Brand new this weekend! The Art Gallery of NSW's free family festival returns, celebrating the living world — from furry and feathered friends to the lands and waters of our home in Sydney. Packed with hands-on artmaking, live music, storytelling, outdoor play, and workshops exploring nature and creativity. Perfect for Lottie: completely FREE, outdoor + indoor (warm Tank space), self-paced, and designed for little ones to wander, touch, and make. Combine with Mike Hewson's The Key's Under the Mat (the art playground with swings and monkey bars in the same building — still running! Scroll down) for a full day at the Domain. The Art Gallery café and kiosk serve coffee and snacks. Free entry, no booking required. This is the anchor event of the weekend — make it your base camp.
Hive Festival details →Last day! Australia's National Youth Circus closes their Opera House season on Saturday. Thirteen young acrobats in a whirlwind of Chinese pole, aerial silks, tumbling, juggling, and clowning — all in one 60-minute show. Still the best performance option for Lottie: circus is visually-paced for short attention spans, no sitting still required, hilarious physical comedy. The Studio venue is intimate (270 seats). Combines beautifully with the Winter Hive Festival at the Art Gallery (10 min walk through the Domain). Do Hive in the morning, grab lunch, then walk to the Opera House for the 3:30pm show.
Book FINAL DAY tickets →Cast a wide net this week to the Hills! Two gems we've never covered. Saturday: Castle Hill Farmers & Fine Food Market (2nd Sat of month) — fresh seasonal produce, artisan breads, apple pies from Bilpin, freshly ground coffee, flowers, and gourmet treats. Lottie can run around the Showground while you stock up on local goodies. Free entry, easy parking. Sunday: Galston Valley Railway — a charming 1km miniature railway winding through scenic bushland. Open 2nd Sunday only! Adults $10, Kids under 18 FREE, train rides $3.50pp. There's a BBQ lunch (11:30am–1:30pm) and a canteen with tea, coffee, and lollies. Lottie will LOVE the mini train ride through the bush — this is a hidden gem worth the drive. Galston is 15 min from Castle Hill, so you could even do both across the weekend for a full Hills/North West adventure.
Castle Hill Market → Galston Valley Railway →Escape to France without leaving Sydney! A traditional French market on the stunning Woolwich Dock waterfront — fresh baguettes, creamy cheeses, delicate pastries, smelly raclette, French linen, berets, jewellery, handmade ceramics, and brocante. Perfect for a relaxed Sunday morning by the harbour with Lottie: let her try a croissant, wander the stalls, watch the boats on the Parramatta River. Woolwich is a beautiful harbourside suburb on the Lower North Shore — different from anything we've covered. The market is held on the 2nd Sunday of the month only, so it's a special one-off. Combines beautifully with Kirribilli Markets (Sun 8:30am–3pm, 15 min drive) for a North Shore market crawl.
Le Marché French Markets →Certified organic produce, artisan gourmet foods, fresh bread, French cheese, smoked salmon, Aussie truffles, seasonal fruit and veg. North Shore's best organic market — combine with a trip to nearby Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park or a play at Bicentennial Park, St Ives (great playground with flying fox). The Showground has plenty of space for Lottie to wander while you shop.
St Ives Market →Three-in-one North Shore Saturday! (1) Toy Story 5 FREE activity station at Westfield Chatswood — make Forky or Slinky Dog crafts, decorate bucket hats with Toy Story patches. Runs 11am–2pm. This is the last day at Chatswood (it moves to Hornsby from Mon). (2) Chatswood Mall Market — foodie paradise with everything from Japanese to Greek, plus fresh produce. Runs until 10pm so grab lunch or dinner. (3) Cumberland Gang Show: Electrify — 150 Scouts and Guides in a high-energy stage spectacular at The Concourse. 2:30pm matinee is perfect for Lottie (1.5 hrs of song, dance, and comedy). $29.50. DO NOT do all three with a 3yo — pick Toy Story + a quick market walk, OR the Gang Show matinee as the main event.
Toy Story 5 → Gang Show →A Saturday night option! On the 2nd Saturday of every month, Flemington comes alive with food trucks, global street eats (wood-fired pizza, dumplings, gelato), undercover seating, and a lively family-friendly atmosphere. Great for Lottie: evening outing with heaps of space, undercover if cold, everyone eating outside — she can wander, eat bits from different stalls, and enjoy the buzz. Free entry, plenty of parking. Different vibe from a daytime market — great to mix up the weekend routine. Homebush is Inner West-ish — closer than you think from most of Sydney.
Paddy's Night Markets →Two at the same precinct. EQ Markets — up to 50 stallholders selling fresh produce, gourmet French fare, artisan gifts, and flowers. Live music in a relaxed setting. Monster Jump — Australia's giant inflatable obstacle course (280m of bounce, climb, slide). Suited to ages 2+. New for 2026: Monster Sports Jam with basketball challenges and jousting. For Lottie at 3: the smaller obstacles and bounce zones are great. Choose one or the other unless you're staying all day.
EQ Markets → Monster Jump →Still on but now a backup option. The 25m Ferris wheel with 360-degree ocean views, Bondi's Beachfront Ice Rink, and Blue Sky Markets (Sat only, street food + live music). Worth a visit if you're local, but this week's new stuff (Hive Festival, Galston Railway, French Markets) is more interesting.
Bondi Festival →Scroll up for full details! A 1km miniature railway winding through scenic bushland. Open 2nd Sunday of the month only. BBQ lunch 11:30am–1:30pm. Lottie will adore the train ride through the trees — this is a proper hidden gem. Combine with Castle Hill visit (15 min drive) or head back through Hornsby.
Book train rides →One of Sydney's best harbourside markets! Original paintings, glass, ceramics, fashion, accessories, homewares, hats, fresh flowers — all set to live music and international cuisine. The Burton Street tunnel features artisan products exclusively. Perfect Sunday combo: ferry from Circular Quay to Kirribilli (Lottie loves the boat!), browse the market, grab a bite from the food stalls, and enjoy the stunning harbour views. Easy walk to Milsons Point station for the train home. 2nd Sunday of the month only — don't miss it. Combines with Le Marché French Markets (Woolwich, 15 min drive) for a North Shore market crawl.
Kirribilli Markets →Scroll up for full details! French market on the waterfront — baguettes, cheese, pastries, raclette, artisan crafts. Fully outdoor on the Woolwich Dock harbourfront. Combine with Kirribilli Markets for a North Shore double.
Le Marché →Another 2nd Sunday market! Antiques, collectables, plants, local produce, jewellery, crystals, books, clothes, watches. Run by Rotary — proceeds support local community projects. A relaxed, community-focused market on Sydney's North Shore. Combine with St Ives or just enjoy a quiet morning browsing. Gordon has lovely cafes nearby for a post-market lunch.
Gordon Markets →Every weekend at Manly Beach! Quality artisan products: handmade jewellery, original art, eco-friendly items, vintage apparel, unique imports. Take the ferry from Circular Quay (Lottie's favourite part!) and make a day of it — Manly has the beach, the Corso promenade, plenty of kid-friendly cafes, and the oceanfront playground. Two hours free council parking if driving. A Northern Beaches classic — but we're recommending it as a backup or ferry-day option this week, since there's so much new stuff.
Manly Markets →Weekly Northern Beaches organic market — certified organic produce, artisan gourmet food, fresh bread, seasonal fruit and veg, local cheese, smoked salmon, and Aussie truffles. Combine with a trip to Mona Vale Beach or the nearby Bilarong Reserve playground for a full Northern Beaches morning. Pittwater RSL has a great kids' area too if you want lunch.
Mona Vale Market →Mike Hewson's incredible art park — swings, monkey bars, a real sauna, and working BBQs inside the Gallery's Tank space. Still one of the best free activities for a 3yo in Sydney. Lottie can swing and climb while you enjoy the most playful exhibition in town. Already at the Domain for the Hive Festival? Walk straight in — same building!
AGNSW exhibition →Over 80 interactive exhibits across 900sqm — gravity-defying rooms, 3D illusions, holograms, and perspective zones. Great indoor option for a cold day. Lottie at 3 will love the family room — everyone can pose, laugh, and take photos in the vortex tunnel and the Ames room. 30-60 min visit is plenty. Indoor, warm, and fully self-paced.
Museum of Illusions →Wonderland-inspired circus cabaret — teacups tumble, sugar cubes fly, absolutely nothing goes to plan. World-class circus skills, interactive theatre, acrobatics, and cheeky characters. For Lottie: this is circus, not sit-still theatre — visual, hilarious, and 45-60 minutes of pure awe. The Grand Electric is a warm, atmospheric venue. Surry Hills for lunch beforehand (and a potential cronut from Flour and Stone?).
Mad Hatter's →Worth the drive north! Real snowball play, Frozen inflatable jumping castle, Igloo Kids Fun Zone with free face painting, Ploddy's Lost Snowball Hunt, Cuddly Critters Mammal Winter Show, and adorable baby dingo puppies (bookable). Plus the full wildlife park experience — koalas, kangaroos, Tasmanian devils, and the famous Elvis the crocodile. Less than an hour from Sydney, all included in entry. Lottie will love the real snow! A whole-day commitment but a truly special winter outing.
Reptile Park →Big top circus experience! Inspired by the hit film — jaw-dropping acrobatics, gravity-defying aerial acts, and all the anthems (This Is Me, Rewrite the Stars). Live, loud, and breathtaking. For a 3yo: this is a big production (90+ min) so gauge Lottie's stamina. The spectacle and music will hold her attention but it's a proper show. At EQ Moore Park — combine with Monster Jump or EQ Markets for a full Moore Park day.
Come Alive →30-minute performances! Perfectly timed for a 3yo. The Australian Chamber Orchestra reimagines Pinocchio with an original score played live by strings and percussion. Award-winning playwright Finegan Kruckemeyer, composer Bryony Marks. Each performance is followed by a 'meet the musicians' session + free creative play activities in the foyer with Sydney Harbour views. Intimate venue — little ones sit close to the action. A magical introduction to classical music. Dawes Point is a beautiful harbourside walk from Circular Quay or Barangaroo.
ACO Pinocchio →Interactive exhibition exploring blood-feeding creatures — touchable models, microscopes, a mosquito swarm simulator. Free permanent galleries with dinosaurs, Wild Planet, and the interactive Burra play space (eel-themed, great for toddlers). General admission is FREE. Hire an Explorer Backpack ($10) for hands-on discovery. All indoor, warm, self-paced.
Australian Museum →Worth the drive if you have a full day! Ice skating, snow play zone, 45m Giant Ice Toboggan, DJ Jeff's Glacial Grooves, Abominable Adventure garden quest, roaming polar bear and penguin characters. Plus wood-fired pizzas, crepes, hot chocolates. A full winter wonderland — Lottie can play in the snow, skate (with help), and ride the toboggan. 90 min from Sydney. Family passes available.
Snow Time →Immersive behind-the-scenes experience — authentic props, original costumes, get sorted by the Sorting Hat, brew potions, cast a Patronus in the Forbidden Forest. For a 3yo: the Sorting Hat and magical creatures are visually spectacular. She'll love the moving portraits and giant animatronic creatures even without knowing the stories. Olympic Park has heaps of free parking and kid-friendly cafes.
Harry Potter Exhibition →Immersive VR experience — step aboard the Titanic in 1912. Wander the Grand Staircase, dining rooms, outdoor decks, meet characters inspired by real passengers. Recommended for ages 10+ but available for younger kids with parental guidance. For Lottie at 3: the VR may be intense, but the physical exhibit area is visually stunning. Combine with Harry Potter Exhibition next door for a full Olympic Park day.
Titanic VR →9:30am: Arrive at the Art Gallery of NSW for the Winter Hive Festival (free, 10am–4pm) → explore artmaking stations, live music, storytelling, and nature workshops → 11:30am: Lunch at the AGNSW kiosk or nearby café → 12:30pm: Walk upstairs to Mike Hewson's The Key's Under the Mat (free art playground with swings and monkey bars — same building!) → 2pm: Walk through the Domain to the Opera House (10 min) → 3pm: Grab a snack at Opera Bar or the Opera House café → 3:30pm: Flying Fruit Fly Circus FINAL SHOW (60 min, Studio venue) → 4:30pm: Head home happy. Two anchor events, three venues, all in The Domain/Circular Quay precinct — no driving between activities. Hive is FREE, circus is the paid highlight.
Book circus tickets in advance — this is the FINAL day. Hive Festival needs no booking. Dress warmly for the walk between venues.
SATURDAY 9am: Castle Hill Farmers & Fine Food Market (seasonal produce, apple pies, flowers, coffee — run around the Showgrounds) → 11am: Head home or visit nearby Koala Park Sanctuary (Pennant Hills, 10 min drive — koalas, wallabies, emus. $16 adults, kids $11) or Bella Vista Farm Park (historic farm, open space, good toddler playground) for an afternoon picnic → SUNDAY 10am: Galston Valley Railway (mini train rides through the bush — Lottie is FREE, train rides $3.50pp!) → BBQ lunch from 11:30am → 1pm: Home. Two areas we've never covered: Hills District (Castle Hill) and the beautiful Galston bushland. The mini railway is the highlight — Lottie will talk about it all week.
Castle Hill Market 8am–12pm Sat. Galston Railway 10am–3pm Sun. Book Galston train ride tickets online in advance.
9am: Start at Le Marché French Markets, Woolwich Dock (baguettes, pastries, raclette — harbourfront!) → 10:30am: Drive or Uber to Milsons Point or catch a bus → 11am: Kirribilli Markets (art, fashion, design, live music — Lottie can dance to the buskers) → 12:30pm: Lunch at a Kirribilli café (The Kirribilli Club, Botanic Gardens Cafe — all kid-friendly) → 1:30pm: Ferry from Milsons Point to Circular Quay (Lottie's favourite part!) → 2pm: Walk to the Museum of Illusions (413 George St) or explore the Opera House forecourt → 3pm: Home. Woolwich + Kirribilli + Circular Quay — three harbourside locations connected by ferry and short drives. The French market AND the Kirribilli market are both 2nd Sunday only — this is the only weekend they align! The ferry to Circular Quay is the perfect treat for Lottie.
Both markets run until early afternoon (1pm & 3pm). The ferry from Milsons Point to Circular Quay takes 10 min. Opal cards work.
9am: EQ Markets at the Entertainment Quarter (fresh produce, gourmet treats, flowers, live music) → 10am: Monster Jump inflatable obstacle course (Lottie can bounce on the smaller obstacles — 280m of fun!) → 12pm: Lunch at the EQ food court or nearby café → 2pm: COME ALIVE! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular (90 min big top show — gauge Lottie's energy) OR skip it and go to the Centennial Park playgrounds instead → 4pm: Home. All at Moore Park — walk between everything. Pick 2 of 3 for Lottie — Markets + Monster Jump is a full morning; add the circus if she's well-rested.
EQ Markets open Sat 8am–2pm. Monster Jump 10am–4pm. Come Alive showtimes vary. Book circus tickets online.
9am: Leave Sydney → 10am: Arrive at Australian Reptile Park, Somersby (Central Coast, ~45 min drive) → 10am–1pm: Winter Wonderland — real snowball play, Frozen jumping castle, face painting, Ploddy's Lost Snowball Hunt, Cuddly Critters Winter Show, baby dingo puppies → plus the full park: feed kangaroos, watch Elvis the croc, see koalas and Tasmanian devils → 1pm: Lunch at the park café or bring a picnic → 2pm: Drive to Gosford or Terrigal for afternoon tea and a play at the beachfront park → 4pm: Home. A whole-day commitment but a truly special winter outing. Snow play + animal encounters = Lottie heaven.
$36 with Family Day Pass. Book online. Bring a change of clothes — the snow play zone gets everything wet. Terrigal is 15 min from the Reptile Park and has a beautiful playground on the beach.