Sydney for Kids

26/10/2025

Group lessons for Early Childhood start at Penrith Con this week. 'La-La Lambs' for ages 18 months - 3 years is on Wednesday or Thursday at 9.30am. 'Musical Monkeys' for ages 3 - 5 years is on Wednesdays or Thursdays at 10.15am. Book online: https://www.penrithcon.com.au/event-genre/early-childhood/
Also starting this week are group lessons for 5 - 8 years. 'Group Keyboard' is on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 4:30pm and 5:15pm and 'Group Violin' is on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 4:30pm and 5:15pm: https://www.penrithcon.com.au/event-genre/juniors/

The 'Festival of Fisher’s Ghost' is in Campbelltown from Thur 30 to Sun 9.
- 'Fisher's Ghost Carnival' at Campbelltown Showground is on Thur 30 and 6 from 6pm - 10pm, Fri 31 and 7 from 6pm - 11pm, Sat 1 and 8 from 2pm - 11pm and Sun 2 and 9 from 12pm - 6pm.
- The 'Fisher's Twilight Rooftop Cinema' on the rooftop of the Campbelltown RSL carpark on Sat 1 screens 'Happy Gilmore' (M) at 5pm and 'Twisters' (M) at 7pm. On Sun 2, 'Clifford the Big Red Dog' (PG) screens at 5pm and 'The Minecraft Movie' (PG) screens at 7pm. Book your free ticket online.
- Fisher's Twilight Streets with live entertainment, stalls and activities for the kids is on Sat 1 and Sun 2 at 4pm - 10pm.
- Marsdens Law Group Fishers Ghost Fun Run is on Sun 9 with the race start at 8am. Online bookings close on Wednesday 5 at 11.59pm.
- Fisher’s Kids Festival | C.A.M.P at Campbelltown Arts Centre is n Sun 9 from 12pm - 4pm. Try some hands-on activities, artist-run workshops and interactive experiences.
https://www.campbelltown.nsw.gov.au/About-Campbelltown/Events-in-Campbelltown/Fishers-Ghost

The Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden in St Ives has some Halloween events:
- 'Halloween trick or treat trail' for 2 - 12 years is on Friday 31 - Sun 2 from 10am - 4pm
- 'Halloween kids in the wild walk' for 5+ is on Friday 31 from 5.30pm - 7pm
- 'Spooky night walk' for ages 8+ is on Friday 31 from 7pm - 9pm
Bookings essential for all events: https://www.krg.nsw.gov.au/Things-to-do/Ku-ring-gai-Wildflower-Garden/Wildflower-Garden-Halloween-events

'Halloween at the Boo! Factory' (Boot Factory) is on Fri 31 in Bondi Junction from 3pm - 7pm. This is a drop in event for ages 3-12 and their family. Activities include a Creepy Craft Corner, Costume parades, live music, a Spooky Silent Disco and Festive Food is available for purchase: https://www.waverley.nsw.gov.au/recreation/events/events/halloween_at_the_boo_factory

'Halloween Family Fest' is at The Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park on Fri 31 (4pm - 9pm), Sat 1 (10am - 9pm) and Sun 2 (10am - 4pm). Activities include a Trick or Treat Trail, Little Spooks Carnival, Monsteropolis - a 280m inflatable obstacle course, Outdoor Cinema, Critters Corner and Monster Mash Disco (some included in general entry). Find out more, times of certain activities and book tickets online: https://www.halloweenfamilyfest.com.au/

'Halloween Spooky Spotlight' is on Fri 31 in Parramatta Park at 5:30pm - 7:30pm. Dress up as your favourite Halloween character and begin with some Nature Play Halloween Craft, go on a Nocturnal Walk, listen to a Bat Talk by WIRES and then watch the Bat Flight Out. This activity suits ages 5+. Book online: https://www.greatersydneyparklands.nsw.gov.au/halloween-spooky-spotlight

The 'Newtown Halloween Street Party' is on Fri 31 in Darley St from 5.30pm - 8pm. There will be live performance, a Haunted House, free BBQ, drinks, popcorn and fairy floss, free face painting, dress up competitions for people and pets and pumpkin carving thanks to Harris Farm: https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/newtown-halloween-party

Find more Halloween events for families and adults here: https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/tags/halloween

23/10/2025

'Mini Makers' for 3 - 5 years is on Sat 25 at Hurstville Museum & Gallery from 10.15am - 11.30am or 1.45pm - 3pm. This session is 'All about stamps' - practice your ABC’s and learn how to make your own. Book online or ph 02 9330 6444: https://www.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au/Community/Events/What%E2%80%99s-On-Event-Information/Mini-Makers-October-3-5-years

'Beats by the Beach Busking Festival' is on Sat 25 and Sun 26 in the Manly CBD from 9am - 7pm. There will be four stages with 40 buskers performing. See the busking trail map online: https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/community/place-making/beats-beach-busking-festival

'Saturday at the Park' in Waverley parks runs for another two weeks from 11am - 1pm. There will be free coffee and gelato, face painting and cuddly farmyard creatures visiting from Golden Ridge Animal Farm. You can also pick up some free seeds for your vegetable garden from Grow It Local. Dates and venues are:
- 25 October, Barracluff Park, Bondi
- 1 November, Kimberley Reserve, Vaucluse
https://www.waverley.nsw.gov.au/recreation/events/events/saturday_at_the_park

The new season of 'Movies in the Park' from Strathfield Council commences on Sat 25 at Strathfield Park. Tonight's movie is 'Coraline' [PG]. The movie screens at 6.30pm but arriving early is suggested. BYO picnic, a blanket/picnic rug or chair. The rest of the season is:
- 'Superman' (2025) [M] on 8 November at 6:30pm at Strathfield Square
- 'Despicable Me 4' [PG] on 22 November at 6:30pm at Hudson Park Oval
- 'The Santa Clause' (Christmas Carols Special) [G] on 6 December at 8pm at Strathfield Park
- Blueback [PG] on 26 January at 7:30pm at Strathfield Square
- 'Sing 2' [PG] on 7 February at 6:30pm at Hudson Park Oval
- 'Detective Pikachu' [PG] on 21 February at 6:30pm at Strathfield Park
- 'Wicked' (2024) [PG] on 7 March at 6:30pm at Strathfield Square
https://www.strathfield.nsw.gov.au/Play/Events-Calendar/Movies-In-The-Park-2025-2026

'Spring Open Day' at Penrith Regional Gallery is on Sat 25 from 10am - 2pm. Free activities showcase Oceanic culture with art-making for all ages, including a lolly lei workshop and Giant Sculpture Art Making. A couple of activities require you to RSVP - see online. There will be a Pan-Pacific cultural dance and fire performance by Matavai Cultural Arts at 1pm: https://www.penrithregionalgallery.com.au/whats-on/spring-open-day/

'Little Park of Horrors' is on Sun 26 at Centennial Park with six sessions starting between 8.45am and 3pm. Try some trick-or-treating, spooky activities and meet some unique Australian animals. Dress ups encouraged. It suits ages 4 - 10 with adult participation required. Book online: https://www.centennialparklands.com.au/halloween

'Habitat Hocus Pocus - Community planting day' is on Sun 26 at Gulyangarri shelter, Bungarribee Park from 9am - 1pm. This is a family friendly planting day with a spooky spin. Sydney Zoo will be on hand to introduce you to some of the animals that call Western Sydney Parklands home. Plant a Cumberland Plain Woodland species and try some Halloween nature craft. Dress ups welcome. Book online: https://www.greatersydneyparklands.nsw.gov.au/habitat-hocus-pocus-community-planting-day

Halloween Family Events at Q Station, Manly are on Sun 26:
- 'Spookyween - Trick or Treat Hunt' is on between 10am – 3pm. Go on family spooky treasure hunt in the Wharf Precinct.
- 'Family Spooks' at 2:30pm – 4pm is a family appropriate 1.5-hour ghost tour, taking place in complete daylight for ages 7+
- 'Little Ghostbusters Halloween Event' is at 5pm and 5.30pm and also on Fri 31 at 7pm. This is a 90-minute guided not-so-spooky Halloween tour with fun activities and there will be prizes for the best costumes.
Book all online: https://www.quarantineghosttours.com/halloweentours/

'Grandparents Day' at the Australian National Maritime Museum is on Sun 26 from 10am. Grandparents receive free museum entry, allowing them to step aboard historic tall ships and naval vessels and explore the museum's exhibitions. There is also a Special Treat at Ripples Café and 15% discount at the museum shop: https://www.sea.museum/en/whats-on/events/grandparents-day

19/10/2025

The 'Aussie Bird Count' runs from Mon 20- Sun 26. Spend 20 mins outdoors and count the birds you see. Submit your observations using the app or the web form. There’s a built-in “bird finder” tool to help you identify birds you’re unsure of plus videos of birds and bird sounds. You can count as many times as you like throughout the week. There are also quizzes online. Register online: https://aussiebirdcount.org.au/

There is a 'Children's Week 2025 - Children's and Youth Drop In' on Mon 20 at Strathfield Library & Innovation Hub from 3:30 - 5pm. There will be face painting, a photo booth , table tennis, games and craft. Recommended for ages 5 - 12. Free and no registrations required: https://www.strathfield.nsw.gov.au/Play/Events-Calendar/Childrens-Week-2025-Childrens-and-Youth-Drop-In

'Same Like Yesterday: Virlkuthalypila and Other Stories from Our Country' is a video installation at the MCA (PG, 30 mins). Created with the Adnyamathanha community and SharingStories Foundation, it has illustrations, songs and Dreamtime storytelling. It screens on weekdays (not Tuesday when the MCA is closed) from 1pm - 5pm and on weekends at 10am - 5pm until 15 Nov. Included with General Admission ticket. Free for MCA Members, school groups and under 18s: https://www.mca.com.au/events-programs/calendar/same-like-yesterday-virlkuthalypila-and-other-stories-from-our-country

The 'Mini Mariners - under 5s program' at the Australian National Maritime Museum is on Tuesdays at 10.30am and 11.30am. This month's theme is 'Terrific Transport'. Join a character tour with stories, songs and movement around the museum, exploring different types of transport. Craft your own souvenir boat, a hot air balloon or a sailor hat to take home. Book online: https://www.sea.museum/en/whats-on/events/mini-mariners-under-5s-program

Term classes at Penrith Regional Gallery satrt this week:
- Tots Club for Ages 1.5 – 3 years on Tuesdays
- Bubs Club for Ages 3 – 18 months on Tuesdays
- Art Odyssey for Ages 9 – 12 on Wednesdays
- Art Adventure for Ages 5 – 8 on Saturdays
https://www.penrithregionalgallery.com.au/event-genre/kids-family/

'Seedlings Nature School at Mount Annan' begins Wednesday 22 from 9.30am – 11.30am. There will be nature-based activities, games and stories for children aged 2.5 – 5 years. Term passes (8 weeks) and casual passes available. Book online: https://www.botanicgardens.org.au/whats-on/seedlings-nature-school-mount-annan

'Parramatta Lanes' runs from Wednesday 22 - Saturday 25. There will be 10 music stages, 80 street food stalls and art installations and illuminated streets: https://atparramatta.com/lanes/discover-world-music-and-art-parramatta-lanes-2025

'Bush School at Callan Park' in Lilyfield starts on Thur 23 at 9:30am – 11:30am. This is a nature play program for children aged 2.5 to 5 years and their carers. There will be outdoor exploration, bushcraft activities and storytelling. There are two five week programs per term: https://www.greatersydneyparklands.nsw.gov.au/whats-on/bush-school

Programs at PHIVE in Parramatta Square start this week:
- 'Messy Sensory Play for Babies' for 0 and 2 years on Thursdays at 1pm - 1.45pm
- 'Yoga Cubs - Wiggle and Grow' for ages 6 months - 5 years on Fridays at 1.15pm - 2pm
- 'Pre-school Pioneers' for 3 - 5 years on Fridays at 11.15am - 12pm
https://cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/phive/events

The '2025 Festival of Mosman' starts on Thur 23, running until Sun 2 Nov. Events on Thur 23 include 'Youth Fest', a free open night at Mosman Youth Centre from 4pm - 7pm and the 'SpringFeast Night Market' from 4.30pm - 9pm with food stalls, live music and roving entertainment. See the full program online: https://events.mosman.nsw.gov.au/hubs/2025-festival-mosman

'Stargazer Cinema' at Barangaroo Reserve on Thur 23 is screening 'Windcatcher' [G]. This free festival features First Nations storytelling. It's on Thursdays until Nov 20 and there are other PG rated films screening. Doors open 6pm and films commence at 7pm. See the full program and more info online: https://www.barangaroo.com/whats-on/events/stargazer-cinema

'The Circus' from Webers Bros Entertainment is at Granville Park in Merrylands from Thur 23 until Sun 17 Nov. Acts include FMX Riders, aerialists and the Human Cannon Ball. Showtimes are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7.30pm with matineees at 2pm on Saturday and 1pm and 4pm on Sunday (11am only on Sun 17): https://www.thecircus.com.au/

16/10/2025

The 'Granny Smith Festival' is on Sat 18 in Eastwood from 9am to 8:30pm. Attractions include the Parade at 9.30am, amusement rides, market stalls, food trucks, live performances and a youth zone with drop in arts and craft, a photobooth and free fairy floss. At Eastwood Public School from 9am - 3.30pm there is family fun with face painting, a DJ, an Animal Farm and Pony Rides, the AFL PLAY Zone and more: https://www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/Events/Granny-Smith-Festival

'Halloween: Colouring Station at Hurstville Museum & Gallery' is on from Saturday 18 – Friday 31 on Tuesday–Saturday at 10am – 4pm and Sunday at 2pm – 5pm. This is a free drop-in activity: https://www.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au/Community/Events/What%e2%80%99s-On-Event-Information/Halloween-Colouring-Station-at-Hurstville-Museum-Gallery

'Zindzi & the Zillionaires' perform at The Concourse in Chatswood on Sat 18 at 11am. Enjoy some R&B performed by the Play School regular: https://www.theconcourse.com.au/event/zindzi-the-zillionaires/

The 'Spring Jazz & Wine Festival at Norman Lindsay Gallery' on Sat 18 from 11am - 3pm (12pm start). The event will be MCed by Kristina Frazer and feature jazz violinist and vocalist George Washingmachine who may also play guitar and double bass. BYO picnic or pre-purchase a cheese or antipasto platter: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/jazz-wine-in-the-springtime-tickets-1482414434479?aff=oddtdtcreator

The 'Blacktown Food Market' is on Sat 18 in Warrick Lane at 5pm - 9pm. There will be food trucks and a special Halloween movie screening of 'Coraline and The Spiderwick Chronicles' [PG], so not recommended for under 8. Comfy bean bags provided: https://www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/Events-and-activities/Blacktown-Food-Market

'Spring Twilight Concert in the Park' is on Sat 18 in Wahroonga Park from 5pm - 8pm. 'Endless Summer' will perform classics from the 60s, 70s and 80s, followed by 'Running in the Shadows' the 'Fleetwood Mac' tribute band. BYO picnic or visit the food trucks onsite. BYO picnic rug or chair: https://www.krg.nsw.gov.au/Things-to-do/Events-and-festivals/Spring-Twilight-Concert-in-the-Park

'Walk4BrainCancer Parramatta' is on Sun 19 in Parramatta Park from 8:30 am - 12 pm. Walk 5km walk along the Parramatta River, then at the finish enjoy a BBQ, music and entertainment for all ages. Register online: https://walk4braincancer.com.au/walks/parramatta/

'Crows Nest Fest' is on Sunday 19 in Willoughby Road and cross streets from 10am - 5pm. There will be 200+ market stalls, food trucks, live entertainment on two stages and roving and a Kids Zone with pony rides, a petting zoo, circus playground and face painting: https://crows-nest.com.au/

'Club Origami' at Campbelltown Arts Centre is on Sun 19 at 10am and 12:30pm. This event from Sydney Dance Company in association with Seven Circles is for 0-6 years and is an immersive and interactive dance show. Rip, fold and scrunch papaer and "see how your imagination begins to dance". Book online. Image credit: Daniel Boud: https://c-a-c.com.au/club-origami/

'Up! For Fun in celebration of Down Syndrome Awareness Month' is on Sun 19 in The Domain from 11am - 2pm. There will be performances, games for all ages and abilities, face painting, arts and crafts, a drumming session and much more. BYO picnic or purchase from food trucks. This is an event for members, but membership is free. Register online: https://events.humanitix.com/up-for-fun

'Jazz At the Pines' is on Sunday 19 at The Pines Roughley House, Dural at 12:30pm-3:30pm. Performing this month is the 'Geoff Power Jazz Band'. Free tours of Roughley House are also available. BYO picnic; coffee, tea and cakes are available for purchase at the canteen. You can also book a table online: https://www.jazzatthepines.org.au/

'Future Stars' is a concert at Penrith Regional Gallery on Sun 19 at 2pm. It features classical and contemporary music performed by piano and vocal students from Penrith Conservatorium of Music: https://www.penrithregionalgallery.com.au/whats-on/future-stars/

12/10/2025

Term activities for under 5s and school-age children start up again this week or next. We've listed some of them below.

'MCA Art Play on the Lawn' is on Mon 13 from 10am - 12pm. In this outdoor session for ages 0 - 5, play alongside the 2025 Neil Balnaves Tallawoladah Lawn Commission, a sculpture by Thomas J Price. MCA Art Play is a free, drop-in program with no booking required: https://www.mca.com.au/events-programs/calendar/artplay/artplay/

The Ku-ring-gai Art Centre in Roseville has classes for kids and teens after school on weekdays, except Fridays, and on Saturdays. They include art clubs and pottery. Classes run for 9 weeks: https://www.krg.nsw.gov.au/Things-to-do/Ku-ring-gai-Art-Centre/Classes-and-workshops/Classes-for-kids-and-teens

'Kids at the Con' runs at term time on Wednesdays and Saturdays in the Conservatorium’s Macquarie Street buildings. There are programs for ages 3 - 4, 4 - 5, 5 - 6, 6 - 7 and 7 - 10. Activities include singing, imitation, movement, playing tuned and un-tuned percussion instruments, improvisation, story-telling and guided listening activities: https://openacademy.sydney.edu.au/Kids+at+the+Con

Penrith Con private lessons start this week for Piano / Keyboard, Voice / Singing, Guitar, Strings, Woodwind, Brass, Drums & Percussion, Speech & Drama and Songwriting & Composition. Most have the option of face-to-face and online. Find out more here: https://www.penrithcon.com.au/private-lessons/

Australian Theatre for Young People’s Workshops cater to K-12 students of all experience levels. Classes run from Monday – Thursday and on Saturdays. Trial classes are available in the first 2 weeks of each term.

Marian Street Theatre for Young People presents term acting and drama classes in Killara, Hornsby, St Ives, Turramurra and Asquith for Kindergarten to Year 12, from beginners to advanced students. Classes start in the week of Mon 20 and you can trial a class until week 3: https://www.mstyp.org.au/weekly-classes/

'Bush School at Lizard Log' in Western Sydney Parklands for 3-7 years is on Thursdays from 9:30am – 11:30am. The program runs for 5 weeks (two per term) and starts on Thur 16. There is nature-based free play, simple bushcraft, shelter building and stories plus practical take-home ideas for nature play: https://www.greatersydneyparklands.nsw.gov.au/bush-school-lizard-log-3-7-years

'Spot On' is held fortnightly on Thursday night on St Pauls Street in Randwick. The next event is Thur 16 from 5:30pm to 9pm, through to 27 November. There will be outdoor dining, live music and entertainment: https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/spot-on

'Sculpture by the Sea', Bondi along the Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk, opens on Fri 17, until Mon 3 November. There will be over 90 outdoor sculptures. Events include free artist talks on weekends, the iShares People’s Choice Award and the ‘Sculpture Inside’ Marquee at Marks Park for small works, open from 10am to 6pm daily. There is a free 'Sculpture by the Sea App' that you can download with an interactive exhibition map, artist and artwork listings, voting for your favourite sculpture and the ability to make donations. This is a very popular event and using public transport is strongly recommended. Find out more online: https://sculpturebythesea.com/bondi/

'Henna Experience' at Parramatta Libraries is on Fri 17 and Sat 18. All ages can have their hands adorned with 100% organic and naturally made henna tattoos. It is at Parramatta Library on Fri 17 and Sat 18 from 12pm - 2pm, at Epping Library on Fri 17 at 2pm - 4pm and at Wentworth Point Library on Sat 18 at 2pm - 4pm: https://atparramatta.com/diwali

09/10/2025

'Love Your Bookshop Day' is on Saturday 11. The theme is 'Discover the magic. Discover you'. Your local bookshop is likely to be celebrating with events such as storytime, art sessions, book launches and author visits. Check out your local bookstore or find one near you here: https://www.bookpeople.org.au/love-your-bookshop-day/

The 'Glenayr Ave Street Party' in Waverley is on Sat 11 from 11am - 8pm. There will be live music, street food stalls and roaming performers: https://www.waverley.nsw.gov.au/recreation/events/events/glenayr_ave_street_party

'Fringe Kids' wraps up on Sunday but there are still ten shows to see this weekend including 'All Star Circus', 'The Flying Bubble Show', 'Kaboom! Explosive Science Show' and 'A Bee Story' Find out about them all and book here: https://sydneyfringe.com/whats-on/?_genre=Fringe+Kids

Darling Square has a 'Fan Painting Workshop' for all ages this weekend to celebrate the Moon Festival. It's on Sat and Sun between 12pm - 3pm: https://www.darlingsq.com/news-and-events/news/moonfestival2025/

The 'Warringah Aquatic Centre open day' is on Sat 11 from 12.30pm - 6pm in Frenchs Forest. Entry is free and free activities include 'Bop till you drop' live entertainment near the outdoor pool (12.30 - 5.00pm), Face painting (12.30 - 4.00pm), Giant inflatable course (1 - 6pm), Springboard diving display and trials for ages 7 -18 (12.30 – 1pm) and classes such as aqua aerobics and Pilates: https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/whats-on/warringah-aquatic-centre-open-day

'Sensory friendly days' at the Australian National Maritime Museum is next on Sun 12 at 8.30m - 11.30am. Relax in a welcoming space designed for kids and adults with diverse sensory needs. New exhibitions and activity areas are open early for a quieter, more accessible experience, tailored for autistic visitors and those with diverse abilities. Trained staff and volunteers will be available to support access and guide creative activities. Find out more and book online: https://www.sea.museum/en/whats-on/events/sensory-friendly-days

Galston Valley Railway has a public running day on Sun 12 with rides from 10am to 3pm (gates open at 9.30am). All train passengers must wear fully enclosed footwear. There will be a Sausage Sizzle (11am - 2pm) and the canteen will be open. There is a DIY BBQ - see what you need to bring online. Site Entry tickets must be pre-purchased online and ride tickets are purchased onsite: https://hme.org.au/public

The 'Marrickville Music Festival' is on Sun 12 on Marrickville Rd, between Victoria Rd and Illawarra Rd, from 12pm - 6pm. There are seven stages and roving and pop up performances, plus market stalls and dining: https://www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/explore/whats-on/annual-events/marrickville-music-festival

Book now for the '91-Storey Treehouse' at The Seymour Centre in Chippendale on Sat 1 Nov at 10am, 12pm and 3pm. The treehouse now has a deserted desert island, a whirlpool and a giant spider but can Andy, Terry and Jill manage to babysit Mr Big Nose's grandchildren? Book tickets online: https://www.seymourcentre.com/event/the-91-storey-treehouse/

06/10/2025

'Mike Hewson: The Key’s Under the Mat' has just opened at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. It has transformed the Nelson Packer Tank into a “a combined park, play space, construction site, and commons”. The tank was used for oil storage during WWII and has hosted exhibitions since 2022. It is a huge space and is brightly lit this time giving the impression of being outdoors, plus there are palm trees and other vegetation scattered throughout. All the installations are created from recycled materials, including the raised floor with the 'Soft-fall pavers 2025' under the play equipment.

We took an 8, 10 and 12 year old there over the weekend and spent close to 3 hours exploring various installations. These included the figure-8 monkey bars, the 'Tiny wide slide stack 2024', the swings under the installation name, the large buckets that could be stacked and demolished and the Little Tikes coupes that two of them managed to squeeze into. There is also a sand pit. Our kids teamed up with others and there was a real community vibe.

Other installations include the 'Milk-vat steam tank 2025' and 'Site-shed sauna 2025' for 16+. There are also changing cubicles, showers and even a laundromat. We plan to return to use the 'Road plate public barbecue 2024-25'. It is available for the public to use daily from 11am – 3pm and on Wednesday evenings from 5pm – 8.30pm. Our kids will happily return when we do go back to use the BBQ.

The exhibition has been made for all ages and entry is free. Note that “children under 12 must be actively supervised by a parent or guardian at all times”. The Nelson Packer Tank is located on Lower Level 4 of the Naala Badu Building. The Gallery is open daily from 10am – 5pm and until 10pm on Wednesdays:

We acknowledge the Gadigal, the traditional custodians of the Country on which the Art Gallery of New South Wales stands.

05/10/2025

Monday is your last chance to visit the Sculpture Trail at Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden.There are 46 artworks made from recycled materials including individual artists and school groups aged 17 years and under. You can stop by the Visitor Centre to vote for your favourite sculpture: https://www.krg.nsw.gov.au/Things-to-do/Events-and-festivals/Ku-ring-gai-Sculpture-Trail-2025

Darling Square has a Scavenger Hunt for the familiy to celebrate the Moon Festival from Mon 6 - Fri 10 between 12pm - 3pm. Pick up a map from the Hunt Station, find the clues and complete the worksheet to collect your sweet treat at the finish line: https://www.darlingsq.com/news-and-events/news/moonfestival2025/

'Sydney Dance Company School Holiday Workshops' at Bondi Pavilion are on Wed 8 and Thur 9 - Fri 10. The program on Wednesday is 'All Styles' for ages 12 - 15 and the two day workshop on Thursday and Friday is 'All Styles' for ages 8 - 11: https://www.bondipavilion.com.au/whats_on/event/sydney_dance_company_school_holiday_workshops_October_2025

'Stargazer Cinema' at Barangaroo Reserve on Thur 9 is screening 'The Lost Tiger' [G]. This free festival features First Nations storytelling. It's on Thursdays until Nov 20 and there are other G and PG rated films screening. Doors open 6pm and films commence at 7pm. See the full program and more info online: https://www.barangaroo.com/whats-on/events/stargazer-cinema

To celebrate Diwali, Parramatta Square will feature a light installation from Fri 9 - Sun 26. See what else is happening: https://atparramatta.com/diwali

There is a 'Nocturnal Wildlife Walk' at Plough and Harrow, Abbotsbury in Western Sydney Parklands for families on Fri 10 from 6:30pm - 7:30pm. On this guided walk, you might see brushtail possums, microbats, tawny frogmouths and grey-headed flying-foxes: https://www.greatersydneyparklands.nsw.gov.au/whats-on/wildlifewalk

03/10/2025

Sydney Zoo at Eastern Creek in Western Sydney is relatively new, established in 2019. This means the enclosures are large and full of elements to stimulate the animals. There is lots of information for visitors, for example in the buildings such as the Reptile and Nocturnal House, there are video screens with clips of animal behaviours, such as a frilled-necked lizard running away upright on its two back legs when startled.

There is a wide range of animals from Africa, South East Asia, Australia and there are many primates and aquatic animals in the aquarium. There are keeper talks throughout the day, often at feeding times when the animals are lively. The keepers are very happy to answer questions and the children visiting had some great questions for them. For example, why is the tiger orange? It looks orange to us but deer don’t have the same colour receptors in their eyes, so the tiger looks green to them and the stripes also help to camouflage them. There are a few babies to see such as baboons and koalas. Many of the animals were active - we saw chimps doing forward rolls down a grassy slope. There is also a VR Experience, animal encounters and 'Mini Zookeeper For a Day' for ages 8-12, 'Accessible Zookeeper For a Day' for ages 8+ and 'Cadet Zookeeper For a Day' for ages 13- 17.

During these school holidays, the 'PEPPA PIG Family Mini Show', is playing at 10am and 12pm and you can Meet and Greet at 11am and 1pm. This is an interactive performance with Peppa, George, Mummy and Daddy Pig. The young Peppa fans in the audience squealed with delight every time another member of the family came on to the stage. They also joined in the songs eg The Bing B**g song and did some jumping in muddy puddles. We joined the queue about 20 mins before showtime and it was quite long, but no problems getting in. The amphitheatre was only half full by the time we sat down on the slope and it is shaded.

Find out more here: https://sydneyzoo.com/

02/10/2025

The 'Transport Heritage Expo' at Central Station runs from Sat 4 - Mon 6. There will be steam train rides, railmotor rides, steam boat cruises, vintage bus rides, tours of the Clock Tower, tours of Mortuary Station and more. Even if your aren't booked on a train ride or tour, there is plenty to see just by visiting Central Station with the steam and vintage trains at the platforms between departures: https://www.transportheritageexpo.com

The 'Sydney Science Festival' is at PHIVE, Parramatta Square and Parramatta Town Hall on Sat 4 from 10am - 3pm. There will be 'Science of Space' talks all day, 'Meet an Astronaut', 'Meet a Scientist', 'Spacesuit Patch Making' and more. Registration required: https://cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/phive/sydney-science-festival

The Chinese Garden of Friendship in Darling Harbour is celebrating the 'Moon Festival' on Sat 5 and Sun 5. Activities include live music (2pm - 4pm), watch a traditional tea ceremony (11am - 3pm) and a Lantern decorating workshop on Saturday and a Badge making workshop on Sunday (11am - 2pm) All activities included in admission: https://www.darlingharbour.com/whats-on/campaigns/moon-festival

'Saturday at the Park' starts in Waverley parks this Saturday from 11am - 1pm. There will be free coffee and gelato, face painting and cuddly farmyard creatures visiting from Golden Ridge Animal Farm. You can also pick up some free seeds for your vegetable garden from Grow It Local. Dates and venues are:
- 4 October, Varna Park, Clovelly
- 18 October, Bronte Park, Bronte Beach
- 25 October, Barracluff Park, Bondi
- 1 November, Kimberley Reserve, Vaucluse
https://www.waverley.nsw.gov.au/recreation/events/events/saturday_at_the_park

Strathfield Council's 'Moon Festival' is at The Crescent on Sat 4 from 1pm - 6pm. There will be international food stalls and performances on stage including lion dancers, live music and cultural performers plus roaming performances including jugglers, giant bubbles and cherry blossom stilt walkers. Kids' activities include Strathfield Council Library Crafts, Origami Workshops and facepainting. Find out about getting there and more online: https://www.strathfield.nsw.gov.au/Play/Events-Calendar/Moon-Festival-2025

The 'Meeras Pavilion' has been installed on the Customs House forecourt. It celebrates Rohingya culture and more than 100 community participants and 20 artists have been involved in creating the project. It aims to to build a deeper understanding of the more than 1.2 million refugees who have been displaced or fled extreme violence in Myanmar since 2017. On Sat 4 from 3:30pm - 5:00pm, there are 'Traditional Rohingya handcraft workshops' - bamboo weaving and embroidery: https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/meeras-pavilion

'Echoes – Luna Light Journey' at Bella Vista Farm is an immersive outdoor light show exploring the history of the farm and is part of the 'Orange Blossom Festival'. 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 or 7.15pm - 10pm until Mon 6. Entry times are every 15 minutes. Book tickets online and find out more about transport to the event: https://www.echoesbellavista.com.au/

Daylight Saving starts in the early hours of Sunday 5 (at 2am) when clocks go forward one hour: https://www.timeanddate.com/time/change/australia/new-south-wales

There is an opportunity to participate in research for mums, dads and primary caregivers aged over 18 with children under 18 living at home in Australia. Do you use social media to find ideas, advice, or inspiration for family meals or feeding your children? Researchers from Flinders University want to hear from parents/caregivers about how social media influences family mealtimes. You will be invited to join a 30 minute online interview to share your experiences. Follow the link if you are interested in sharing your experiences: https://tinyurl.com/bdeysy89