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 Darling Harbour for the LEGO Play Event, and stop by National Maritime Museum for the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition. If you want to escape to the countryside, plan a family-fun trip to Galston Railway! And if you’re researching schools for your child, don’t miss the North Shore Schools Expo in Chatswood. 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. Looking for something a little different? World Play Day is coming on 10 August and with it, LEGO Australia is turning Sydney’s Darling Harbour into a playground with 20 life-sized LEGO Minifigures taking over the precinct until 14 August 2022.
Wondering where to send your child to school? The North Shore Schools Expo is back at The Concourse, Chatswood on Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 August 2022. This event is a great way to meet the many schools around the North Shore, and to find out more about how they might suit your child.
Join on the Tarpeian Lawn overlooking the breathtaking Sydney Harbour for three days of live music, food, Indigenous crafts, progressive art installations and traditional demonstrations at The Garden Social at Royal Botanic Gardens from Friday 12 to Sunday 14 August.
Looking for some family fun? Take the kids horse riding so they can giddy up and enjoy some time outdoors or The Galston Valley Railway is open to the Public this Sunday with trains running from 10am – 3pm continually throughout the day! Perhaps you’re in need of a little time away from the kids this weekend, here’s the best bottomless brunches on the North Shore!
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. Local markets this Friday 12 August
The Beaches Market, Warriewood
Located at Pittwater Rugby Club, Warriewood, The Beaches Market is one of the best Farmers and fresh Produce Market to be found in the Sydney region.
- When: Friday 12 August, 8am-12.30pm
- Where: 1472 Pittwater Road, Warriewood
- Cost: Free
- More: northshoremums.com.au/events
2. The Garden Social, Royal Botanic Gardens
Join on the Tarpeian Lawn overlooking the breathtaking Sydney Harbour for three days of live music, food, Indigenous crafts, progressive art installations and traditional demonstrations from Friday 12 to Sunday 14 August. You’ll experience inspiring performances from Indigenous musicians including singer-songwriter Christine Anu, renowned performer Pirritu, singer-songwriter Madi, R’n’B artist Ronnie Smith, and many more.
- When: Friday 12 – Sunday 14 August
- Friday – 5pm to 10pm
- Saturday – 11am to 10pm
- Sunday – 11am to 8pm
- Where: Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, Mrs Macquaries Road, Sydney
- Cost: Free
- More: northshoremums.com.au/events
3. 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
4. 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
Things to do in Sydney this Saturday
Wondering what to do around Sydney this Saturday? There’s lots happening!
5. LEGO Play Event
World Play Day is coming on 10 August and with it, LEGO Australia is turning Sydney’s Darling Harbour into a playground with 20 life-sized LEGO Minifigures taking over the precinct until 14 August 2022. Some of the most iconic LEGO Minifigure characters such as Benny the Robot and the Ballerina will be paying Sydney’s Darling Harbour a visit to help families and fans reconnect and play.
There will be something for everyone, whether that is moonwalking, break dancing, playing hide and seek or practising air guitar with your favourite Minifigure. What’s more, LEGO Australia will be unveiling a surprise friend built by the one and only LEGO Certified Professional in the Southern Hemisphere, Ryan ‘The Brickman’ McNaught to join the Minifigures, making this playdate one fans and families do not want to miss.
- When: Friday 12 – Sunday 14 August
- Where: Darling Harbour, Sydney
- Cost: Free
- More: northshoremums.com.au/events
6. Local markets this Saturday 14 August
Castle Hill Farmers & Fine Food Market
The Hawkesbury Harvest Farmers and Fine Food Markets run at Castle Hill Showgrounds on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month, from 8am-noon. These markets promote the importance of fresh seasonal produce, sustainable local agriculture, showcasing small business and introduce the many visitors to the wonders of The Hawkesbury region.
- When: Saturday 13 August, 8am-12pm
- Where: 131 Showground Rd, Castle Hill
- More: northshoremums.com.au/events
Other markets happening Saturday 13 August:
7. North Shore Schools Expo, The Concourse Chatswood
The North Shore Schools Expo is back at The Concourse, Chatswood on Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 August 2022. This event is a great way to meet the many schools around the North Shore, and to find out more about how they might suit your child.
To gain a better understanding of the individual strengths and differences between these excellent schools, parents are encouraged to attend the North Shore Schools Expo, held at The Concourse in central Chatswood. At the expo parents and families will be able to discuss their child’s specific educational needs with principals and teaching staff from many of Australia’s top schools.
Exhibitors include boarding schools, faith-based and secular schools, single sex and co-ed establishments.
- When: Saturday 13 – Sunday 14 August, 10am-4pm
- Cost: Free
- Where: The Concourse, Victoria 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 14 August
Organic Food Marks, Pittwater RSL
The Organic Food Markets are held every Sunday morning at Pittwater RSL from 8.30am to 1pm. The markets are a weekly gourmet food and produce market specialising in Certified Organic food, artisan gourmet produce and conventional fresh fruit & veg*, freshly baked bread and patisserie, seasonal produce from the farmer, salami, local and French cheese, smoked salmon and other delicacies, Aussie truffles…..in fact all the goodies you love to eat are at the markets, every week, rain or shine.
At these friendly community markets you will find everything to fulfil your weekly shopping needs and an exciting choice of fashion, home wares, plants and of course, eco-friendly, sustainable fair trade and healthy products.
- When: Sunday 14 August, 8.30am-3pm
- Where: Lane Cove Plaza, Burns Bay Road, Lane Cove
- More: northshoremums.com.au/events
Other markets happening Sunday 14 August:
11. Galston Valley Railway
Nestled in the bushlands on the outskirts of Galston, The Galston Valley Railway is a picturesque miniature railway, with 1km of track winding throughout the bush and up the hills. The Galston Valley Railway is open to the Public on the 2nd Sunday of every month.
Trains run from 10am – 3pm continually throughout the day. With all trains stopping at between 12:30pm and 1pm for volunteers to have lunch.
- Stationary Engine Display
- BBQ Stall ~ between 11.30am and 1:30pm.
- Canteen (tea & coffee, cold drinks, ice creams & lollies).
Entry is via pre-purchsed entry ticket only.
- When: Sunday 14 August, 10am-2pm
- Cost: $10
- Where: 29 Mid Dural Road, Galston
- More: northshoremums.com.au/events
12. Pymble Turramurra Preschool Fete
Pymble Turramurra Preschool 60th Anniversary Fete is on Sunday 14 August from 10am-2pm. Everyone is welcome! They will have a cake stall, BBQ, rides and games and petting zoo as well as a mega raffle. You can pre purchase a ride band and raffle tickets can be purchased via via Rafflelink.
- When: Sunday 14 August, 10am-2pm
- Cost: Free
- Where: Pymble Turramurra Preschool, Handley Avenue, Turramurra
- More: northshoremums.com.au/events
More ideas of things to do this weekend
13. Enjoy a bottomless brunch!
A bottomless brunch in Sydney is the perfect weekend excuse to kick up your heels. Ideal for a girlie afternoon, a hen’s celebration, a birthday, or even for no reason at all, you’ll love these lovely lunch and cocktail combos! Take a look at our list of the best bottomless brunches around Sydney’s North Shore.
14. Best Family-friendly Farms
Feeding the goats at Golden Ridge Animal Farm
Looking for the best farms near Sydney? If your children get excited at seeing the little ducklings, rabbits or goats whenever a kindifarm or petting zoo comes to the local fete or market, a trip to a ‘real’ farm is a whole lot better! We’ve compiled a list of the closest farms near Sydney, so your kids can experience the real thing…See farms
15. Horse Riding
Are you keen to take your kids horse riding around Sydney? There are some wonderful spots where children (and adults!) can take horse riding lessons, enjoy a pony ride or even host a pony birthday party! Here’s a lit of Sydney horse riding centres where you can giddy up!
