The Best Things to Do in Sydney This Weekend

Looking for the best things to do in Sydney this weekend? The city is buzzing with festive fun, family outings and free events.

Can you believe it's already Easter time in Sydney!? The first of many exciting Easter events and egg hunts are kicking off this weekend, so grab your baskets and Easter spirit! 

Get ready to splash all day atop everyone's favourite Jungle Boat. Dinosaurs have descended upon Sydney at the family-friendly Dinosaur Safari. Step into something sweet and immersive this weekend in Sydney at the enchanting Candy Forest. We've also got loads of ways to save this weekend with free kids' meals, free street festivals, free art shows and loads more. 

Have a good one, folks! 

The Best Things to Do in Sydney This Weekend

Things to do All Weekend in Sydney

1. Step Inside the Candy Forest

If your kids have ever dreamed of wandering through a real-life land of lollies, Candy Forest at The Vineyard Sydney is about as close as it gets. This colourful outdoor installation transforms the venue's lawn into a whimsical world where oversized sweets, playful displays and bright bursts of colour create a magical place for families to explore.

Opening 14 March and running until 19 April 2026, Candy Forest invites little adventurers to wander through enchanting pathways sprinkled with sweet surprises at every turn. It's designed as a relaxed, family-friendly experience where kids can roam, snap photos with the larger-than-life candy decorations and soak up the joyful, sugar-coated atmosphere.

Where:  725 Windsor Rd, Vineyard
When:   14 March to 19 April 2026, from 8 am to 10 pm
Cost:     FREE entry

2. See Dinosaurs Up Close at Dinosaur Safari

The wildly popular Dinosaur Safari at Sydney Zoo invites families to step through the gates and travel millions of years into the past, where towering prehistoric giants lurk around every corner. From the mighty T. rex to the three-horned Triceratops and the sky-scraping Brachiosaurus, these larger-than-life dinosaurs will have little explorers wide-eyed with excitement.

A jam-packed day of activities is on the agenda amidst the already exciting Sydney Zoo landscape. Keep an eye out for fascinating links between the animals we know today and their prehistoric ancestors. Kids can stomp along dinosaur footprints, discover fun facts, and dive into the adventure with The Lost Kingdom Trail — a dino-themed quest that turns the zoo into a prehistoric playground.

Where:  Sydney Zoo, 700 Great Western Highway, Bungarribee NSW
When:   14 March to 27 April 2026
Cost:     $49.99 per adult; $19.99 per child (3-15 years); under 2s go FREE

3. Explore the Waterways at Audley Boatshed

A visit to Audley Boatshed is a wonderfully relaxed way to spend a weekend with the family.

Tucked beside the Hacking River in the heart of Royal National Park, the historic boatshed lets visitors hire rowboats, kayaks or canoes and paddle through calm waterways surrounded by bushland and wildlife. Families can glide along the river spotting birds, turtles and maybe even a koala in the treetops, then pull up for a picnic on the grassy flats or grab a bite at nearby cafés. With peaceful scenery, gentle paddling and plenty of space for kids to roam, it's a simple but magical day out in nature just a short drive from Sydney.

Where:  150 Audley Road, Audley
When:   Open daily from 10 am to 4 pm
Cost:     From $40 per hour

4. Enjoy the Last Days of the Whimsical Balloon Story

 

It's your last chance to catch the whimsical Balloon Story installation at Sydney Olympic Park!

Closing on 22 March, Balloon Story invites Sydneysiders to step into an enchanting balloon universe where everything feels playful, dreamy, and a little bit magical. 

Sydney's rendition of Balloon Story features more than 400,000 balloons, transforming everyday spaces into a playful fantasy world filled with towering balloon creations, imaginative scenes, and surprises around every corner. Kids will be wide-eyed with excitement, parents will love the eco-friendly approach and artistry, and everyone will be swept up in the sense of wonder.

Where:  Sydney Showground
When:   Until 22 March 2026
Cost:     From $34.90 per child (3-12); $44.90 per adult

5. Scale the Treetops at Treetops Adventure

 

For something a little adventurous, Treetops Adventure makes for a brilliant weekend outing that gets everyone off the ground — literally! 

Set high among the trees in beautiful bushland locations around Sydney, this aerial playground is packed with rope bridges, climbing challenges, wobbly obstacles, and thrilling zip-lines that send you soaring through the canopy. Kids and grown-ups can tackle colour-coded courses suited to different ages and abilities, building confidence while having a blast in the fresh air. It's part obstacle course, part nature escape, and entirely unforgettable.

Where:  Multiple locations throughout Sydney — visit the website
When:   Open daily
Cost:     Priced per course

6. See COME FROM AWAY

The incomparable COME FROM AWAY production returns to the stage this weekend in Sydney.

The heart-lifting musical is based on the true story of what happened in the days following September 11, 2001, when 38 planes were unexpectedly grounded in the small town of Gander, Newfoundland.

As thousands of stranded passengers from around the world suddenly arrive, the local community opens their homes, kitchens and hearts to complete strangers. What unfolds is a powerful story of generosity, connection and humanity, told through a fast-moving ensemble cast who play both the townspeople and the "come from aways" (visitors).

With a stirring folk-inspired score, sharp humour and deeply moving moments, COME FROM AWAY focuses not on tragedy, but on kindness, showing how compassion can emerge in the most unexpected circumstances. 

Where:  Town Hall Theatre, Campbelltown​​
When:   13-22 March 2026 
Cost:     Adults from $49; kids from $45

7. Jump and Splash All Day Aboard Jungle Float

Sydney's splashiest activity, Jungle Float, is back this weekend in Sydney!

This unique floating water park is the only one of its kind in Australia, with three multi-level jumping platforms, a rope swing, both high and low trampolines, a waterslide, and a diving board.  Jungle Float will be floating at Clontarf and Balmoral Beach for the next few weeks and boasts some awesome water attractions for the whole family. Kids will love blowing off some steam at the fantastically fun floating water park in Sydney.

There are two lifeguards on board at all times, and lifejackets are available free of charge. The minimum age is 7, and all participants should be confident swimmers and comfortable with heights and jumping.

Where:  Clontarf Beach and Balmoral Beach
When:   Open weekends in March and daily throughout the April school holidays
Cost:     $37 per person for a 1-hour session

8. Go Autumn Fruit Picking

Spend a day on the farm amongst fruit-filled trees at Sydney's best fruit-picking farms.

With autumn underway, it's time to switch your focus to autumn fruits, such as apples, oranges, lemons, berries and even chestnuts!

Check out our list of the best farms for autumn fruit-picking near you.

9. Splash at Aquatopia Before it Closes for the Season

It's your last chance to have a splash-tastic day at Aquatopia before it closes for the season!

Brave riders can tackle the towering 10- and 20-metre giant water slides, including high-speed drops, twisty tunnels and even a heart-pounding Rocket Drop slide where the floor disappears beneath your feet before you plunge down a near-vertical slide. Friends can race side-by-side on the three-lane racing slide, while the Wave Rider surf simulator lets kids try body-boarding on rolling waves. There's also a huge 55-metre wave pool, the interactive Aqua Tower packed with splash cannons, fountains and a giant tipping bucket, plus a toddler splash zone for younger visitors. 

Where:  Prairie Vale Rd & Moonlight Rd, Prairiewood
When:   Open until 19 April 2026. See the calendar for days that are open and available time slots.
Cost:     Fairfield City resident: $16; Non-resident: $20; Children (3-5): $10

10. Enjoy Kids Eat FREE Deals at Sydney Restaurants

Who doesn't love scoring a freebie on the weekend? This weekend, lighten the load on your bank account by eating out at a Sydney restaurant where kids eat on the house!

From yummy seafood at Kickin'Inn to pub favourites at The Redfern, and mini cheeseburgers at Club Parramatta, these restaurants make dining out a little cheaper for Sydney families. 

Things to do on Saturday in Sydney

11. Kick Off Your Easter Celebrations at The Camden Show

 

Experience the true essence of a country show just an hour away from the hustle and bustle of Sydney CBD at the Camden Show!

From sunrise to sunset, the showground comes alive with two full days of family-friendly excitement. Witness wood-chopping competitions, show jumping and equestrian events, captivating cattle displays, and of course, sheep-dog trials. Explore the arts and crafts, marvel at the culinary delights in our cookery competitions, and discover a myriad of other engaging activities and exhibitions.

Where:   Onslow Park, Camden
When:    20 and 21 March 2026
Cost:      Adult (16y+) $36; Child (6-15) $21; Family (2 Adults + 2 Children 6-15yrs) $83; under 6s go FREE

12. Quakers Hill Festival of Colour 

 

Celebrate all things diversity, community and colour at the Quakers Hill Festival of Colour. Expect a veritable kaleidoscope of colour and fun as the suburb comes alive with festivities.

Enjoy a lively afternoon filled with music from South Asia, food and market stalls, and children’s activities. The highlight of the festival is the colour throw, where the sky bursts into a dazzling display of colour as the community comes together to celebrate unity and joy.

A range of children’s rides and amusements will be available on the day, including a giant slide, pirate ship, cup and saucers, and an obstacle inflatable. A DJ and Cricket NSW activities will be also be among the varied entertainment.

Where:  Quakers Hill Park, Maslin Cres, Quakers Hill. Access via Walker St.
When:   Saturday 21 March 2026 | 12 pm - 6 pm
Cost:     FREE

13. The Amazing Egg Hunt — WIN $500 in Chocolate Prizes!

We can't believe it's already time to start flexing our muscles for Sydney's epic Easter Egg Hunts! The first of this year's lineup kicks off this weekend in Sydney, and there's $500 in chocolate prizes up for grabs!

Hop into deliciously yours at Five Dock for a free, family-friendly Easter adventure when The Amazing Egg Hunt lands on Saturday, 21 March, serving up sweet surprises and more than $500 worth of chocolate prizes. 

The event kicks off at the beloved Five Dock chocolate shop, where participants collect their first clue before dashing off to nearby businesses to complete the hunt. Along the way, teams will gather goodies and solve clues before racing back to the store for the grand finale.

Where:  deliciously yours, Shop 4, 133 Great North Road, Five Dock
When:   21 March at 2 pm
Cost:     FREE — registrations required

14. View Amazing Talent at ARTEXPRESS 2026

Step into a world of creativity, imagination, and talent at ARTEXPRESS 2026 at the Art Gallery of New South Wales.

Every year, the Art Gallery of New South Wales hosts one of the most exciting events on the cultural calendar. The dynamic, highly-anticipated ARTEXPRESS 2026 exhibition is a kaleidoscope of ideas and emotions, spotlighting outstanding artworks created by Year 12 Visual Arts students from across New South Wales as part of their 2025 Higher School Certificate.

Visitors will discover an eclectic range of artworks that showcase impressive technical skill and imaginative thinking. Students have pushed creative boundaries across a wide variety of media, including ceramics, drawing, painting, sculpture, photomedia, graphic design, printmaking, textiles and fibre. The exhibition also features designed objects, documented forms, collections of works and time-based forms, giving families the chance to see just how many ways art can be expressed. Each piece reflects the stories and issues that matter to young people today.

Where:   Art Gallery of New South Wales, Naala Nura, (south building) Lower level 2
When:    Until 26 April 2026
Cost:      FREE entry

15. See the FREE Darling Harbour Fireworks Spectacular

Every Saturday night, the Sydney skyline comes alive with the stunning Fireworks Spectacular at Darling Harbour.

The weekly fireworks display is a must-do for families, as you can watch the dazzling lights light up the harbour, offering a perfect way to end your week with a bang. Bring the whole family for an evening of entertainment and excitement. The fireworks are perfect for kids and adults alike, making it a great way to spend quality time together.

Where:  Darling Harbour
When:   Saturday, 21 March at 8.30 pm 
Cost:     FREE

16. Shop Fresh Produce at Carriageworks Farmers Market

For more local market shopping, you can't beat the weekly Carriageworks Farmers Market.

Fresh produce, unique market finds, organic goods and more are available every Saturday at Sydney's premier fresh produce destination. Stroll the sheds and browse colourful stalls piled high with seasonal fruit and veg, fresh bread, pastries, flowers and handmade treats, all from local NSW growers and producers. There's plenty to nibble on as you go, making it ideal for little legs and curious eaters.

Where:   245 Wilson St, Eveleigh
When:    Saturdays from 8 am to 1 pm
Cost:      FREE

Things to do on Sunday in Sydney

17. Stroll Through the Manly Weekend Markets

 

Weekends in Manly come with a side of sea breeze, street food and treasure hunting at the Manly Weekend Markets.

Set just moments from the beach, these relaxed, family-friendly markets are perfect for a slow wander with kids in tow, looking at handmade goodies, quirky crafts, tasty treats and stalls full of little surprises you didn't know you needed. Little ones can snack their way through fresh pastries and sweet treats while parents browse artisan finds, local designs and beachy keepsakes. Bliss!

Where:  Sydney Road, Manly
When:   Open every Saturday and Sunday
               9 am to 5 pm (September-April)
               9 am to 4.30 pm (May-August)
Cost:      FREE

18. Shop at the Blacktown Drive-In Markets

 

The bustling Blacktown Drive-In Markets are a well-known weekend tradition in Sydney. Held every Sunday at the historic Skyline Drive-In in Prospect, the "car boot markets" are a vibrant blend of nostalgia and community.

Go in search of retro fashion, antique furniture, vinyl records, and memorabilia, or pick up your weekly fresh fruit and veg. Find it right next to Sydney's last remaining drive-in movie theatre.

Where:  33 Cricketers Arms Road, Prospect
When:   Every Sunday | 6:30 am - 2 pm 
Cost:     Entry is $2 - $5 5pp

FREE & Cheap This Weekend in Sydney

19. Splash at the New Laurie Ferguson Water Playground

There's a new playground in town to check out, and it includes playground AND water-play features!

The Laurie Ferguson Water Playground has officially opened at Granville Park in Merrylands, bringing an exciting new splash zone and upgraded play space for kids of all ages.

Part of a major revamp of the park's playspace, the refreshed water playground delivers a bigger, brighter, and more interactive water-play experience designed to get kids running, splashing, and exploring all day long.

Where:  Granville Park, 29 Montrose Ave, Merrylands

20. Stroll Through Sydney's Biggest Street Party

Sydney Streets is back for 2026 and sees the roads closed and families out in droves—the perfect weekend activity with a healthy dose of nostalgia!

Live acts draw curious crowds, DJs keep things buzzing, pop-up stalls invite spontaneous stops, and there's no shortage of snacks to fuel small (and not-so-small) festival-goers. Kids get room to explore, parents get to soak up the atmosphere, and the whole thing strikes that rare balance of lively yet laid-back. Come for a wander, stay for the vibes, and leave whenever the legs — or attention spans — start to fade.

Where & When:
21 March 2026 - Stanley Street, Darlinghurst, between Yurong and Crown streets
28 March 2026 - Harris Street, Pyrmont, between Pyrmont Bridge Road and Union Street, Pyrmont
Cost:  FREE

21. Feel Enriched at the Mind Body Spirit Festival

For four enlightening and inspiring days, the Mind Body Spirit Festival will be home to over 200 exhibitors at Sydney's International Convention Centre with unique products and gifts, including jewellery, cosmetics, music, books, clothing, crystals, and treatments.

From chanting and dance performances to meditation and messages from the spirit world and more, the Main Stage will be alive with free entertainment every day, and a series of seminars and workshops will feature a line-up of over 60 experts covering a diverse range of fascinating topics, including health, personal growth, and spiritual guidance. You can also book a psychic reading!

Where:   International Convention Centre, 14 Darling Drive, Sydney
When:    19-22 March 2026
Cost:      FREE

22. Ocean Lovers Festival 2026

Sydney's coastline is getting the spotlight it deserves with the return of the Ocean Lovers Festival this weekend in Sydney.

There'll be sunrise yoga by the water, Bondi ice baths that'll wake you up faster than your morning coffee, underwater nature trails, beach clean-ups and community events like Silver Surfers. It's all designed to help people connect with the ocean in meaningful ways while spotlighting the scientists, innovators and creatives working to protect it.

Across the Ocean Lovers program, you'll find a vibrant mix of talks, workshops, films, markets, guided tours and immersive experiences that unpack everything from marine conservation to ocean-inspired creativity.

Where:  Bondi Beach
When:   6-31 March 2026 
Cost:     FREE

23. Step Into the Mesmerising Super Nature Exhibition

For something inspiring, mesmerising, educational and free to do this weekend in Sydney, the Super Nature exhibition will certainly be a highlight.

Super Nature at the Art Gallery of New South Wales traces the evolving (and occasionally complicated) relationship between humans and the natural world. Drawn from the Gallery's own collection, the Super Nature exhibition unfolds across four distinct spaces, each examining a different point of intersection: where people and landscapes entwine; how gardens become sites of memory and reflection; the wildness that exists alongside — and within — us; and the cultivation of nature as a means of survival and sustenance. It's a colourful and thought-provoking exhibition for all ages.

Where:  Art Gallery of New South Wales, Naala Nura building, Lower level 2
When:   Until February 2027 | Open daily from 10 am to 5 pm
Cost:     FREE entry

More Things to Do in Sydney This Weekend

For families who can't get enough of Sydney, there's loads more to see and do with our handy ellaslist guides! For outdoor lovers, check out the Top Outdoor Activities in Sydney for Kids, Fun Family Fruit-Picking Venues, and Sydney's Best Family Beaches. If the weather is a little dreary, we've got you covered with Rainy Day Activities for all ages. 

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