There’s loads happening this August! We’ve compiled a list of the most family-friendly events around.
Moocooboola Festival
When: Sunday 6 August from 10am to 4pm
Where: Boronia Park Ovals
Details: Moocooboola Festival is back at Boronia for 2023! This year, Hunter’s Hill Council looks forward to staging this premier community festival back at Boronia Park Ovals on Sunday 6 August from 10am to 4pm. Save the date in your family calendar to enjoy the array of carnival attractions, rides, live performances, entertainment, a market bazaar, kids’ zone and the crowd-favourite dog show. With a mix of both free and ticketed activities, Moocooboola Festival will have something for everyone to enjoy.
Creatures of the Ice Age
When: On until 27th August, 9am – 5pm
Where: Sydney Zoo – 700 Great Western Highway, Eastern CreekAnderson Park, Meadowbank
Details: Get ready to chill with the coolest gang in town! Creatures of the Ice Age have emerged from their frozen hideaways and have made themselves at home at the NEW Sydney Zoo in Eastern Creek.
Grab your map and embark on an icy adventure as you encounter life-size, moving creatures of the Ice Age. Marvel at the towering presence of the Woolly Mammoth, meet the majestic Glyptodon, witness the power of the Woolly Rhino, and feel shivers down your spine as you discover the fearsome Sabre-Tooth Tiger.
In addition to the awe-inspiring animals, Creatures of the Ice Age offers a range of exciting frostivities for the whole family. Visit the thrilling Rides Zone or the Craft Village to create your own custom snow globe. Glide, spin and twirl on the Ice rink. Plus, If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the elusive Abominable Snow Man for a unique photo opportunity.
Creatures of the Ice Age is FREE with zoo entry and kids tickets are only $19.99
But hurry – this extraordinary experience is on for a limited time only. Discover the wonders of the Ice Age before it melts away!
Buy tickets now at sydneyzoo.com
Ryde Wharf Markets
When: Sunday 13
Where: Anderson Park, Meadowbank
Details: The Ryde Wharf Market, run by Cambridge Markets, is on the 2nd AND 4th Sunday of every month from 9am-2pm at Anderson Park, Meadowbank. You’ll find dozens of stalls covering:
fresh baked breads and treats
antipasto
Fresh flowers
fruit & veg
delicious desserts
wines and spirits
international food stalls ranging from gozleme to dumplings
2 coffee carts
women’s clothing and accessories + jewellery
homewares and candles
baby and kids clothes/accessories
plant stall
pet accessories and treats
We recommend parking on Waterview St Putney and walking via the underpass.
You’re welcome to bring your 4 legged friends as long as they are on a lead – they would probably love to browse the pet stalls!
City2Surf Fun Run 2023
When: Sunday 13th August
Where: Sydney to Bondi
Details: Lace up your running shoes and get ready for the iconic City2Surf Fun Run in 2023! Join tens of thousands of enthusiastic participants from all around the world in one of the largest and most scenic running events on the planet. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete, a casual runner, or a walker looking for a great time, this event promises an unforgettable experience.
The Course: Take on the challenge of the 14-kilometer (approximately 8.7 miles) course that starts in the heart of Sydney’s bustling Central Business District at Hyde Park. As you weave through vibrant neighborhoods and iconic landmarks, you’ll soak in the breathtaking views of the city’s skyline and the beautiful coastline. The journey culminates at the world-famous Bondi Beach, where a sea of cheering spectators awaits to celebrate your achievement. Feel the rush of adrenaline as you cross the finish line and bask in the sense of accomplishment that comes with completing this incredible race.
More than fun and challenging, it is a fundraising event. Since 2008, when the fundraising tally was first recorded, participants have raised over $48 million for charities in need.
Inclusive Sports Day
When: Tuesday 15 August, 10am – 12.30pm
Where: City of Ryde’s Ryde Aquatic Leisure Centre
Details: Inclusive Sports Day gives kids the chance to try sports they might otherwise miss out on. Providing a fun and inclusive environment, this event is aimed at kids aged 5-18 with learning difficulties, intellectual, and sensory and physical disabilities.
Participants will be able to try a range of modified sports, use adaptive equipment and get specialised coaching while making new friends and getting exercise.
This event will be hosted at the City of Ryde’s Ryde Aquatic Leisure Centre indoor stadium on Tuesday 15 August, 10am – 12.30pm.
Family Science Day, Parramatta
When: Saturday 19 August, 10am – 3pm
Where: Parramatta Square and PHIVE
Details: Are your kids budding scientists bursting with curiosity? Bring them to Family Science Day in Parramatta where they can experience a world of ideas through workshops, demonstrations, and hands-on activities.
The City of Parramatta is proud to partner with Powerhouse to bring you Family Science Day, as part of the Sydney Science Festival.
Join in for an exciting and educational day of free family-friendly science workshops and activities.
The event is free. Register here for the PHIVE activities. The Parramatta Square activities are free-flowing and registrations are not required.
West Ryde Mini Trains
When: Saturday 19th August 1-3.30pm
Where: Corner of Anthony Rd and Betts St behind West Ryde Shopping Centre
Details: Great fun for young and old, the West Ryde Mini Trains are a local treasure. Held on every 3rd Saturday of the month from 1-3.30pm, the Sydney Live Steam Locomotive Society is still located at the original site where it formed in 1948 – on the corner of Anthony Rd and Betts St behind West Ryde shopping centre.
Here you’ll find you can find 3 miniature train tracks with ride-on trains hauled by miniature steam locomotives. The park grounds are a popular location for children’s birthday parties or small group afternoon gatherings.
Auburn Botanic Gardens Cherry Blossom Festival
When: 19-27 August 2023 at 9am to 5pm
Where: Auburn Botanic Gardens
The Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival makes headlines across Australia every year with thousands experiencing a ‘Slice of Japan’ in Western Sydney.
Held across nine days, the show stopping event offers the rare spectacle of pink cherry blossom trees also known as ‘Sakura’ in full bloom, located in the iconic ‘Cherry Trail’ within the traditional style Japanese Garden.
Celebrate Japan’s traditions and pop culture with an exciting program of activities, workshops and performances and discover some of the best Japanese inspired food at the Japanese Food Village.
Cost: $13.50 (Free for residents of Cumberland Council area)
Ferragosto
When: Sunday 20th August 2023, 10am–5pm
Where: Great North Road, Five Dock
Details: Sydney’s most loved Italian street festival is back bigger and better than ever in 2023! Join in at Great North Road, Five Dock from 10am–5pm on Sunday, 20 August to experience the best of Italian food, culture, and entertainment in our very own backyard.
Plus there’ll be free children’s rides and activities, live cooking demonstrations, vehicle displays, spectacular dance and music performances, and more. Buon Ferragosto!
Wentworth Point Markets
When: Sunday 20th August
Where: Wentworth Place, Wentworth Point
Details: Wentworth Place and the town square will come alive from 9am-2pm with monthly markets thanks to Cambridge Markets!
There is so much on offer – you will be spoilt for choice. Enjoy delicious international food stalls to food products, plants and homewares, pet accessories (bring your furry friends along) barista made coffee (hooray), activities for the kids, cake, breads, beautiful things for the home, and, of course, delicious brunch and lunch stalls. There is live music and lots of tables and chairs so you can sit back and relax.
Come along to this very popular and friendly market and enjoy the outdoors. Free parking for 3 hours, entry is 1 Burroway Rd Wentworth Point or why not catch the Ferry and get off at Sydney Olympic Park Wharf.
Stranger Things Trivia 
When: Saturday 26 August 7pm
Where: The Epping Club
Details: Prove yourself as the number one Stranger Things super fan with a quiz designed to explore the upside-down world of 1980’s Hawkins and its supernatural happenings…
Bookings are essential with your ticket price redeemable over the bar for food and drinks on the night (so basically it’s free!).
Strictly limited and this event will sell out. Bring your mum friends for an awesome night out OR bring your teens and tweens and be the coolest mum on the block (for one night only anyway…,) just don’t miss out!
Penrith Show 2023
When: 26 August 2023 at 9am – 10pm
Where: 141-147 Station Street, Penrith
Details: The 2023 Penrith Annual Show is gearing up to be an unforgettable event, offering an incredible variety of entertainment, attractions, and activities. From the musical extravaganza of Country Rocks Friday to the awe-inspiring fireworks on Saturday and the adrenaline-pumping Demolition Derby on Sunday, the show promises excitement at every turn. Don’t forget to explore the School Ag Display, savor the delicious food, witness extraordinary talent, enjoy thrilling rides, and make time to visit the Animal Nursery, Piggy Racing, and Reptile Display throughout the entire weekend. Mark your calendars for the 25th, 26th, and 27th of August 2023 and get ready to create cherished memories at the 178th Penrith Annual Show.
