Wondering what to do in Sydney this weekend? There’s plenty of ways to get the kids out of the house and having fun. Head to Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival and check out the burst of colour, or rug up for the GISS Christmas Market. If you want try something a little bit different, check out Science in the Swamp at Centennial Park and encourage that budding scientist of yours with a fund day out! Take a look at our long list of things to do in Sydney this weekend…
If you want to make the most of your weekend, Sydney is bustling with fun things for the whole family to do. Enjoy the magic of a German Winter Christmas Market featuring lantern walks, marshmallow roasting, a magical Winter Wonderland & a large array of market & food stalls including a Glühwein Hut at the GISS Christmas Market. Or you can head into Darling Harbour and watch Tumbalong Park come alive with DJs and bands playing free live music, foodie markets, outdoor bar, firepits and igloos.
Head to the Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival at Auburn Botanic Gardens, which pays homage to Japan’s traditions, music, pop culture and food all while capturing the hearts of thousands as the Cherry Blossoms burst into colour across the grounds.
Come and join the Autism Community Network for their monthly bowling activity in Chatswood. It is a kind, understanding and supportive environment for our children to social, make friends and have fun together.
After a two-year hiatus, the ever-popular Science in the Swamp event returns to Centennial Parklands on Sunday 21 August – for a free family day out jam-packed full of science, fun and discovery! As you visit over 25 awe-inspiring stalls, you’ll meet real life scientists, biologists, geologists and researchers on a family day you won’t forget. It’s free to attend with food trucks, picnic areas and fun science activities to entertain both adults and children alike.
Perhaps you’re looking for an excuse for a little bonding time with your son? Head to Heidi’s Mum and Sons mini retreat where she teaches parents, kids and teens to be calm, confident, empowered and unstoppable with her mindfuness, mindset, resilience and positive self-talk techniques that are simple and actionable and able to be used everyday.
Looking for some family fun? Come catch Disney’s latest ‘Lightyear’ at Event Cinemas Hornsby with their sensory screening on Sunday the 21 August for just $6 per ticket. Or you can head to the Inner West Brick Fair to view dozens of unique fan creations from over 20 Master Builders from the not-for-profit SydLUG (Sydney Lego Users Group), Adult Fans of LEGO (AFOL). Ask them questions about their hobby, their collections and the building techniques they use.
Take the kids to Waterfront Whale Tales Art Trail on Sydney Harbour for a free family-friendly outdoor exhibition of 30 two-metre-high whale tail sculptures designed by 30 Australian artists.
Looking for something a little bit quirky? Why not head to the Upside Down House which is at the Entertainment Quarter until 31 August, and really turn things topsy turvy!
Take the kids for a great afternoon or evening out and check out Mary Poppins at Sydney Lyric Theatre. Or check out the Wildlife Photographer of the Year at National Maritime Museum, which features over 100 exceptional images which capture fascinating animal behaviour, spectacular species and the breathtaking diversity of the natural world.
You can also grab your shopping bags and head out the door to check out a number of markets around Sydney this weekend, offering everything from fresh produce to handmade finds.
Of course, if you’re craving a weekend at home enjoying a little peace and quiet with the kids, you can check out these 115 activities to keep the tribe busy. Here’s some of our top picks for things to do in Sydney this weekend, to help you get out and about – or even enjoy an evening at home. Discover what’s on this weekend and get planning!
Things to do in Sydney this Friday
1. Darling Harbour Winter Festival
Every Thursday to Sunday over two jam packed weeks, you can see Tumbalong Park come alive with DJs and bands playing free live music, foodie markets, outdoor bar, firepits and igloos. You can then finish your night with a bang by Cockle Bay with fireworks. It will be one of the best things to do in Sydney to warm up this winter!
- When: Thursday 11 to Saturday 24 September
- Where: Darling Harbour
- More: darlingharbour.com
2. Waterfront Whale Tales Art Trail, Sydney Harbour
A free family-friendly outdoor exhibition of 30 two-metre-high whale tail sculptures designed by 30 Australian artists, has launched with an Indigenous Smoking Ceremony & performance by proud Wiradjuri woman Darlene Proberts, on Sydney’s Western Harbour.
Discover all 30 whale tails along a 6km trail around Sydney’s Western Harbour waterfront. Seek them out via the Waterfront Whale Tale app that has wayfinding maps to help you on your treasure hunt and to collect great rewards and prizes for each tail you visit. There’s so much to see and do at Waterfront Whale Tales – come and explore, unite and delight in Sydney’s expansive and diverse natural wonderlands.
- When: Thursday 11 to Sunday 21 August
- Cost: Free
- Where: Barangaroo
- More: northshoremums.com.au/events
3. Local markets this Friday 19 August
GISS Christmas Market
Enjoy the magic of a German Winter Christmas Market featuring lantern walks, marshmallow roasting, a magical Winter Wonderland & a large array of market & food stalls including a Glühwein Hut.
Once a year, the German International School Sydney brings the festive season forward and transforms its playgrounds and classrooms into a magical winter wonderland for our Christmas Market. The popular event caters to young and old alike, with lovingly adorned open-air market stalls offering traditional German food and drink as well as handmade ornaments, festive decorations, candles, wooden art and crafts.
- When: Friday 19 August, 5pm-9pm & Saturday 20 August, 4pm-9pm
- Where: German International School Sydney, 33 Myoora Road, Terrey Hills
- Cost: Free
- More: northshoremums.com.au/events
Other markets happening Friday 19 August:
4. Bring Your Baby Screenings @ Event Cinemas Hornsby
Come, relax and catch a movie with your bub! Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, they offer a $10 package (1 adult and 1 child up to 4 years old) to your favourite films. Dimmed lights and lowered volume creates the perfect atmosphere for you and your bub!
Let them know you saw this ad on North Shore Mums to receive a free midi popcorn at the candy bar!
- When: Friday 5 August, 10.30am-2pm
- Where: Westfield Hornsby, Pacific Highway, Hornsby
- Cost: $10
- More: northshoremums.com.au/events
Things to do in Sydney this Saturday
Wondering what to do around Sydney this Saturday? There’s lots happening!
5. Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival, Auburn Botanic Gardens
The Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival is a unique experience of Love, Peace and Blossoms. The event pays homage to Japan’s traditions, music, pop culture and food all while capturing the hearts of thousands as the Cherry Blossoms burst into colour across the grounds.
There will be eight session times per day and all tickets must be pre-booked in advance. This is to ensure each visitor can enjoy time wandering the gardens and soak up the atmosphere at their leisure.
- When: Saturday 20 – Sunday 28 August, 9am-4.45pm
- Where: Auburn Botanic Gardens, Chiswick Road, Auburn NSW, Australia
- Cost: Free
- More: northshoremums.com.au/events
6. Local markets this Saturday 20 August
Organic Food Markets at St Ives Showground
The Organic Food Markets are at St Ives Showground every Saturday between 8am and 2pm. The group aims to create an open air marketplace at the Showground supplying certified organic food and artisan gourmet produce, as well as fresh fruit and vegetables, freshly baked bread and patisserie goods, seasonal produce from farmers, salami, cheeses, smoked salmon and other hard-to-find delicacies such as Australian truffles.
The market at the Showground every Saturday morning will also offer a choice of fashion, homewares, plants and sustainable and healthy products, including those from fair trade suppliers.
- When: Saturday 20 August, 8am-2pm
- Where: St Ives Showground, Mona Vale Road, St Ives
- More: northshoremums.com.au/events
Other markets happening Saturday 20 August:
7. Autism Community Network Bowling, Strike Bowling Chatswood
The Autism Community Network runs a monthly bowling activity in Chatswood on the third Saturday of every month at Strike Bowling in Chatswood.
All the families attending are families with Autism children. It is a kind, understanding and supportive environment for our children to social, make friends and have fun together.
- When: Saturday 20 August, 5.30pm-8pm
- Cost: $8
- Where: Strike Bowling Chatswood, Albert Avenue, Chatswood
- More: northshoremums.com.au
8. Mary Poppins
Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s new production of MARY POPPINS is now playing at the Sydney Lyric Theatre for a strictly limited season.
Adapted from the beloved stories by PL Travers and the original film; the magical tale of the world’s favourite Nanny comes to life on stage in a spectacular and unforgettable production.
- When: Until Sunday 9 October
- Where: Sydney Lyric Theatre, Pirrama Road, Pyrmont
- Cost: From $59.90
- More: northshoremums.com.au/events
9. Wildlife Photographer of the Year
The Wildlife Photographer of the Year is an exhibition that’s showing at the Australian National Maritime Museum. From the Natural History of Museum in London, this exhibition features over 100 exceptional images which capture fascinating animal behaviour, spectacular species and the breathtaking diversity of the natural world.
Using photography’s unique emotive power to engage and inspire audiences, the images shine a light on stories and species around the world and encourage a future of advocating for the planet.
Wildlife Photographer of the Year is the most prestigious photography event of its kind, providing a global platform that showcases the natural world’s most astonishing and challenging sights. The competition receives over 50,000 entries from all over the world.
- When: Until 5 March 2023
- Where: Australian National Maritime Museum, Murray Street, Sydney
- Cost: From $20
- More: northshoremums.com.au/events
Things to do in Sydney this Sunday
Sunday funday is here, which means it’s time to bundle up the kids and check out what’s happening! If you’re looking for this to do in Sydney this Sunday, here’s some ideas…
10. Local markets this Sunday 21 August
That Great Market, Lindfield
Now in its eight year & held the 3rd Sunday each month, That Great Market Lindfield is a beautiful artisan market known for its relaxed, family friendly atmosphere. You’ll find amazing unique quality locally designed and made products and produce brought to you by our wonderful stallholders. You can grab a bite from their range of delicious street food stalls and live acoustic music completes the Sunday vibe. There is always an amazing feeling of community and fun.
- When: Sunday 21 August, 9am-2pm
- Where: Wellington Road, East Lindfield
- More: northshoremums.com.au/events
Other markets happening Sunday 21 August:
11. Science in the Swamp
After a two-year hiatus, our ever-popular Science in the Swamp event returns to Centennial Parklands on Sunday 21 August – for a free family day out jam-packed full of science, fun and discovery!
This National Science week, learn about the Parklands, meet their native animal residents and let your curiosity guide you as Dickens Lawn transforms into a pop-up village of scientific delights. As you visit over 25 awe-inspiring stalls, you’ll meet real life scientists, biologists, geologists and researchers on a family day you won’t forget. It’s free to attend with food trucks, picnic areas and fun science activities to entertain both adults and children alike!
- When: Sunday 21 August, 11am-3pm
- Cost: Free
- Where: Loch Avenue, Centennial Park
- More: northshoremums.com.au/events
12. Inner West Brick Fair
View dozens of unique fan creations from over 20 Master Builders from the not-for-profit SydLUG (Sydney Lego Users Group), Adult Fans of LEGO (AFOL). Ask them questions about their hobby, their collections and the building techniques they use.
Get creative and enter the building competitions or purchase some new or old LEGO including current and newly-released sets, collectables, engraved bricks and vintage sets. There will also be jumping castles, slime making, art stalls, food and refreshments and much more!
- When: Sunday 21 August, 10am-4pm
- Cost: $5
- Where: Croydon Public School, 39 Young Street Croydon
- More: trybooking.com/events
13. Cool+Kind Boys: Mums and Sons Mini Retreats, Mosman
Amazing bonding and connection for mums and sons (8-14 years). Heidi teaches parents, kids and teens to be calm, confident, empowered and unstoppable with her mindfulness, mindset, resilience and positive self-talk techniques that are simple and actionable and able to be used everyday. She is a mum of a tween and teen, mindset specialist, yoga & mindfulness teacher, speaker, and author of the book MindFlip (also online course), and is super excited to share her upcoming mini retreats with you.
- When: Sunday 21 August, 3.30pm-5.30pm
- Cost: Earlybird $149 (2 people) Includes MINDFLIP Book
- Where: Bowling Club, Lane Cove
- More: northshoremums.com.au/events
14. Puppeteria Theatre presents The Jeral Puppets
Jeral Puppets in Castle Cove presents a series of Puppet Shows at 10.30am. On Sunday 21 August you can head along to see ‘Les Trois Petots Cochons’+’Le Petit Chaperon Rouge’ (In French).
- When: Sunday 21 August, 10.30am
- Where: 12 Denawen Avenue, Castle Cove
- More: northshoremums.com.au/events
15. Lightyear Sensory Screening @ Event Cinemas Hornsby
Come catch Disney’s latest ‘Lightyear’ with their sensory screening on Sunday the 21 August for just $6 per ticket.
They are proud to bring sensory friendly films to families living with autism and other sensory needs. Held monthly on a Sunday, sensory-friendly screenings allow families to enjoy their favourite films in a safe and accepting environment. With modified lighting and sound, the cinemas lights are dimmed and the movie volume lowered for sensitive ears to create the perfect sensory-friendly environment for you and your family.
Let them know you saw this ad on North Shore Mums to receive a free midi popcorn at the candy bar.
- When: Sunday 21 August, 10am
- Cost: $6
- Where: Event Cinemas, Hornsby
- More: northshoremums.com.au/events
More ideas of things to do this weekend
16. Upside Down House, Entertainment Quarter
It’s a house… Just UPSIDE DOWN! The ‘House Down Under’ seemingly defies gravity by remaining completely stable even though it’s been flipped onto its roof… and it’s your turn to check it out at The Entertainment Quarter in Moore Park. Very insta-worthy!
- When: Wednesday – Sundays (until 31 August 2022)
- Where: Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park
- More: northshoremums.com.au/events
17. Find a new playground!
If you’re willing to venture a touch beyond the North Shore, you’ll find this gem of a playground just waiting to be explored. And the best part? It’s walking distance from coffee! Head to Appletree Park in Cherrybrook to enjoy the newly planted grove of trees and set kids loose of the play space for all ages.
18. Head to a waterside cafe!
Want to know the best family-friendly spots around Sydney’s North Shore for a bite to eat near the water? We have some fabulous waterside cafes in Sydney for you to pop on your bucket list. Whether it’s a lake, the harbour, cove or a beach, there are lots of child-friendly cafes around the North Shore and Northern Beaches, so book a table and try somewhere new! See list.
