Sydney for Kids

04/09/2025

Happy Father's Day Dads for Sunday. Hope you have fun with your family. We've mentioned a couple of Father's Day special events below.

There is a 'Morning Birding Walk - Warriewood Wetlands' on Sat 6 at 7:30 am to 9:30 am. Learn more about local wildlife. Each adult ticket includes one child under 18. Bookings essential: https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/whats-on/morning-birding-walk-warriewood-wetlands

The '2025 Ku-ring-gai Sculpture Trail' at the Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden is open daily from Sat 6 Sept - Mon 6 Oct from 9am - 5pm.
There are over 40 diverse sculptures created by both professional and amateur artists made from recycled materials. Works are in three categories: Individual artists 17 years and under, groups of artists (including schools) 17 years and under and artists over 18 years. You can vote in the People's Choice Award. Free: https://www.krg.nsw.gov.au/Things-to-do/Whats-on/2025-Ku-ring-gai-Sculpture-Trail

'Fringe Kids' of the 'Sydney Fringe Festival' really gets underway this weekend with 8 shows including 'Bubble Show in Space', 'Mr Snotbottom' and 'The Giant Balloon Show". See them all here: https://sydneyfringe.com/fringe-kids/

The 'Bidwill Festival' is on Sat 6 in Bidwill Square from 10am - 3pm. There will be live stage performances by local community groups, rides, arts and craft stalls, food trucks, emergency services displays, face painting and kid's activities: https://www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/Events-and-activities/2025-Bidwill-Festival

'Andy Griffiths LIVE' is at the Sydney Opera House on Sat 6 at 1pm. Andy will be launching his new book: 'You & Me and the Peanut Butter Beast' plus revisiting some highlights from his old ones, with special guest Bill Hope. Dress ups encouraged: https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/talks-and-ideas/andy-griffiths-live

'Come and Try BMX Day' at the Castle Hill BMX Track is on Sat 6 from 1pm - 4pm. All ages are welcome to come and give BMX racing a go: https://www.orangeblossomfestival.com.au/More-Events/Come-and-Try-BMX

'Spring' is a public program at Fairfield City Museum & Gallery on Sat 6 from 2pm - 5pm. It accompanies the exhibition 'Louise Zhang: Celestial Tapestry' and there will be cooking demonstrations, workshops, ceremonial tea pairing and art. Free, registrations required: https://www.fcmg.nsw.gov.au/Eventbrite/Spring-1588676818129

NAPCAN's 'National Child Protection week' runs from Sun 7 - Sat 13. There are webinars, events, kits and an Activity Booklet for kids: https://www.napcan.org.au/get-involved-2025-2/

'Run for The Hills' at Bella Vista Farm on Sun 7 from 8am is Castle Hill Rotary’s major annual fundraiser and part of Hills Shire Council’s Orange Blossom Festival. All ages and fitness levels are welcome with fun runs of 5km, 8km, and 12km. There will also be Community and market stalls, live warm-ups and entertainment and local food vendors. Register online: https://www.orangeblossomfestival.com.au/More-Events/Run-for-The-Hills

Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden presents 'Survival skills with dad' on Sun 7 at 9am - 10.30am or 11am - 12.30pm. This is a family based survival course where you can have a go at lighting a fire with flint and steel, experience some of the Garden's natural bush tucker and learn how to bandage a snake bite. Book online: https://www.krg.nsw.gov.au/Things-to-do/Whats-on/Survival-skills-with-dad

'Father's Day at Sydney Zoo' in Bungarribee on Sun 7 from 9am - 5pm includes a free burger for all dads (redeemable at any Zoo food outlet). There are keeper talks, animal encounters and animal exhibits including the aquarium, plus there is also the Creatures of the Ice Age exhibition: https://sydneyzoo.com/

The Australian National Maritime Museum is offering Dads and carers a free See It All ticket when accompanied by a paying visitor. This includes the exhibitions, for example 'Wildlife Photographer of the Year', tall ships, navy vessels, kids' activities and more. Plus there is a special Father's Day lunch menu at Ripples Cafe: https://www.sea.museum/en/whats-on/events/fathers-day

31/08/2025

'Stories under the fig tree' is a drop-in activity for families with children aged 0-10 at the MCA in The Rocks. The books, published by Magabala Books, celebrate First Nations languages and cultures and are by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander authors and illustrators. This week you can drop in anytime between 10am - 5pm every day except Tuesday: https://www.mca.com.au/events-programs/calendar/stories-under-the-fig-tree/

Cirque du Soleil is presenting 'CORTEO' at Qudos Bank Arena from Thur 4 - Sun 7 and Thur 11 - Sun 14. The theme is a festive parade imagined by a clown, picturing "his own funeral taking place in a carnival atmosphere, watched over by quietly caring angels." Showtimes are in the evening at 7.30pm or 8pm (except Sundays) with 4pm matinees on Saturdays and Sundays and a midday show on Sundays: https://qudosbankarena.com.au/event/cirque-du-soleil-corteo

'Burra Bumal' is the showcase performance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students at Campbelltown Arts Centre on Thur 4 at 6pm. The students have been led by Elders and dancers in exploring dance, cultural knowledge and performance skills. This is a free event for all ages, bookings not required: https://c-a-c.com.au/burra-bumal-2025/

'Party with Thomas at Day Out with Thomas' at the NSW Rail Museum in Thirlmere on Fri 5 - Sun 7. Climb into Thomas' cab and take a selfie, plus much more including steam train rides with James, railmotor rides with Toby, unlimited mini-train rides and jumping castle, a Thomas & Friends scavenger hunt with prizes, face painting, games and storytelling. Plus meet Sir Topham Hatt and Rusty & Dusty: https://www.nswrailmuseum.com.au/day-out-with-thomas

'Spotlight Prowl for Families 2025' at Centennial Park is on Fri 5 at 5:10pm - 6:40pm . Go on a 1.5-hour spotlight walk with a guide and you might spot brushtail possums, microbats and tawny frogmouths and you will definitely see grey-headed flying-foxes flying out for the night. This program is suitable for families with children aged from 5 years. All children must be supervised by an adult. Book online: https://www.centennialparklands.com.au/familyspotlight

The Hills 'Orange Blossom Festival' runs throughout September. 'Echoes – Luna Light Journey' at Bella Vista Farm opens on Thur 5 and is an immersive outdoor light show exploring the history of the farm. Included are stargazing stories of the Dharug People and those of early pioneers, Elizabeth and John Macarthur. There will be food trucks onsite. It is on nightly from 6.15pm - 10pm until Mon 6 Oct (most nights, check times online). Entry times are every 15 minutes. Book tickets online and find out more about transport to the event: https://www.echoesbellavista.com.au/

'Lane Cove Festival @ Sydney Fringe Launch' is at The Canopy on Fri 5 at 6pm - 9pm. This is a free, family-friendly event and the live entertainment includes 'Bubble Show in Space', 'One Man Circus' and 'The Giant Balloon Show'. No bookings required: https://sydneyfringe.com/events/lane-cove-sydney-fringe-launch-event/

28/08/2025

'Picnic in the Park Narrabeen' is on Sat 30 at 9am - 12noon at Lakeside Park. Live onstage entertainment includes The Smurfs and Sesame Street. BYO picnic or visit the food trucks onsite: https://events.humanitix.com/picnic-in-the-park-narrabeen-2025

The 'Coastal Environment Centre Annual Open Day' is on Sat 30 from 9am - 2pm in North Narrabeen. Activities include interactive exhibits, critters from Sydney Zoo and Bugs About, workshops, sustainable living info, live music, a Scouts’ sausage sizzle and nature crafts, face painting, and story sessions for kids. Free, drop in: https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/whats-on/coastal-environment-centres-annual-open-day-celebrating-biodiversity

'Fringe Kids' is part of the 'Sydney Fringe Festival' with family-friendly events on weekends in September and throughout the school holidays. It starts this weekend with 'All Star Circus' on Sat 30 at the Entertainment Quarter at 2.40pm. There will be circus, physical theatre and comedy. See the full 'Fringe Kids' program of over 20 shows online: https://sydneyfringe.com/fringe-kids/

The rescheduled 'Blacktown City Medieval Fayre' that was to be on Sat 30 and Sun 31 has been cancelled for this year due to "Nurragingy Reserve being saturated and unsuitable to safely host a major event of this scale". All ticket holders will receive a refund: https://www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/festival/Whats-on/Blacktown-City-Medieval-Fayre

'Astronomy at Mount Tomah' is in the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden on Sat 30 from 5.30pm – 8pm. Presenters include Astrophysicist Dr. Ángel Lopez -Sanchez. View the night sky through the telescopes with volunteers from the Northern Sydney Astronomical Society. Recommended for children 12 years+. Book online: https://www.botanicgardens.org.au/whats-on/astronomy-mount-tomah

The Model Park in Luddenham is open to the public on the last Sunday of every month (except December) from 9.30am - 4pm. . Models to see are radio controlled aircraft, control line aircraft, large scale off-road cars, quarter scale speedway cars, tether cars, radio controlled boats and there is a stationary steam house with working scale steam models. Models to try yourself are the U-Drive indoor railway, slot cars and rides on the miniature railway. There is a playground, BBQs, picnic table and a canteen: https://www.modelpark.org.au/

'Sustainable Futures Day' is at Lindfield Village Green on Sun 31 from 10am - 3pm. Find out about solar and batteries, electric vehicles and e-bikes, induction cooktops (and demo dumplings and pancakes), plus free native plants, face painting and a solar car race for kids (limited spaces, registration required): https://www.krg.nsw.gov.au/Things-to-do/Whats-on/Sustainable-Futures-Day-2025

The 'SmartFone Flick Fest (SF3)' is open for entries. One of the five categories is the SF3 Kids Award for filmmakers 18 and under at the time of filming. All films must be shot entirely on smartphones and tablets. A minimal amount of drone footage and archival footage is allowed. The time limit is up to 10 mins. Longer kids film that are really fantastic and justify being longer will be accepted with permission at [email protected]. The deadline for entries has been extended to 1 October. Find out more here: https://sf3.com.au/

24/08/2025

'Seaside strollers - tours and play' for ages 0 - 18 months at the Australian National Maritime Museum is on selected days (Mon 25, Wed 27 and Fri 29) at 10:30 am, 11.30am or 12:30 pm. Go on an educator-led tour of collection highlights, enjoy catered refreshments plus baby play time in a sensory space. The theme this month is 'Wildlife Photographer of the Year 60' with a Sensory Jungle play theme. Book online: https://www.sea.museum/whats-on/events/stroller-tours

'Bush School' at Centennial Park is a Nature Play program tailored for children aged 2.5 - 5 years. It is led by Education Rangers and includes storytelling, nature-based activities, free play (climbing, digging, imagination, creativity), art making and nature games. It is on Tuesdays and Fridays from 9.30am - 11.30am and you can purchase a 5 week pass (starting on Tues 26 or Fri 29) or individual sessions: https://www.centennialparklands.com.au/bushschool

The 'Beaches Young Filmmakers Comp' opens on Wed 27 when at 5pm the secret rules will be revealed. Filmmakers aged 12 - 24 (team or solo) then have 4 days to create a short film (up to 7 minutes). Film submissions close on Sun 31 at 10pm. Find out more here: https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/services/youth/youth-programs/beaches-young-filmmakers-comp

'Mating Dance' is an exhibition of dancing brolgas made of cotton paper and brass by Anna-Wili Highfield at the Bondi Pavilion Art Gallery from Thur 28. The sculptures are suspended like marionettes and accompanying is Bree Van Reyk’s sound piece: https://www.bondipavilion.com.au/whats_on/event/mating_dance

'Party with Thomas at Day Out with Thomas' at the NSW Rail Museum in Thirlmere on Fri 29 - Sun 31 August and Fri 5 - Sun 7 September. Climb into Thomas' cab and take a selfie, plus much more including steam train rides with James, railmotor rides with Toby, unlimited mini-train rides and jumping castle, a Thomas & Friends scavenger hunt with prizes, face painting, games and storytelling. Plus meet Sir Topham Hatt and Rusty & Dusty: https://www.nswrailmuseum.com.au/day-out-with-thomas

21/08/2025

The 'Tregear Festival' is in Jim Maynard Park, Tregear on Sat 23 from 9am - 3pm. There will be food and market stalls, live stage performances, rides and emergency services displays: https://www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/Events-and-activities/2025-Tregear-Festival

The 'Sydney Dog Lovers Festival' is at the Sydney Showgrounds, Sydney Olympic Park on Sat 23 and Sun 24 from 9.30am - 5pm. There will be a dog expo, dogs of different breeds to meet, 'Pat-A-Pooch by Barney', performances by canine stars and talks and demonstrations by dog experts. Dog Lovers Festival ticket holders also gets free entry to the Cat Lovers Festival: https://dogloversfestival.com.au/sydney/

The 'Sydney Cat Lovers Festival' is at the Sydney Showgrounds, Sydney Olympic Park on Sat 23 and Sun 24 from 9.30am - 5pm. There will be cats of different breeds to meet, performances by feline stars, talks and demonstrations by cat experts and Pat-A-Cat sessions. Cat Lovers Festival ticket holders also get free entry to the Dog Lovers Festival: https://catloversfestival.com.au/sydney/

Ryde Aquatic Leisure Centre is a great place for the family to escape Sydney's recent cold and wet weather. The Baby & Toddler’s wading pool has a rubber ducky fountain and the beach entry to the leisure pool has Interactive Water Features. There is also a rapid river, two bubble whirlpools and on weekends, waves operate for about 5 mins every 30 mins from 12.30pm - 5pm and the 56 m giant water slide is open from 10am: https://www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/RALC

'Teeny Tiny Stevies' are performing at The Concourse in Chatswood on Sat 23 at 10.30am. They will be playing all their biggest hits, along with new tunes from their new album ‘Brain Fart’. This concert suits all ages and babies aged 12 months of age and under are free on their adult's lap: https://www.theconcourse.com.au/event/teeny-tiny-stevies/

It is 'Dog Day Out' at Norman Lindsay Gallery, Faulconbridge on Sat 23 from 11am - 4pm. Activities include dog paw painting and a photo booth with dress ups like an artist, Best Dressed / Fancy Dress competition, dog and owner lookalikes and best hairdo (grooming). There will also be displays from Springwood Dog Training club. Buy tickets online: https://www.nationaltrust.org.au/event/dogs-day-out-at-norman-lindsay-gallery-2/

'Bubble Planet: An Immersive Experience' is at the Paddington Pavilion, Sydney Olympic Park. There are numerous rooms with different 'bubble' experiences including a room with balloons that are 50 cm in diameter; a dome where you lounge on big bean bags with bubble projections, and explore the acoustic effects of the dome; an enormous ball pit, a mirrored room with bubble globes extending to infinity and real bubbles raining down on you. Also sit in luxurious swivel chairs for the VR experience: bubble-planet.com/sydney

Rouse Hill Estate was home to six generations of one family and is a semi-rural property with livestock and native wildlife. It also features the restored 1888 Rouse Hill schoolhouse, a section of the original Windsor Road turnpike proclaimed by Governor Macquarie in 1813, and the site of the doomed 1804 ‘Vinegar Hill’ convict rebellion. It is open from 10am - 4pm on Sundays, free entry. On arrival, book into the 'Meet the Animals tour' and see the sheep, horses and chickens. Play with LEGO® Bricks and see the model of Rouse Hill House with a cut-away section, the surrounding historic outbuildings and farmyard animals: https://mhnsw.au/whats-on/events/family-fun-at-rouse-hill-estate/

The Sydney Tramway Museum at Loftus is open on Wednesdays (10am - 3pm) and Sundays (10am - 5pm). As well as tram rides to Sutherland and into the Royal National Park, there is the old Railway Square waiting shed, the Display Hall with many trams including Australia’s oldest electric tram, electric barbecues, a picnic area and a souvenir shop and kiosk: https://www.sydneytramwaymuseum.com.au/

18/08/2025

Over the past month I’ve had the pleasure of watching screenings of two movies while the Sydney Symphony Orchestra played the soundtrack live. The first film was ‘Toy Story’ and the second, on Sunday night, was ‘Star Wars: A New Hope’. Both screenings were in the Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House, where the acoustics are magnificent. The SSO played brilliantly, conducted on both occasions by Nicholas Buc. This is an expensive way to watch films, but wonderful to be able to see and hear the orchestra bringing the soundtrack to life. Full disclosure – I am an SSO subscriber, so enjoy performances by this orchestra in this venue a number of times each year. But as soon as tickets to these screenings are released, I jump in to secure some, as this is such a special experience.

I will continue to let you know when they are on as soon as I hear about them. I don’t know of any upcoming film screenings, but the SSO perform Prokofiev’s ‘Peter and the Wolf’, a great introduction to orchestral instruments for families (recommended for ages 5+), next Saturday, 23 August at 10.30am and 1pm:

Join the Sydney Symphony Orchestra at the Sydney Opera House for Peter and the Wolf , an enchanting musical tale that has been inspiring young music…

17/08/2025

'The Gruffalo's Child' is playing at Glen St Theatre in Belrose on Tues 19 at 12.30pm and 3.30pm and on Wed 20 at 10am. This is the sequel to 'The Gruffalo' where the Gruffalo’s Child ignores her father’s warnings about the Big Bad Mouse and tiptoes out into the deep dark wood. It is a musical adaptation of the picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler and suits ages 3+: https://glenstreet.com.au/whats-on/gruffalos-child

'Gather at the Gallery: Bubs' is at Manly Art Gallery & Museum on Thur 21 from 9am - 10am. Enjoy a tour of the exhibitions followed by a cozy play session, coffee and conversation. Siblings welcome. RSVP online: https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/whats-on/gather-gallery-bubs

'Seedlings Nature School' at the Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney is on Thursdays during term from 10am to 12 pm for children aged 2.5 to 5 and their carers. Enjoy nature-based activities, games and stories in the garden. Casual and term passes available. Book online: https://www.botanicgardens.org.au/whats-on/seedlings-nature-school-sydney

There is an 'Open Mic Night' at Manly Library on Fri 22 from 5.30 - 7pm. Showcase original works of song, poetry, expertise, storytelling, impressions or comedy. The event is aimed at youth and adults and performers must be 16 years and older. Performers will have up to 10 minutes on stage. A sign up sheet will be available on the night from 5pm. All ages are welcome. Parental supervision is required for children as content may include adult themes or coarse language. It's on monthly until October: https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/library/whats-on/all-library-events/open-mic-night-2025

The 4th Annual 'The Metropolitan Orchestra Junior String Camp' is in the Spring school holiday and registrations are now open. The camp runs from Monday 29 September to Wednesday 1 October at Leichhardt Town Hall for young musicians aged 7 - 14 years. The camp includes playing in a real orchestral setting with peers at AMEB Grade 2 and above, receiving expert tuition, team-building activities and a grand finale concert for family and friends. To find out more and register: https://www.metorchestra.com.au/event/string-camp25/

Book now for 'Party with Thomas at Day Out with Thomas' at the NSW Rail Museum in Thirlmere on Fri 29 - Sun 31 August and Fri 5 - Sun 7 September. Climb into Thomas' cab and take a selfie, plus much more including steam train rides with James, railmotor rides with Toby, unlimited mini-train rides and jumping castle, a Thomas & Friends scavenger hunt with prizes, face painting, games and storytelling. Plus meet Sir Topham Hatt and Rusty & Dusty: https://www.nswrailmuseum.com.au/day-out-with-thomas

14/08/2025

'Children’s Book Week' runs from Saturday 16 to Saturday 23 and the theme this year is 'Book an Adventure!'. Your local library is bound to be participating, so check out what they are offering. By way of example, here is what the State Library NSW is offering: https://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/learning/childrens-book-week-2025

The '2025 Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival' is in the Auburn Botanic Gardens from Sat 16 - Sun 24. There will be over 200 pink cherry blossom trees in full bloom, food, live entertainment, workshops and find peace in the the Zen Zone. See the full program online. All festival tickets, including entry, must be pre-booked online: https://www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/sydneycherryblossomfestival

There is a lot on at 'Science Week: Family Fun Day' at Parramatta Library on Sat 16. Activities include 'Build your own Virtual Reality Game with AI', a 'Chemistry Show', a 'Robotics Workshop' and more. Free but bookings required: https://parramatta-events.bookable.net.au/

'RELICS: A New World Rises' opens at the Australian Museum on Sat 16. This exhibition has been created by former LEGO® Masters champions Jackson Harvey and Alex Towler who have taken everyday objects and turned them into miniature LEGO® worlds. As well as the 14 displays, there is an interactive build area, a scavenger hunt with different versions for children and adults and you can download an audio guide before arriving (remember to bring your own headphones): https://australian.museum/exhibition/relics/

'Macquarie University Open Day' is on Saturday 16 from 10am - 4pm. There will be info sessions, the chance to chat to academics and students, campus and faculty tours, workshops, hands-on activities and more. Register online: https://event.mq.edu.au/open-day/

'Imagine Live', based on the book 'Imagine' by Alison Lester, is playing at the Bondi Pavilion on Sat 16 at 11am and 2pm. The show features an original musical score, oversized props and digital puppetry of the illustrations. Recommended for ages 4+: https://www.bondipavilion.com.au/whats_on/event/imagine_live_by_jolyon_james_based_on_the_book_imagine_by_alison_lester

'The Planets - Concert and Stargazing 2025' is at Centennial Park on Sat 16 from 3pm - 8pm. Sydney Youth Orchestra's Symphonic Wind Orchestra perform Gustav Holst's 'The Planets' and more starry music (3pm - 5pm) and then Dr Luke Barnes from Western Sydney University will introduce the stargazing followed by the Sydney City Skywatchers and their telescopes, plus campfires (5.30pm - 8pm). Picnics are welcome. BYO picnic blankets or seats: https://www.centennialparklands.com.au/planets-2025

'A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings' is playing at the Sydney Opera House on Sat 16 at 4pm and 7pm and on Sun 17 at 2pm and 5pm. From Ireland and inspired by the story by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, this production has music, puppetry and live video projection. Suitable for ages 8+: https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/kids-families/very-old-man-enormous-wings

'Ferragosto' is on the Great North Road in Five Dock on Sunday 17 from 10am–5pm. Celebrate Italian food, culture, and heritage with performances, market stalls, rides and live cooking demonstrations: https://www.canadabay.nsw.gov.au/ferragosto

The Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace in Cremorne presents its monthly 'Frozen Sing-A-Long' [PG] on Sun 17 at 10.15am. Sing your favourites from the movie at the top of your lungs: https://www.orpheum.com.au/movie/frozen-sing-a-long

The Australian National Maritime Museum celebrates National Science Week on Sun 17 from 11am - 3pm with 'Wonder-Sea STEAM fun for families'. Meet visiting scientists and sci-artists, pilot an underwater drone (free, drop in, for ages 8 to adults) and at Kids on Deck (recommended ages 4-12 and adults) look at phytoplankton and zooplankton under the microscope, fashion bottlecaps into new reusable creations with the recycled plastics machine and make kelp forest puppets: https://www.sea.museum/en/whats-on/events/national-science-week

'Science in the Swamp' at Centennial Park is on Sun 17 from 11am – 3pm. There will be live science shows, hands-on experiments, native animals, a life-sized dinosaur and many stalls. Free – no tickets or registration required: https://www.greatersydneyparklands.nsw.gov.au/whats-on/science-swamp

10/08/2025

'Solar Explorer - Explore a Scale Model of the Solar System' is presented by Georges River Council for National Science Week until Sun 17. Starting at the Sun at Hurstville Library, go on a planetary treasure hunt. Even though the scale is 1/773,333,000th of the size of the Solar System, the rocky planets can be visited by foot and are walking distance from Hurstville Library. To experience the outer planets you need to drive or take public transport. Register to receive access to the Solar Explorer kit, which gives you everything you need to participate in this activity: https://www.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au/Community/Events/What%e2%80%99s-On-Event-Information/Solar-Explorer-Explore-a-Scale-Model-of-the-Solar-System

The 'Nature Play' program at the Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden in St Ives this week is:
- 'Mini Scientists' for ages 4 - 6 on Mon 11 and Fri 15 at 10am - 11.30am
- 'Lounging Lizards' for ages 1 - 6 on Tues 12 - Thur 14 at 10am - 11.30am
- 'Nature bubs' for 0 - 1 year on Wed 13 at 9:30 am- 11am.
https://www.krg.nsw.gov.au/Things-to-do/Ku-ring-gai-Wildflower-Garden/Kids-programs-and-activities/Nature-Play

'Art Play' at the MCA in The Rocks is on Mon 11 and 25 in August from 10am - 12pm. These are open-play sessions for children 0-5 years, based on Reggio Emilia educational principles, where children follow their curiosity and adults follow along. This is a free, drop-in program with no booking required: https://www.mca.com.au/events-programs/calendar/artplay/artplay/

'Storytime at the Museum' is at Fairfield City Museum & Gallery in Smithfield on a Wed once a month (Wed 13) from 10:30am - 11:30am. Explore the Vintage Village, listen to stories, sing along and get creative with art and craft activities hosted by Fairfield City Open Libraries. For ages 3 to 5 years. Free but registrations essential: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/storytime-at-the-museum-tickets-1036493137877?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

'Gather at the Gallery: Kids' is at Manly Art Gallery on Thursday 14 from 3pm - 5pm. This is a a free after school drop-in program where young artists can explore hands-on activities, get inspired by the gallery, and express their imagination. Activities responds to exhibition program. Suitable for ages 5+ accompanied by an adult. Register online: https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/whats-on/gather-gallery-kids

'Science Week - Science Shows' is at Liverpool City Library (Yellamundie) on Thur 14 from 3.30pm - 6pm. Presented by Children's Discovery, there will be two science shows at 3.30pm and 4.30pm and a make-and-take science activity. Drop in, no bookings required: science-week-science-shows-all-ages-@-liverpool-city-library-yellamundie" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://mylibrary.liverpool.nsw.gov.au/events/whats-on/science-week-science-shows-all-ages-@-liverpool-city-library-yellamundie

07/08/2025

National Science Week runs from Saturday 9 - Sunday 16. There are loads of activities across Greater Sydney, so check your local venues such as libraries and your council website. You can also find events at the National Science Week website: https://www.scienceweek.net.au/. Below are some of the events in Greater Sydney museums and outdoor places.

The 'Sydney Science Trail: Community Day' at the Australian Museum on Sat 9 is already fully booked: https://australian.museum/event/community-day/

'CSIRO Wild Watch' is a citizen science project during National Science Week. Families can head outdoors and observe local flora and fauna and contribute valuable biodiversity data for Australian research. Get more info and register online: https://www.csiro.au/WildWatch

'Sydney City Farm open day' is on Saturday 9 from 10am to 2pm at Sydney Park Pavilion, Alexandria. Discover natural patterns in seeds, vegies and leaves; make some botanical art and make a cyanotype print to take home; get up close to butterflies; meet a scientist and more. Free but bookings required: https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/sydney-city-farm-open-day

'Indigenous Science Experience at Redfern Community Open Day' is on Sat 9 from 10am - 3pm. Explore Indigenous and Western STEM, including what can Aboriginal astronomy tell us about the night sky and what can we learn about sustainable living from 60 000+ years of Indigenous culture? There will be interactive science activities for all ages, cultural performances connecting to the natural world, making Aboriginal tools and yarning with Elders on bush foods and medicines. Free but booking required: https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/national-indigenous-science-experience.

Ballet of Lights presents 'Peter Pan' at the Seymour Centre on Sat 9 at 4pm and 6pm. Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, and the Darling children's journey to Neverland is presented by 6 local dancers in illuminated costumes using a mix of classical dance and modern technology. The age recommendation is 5+ years. It also plays on Fri 10 Oct at 6pm and 8pm: https://www.seymourcentre.com/event/ballet-of-lights-peter-pan-in-a-sparkling-show

'Full Bloom' is a special event at the MCA in The Rocks on Sat 9 from 3pm - 7pm. There will be torch-lit gallery tours, artmaking, live music and a starlit performance by Gordi on the rooftop. Free for under 18s and Australian students. See the full program and book online: https://www.mca.com.au/events-programs/calendar/full-bloom

The City2Surf event from the Sydney CBD to Bondi Beach is on Sun 10. This event is sold out but you can find out about traffic impacts here: https://city2surf.com.au/event-info/traffic-impact/

The 'Le Marché French Market' is at Woolwich Dock and Parklands on Sun 10 from 9am - 1pm. There will be gourmet French food, artisanal crafts and more: https://www.harbourtrust.gov.au/whats-on/featured-events-and-activities/le-marche-french-market/

The City of Ryde 'Sustainability Festival' is at Ryde Wharf Markets on Sun 10 from 9am - 2pm. Included are council sustainability information stalls and market stalls, community litter pick-up activities (get a free ice-cream), free bike tune-ups and family-friendly entertainment, including animal shows and environmental education activities for children: https://www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/Events/Listing/Council/Sustainability-Festival-at-Ryde-Wharf-Markets

'Science in the Scrub' is at Lizard Log Amphitheatre in Western Sydney Parklands, Abbotsbury on Sunday 10 from 11am – 3pm. Activities include Meet a dinosaur, Creative Science show, the Young Entomologist Lab, Aboriginal Science Village, Museum of Fire pop-up stall and vintage vehicle display and Meet a Scientist. Free, no booking required: https://www.greatersydneyparklands.nsw.gov.au/whats-on/science-scrub