession $16, member $14, child $10, free for children under five, 9225 1744, artgallery.nsw.gov.au.

Olympic Park Walking Safari

If you are after a free activity that gets the  children out of the house, look no further than the walking trails at Sydney Olympic Park. The park is more than just sports stadiums - it is an astonishing 640 hectares of man-made and natural attractions to be discovered. The park boasts  more than 35 kilometres of pedestrian and bike trails alone, with scenic walks that are a perfect option for kids to explore new territory and enjoy the sunshine. The Badu Mangrove Boardwalk takes you through wetlands and the largest mangrove forest on the Parramatta River, while the Brickpit Walk gets you high up on the circular Ring Walk to view the habitat of the endangered green and golden bell frog. Download a Walking Safari map from the Sydney Olympic Park website for a variety of trail options that can be used by walkers, wheelchair users and bicycles. Catch a train from Central to Sydney Olympic Park or to Lidcombe and jump on the Olympic Park Sprint train which leaves regularly. Daily, whenever you like, Sydney Olympic Park, free, 9714 7888, sydneyolympicpark.com.au.

Art Aquarium

Planning a post-Christmas trip for the kids? Consider heading to SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, where children will not only take delight at the marine life on display but also participate in an aquarium-themed art workshop. As part of Art Aquarium,  children can make their very own sea creature, which is scanned upon completion and released into a virtual aquarium of swimming creations.  They will love the chance to produce their own piece of marine life and contribute to the beautiful display. Like many exhibits at SEA LIFE, Art Aquarium places an emphasis on education and sustainable seas, with experts on hand to explain to the crafty  children how they can help look after the marine environment. Art Aquarium is included free of charge in the standard aquarium admission, so you can check out the Bay of Rays, wander through the Mangrove Swamps, brave the Shark Walk and spot creatures in the Discovery Rockpool for inspiration first. Open daily 9.30am-7pm (hours vary on Christmas Day and NYE), SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, 1-5 Wheat Road, Darling Harbour, adult $40, child $28, children under three free, 1800 199 657, sydneyaquarium.com.au.

SYDNEY

Chuck Close at the MCA

Get up close with stunning portraits at the Museum of Contemporary Art this summer, where the largest-ever exhibition in the southern hemisphere of Chuck Close's work is showing. Close became famous for his large-scale, photorealist portraits, having over his career produced many iconic images of prominent people, including Brad Pitt, Kate Moss and Barack Obama. Put on as part of the Sydney International Art Series, the Chuck Close exhibition shows off Close's printmaking expertise, with examples of his work in etching, aquatint, lithography, handmade paper and silkscreen, among others. Close is one of America's best-loved visual artists, and his work is on display in prestigious galleries around the globe, including New York's Museum of Modern Art and the Metropolitan Museum, and London's Tate Modern. The exhibition also features a "Chuck Close corner" for children during the school holidays, open 10am to 4pm, where they can create their own mini portrait, play with a 3D Chuck Close puzzle and learn about his work. Until March 15, Mon-Wed and Fri-Sun 10am-5pm, Thurs 10am-9pm, Level 1, The Museum of Contemporary Art, 140 George Street, The Rocks, adult $19.90, concession $14.80, youth $9.70, family $49.50, children twelve and under free, 9245 2400, mca.com.au.

The Violent Femmes

Celebrating 30 years since their self-titled debut album was released in 1983, the Violent Femmes reunion tour is coming to the Opera House. Founding members Gordon Gano and Brian Ritchie have picked up a new drummer - Brian Viglione - and will perform Violent Femmes in its entirety, along with tracks from their 1984 LP Hallowed Ground. Many of the band's biggest hits came from the Violent Femmes album, including Blister in the Sun, Gone Daddy Gone, Add It Up and Kiss Off. Coming fresh off a 2013 reunion after disbanding in 2009 due to legal conflict between Gano and Ritchie, this show is sure to be a blast for anyone who wishes to relive the alt rock of the '80s. Catch a train to Circular Quay and walk along the water to the Opera House. December 29, 8pm, Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney, standard tickets $59-$89, 9250 7777, sydneyoperahouse.com.

Water Polo by the Sea 

Now in its fourth year, this unique event sees Australia take on the world in a game of water polo at the stunning Bondi Icebergs pool. Guests can witness the Aussie Sharks going up against a star-studded team of international players, including Filip Filipovic, Aleksander Ivovic, Albert Espanol, Theodouros Chatzitheodorou, and Fabrizio Buonocore. The game is sure to be fast and furious, with crowds enjoying a true sporting spectacle in front of a glorious Australian beach view. VIP packages are available that include canapes and drinks to enjoy while you watch. Catch a train on the Eastern Suburbs and Illawarra line to Bondi Junction and jump on the 333 bus to go straight to Bondi Beach. January 3, gates open 4.30pm, Bondi Icebergs, Notts Avenue, Bondi, only VIP package tickets left at $245 each, booking essential, waterpolobythesea.com.

Harry Seidler: Painting Toward Architecture

Painting Toward Architecture celebrates the work of architect Harry Seidler, featuring never-seen-before original artworks. Showing at the Museum of Sydney, the exhibition highlights Seidler's vision as an architect and his many collaborative efforts in the fields of art, architecture, design and engineering, working with the likes of Frank Stella, Marcel Breuer, Josef Albers, Lin Utzon and more. Seidler is the brain behind many of Sydney's most cherished buildings, including Australia Square, the MLC Centre and the Rose Seidler House. Painting Toward Architecture will not only celebrate Seidler's creative achievements, but also tell his hugely interesting personal story. It is an exhibition that will be loved by art appreciators, architecture enthusiasts and budding historians alike. Catch a bus or train to Circular Quay and walk to the Museum of Sydney. Until March 8, 9.30am-5pm, Museum of Sydney, corner Phillip and Bridge streets, Sydney, tickets sold only as timed sessions: adult $10, child/concession $5, family $20, 9251 5988, sydneylivingmuseums.com.au.

OUT OF TOWN

Heddon Greta Drive-in

Enjoy a movie under the stars at the Heddon Greta Drive-in cinema in the Hunter Valley. From Boxing Day until December 30,  it will host nightly screenings of big releases Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb and The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, which you can watch from the comfort of your vehicle. All you need is a working FM radio (either car or portable), some snacks and cash to pay at the entrance (no card facilities available upon entry). And remember, as the Heddon Greta Drive-in folk cheekily advise on their fabulous website: if you don't like the movie, slash the seats! Nightly during school holidays, various times, Heddon Greta Drive-in, off Heddon Street, Heddon Greta, $30 per vehicle per movie, attend two consecutive sessions for $50 or three for $70, 4936 2800, drive-in.com.au.

16 Foot Skiff Championships

This summer, Lake Macquarie will host the 16 foot skiff championships, an exciting category of Australian sailing. Racing will take place over seven days, starting on December 28 and running until the final heat and presentation night on January 4. The three-person dinghys are subject to strict design rules to provide closer racing, and can only use two masts, with three jibs, two main sails and two spinnakers. One of the most popular sail boats in Australia, there are 16 foot skiff fleets in NSW and Queensland, with regattas regularly attracting up to 50 boats.  A special Veterans Day will also take place at the Belmont Sailing Club on January 2, with all ex-skiff sailors welcomed. December 28 - January 4, Belmont 16ft Sailing Club, The Parade, Belmont, skiffs.org.au.

Bournda National Park paddle

Enjoy the great Australian outdoors with a canoe paddle along the picturesque Bournda Lagoon. Kingfishers, water dragons and other wildlife will be spotted as you slowly make your way down the stunning waterway, located in the birdwatcher's paradise of Bournda National Park. Around 200 species of birds are in the area, including threatened species such as the little tern, hooded plover and pied oystercatcher. If canoeing isn't your thing, visitors can get active in a plethora of other ways, including waterskiing, boating, sail boarding, fishing, surfing and swimming. Hikers will enjoy the beautiful walking trails, with cyclists also welcome to navigate the roads. Bournda National Park also enjoys a fascinating shipping history. Canoeing suitable for five years and older, experience not necessary. December 31, 2pm-4pm, Bournda National Park, Tathra, $25 per person, bookings essential, 6495 5000.