'I'm calling it. Here are 5 of the best family-friendly things to do this long weekend.'

Thanks to our brand partner, NSW Government

The school holidays are almost over.

I don't know about you, but as a mum of four (yes, you read that right), I'm torn. I love the glorious sunny days, friends dropping in and the sweet, sweet joy of no lunchboxes.

But I'm over the "I'm bored", the endless battles over screen time and the pile of dirty dishes stacked next to the empty dishwasher. Seriously, it's not that hard.

If you're feeling the same, this long weekend is the perfect chance to finish the holidays on a high.

Whether you're looking for ways to get the kids outside one last time or chasing fun-mum points (surely it's not just me?), here are five activities to keep them entertained and soaking up the outdoors before the school routine kicks back in.

1. 'Don't be a Tosser!' pop-up event at Taronga Zoo.

If your kids love the ocean as much as mine do, or you're trying to get them to understand why chucking a chip packet on the ground is never okay, the 'Don't be a Tosser!' pop-up event at Taronga Zoo is a must-visit this long weekend.

From January 24-27, on the lawn opposite the Bird Show exhibition, you'll find giant sculptures of fish filled with plastic, a pelican tangled in rubbish and oversized litter-like coffee cups and chip packets.

They show how even the smallest litter can make its way into waterways and wreak havoc on marine wildlife.

It's shocking to think that by 2050, the weight of plastic in the ocean will outweigh fish and while some rubbish begins to break down after a few years, others will outlive us and several generations to come.

Image: NSW Government.

With 80 per cent of marine litter coming from land-based sources, these sculptures are as eye-opening as they are confrontational in the best way.

The pop-up event, a collaboration between the NSW Government and Taronga Zoo, highlights why small actions matter every time and reminds us there are no excuses for littering.

Also, the perfect excuse to visit the zoo's regular stars (hello, giraffes with the best view in Sydney).

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2. Explore Sydney's own pocket of the Great Barrier Reef.

After learning about preserving marine life at Taronga Zoo, it's pretty tempting to dive straight into the ocean, especially in this weather.

Luckily in Sydney that's pretty easy to do! The city is packed with family-friendly beaches and snorkelling spots where kids can explore marine beauty up close and burn some energy in the process.

Image: Supplied.

One of my favourite swimming spots is Shelley Beach in Manly. Just a short swim from the shore, you'll spot schools of fish, rays and even super-friendly blue gropers.

Swimming with the kids here never gets old — it's like Sydney's own pocket of the Great Barrier Reef. Actually, it might even be better.

Prefer swimming without the wildlife? Head to Marrinawi Cove at Barangaroo. The safety nets mean no surprise visitors, making it a refreshing way to enjoy Sydney Harbour.

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3. From pickleball to par 3.

In my house, even a game of Uno can get heated (seriously, if you don't own Uno No Mercy, get on it). But if you're ready to take the family rivalry outdoors, a friendly game of sport is a fun way to round out the summer holidays.

My top picks? Golf and pickleball.

Yes, pickleball. It's having a moment and for good reason. It's like tennis meets table tennis and is surprisingly easy for kids and adults to pick up.

Loads of tennis centres across Sydney now offer pickleball courts and equipment hire, and some even run free lessons to get you started. Watching the kids smash the ball at me across the net, determined to make me run, is always a laugh.

Prefer something less sweaty? Golf is always a hit in our house, probably because the kids are better than the adults. A local par 3 course or even mini golf is a great chance to walk, talk and sneak in some bonding time (even if they don't realise it).

4. Be inspired by Sydney's art galleries.

Art galleries are my happy place when I need some inspo or just to escape the noise of family life and work. They can also be a surprisingly great outing with kids of all ages.

Sydney is home to some incredible galleries, many offering free entry and packed with vibrant and imaginative exhibits that families can enjoy (or critique) together.

With new galleries popping up and extensions to city favourites, they're as much about the architecture as the art inside. Exhibitions often feature bold, interactive and colourful pieces that are anything but boring (trust me, even the kids will stay engaged).

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5. Art beyond the gallery walls.

When I suggest a family walk, I'm usually met with eye rolls and groans, but even my teens will get on board when the walk involves street art.

Sydney's inner suburbs — Newtown, Marrickville and Chippendale — are bursting with colourful murals and graffiti that even my teens think are cool (well, sometimes). If you're up for a coastal stroll, the ever-changing Bondi Beach Graffiti Wall is another winner.

It's a great way to get the kids outside, slow down and see a new side of the city. Plus, it's free — well, until the inevitable snack stop, of course.

And when the kids head back to school next week, I'll be high-fiving myself for ending the school hols on a high… before making a mad dash to work.

Check out the 'Don't be a Tosser!' pop-up event at Taronga Zoo, in collaboration with the NSW Government, from January 24 to 27.

Feature Image: Supplied.

The NSW Government is committed to reducing litter and has announced an additional $38 million of investment over five years as part of the Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy to continue the momentum to reduce litter in NSW.
The Don't be a Tosser! campaign plays an important part in achieving these goals.
Head to Taronga from the 24th - 27th January to see and hear up close the negative impact litter has on our environment.