Sorry Charles, whilst this is the fourth ever King’s birthday long weekend since we’ve been alive, it’ll never be as good as the Queen’s Birthday long weekends of our childhood! In days of old, the Queen’s birthday long weekend involved crackers, bonfires and lots of them! As kids, we were always dressed in highly flammable plastic parkers and dressing gowns, standing way too close to crackers being let off by dads who had consumed too many Reschs or VB tinnies. We’re not sure why they banned them, ha ha! Party poopers! We’ll be grabbing a pack of sparklers and glow bands for old time’s sake this weekend. Here are some other ideas for you.
GLOW at Sydney Zoo. Friday 8 May through to Sunday 14 June.
Step through a glowing portal and be transported into a world of stunning NEW lights and interactive moments at Sydney’s wildest light festival. You will walk under a sky shimmering with stars, follow paw prints, spot clues in the lights, play with projections, and gaze at the towering full moon. Watch the zoo come alive in an unforgettable display of light, sound, and motion – fun for all ages.
Stop by the crackling campfire and grab a tasty bite, then enjoy more sweet treats and drinks along your journey. Head to the GLOW Zone for thrills and non-stop fun – open to all guests, with or without a GLOW ticket.
Click here to buy tickets.
Sister Act – A divine musical comedy. Blackout Theatre Company. From 5 June to 14 June. Pioneer Theatre. Castle Hill.
Get ready for a night of laughter, music, and feel-good fun as Blackout Theatre Company brings the smash-hit Sister Act The Musicalto the Pioneer Theatre in the Hills! 5 – 14 June.
Based on the beloved film, this high-energy production follows disco diva Deloris Van Cartier as she’s placed in protective custody in a convent—where she unexpectedly transforms the choir and discovers the true power of friendship, belonging, and finding your voice. Packed with dazzling costumes, powerhouse vocals, and unforgettable songs inspired by Motown, soul and disco, this is a show that will have the whole family smiling from ear to ear. Whether you’re planning a girls’ night out, a date night, or a fun family outing, Sister Act is the perfect local theatre experience right here in the Hills.
Book your tickets HERE
Lightfields at The Vineyard. Opening 1 June. From 4pm daily.
Lightfields is a walk-through lantern experience at The Vineyard, opening this winter in North-West Sydney. Wander past glowing sculptures, illuminated characters and larger-than-life installations after dark. From farmyard favourites to hidden surprises along the trail, there’s something to discover around every corner.
Open nightly from 1st June. Sessions from 4pm. Entry from $5 per person.
Buy tickets now, select the month you’d like to visit. Find out more here.
All Things British at the Australiana Pioneer Village. Sunday 7 June and Monday 8 June. 10am to 4pm. Wilberforce.
The Australiana Pioneer Village will be open from 10am–4pm on Sunday 7 and Monday 8 June 2026, with last entry and rides at 3pm. Entry is $10 for adults, $5 for children, carers and seniors, and free for children under 3, with a family pass available for $25. Visitors can enjoy free parking, free BBQ facilities, heritage buildings, shops, animals, demonstrations, train rides, tractor hayrides, games and live entertainment across the Village’s 28 acres.
On Monday 8 June, the Village will celebrate All Things British Day, featuring a visit from the Village King, Royal Games, hobby horse races for children and a tea bag toss for adults. Visitors can also take part in activities such as making a Union Jack flag, hunting for pictures of King Charles, creating a convict ID card, butter churning, flour grinding and copperplate writing, while enjoying the Village’s regular program of tours, demonstrations and family-friendly attractions.
Pick your own fruit
Throwing all the kids in the car and heading off fruit picking is a great activity that the whole family can enjoy! It’s a great way to show kids where their fruit comes from while also being out in the sunshine and fresh air. We’re lucky here in the Hills to have fabulous farms right on our doorstep so the journey isn’t too far – as we all know, with young kids there’s no such thing as enjoying a long, leisurely drive!
Here are our tips for places to visit this Winter. Most places charge a price for for what you pick. Also, things change due to seasons and weather, so make sure you check the farm’s website or Facebook page for opening times before you set off. And don’t forget to take your own bags.
Other ideas
- The Late Lunch at Bella Vista Hotel. For bookings visit www.bellavistahotel.com.au. Taking over Bella on Sunday, 7 June, this special 4 hour event will feature a curated lunch menu, reserved table seating and 90 minutes of bottomless drinks, all set against the signature Bella atmosphere.
- Bella Vista Farm Open Day. Sunday 7 June. 9am to 2pm.
- Rouse Hill Estate open to the public. Every Sunday. 10am to 4pm.
- Powerhouse Castle Hill. Open every Saturday and Sunday. 10am – 4pm.
- Go for a bush walk. Here are our favourite kid friendly bush walks in the Hills.
- Go for a bike or scooter ride. Parks in the Hills with bike and scooter paths.
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