There are some fantastic family-friendly events on in Sydney this August. Here’s a round-up.
Cherry Blossom Festival
Auburn’s Botanic Gardens are home to a lovely Japanese garden (plus the resident peacocks!) and hosts a Japanese-themed festival in August. Book a 45-minute timed slot and take a self-guided walk through the gardens to experience the cherry blossom trees in bloom. Other activities include mini-golf, a Hello Kitty garden party, a Japanese food village, Ikebana flower arranging demonstrations by Setsuko Yanagisowa from Yuga Flora in Glebe, and more!
When: Saturday 20 August to Sunday 28 August 2022, from 9am to 5pm
Where: Auburn Botanic Gardens, corner of Chisholm and Chiswick Roads in Auburn
To book: https://www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/sydneycherryblossomfestival?fs=e&s=cl
Waterfront Whale Tales
The western part of Sydney Harbour will host 30 two-metre-high whale tail sculptures from August 11 to September 24. This 6-kilometre harbourside trail will link Barangaroo to the Sydney Fish Market, including Cockle Bay, King Street Wharf, Darling Harbour, past the Australian Maritime Museum and the Powerhouse Museum, and The Star. The whale tails have been created by artists such as Archibald prize winner Blak Douglas, Chris Yee, and Sha’an d’Anthes aka Furry Little Peach. Download the Whale Tales app to access tales of the waterfront.
For details: waterfrontwhaletales.com.au
EDGE Sydenham
The inner west suburb of Sydenham is being celebrated over two weekends from 12-21 August, including workshops and performances at Sydenham Green on August 20. This includes a visit from Dorothy the Dinosaur, a chance to paint your own skateboard or contribute to a public art installation.
For the full program: https://www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/live/living-arts/edge/edge-sydenham-2022/edge-sydenham-12-to-21-august
National Science Week
National Science Week runs from August 13 to 21. Learn about Aboriginal astronomy at the Redfern Community Centre on August 20 – there’s a whole day of activities planned. Or learn some bush survival skills at Science in the Scrub at Western Sydney Parklands on August 14. A pop-up ocean lab from the Australian National Maritime Museum is part of Science in the Swamp at Centennial Park on August 21. And children aged 5-12 can learn more about bees at the Chau Chak Wing Museum in the University of Sydney on August 20.
For a full list of Science Week activities: https://www.scienceweek.net.au/