Top Things To Do This October Long Weekend 2016

By: Alex Harmon, ellaslist

The labour day weekend is the unofficial launch of the festive season, when the warm weather commences and the countdown to Christmas begins. So what will you get up to this long weekend? We’ve got some top ideas for you and the family…

Source: Sydney Olympic Park

1. Activities, Activities!

Kids in the Park (24 September – 9 October) at Sydney Olympic Park will host over 60 creative, sporty and outdoor activities. Explore their hidden workshops, test your skills at Circus Solarus Dinosaur Dig and have fun at Games at the Armory. 

 

The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney will also hold a major sculpture exhibition, the Kaldor Public Art Project (26 September – October 1) where your kids can gain some new insights into Australia’s Indigenous culture and history. 

Luna Park play host to the Shopkins and Grossery Gang Village, featuring a Shopkins Swapkins Station, a Shopkins and Grossery Gang Museum and Treasure Hunt and more.

Halloween starts early at the Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary’s Spooky Seas.

Get crafty at Plaster Painting Studios, Entertainment Quarter so your kids have a life-long souvenir of their holiday.

2. Get Active

Bike riding is fun for the whole family. But knowing where to go with your little learners or bigger riders looking to explore further afield is key. We’ve put together some of Sydney’s best bike parks and bike trails for kids according to their ability.

 

Skyzone (Miranda and Alexandria) will put on a Holiday Camp at Skyzone hosted by Olympic trampoline silver medallist and head of Sky School coach Ji Wallace.

3. Go on a picnic

Sydney’s weather is looking mighty fine this long weekend, take the opportunity to relax and just enjoy the time out with the family at one of our favourite parks and picnic spots.

 

 

Or for a picnic with a twist, hire a row boat on Parramatta River.

4. Splash Around at a Waterpark

Speaking of warm weather, we’ve also found the most awesome FREE waterparks in Sydney. The kids can splash around in a safe, cool environment and you can watch from the shade.

 

Or if you want to make a really big splash, head to Wet n Wild. But before you go, read our tips on how to make the most of your time with kids under five.

Chelsea St Playground upgrade completed

5. Head to the Playground

A classic pastime for any child and it won’t cost you a thing. Here are some of the best loved fenced- off playgrounds in every corner of Sydney, that your child won’t even want to escape from!

 

Of course your kids might want to swing and climb something new, check out the Six of the Best New Playgrounds in Sydney

6. Take a Trip to the Beach

Another activity that won’t cost you much, apart from a few ice-creams of course! These are our top picks for little-people friendly beaches in Sydney.

 

Then quench your thirst at one of our favourite cafes by the water.

7. Check Out a Cool Museum

If the weather does turn nasty, use it as an excuse to take the kids to a museum. There are lots of fun events on over the weekend. Get crafty with dinosaurs at the Australian Museum’s inaugural Dinosaur Festival and make your very own dinosaur diorama to take home. 1-9 October 2016, 10.30am – 3.30pm ($5 per child, no pre-booking required).

 

Little scientific explorers will love the Powerhouse Museum where they can be part of Collider, the largest scientific experiment ever constructed.

Join Museums Discovery Centre for the first school holiday program at the newly opened museum in Castle Hill.

Explore the science behind the Big Bang at Sydney Observatory, there are lots of workshops and events for budding young astronomers.