The Sydney Christmas Parade
Sun 30th November 11:30am to 2:30pm (Parade) then 2:30 onwards (activities)
Free!
From Circular Quay to Tumbalong Park
The parade will end at Tumbalong park where there will be a Santa’s village set up. Activities will begin there from 10:30pm before the parade starts and all events will conclude at 7pm. The parade will feature all different kinds of floats, both local and international. There will be dancers and singers, cheerleaders, celebrities (including famous sports people) and cartoon characters. Getting there on public transport is recommended - the city will be very busy and parking is difficult and expensive. Watch the parade from anywhere along George St in the city, or on the big screen which will be at Tumbalong Park. Stay after the parade and join Santa Clause in his Christmas Cave - then have a photo with him to take home! Enjoy activities in the park until 7pm.
Visit www.sydneychristmasparade.com/faqs.htm for more info.

Bouncing Babies Story Time
Every Tuesday of school terms. Finishes 12th Jan 09
Campsie Library, 14-28 Amy Street, Campsie
Free!
For babies between 0 and 18 months. There will be stories, rhymes, songs and puppets and you can meet other mums and bubs.
Phone 97899243 or visit www.canterbury.nsw.gov.au

The Tram to Bondi Beach
Thursday, 6 November 2008 9.00am, 11.00 am, 12.30 pm and 2.00 pm
Randwick Town Hall, corner of Avoca and Frances Streets in Randwick.
Watch a stage adaptation of Libby Hathorn’s book The Tram To Bondi Beach. Aimed at children aged 5 to 11.

Phone 9314 4888 for more info

The Wiggles: The New Dorothy the Dinosaur Show
On various days in different locations between 3rd Nov and 14th Nov
All tickets $18
See all your favourite Wiggles characters in their latest show, Dorothy the Dinosaur! For show times, locations and ticket purchases, go to:
www.thewiggles.com.au/au/events/38
And be quick, tickets are selling fast!

Gumnuts
Wed 5th Nov
$3 per child
Parramatta Heritage Centre.
The Gumnuts activities are for 3 to 4 year olds. They are held monthly for one hour from 10:30am. There will be story tellings, craft activities and games for the children to participate in. Bookings are necessary and children must be accompanied by an adult.
Ph 02 8839 3323 for bookings

Dandy Lions: Wild Things
Thurs 6th Nov
The Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney
$8 for a family of 2 adults and 2 children
Kids up to 5 years old can enjoy garden craft, music, interactive gardening, music and plays every Thursday during the school term. Each month has a different theme and in November it’s “Botanical Senses”, where the kids will learn about the five senses – taste, touch, sight, smell and sound.

For more information and exact location, call 9231 8134.

The Magic Garden
1st to 30th November, between 10am and 5pm.
The Powerhouse Museum in Ultimo
$25 for a family, $5 for kids and $10 for adults.
Interactive activities for kids between 2 and 8 years old aimed to teaching them about being active and eating healthy. They can play in a virtual garden and hunt virtual animals.
www.powerhousemuseum.com or 9217 0111 for more info.

Kids Deck: Trash or Treasure?
$7 per child, adults free.
Take your kids on a worldly adventure as they explore the world from Sydney’s Maritime Museum. Join the groups between 11am and 3pm on Sundays during November. The kids can make their own souvenirs of each place they “visit” and take them home at the end of the day.

See www.anmm.gov.au or call (02) 9298 3777.

What’s On Sydney by Kelly Makhoul

Musical Rogues
Mon 6th to Friday 10th October, 10:00am to 11:30am.
Hyde Park Barracks Museum
$10 for the child and one adult gets in free
Dance and sing with the musical rogues, convicts and members of the church choir. Each child can make their own instrument to take home with them. Suitable for children aged 4 to 8 years.

Bookings are essential, go to www.hht.net.au

Splashers Swim School Open Day
Fri 10th October
Sutherland Leisure Centre
Free!
Get free swimming lessons and assessments. Join in relay and novelty races. Be a participant in the introduction to the new Goldfish Level swim class. The first 250 children get show bags. If you enrol into a swimming program today there is a chance to win a family holiday to Nelson Bay. All welcome, regardless of age or swimming ability.

Ph 8536 9777 or visit www.sslc.com.au for more info.

Sculptures By The Sea
16th October to 12th November
Along the Tamarama Beach to Bondi Beach Coastal Walk, Sydney
Free!
100 sculptures from 7 different countries will be displayed for all to see. Make it a day at the beach that’s a little more interesting and chill out on the sand after you and the kids have seen some incredible sculptures.

Just choose a nice day for the beach and take the Coastal Walk. For more details on location, distance, etc click here

Teddy Bears’ Picnic!
19 October (Sunday) 2008 – 10:30am
Rosehill Gardens.
Tickets are $15 each or $50 for a family of 4. This includes entry, all activities, entertainment and parking. All proceeds go to The Westmead Children’s Hospital.
A great day of family fun. See Alvin and the Chipmunks, Kung Fu Panda and the Marvel Superhero Show. There are free rides, jumping castles, face painting and the Bear Clinic, where you can fix your sick and injured teddies.

Book through Ticketmaster

The Kurrajong Scarecrow Festival
25 & 26 October 2008
Kurrajong (various venues)
Some events require tickets, others are free.
See Some traditional Kurrajong events, a concert on the village green and a scarecrow trail. There’s also a young talent quest, open gardens for charity and the spectacle of scarecrows. If that’s not enough, maybe you’ll enjoy the sheep shearing, reptile show, clowns, stage and village entertainment, stalls, children’s activities and more.

Click here for details (location, program etc.)

Ryde Epping Children’s Festival
26th October 10:00am - 2:00pm,
Darvall Park, Chatham Rd, West Ryde.
Unlimited rides pass $8 per child, $20 family pass.
Circus performers, magic shows, amusement rides, animal farm, jumping castles, pony rides, face painting and craft activities.

For info about Ryde Council and events click here

Eastern Suburbs Children’s Festival
26th October, 10:30am to 3:30pm
Waverley Park, Waverley
Free
Kids between 0 and 5 yrs of age can be let their imagination, creativity and free-play run wild, while their parents and carers join in the fun activities.

www.randwick.nsw.gov.au

Golden Ridge Animal Farm and S.O.S Aussies
Animal Farm 29th September to 4th October, S.O.S Aussies 6th October to 10th October
Southpoint Shopping Centre, 238-262 Bunnerong Rd, Hillsdale.
Free

For more info call the centre on 9311 3301

Family Fun Weekend
11th and 12th October
Coogee Bay Hotel, cnr Coogee Bay Rd and Arden St, Coogee
Free entry

For more info call the hotel on 9665 0000 or visit their website www.coogeebayhotel.com.au

What’s On Sydney by Kelly Makhoul

Teddy Bear’s Pyjama Party
Saturday, September 25th 2008 from 6pm to 7pm
Lane Cove Junior Library: 139a Longueville Rd, Lane Cove
Free!
A storytelling adventure, with a special visit from Walker Bear! Kids can join in the fun by wearing their pj’s and bringing along their favourite teddy.

Bookings essential. Contact Helen Rourke on 9911 3634. Go to www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au Click on Events Calendar then scroll to September.

The Dads are Great Celebration Day
Saturday, September 6th 2008 from 9am to 2pm
Lane Cove Plaza
Free entry, some free activities.
A day to make Dad feel important and celebrate the part he plays in your family. Enjoy a barbeque, free drumming workshop, live music, badge-making and face-painting.

Contact Lynne Slocombe Centacare, Broken Bay on 94882530 or email lslocombe@brokenbay.catholic.org.au
Go to www.lanecove.nsw.gov.auClick on Events Calendar then scroll to September.

The Kogarah 17th Annual Fair and Charity Bedrace
10:00am on Saturday 6th September
Railway Parade, Kogarah.
Free entry
An event to raise funds for the Emergency Unit at St George Hospital. There will be marching bands, all day entertainment, rides for the kids and more than fifty food and craft stalls. At 11am begins the hilarious and wacky ‘Battle of the Beds’ featuring the bed race heats, semis & finals

Contact: Jacinta Sunderland Kogarah Council (02) 9330 9424.
Web: click here

Festival of the Winds 30th Anniversary Kite Flying Extravaganza
Bondi Pavilion/Bondi Park
Sunday 14 September, 2008 11.00 am to 4.00 pm
Australia’s biggest kite festival, featuring a huge display of kites from local and international kite makers and flyers, as well as international guests who will be displaying their unique kite designs from India, Malaysia, China and Japan. Or fly your own kite! You can buy one from the stalls if you don’t have one, or make your own at the awesome craft stalls. There will be a multicultural entertainment program in the Pavilion Courtyard Amphitheatre and free music dance workshops.

The kids will love the rides, face painting, animal farm, wandering minstrels, jugglers, stilt walkers, puppeteers, clowns and craft workshops.

You won’t go hungry thanks to the multicultural food stalls that will be offering food and drinks from all over the world. If that’s a bit too exotic for you and the kiddies, be sure to enjoy sausage sizzle instead! Finally Bondi Pavilion Gallery, will host an aerial art exhibition. The gallery will be open daily for viewing from 10 am – 5 pm.

Contact The Bondi Pavilion Community Cultural Centre Queen Elizabeth Drive Bondi Beach 2026 Ph: (02) 8362 3400 Fax: (02) 83623420
Web: click here

Puppeteria Theatre
Sept 4th, 9th, 18th and 23rd at 10:30am. Also Sept 13th and 20th at 1:45pm.
12A Denawan Avenue Castle Cove
Tickets cost adult $13 and child $10.
A show “The Jeral Puppets” in Old MacDonald’s Farm for 2 – 5 year olds at 10.30am on September 4, 9, 18 and 23 and The Muddle Headed Wombat for 4 - 9 year olds at 1.45pm on September 13 and 20.

More info: Phone Puppeteria Theatre on 9371 7328 or www.puppeteria.com

Bush Babes – Pre-schoolers’ Bush Scrambles
September 11, 17 and 23 at 10am – 11.45am
Artarmon Reserve
Free (bookings are essential)
Start off with a bushwalk and see some of the local wildlife. Afterwards the kids will have story time while parents can have coffee/tea. Bring a snack for your little one and a mug for your cuppa.

More info: For bookings call 9777 7755

Naremburn Community Centre Open Day
Saturday 20th September
7-9 Central Street, Naremburn and is
Free.
Activities include face painting, guessing competition, sausage sizzle, arts and crafts and lots more.

More info: 9434 8814

Carnivale at Chatswood Library
Monday 22nd September – Friday 10th October
Free
Enjoy some multicultural story telling, interactive activities and displays.

More info: ph 9777 7900. To book, ph 9245 2484 or email education@mca.com.au.

Mini Mariners
The Australian National Maritime Museum, Darling Harbour.
Starting from Tues 2nd, will be Tuesday morning during school term from 10am-10.45am.
$7 per child (Adults and members of museum free).
For 2-5 year olds and their carers. Join in activities such as songs, stories, games and craft. Will be held in different parts of museum depending on the day’s theme, which changes at the beginning of each month. The theme for September is ‘Under the Sea’. Join Queen Pearl as she searches for some of the creatures that live with her under the sea. Sing songs about wibbly wobbly Jellyfish then make your own jellyfish mask to take home. For even more fun, come dressed as your favourite sea creature or mermaid
More info: ph 9298 3777 or visit www.anmm.gov.au.

Story-Time for Pre-schoolers, Beecroft
Tuesday and Friday mornings at 9-45am during school term from 2nd Sept
The Children’s Bookshop, Beecroft
Free
Come an have story time and meet Bronwyn Bancroft, an Aboriginal author and illustrator. She will share her children’s books with the kids.

More info: ph 9481 8811.

Powertots Playgroup
Powerhouse Discovery Centre, Castle Hill
The first Friday of each month from 10.30am—11.30am
$5, free for Powerhouse members and children under 4.
Kids under 5 years and their carers can enjoy a visit to the Display Store and a range of craft activities, storytelling and mini-tours themed around objects on display.

Bookings essential, limited numbers. ph 9762 1300.

What’s On Sydney by Kelly Makhoul

National Tree Day
Various Location - Sunday 27 July
National Tree Day is Australia’s biggest community tree-planting event.
Visit the website to see how you can get involved: www.treeday.planetark.com

Baby & Kids Market
Five Dock Leisure Centre - Sunday 27 July
This market offers a huge range of fabulous pre-loved baby and kids goods. Lots of bargins to be found - toys, books, prams, clothes etc. They also have family entertainment and great food!
For more info: www.babykidsmarket.com.au

Love Your Park - Colouring In Competition
Centential Park, 26 June to 25 July
To celebrate Work Environment Day kids aged between 5 and 12 years are invited to come and coulour in a Love Your Park illustration and explain their favourite part of Centenial Park.
Some great prizes on offer!
For more info: www.friends.net.au

Darling Harbour Jazz & Blues Festival
June 7-9 (long weekend)
The Darling Harbour Jazz & Blues Festival transforms Sydney’s most versatile and internationally acclaimed events hub into a musical extravaganza with the sassy, suave, and scintillating sounds of Blues, Swing, Big Band and New Orleans Gospel Jazz. This year’s star-studded line-up includes James Morrison, Katie Noonan, Deni Hines, Monica Trapaga and more. Darling Harbour. And it’s all free too!

More info: 1800 067 676 or www.darlingharbour.com

Discover Sydney’s newest urban park which is now home to painters, sculptors, art schools and a scuplture walk. Lower Georges Heights, Mosman is having an FREE open day on Sunday 11 November (10am to 5pm) where there will be art and craft demos, talks, outdoor painting and open studios, kids’ activities, live music and lots lots more.

Take along a picnic and enjoy the entertainment and spectacular view for a lovely day out.

Lower Georges Heights is located at the corner of Middle Head Rd and Cobbittee St and for more information check out the Harbour Trust website or call 02 8969 2100.

The Teddy Bears’ Picnic is a fun filled family day out which includes a range of activities for the kids such as face painting, hair spraying, a giant sand pit, rides, jumping castles and much much more!

Sunday 21 October
10:30am - 4pm
Rosehill Garden’s, Rosehill

With all proceeds going directly to The Children’s Hospital at Westmead you can have fun while supporting a good cause!

For more information visit www.teddybearspicnic.com.au or call 02 9845 1900. Tickets are $15 each or $50 for a family of four.

With the kids holidays in full swing, keep them busy by heading to Sydney Olympic Park. There are loads of free activities including Looney Tunes performances, kite-making workshops and a flying trapeze!

For more information visit - www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au

There’s a great deal to be had at the Manly Wharf Hotel where they are having ‘family hour’ from 5:30 to 6:30pm, Mondays to Thursdays! Kids meals are free with any adult meal purchase and includes kids favorites like mini pizza, fish & chips and good old chicken nuggets. There’s a great adults menu too so pop on down and enjoy it while you can!

www.manlywharfhotel.com.au