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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 big-ticket events.
Autumn school holidays are in full swing, which means we're here to help with the perfect school holidays itinerary! There are FREE movies under the stars for the whole family, the jaw-some Dinosaur Safari, a colourful Putt Putt Playground, Sydney's biggest floating waterpark, and a brand-new pump track. Plus, Disney's The Lion King AND Anastasia The Musical are in town!
Have a good one, folks!
The Best Things to Do in Sydney This Weekend
Things to do All Weekend
Things to do on Saturday
Things to do on Sunday
FREE & Cheap This Weekend in Sydney
Things to do All Weekend in Sydney
1. Join the Putt Putt Playground at Marrickville Metro
Swing into the school holidays with the Putt Putt Playground at Marrickville Metro, where mini golf gets a playful twist. This pop-up course is packed with five cheeky themed greens, each bringing its own surprises, tricky turns, and plenty of laughs along the way. It is the perfect activity to keep kids moving, engaged and entertained.
Designed for kids aged 4 and up, this family-friendly mini golf experience welcomes all skill levels, whether your little ones are lining up their very first putt or taking on mum and dad with some serious skill. Clubs and balls are provided, and bookings are recommended to secure your spot.
Where: Marrickville Metro, Smidmore St., Ground Floor, outside Panetta Mercato
When: 9-18 April 2026 | 10 am – 2 pm
Cost: $5 per player
2. See Disney's The Lion King Live on Stage
Can you feel the love tonight!? We certainly hope so, because Disney's The Lion King musical is finally coming to the stage this weekend in Sydney!
From the spine-tingling opening notes of "Circle of Life" to the awe-inspiring parade of animals through the aisles, this visually stunning production transforms the stage into the African savanna. With unforgettable music, ingenious puppetry and a story that tugs at the heartstrings, it's a standout thing to do in Sydney this weekend that'll leave audiences of all ages utterly enchanted.
Where: Sydney's Capitol Theatre
When: From 18 April to 9 August 2026
Cost: Tickets range from $80 to $145
3. Take a Spin at the New Deepwater Pump Track
There's a new pump track to check out this weekend in Sydney! The Deepwater Pump Track is opening on 15 April and is sure to be a hit with kids of all ages.
Purpose-built by Canterbury-Bankstown Council in partnership with the NSW Government, the Deepwater Pump Track is designed for bicycles and scooters, featuring smooth rollers, sweeping corners and multiple riding lines that promise endless hours of excitement.
For kids and adults chasing speed, mastering tricks, or simply building confidence on two wheels, this state-of-the-art circuit delivers fun at every turn. There's also a cool new playground at Deepwater Park Playspace to add to your itinerary!
Location: Corner of Maxwell Avenue and Henry Lawson Drive, Milperra
4. Experience Erth's Dinosaurs at Sydney Opera House
Dinosaurs are making a mighty comeback at the Sydney Opera House, and families are in for something seriously spectacular!
From the creative masterminds who've been thrilling audiences with jaw-dropping dinosaur performances for more than 35 years, Erth's Dinosaurs is roaring in with a brand-new show that promises heart-pounding excitement, laugh-out-loud moments, and heaps of unforgettable encounters. Using breathtaking life-sized puppetry and cinematic storytelling, this incredible production places you right in the middle of the action as colossal prehistoric creatures stomp, snarl, and spring to life before your eyes.
Where: The Playhouse, Sydney Opera House
When: 8-19 April 2026
Cost: From $45
Age guide: Recommended for ages 5+
5. School Holiday Fun at Australian National Maritime Museum
Dive into a program full of discovery and adventure at the Australian National Maritime Museum during the autumn school holidays.
Imagination meets the sea with their collection of real-life vessels, plus a packed program of exhibitions, hands-on workshops, themed creative activities and more. It's a whole day of fun for the whole family!
Where: Australian National Maritime Museum, 2 Murray St, Sydney
When: -
Cost: Entry - Adults $35, Child $25, Under 4s FREE. Family $89.
The school holiday program includes a mix of FREE and PAID activities.
For more school holidays fun, check out these awesome activities.
6. See ANASTASIA The Musical
Sydney is in for a truly magical theatre moment with ANASTASIA, the Broadway Musical, arriving at the Lyric Theatre this weekend in Sydney!
This stunning stage spectacular is the first Australian season of the hit musical inspired by the beloved story, blending romance, adventure, history, and heart as it follows a brave young woman named Anya on her quest to uncover the mystery of her past after the fall of Imperial Russia. Along the way, she teams up with a charming conman and a lovable ex-aristocrat, and together they journey across Europe in search of home, love and family, all set to a soaring score that includes unforgettable songs like Journey to the Past and Once Upon a December.
Where: Sydney Lyric, 55 Pirrama Rd, Pyrmont
When: From 7 April to 5 July 2026
Cost: From $139.90
Age Guide: Recommended for ages 7+
7. Explore the New Hornsby Park
If you're keen to get out and about in nature, we've got the perfect outdoor thing to do this weekend in Sydney. Hornsby Park is Sydney's cool new quarry park that was built inside an old quarry!
Families can explore to their heart's content at Hornsby Park's new facilities, including The Crusher Plant Precinct, a public space where you can walk, explore and actually take in the scale of the new park. The new Southern Lookout stretches out across the former quarry and surrounding bushland, and really gives kids a sense of just how big this place is. For families who like to keep moving, the Heritage Steps add a bit of adventure. They connect the precinct to the area near Hornsby Aquatic and Leisure Centre and wind through bushland on the way down.
There are also loads of grassy areas for kicking a ball around, picnic shelters for shade, and BBQ facilities if you're planning to stay a while.
Location: Quarry Road, Hornsby
8. See Creative Mischief at Banksy Limitless
One of the world's most famous cultural icons, Banksy is bringing a creative and rebellious edge to the Sydney art scene in 2026.
Banksy Limitless brings together hundreds of works inspired by the world's most famous anonymous street artist, spanning murals, sculptures, installations and digital displays that explore Banksy's satirical take on politics, pop culture and modern life.
For families, the fun lies in the exhibition's interactivity and visual playfulness. Explore large-scale installations, immersive rooms and even a state-of-the-art hologram experience that reimagines Banksy's world in a whole new way. One of the standout spaces recreates the lobby of the artist's provocative Walled Off Hotel in Bethlehem, allowing visitors to step inside one of Banksy's most talked-about projects.
Where: 155 George Street, The Rocks
When: 1 April to 1 July 2026 | Open daily
Cost: $42 for adults; $30 for children
9. Get Up Close to Dinosaurs 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: Until 27 April 2026
Cost: $49.99 per adult; $19.99 per child (3-15 years); under 2s go FREE
10. Watch the Super Mario Galaxy Movie
It's the moment all Sydney kids have been waiting for: the Super Mario Galaxy Movie hits cinemas!
The perfect thing to do this weekend in Sydney, the Super Mario Galaxy Movie is the sequel we've been waiting for, and is rumoured to be even better than the first Super Mario movie! The star-studded voice cast features Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day, Jack Black, Keegan-Michael Key, Benny Safdie, Kevin Michael Richardson and Brie Larson.
Bright animation, fast-paced action and plenty of cheeky humour make this a school holiday must-see for kids and nostalgic grown-ups.
Where: Cinemas across Sydney
When: From 1 April 2026
Cost: Price is dependent on location
11. 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
Things to do on Saturday in Sydney
12. Say Yeehaw at the Sydney Rodeo
The rodeo is in town, folks and is a boot-stomping good time to have this weekend in Sydney!
Sydney Rodeo is ridin' into Blacktown Showground this Friday and Saturday in Sydney and sees Australia's best cowboys and cowgirls going head-to-head in heart-racing bull riding, saddle bronc, bareback and barrel racing, all competing for thousands of dollars in prize money. It's loud, it's fast, and it's seriously impressive.
The thundering hooves, the cheers from the crowd and the sheer athleticism on display make it a spectacle kids (and grown-ups) won't forget in a hurry.
Where: Blacktown Showgrounds
When: 17 and 18 April 2026 from 2 pm
Cost: Tickets from $23.50
13. See Splash Test Dummies at Bondi Pavilion
Another fun family activity this weekend in Sydney, Splash Test Dummies at Bondi Pavilion is bringing circus, comedy and interactive fun to the autumn school holidays.
This award-winning troupe delivers a fast-paced, laugh-filled performance packed with acrobatics, juggling, slapstick antics and plenty of splashy surprises. Perfect for families looking for something a little different, this interactive show keeps kids and grown-ups on their toes with cheeky humour, clever physical comedy and impressive circus skills that will have the whole audience buzzing.
Where: Bondi Pavilion, Queen Elizabeth Dr, Bondi Beach
When: Thursday 16 April | 2:00 pm
Friday 17 April | 11:00 am & 2:00 pm
Saturday 18 April | 11:00 am & 2:00 pm
Cost: Tickets $25; Concession $20; Mob Tix $20; Family of 4 $80
14. Go Down the Rabbit Hole With Alice in Wonderland
Another fun kids' show to see this Saturday in Sydney, Alice in Wonderland at the Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney takes families on a whimsical journey through a crazy rabbit hole with all the characters you know and love.
Your favourite curious characters are all there waiting for you... Meet the tardy White Rabbit, sing along with the Dodo and other birds in the Caucus race and meet the pepper-obsessed Duchess and her crazy cook. The Cheshire Cat will captivate you with his cheeky grin, and don't miss Humpty Dumpty on his way to meet the hilarious duo, Tweedledum and Tweedledee. Of course, when the Mad Hatter arrives with the March Hare and Dormouse to join Alice at a lovely tea party, all manner of absurdity ensues!
Where: Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, Performance at Pioneer Garden
When: 4-19 April 2026
Cost: Off-peak (Tue-Thu): $25 per person or $90 per group of 4
Peak (Fri-Sun): $30 per person or $110 per group of 4
15. Cluedo The Play: See the Hilarious Whodunnit in Sydney
Cluedo The Play has officially hit the road and is now touring Australia, bringing all the outrageous suspects, secret passageways and suspiciously convenient candlesticks to the Sydney stage in one gloriously chaotic whodunnit.
Based on the iconic 1985 Paramount Pictures film Clue (written by Jonathan Lynn) and inspired by the classic Hasbro board game that's fuelled decades of family game nights, this stage adaptation — written by Sandy Rustin — turns the mystery dial all the way up.
When six mysterious guests arrive at Boddy Manor for what's meant to be a polite dinner party, murder and blackmail quickly make themselves at home. Was it Mrs Peacock in the study with the knife? Or Professor Plum in the library with the wrench? You'll be pointing fingers from your seat!
Where: Theatre Royal
When: 11 April to 10 May 2026
Cost: Tickets from $69.90
Age recommendation: Recommended for ages 8+
Things to do on Sunday in Sydney
16. Commemorate ANZAC Day in Maroubra
Maroubra are kicking off the ANZAC Day celebrations early this Sunday in Sydney with their ANZAC Day March and Ceremony.
The whole family is invited to join together in solemn reflection as you watch participants march along Anzac Parade and Maroubra Road, proceeding to the Cenotaph opposite The Juniors Kingsford on Anzac Parade. The march will conclude at 11.30 am, followed by a brief commemoration ceremony and an opportunity for the community to pause, honour, and pay their respects together.
Where: Corner of Mons Avenue and Maroubra Road in Maroubra
When: Sunday, 19 April, commencing at 11 am
Cost: FREE
17. Explore Alchemy of a Rainforest
Ready to be whisked away into the heart of a rainforest? The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney is inviting families to step into an enchanted world with their immersive exhibition, Alchemy of a Rainforest.
For just $1, this magical experience will transport you to a lush, green paradise without leaving the city. You'll be greeted by towering walk-through sculptures and a glittering, undulating canopy, all reimagined with recycled materials by the talented crew at ERTH. The canopy shimmers overhead, inviting you to look up and let your imagination soar.
Where: The Calyx at Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney
When: Open daily from 10 am to 4 pm; see the website for closures.
Cost: Entry by gold coin donation
18. Stroll Through The Rocks Markets
How about a little market shopping to brighten your Saturday or Sunday in Sydney? The Rocks Markets are on every Saturday and Sunday and have some of the best stalls in Sydney with killer views to boot.
At The Rocks Markets, you'll discover the finest in food, art, design, music, and wellness, all brought together for great weekend fun. Enjoy free yoga classes, mingle with traders, check out demonstrations, and shop for unique artwork and jewellery. And of course, don't miss out on the delicious market bites!
Where: The Rocks, Sydney
When: Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 5 pm
Cost: FREE
FREE & Cheap This Weekend in Sydney
19. Celebrate Sydney Outlet Village's 10th Anniversary
For free things to do this weekend in Sydney, make your way to Sydney Outlet Village for exclusive sales, live entertainment, and loads more surprises for families.
Head along on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 April from 10 am to 6 pm to enjoy a mix of shopping and entertainment. There will be exclusive outlet deals across your favourite brands, alongside a buzzing program of entertainment. Live music and DJ sets will bring the party vibes, while roving performers, balloons, interactive fun and tasty food trucks create a festive atmosphere.
Where: 5 Viscount Place, Warwick Farm
When: Saturday 18 & Sunday 19 April | 10 am - 6 pm
Cost: FREE Entry
20. See FREE Movies Under the Stars
We love a good outdoor movie (and the perfect excuse to get the kids out of the house!), so we are thrilled to hear that the city of Parramatta is bringing back free flicks to their local parks these Easter School holidays.
From 4 pm to 9 pm on school holiday weekends, join your neighbours for an action-packed schedule of kids' activities, live entertainment and food stalls at Parramatta's Free Family Movie Nights. After sunset, find a spot on the grass to catch a range of family-friendly blockbusters under the stars.
The Free Movie Line-Up
Friday, 17 April — How To Train Your Dragon (2025) at FS Garside Park
Saturday, 18 April — Karate Kid: Legends (2025) at West Epping Park
All films are rated PG.
There'll be beanbags to sink into, but make sure you get there early to snag one — it's first-come, first-served; no bookings can be made.
Where: Various parks within Parramatta City Council
When: 10-18 April 2026. Events start at 4 pm, with movie screenings starting at sundown
Cost: FREE
21. Splash at Sydney's FREE Water Parks
For splashtastic adventures that are 100% free, you can't beat Sydney's FREE water parks!
Sydney's free water parks are so much fun for kids of all ages, and there are parks dotted from east to west, so you can always find a great spot near you — from Philip Ruddock Water Playground in Dundas Valley to James Ruse Reserve Water Playground in Parramatta, and, of course, everyone's favourite, Putney Park! Check out the full list here.
22. Play at the Interactive Burra Installation
Dive into an epic adventure at The Australian Museum with "Burra," where you can follow the journey of the eel ("Burra") in a cutting-edge learning and play hub that's all about mixing Western science with First Nations knowledges.
Burra is a free, permanent exhibition that's heaven for curious kids and families. This unique experience lets you wander at your own pace or jump into a free pop-up event. The Burra space is super interactive, encouraging everyone to touch, listen, and see through giant eel exhibits, sensory walls, and play zones. And yes, getting into the Australian Museum and the Burra exhibit won't cost you a penny!
Where: Level 2, The Australian Museum
When: Open daily from 10.30 am to 4.30 pm
Cost: FREE
23. 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
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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