National Science Week 2024: The Best Events Near You

Offering a week-long opportunity for everyone to talk science, see science and do science, National Science Week features more than 1000 events around Australia, including those delivered by universities, schools, research institutions, libraries, museums and science centres.

There are plenty of events no matter your scientific skillset; from kids and adults to science novices and science buffs, and everyone in between. Over one million people participate in science events across the nation—and you can too! 

We've rounded up the best National Science Week 2024 events in Sydney for the ultimate experience of educational family fun. 

National Science Week 2024: The Best Events Near You

When is National Science Week?

Running from Saturday 10 to Sunday 18 August 2024, National Science Week is bursting with engaging, immersive experiences just waiting to be explored. These events span in-person events, virtual tours, webcasts, talks, DIY experiments, quizzes, citizen science and competitions—meaning there's something for everyone. 

National Science Week Events

1. SciFest at UNSW

SciFest 2024 at the Roundhouse, UNSW is a FREE family event you won't want to miss! Kids of all ages will have a ton of fun, and engage in interactive activities and shows, live chemistry experiments and over 40 exhibitions.

Explore how creativity differs between humans and artificial intelligence, take a virtual trip across the universe in the immersive planetarium and dive into Ecosystem Encounters featuring reptiles, insects and amphibians! The National Science Week celebration offers a fusion of science and art that will inspire and delight curious kids.

Where:   Roundhouse, UNSW, Kensington
When:    16 August 2024 | 4 pm - 8 pm
Cost:      FREE but registration is required

2. Sydney Science Trail at the Australian Museum

Dive into the excitement of National Science Week with an action-packed schedule at the Australian Museum. Join in for an array of school excursions tailored for both primary and secondary students, as well as engaging community days perfect for the whole family.

Hosted annually by the Australian Museum, Botanic Gardens of Sydney, and our partners, this program is designed to ignite curiosity in kids of all ages. From exploring the wonders of the natural world to delving into climate change research and uncovering the environmental wisdom of First Nations peoples, there's something fascinating for everyone to discover and discuss this National Science Week. 

Where:   Throughout the Australian Museum, 1 William St, Sydney
When:    School Excursions: 12 – 16 August 2024
               Family Community Days: 17 – 18 August 2024
Cost:      Various depending on the event/activity 

3. The Science of Survival at Sydney Zoo

Step into the world of conservation with Sydney Zoo during National Science Week in 2024!

Now more than ever, species worldwide are facing threats, but Australian scientists are leading the charge to ensure their survival. Sydney Zoo's dedicated zookeepers are not only working tirelessly to conserve threatened species within our zoos but also in their natural habitats. They're sharing their knowledge with visitors every day, while citizen scientists are out in the field collecting valuable data for conservation efforts.

Get hands-on with engaging activities suitable for all ages, learn about animal threats and conservation efforts, discover how you can become a citizen scientist, and don't forget to grab your free Discovery Trail map to embark on an exciting conservation journey around the zoo. Plus, participate in the survival challenge from Saturday 10th to Sunday 18 August for a chance to win exciting prizes! With workshops and displays by experts in the field, there's something for everyone to enjoy and learn from.

Where:   Sydney Zoo, 700 Great Western Highway, Bungarribee
When:    10 - 28 August 2024
Cost:      FREE after zoo entry | Student entry and pre-booking apply for schools

4. Greater Sydney Parklands

Greater Sydney Parklands is holding two FREE family events this National Science Week - Science in the Scrub on Sunday 11 August and Science in the Swamp on Sunday 18 August. Get up close to a life-sized dinosaur, fly a mini helicopter, meet a menagerie of Aussie animals and watch science guru Dr Graham’s astonishing experiments including nitrogen-propelled flying teddy bears, a high-powered marshmallow launcher and guaranteed explosions.

This year, each event will feature more than 30 activity stations, including hands-on science experiments and the chance to learn from real-life scientists including geologists, zoologists and marine biologists!

Science in the Scrub
When: Sunday 11 August 2024, 11 am – 3 pm
Where: Lizard Log, Western Sydney Parklands
Cost: FREE
Parking: Free within Western Sydney parklands
More information HERE.

Science in the Swamp
When: Sunday 18 August 2024, 11 am – 3 pm
Where: Loch Avenue South, Centennial Park
Cost: FREE
Parking: Free within Centennial Park
More information HERE.

5. Rhodes Science Fair

The Rhodes Science Fair is bursting with things to see and do this National Science Week! 

Kids will be amazed by the mind-blowing Liquid Nitrogen Show, love joining in with the entertaining Robot Storytime, or dive headfirst into the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI)—plus plenty more interactive drop-in activities and captivating shows for the whole family.

Where:   The Event Space at The Connection, 30 Shoreline Drive, Rhodes
When:    Saturday 10 August 2024 |10 am - 2 pm 
Cost:      FREE | Bookings essential

6. Sydney Science Trail Excursions at Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

Bring excitement to students' learning at the Primary School Science Education Day at Royal Botanic Garden Sydney (this program also runs across the Australian Museum).  

Packed with live on-site activities, engaging workshops with hands-on learning, and thrilling stage shows, the Sydney Science Trail offers a program that will leave students buzzing with excitement.

Where:   Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
When:   15 August 2024 | 9.30 am - 2.30 pm
Cost:      $20 per student | Bookings essential

More Fun in and Around Sydney

Where Kids Eat Free In Sydney
12 Easy Self-Care Ideas For Busy Mums
Best Indoor Playgrounds in Shopping Centres in Sydney

Have you signed up for our newsletter? Join ellaslist to get the best family and kid-friendly events, venues, classes and things to do NEAR YOU!