Looking for exciting family events this weekend in Sydney? We’ve rounded up the best activities happening across the city that will delight everyone from toddlers to teens and parents too. Our curated selection features festivals, workshops, outdoor adventures, and free activities that make for perfect weekend ideas in Sydney. Whether you’re planning ahead or looking for last-minute inspiration, these family-friendly events will create lasting memories without breaking the bank.
Top Family-Friendly Festivals in Sydney This Weekend
Sydney Family Food Festival
The Sydney Family Food Festival returns this weekend with a delicious array of family-friendly culinary experiences. Located at Darling Harbour, this festival combines food stalls, cooking demonstrations, and hands-on activities designed specifically for kids of all ages.
- Interactive cooking workshops for children aged 5-12
- Multicultural food stalls with kid-friendly options
- Live entertainment and music performances
- Face painting and craft activities
- Location: Darling Harbour
- Time: 10am – 4pm Saturday & Sunday
- Cost: Free entry (food purchases extra)
- Ages: Suitable for all ages
Discover cooking demonstrations, taste global cuisines, and enjoy family entertainment all weekend long.
Taronga Zoo Wildlife Weekend
This weekend, Taronga Zoo is hosting a special Wildlife Weekend featuring extra animal encounters, conservation talks, and interactive activities focused on Australian wildlife. It’s a perfect opportunity for families to learn about native animals while enjoying a day at one of Sydney’s premier attractions.
- Special keeper talks throughout the day
- Australian wildlife conservation activities
- Interactive animal encounters
- Wildlife-themed craft stations
- Location: Taronga Zoo, Mosman
- Time: 9:30am – 4:30pm daily
- Cost: Included with regular zoo admission
- Ages: All ages welcome
Get up close with Australia’s amazing wildlife and learn about conservation efforts in a fun, family-friendly environment.
Creative Workshops and Activities for Kids
Australian Museum Kids Workshop
The Australian Museum is hosting special weekend workshops where children can explore science, nature, and art through hands-on activities. This weekend features dinosaur-themed workshops that combine paleontology with creative expression.
- Dinosaur fossil discovery activities
- Create your own dinosaur sculpture
- Guided museum exploration
- Take-home activity packs
- Location: Australian Museum, CBD
- Time: Sessions at 10am, 12pm, and 2pm
- Cost: $15 per child (museum entry included)
- Ages: 5-12 years
Spark your child’s curiosity about prehistoric life through fun, educational activities led by museum experts.
Kids Cooking Class at Sydney Seafood School
The Sydney Seafood School is offering special family cooking classes this weekend where children and parents can learn to prepare simple, delicious seafood dishes together. These hands-on classes are designed to be fun, educational, and result in a meal the whole family can enjoy.
- Learn to make fish tacos and seafood pasta
- All ingredients and equipment provided
- Take home recipe cards
- Eat what you cook at the end of class
- Location: Sydney Fish Market, Pyrmont
- Time: Saturday 10am-12pm, Sunday 2pm-4pm
- Cost: $75 per adult-child pair
- Ages: Children 8+ with adult
Create delicious memories while learning valuable cooking skills in this popular parent-child workshop.
Free Family Events This Weekend in Sydney
Royal Botanic Garden Family Nature Trail
The Royal Botanic Garden is offering a special self-guided Family Nature Trail this weekend. Pick up a free activity map at the visitor center and embark on an adventure through the gardens, completing nature-based challenges and learning about local plants and wildlife.
- Interactive nature scavenger hunt
- Wildlife spotting opportunities
- Educational plant identification activities
- Beautiful harbor views along the trail
- Location: Royal Botanic Garden, CBD
- Time: 9am – 4pm Saturday & Sunday
- Cost: Free
- Ages: Suitable for all ages
Enjoy the beauty of Sydney’s gardens while engaging children in fun, educational outdoor activities.
Community Art Day at Museum of Contemporary Art
The Museum of Contemporary Art is hosting a free Community Art Day this weekend with family-friendly activities inspired by current exhibitions. Children can participate in guided art-making sessions led by professional artists, with all materials provided.
- Drop-in art-making stations
- Artist-led workshops throughout the day
- Family-friendly exhibition tours
- All materials provided
- Location: MCA, Circular Quay
- Time: 10am – 4pm Saturday
- Cost: Free
- Ages: Activities for ages 3-12
Inspire creativity and artistic expression in a world-class contemporary art setting with free family activities.
Outdoor Adventures for Active Families
Sydney Olympic Park Family Bike Day
Sydney Olympic Park is hosting a special Family Bike Day this weekend with guided rides, bike skills workshops, and a bicycle obstacle course. Bring your own bikes or rent them on-site for a day of active family fun in a safe, traffic-free environment.
- Guided family bike tours (10am and 2pm)
- Bike skills workshops for beginners
- Bicycle obstacle course and challenges
- Bike safety checks and maintenance tips
- Location: Sydney Olympic Park
- Time: 9am – 3pm Sunday
- Cost: Free (bike rental extra if needed)
- Ages: Suitable for all ages, training wheels welcome
Get active as a family and explore Sydney Olympic Park’s extensive bike paths in this special weekend event.
Coastal Explorer: Bondi to Coogee Family Walk
Join a guided family-friendly version of the famous Bondi to Coogee coastal walk this weekend. This special event includes nature guides who will point out marine life, explain coastal formations, and engage children with fun activities along the way.
- Guided 2-hour walk at a family-friendly pace
- Marine life spotting opportunities
- Environmental education activities
- Stunning coastal views and photo opportunities
- Location: Starting at Bondi Beach
- Time: 9am Saturday & Sunday
- Cost: $10 per person, under 5s free
- Ages: Suitable for ages 4+ (stroller-friendly sections available)
Experience Sydney’s iconic coastline with expert guides who make the journey engaging for the whole family.
Indoor Family Events for Rainy Weather
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium Special Programs
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium is offering special behind-the-scenes family tours this weekend. These interactive sessions give children a chance to learn about marine conservation, discover how the aquarium cares for its creatures, and enjoy close encounters with selected marine life.
- Behind-the-scenes family tours
- Interactive touch pools and feeding demonstrations
- Marine biologist talks designed for children
- Conservation-themed activities and games
- Location: SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, Darling Harbour
- Time: Special programs at 11am and 2pm
- Cost: Included with regular admission
- Ages: All ages welcome
Discover the wonders of marine life with special family-focused programs perfect for rainy weekend entertainment.
Powerhouse Museum: Science Spectacular
The Powerhouse Museum is hosting a Science Spectacular weekend with interactive demonstrations, hands-on experiments, and science shows designed to engage and educate children of all ages. This special event makes science fun and accessible through exciting activities throughout the museum.
- Live science shows throughout the day
- Hands-on experiment stations
- Robotics demonstrations and coding activities
- Space exploration zone with virtual reality experiences
- Location: Powerhouse Museum, Ultimo
- Time: 10am – 5pm Saturday & Sunday
- Cost: Included with museum admission
- Ages: Activities for ages 3-16
Ignite curiosity and wonder with hands-on science activities that make learning exciting for the whole family.
Plan Your Perfect Family Weekend in Sydney
Sydney offers an incredible variety of family events this weekend to suit all interests, ages, and budgets. From outdoor adventures along the coast to creative workshops, free community activities, and exciting indoor options for rainy weather, there’s something to delight every family member. Many of these events provide not just entertainment but also valuable learning experiences that children will remember long after the weekend is over.
For the most up-to-date information on family activities and weekend ideas in Sydney, check the official City of Sydney events calendar, which regularly updates with new family-friendly events, including last-minute additions not covered in our guide.
Discover Even More Family Events
Find additional activities, check for weather updates, and explore the complete range of family events happening in Sydney this weekend.
Whatever you choose to do, these family events provide perfect opportunities to create lasting memories together. We’d love to hear about your experiences – which Sydney weekend activities did your family enjoy most?
