Science in the Scrub. Western Sydney Parklands. Sunday 10 August. 11am to 3pm.
Science in the Scrub is a free, family-friendly event taking place on Sunday 10 August at Lizard Log in Western Sydney Parklands, as part of National Science Week.
For one day only, Lizard Log will be transformed into a vibrant pop-up village of scientific wonder. Visitors can enjoy live science shows, hands-on experiments, native animals, and more than 30 interactive stalls offering fun and discovery for all ages. A highlight of the day will be a life-sized roaming dinosaur and the opportunity to meet real-life scientists who are passionate about sharing their knowledge.
Science in the Scrub offers a unique chance for families to explore the wonders of science in the great outdoors. With free entry and no registration required, it’s the perfect way to spend a Sunday immersed in curiosity and learning.
Event highlights include:
- Meet a dinosaur – Get up close to crowd-favourite Ginger, the life-sized Australovenator dinosaur, who returns in 2025.
- Creative Science show – A mind-blowing science show teaching physics, biology and space science with guaranteed explosive fun and astonishing experiments.
- The Young Entomologist Lab – an interactive space where kids can use bug nets and catchers to collect and investigate invertebrates.
- Aboriginal Science Village – Explore natural dying, seaweed harvesting, medicinal plants and bush cordial tasting to Science in the Scrub for the first time.
- Museum of Fire – Museum of Fire pop-up stall and vintage vehicle display.
- Meet a Scientist, Inspiring Australia NSW – Researchers and scientists from various local universities will wow the Science Week crowd with demonstrations, experiments and displays.
Thornleigh Model Railway Exhibition. Saturday 9 August, 9am to 5pm and Sunday 10 August, 9am to 4pm. Thornleigh Community Hall.
Galston Valley Railway Open Day. Sunday 10 August. 9.30am – 3pm.
Run by the Hornsby Model Engineers’ Co-operative, Galston Valley Railway is an amazing and unique experience, particularly if you have a train fanatic in the family! It’s a miniature railway with a main line length of about 1km running through a picturesque bush setting, with a mix of steam and diesel trains. You can pack a picnic and grab one of the picnic tables to have morning/afternoon tea or lunch in between train rides. There are DIY BBQs you’re welcome to use or grab a sausage sandwich from the stall that runs on the open day once a month if you’re not up for bringing everything with you. (Sausage stall open 12 – 1.30pm.) You can also purchase tea/coffee and cold drinks from the canteen. More information can be found here.
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 what you pick. Also, things can 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.
- Castle Hill Farmers and Fine Food Market – Saturday 9 August. 8am to 12pm. Castle Hill Showground.
- Dural Village Markets. Sunday 10 August. 9am to 1pm. Dural Country Club.
Other ideas
- Blacktown Family Fish In. Friday 8 August and Saturday 9 August. Mount Druitt Swimming Centre.
- Kenthurst Preschool Fete. Sunday 10 August. 10am to 3pm.
- Powerhouse Castle Hill. Open every Saturday and Sunday. From 10am.
- Rouse Hill Estate open to the public. Every Sunday. 10am to 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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