Looking for something free, fun and different to do with the family on weekends? Head to Powerhouse Castle Hill — it’s packed with giant machines, vintage planes, quirky inventions and loads of things to explore, touch, and talk about.
What is Powerhouse Castle Hill?
Powerhouse Castle Hill is like a behind-the-scenes version of a museum. It’s where the Powerhouse Museum stores and displays much of its massive collection across the arts, design, science, and technology. There are over 500,000 fascinating objects of national and international significance.
It features state-of-the-art facilities, housing cool exhibitions, tours and regular workshops. Best of all, entry to the museum is free and is open to the public every weekend.
What will you see?
Get ready for BIG objects – think old trains, classic cars, and even airplanes. There’s a visible storage area where you can peek into the museum’s vast collection and feel like you’re uncovering hidden treasures.
You’ll also find rotating exhibitions, interactive displays, and plenty to delight curious kids (and grown-ups!). Whether you’re into trains, space, robots, or retro tech, you’ll probably find something unexpected to love.
You might even catch conservation experts in action, restoring and photographing pieces behind the scenes. Don’t miss the huge photography space with a giant turntable used to snap large objects!
From 28 June, a new series will be launching called Powerhouse Materials. Guest curated by actor and advocate Chloe Hayden (known for her role as Quinn in Heartbreak High) will launch the series with a selection of textile objects from the Powerhouse Collection. To celebrate the launch, there will be a free opening event featuring live music, talks, object displays, tours, and workshops with guests including co-star Ayesha Madon (who will be performing her debut EP live), content creator Sam Todd and youth climate activist, Grace Vegesana. Entry is free and open to all ages — be sure to register your family’s spot!
The second instalment, Powerhouse Materials: Paper will be with renowned children’s author Andy Griffiths from November 2025.
During the school holidays, Powerhouse hosts fun, hands-on workshops for kids and the whole family. This winter, for example, there’s a drop-in workshop where participants can make their own soft toy as part of the new program Powerhouse Materials: Textiles.
Another option is a full-day hands-on design workshop called Powerhouse Academy: Curatorial Kids, where students learn about the creative and technical processes involved in bringing an exhibition to life.
In addition, there’s a three-day workshop for older students, run in partnership with Space Machines Company, one of Australia’s leading space technology start-ups. In this workshop, students explore how artificial intelligence is used in space. This program is designed for high school students in Years 10–12 (ages 15–18) who are curious about AI and generative tools, or who are considering a career in one of the world’s fastest-growing technology fields.
Find out more about the school holiday program here.
Who’s Powerhouse Castle Hill For?
Perfect for:
-
Curious and creative kids aged 5+
-
Parents who love clever inventions and cool history
-
Families looking for a screen-free adventure
-
Anyone who loves to say, “Whoa, look at that!”
Good to know info:
📍 Where: Powerhouse Castle Hill
🕒 When: Open weekends (and during school holidays – check the website!)
🎟 Cost: Free entry; some activities may require booking
🧃 Tip: Bring snacks or a lunchbox – there’s space to sit and relax
🌐 More info: powerhouse.com.au/visit/castle-hill
