Note: This is the October family-friendly events guide. For events in September, scroll to the bottom.
Halloween Events
Toward the end of the month, there are a number of family-friendly Halloween events in and around the North Shore.
Halloween Kids Disco
A kids’ disco event at Hornsby RSL Club, with music by DJ KITKAT. $10 per child, adults and kids under 12 months go free. All people under 18 need a parent or guardian present.
When: October 16, 5:30pm
Where: 4 High Street, Hornsby
Spooktacular Fun Fair
A day-time Halloween event with rides, games, food and entertainment hosted by the Turramurra Public School P&C. $2 entry.
When: October 31, 11am – 3pm
Where: 174 Kissing Point Road, Turramurra
Halloscream at Luna Park
A slightly scarier Halloween event recommended for ages 14 and up (though all ages permitted). Special attractions include “Escape the Circus”, “The Forgotten Children scare maze”, and the “Alienation immersive game”. Tickets $110.
When: October 29 – 31, 6pm – 10pm
Where: Luna Park, Milsons Point
Q-Station Halloween Tour
While just outside the North Shore, Manly’s Quarantine Station is one of Sydney’s most notorious “haunted” locations, and we’d be remiss not to mention it. Drop by for a family-friendly Halloween tour on the 30th and 31st. Tickets $53 for adults and kids, $157 for a family of four.
When: October 30, 31, 6pm, 6:30pm and 7pm
Where: Q Station Visitor Centre
Chatswood Markets Mario Kart Comp
A family-friendly open-air games night at Chatswood Mall Markets. Free entry.
When: October 1, 8, 5pm
Where: Chatswood Mall, Victoria Avenue
Great Big Science Show
An afternoon of experiments, theories and technology at Berowra Library. Recommended for kids 5 – 12 years. Tickets $10, only need to be purchased for children. Children 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
When: October 6, 2pm
Where: 1 The Gully Road, Berowra
Kids on the Coast
A series of fun, educational kids events run out of the Coastal Environment Centre in Narrabeen. Events include Into the Wild (animal habitats), Junior Marine Biology and Fossil Fun. Tickets $85. See council website for what to bring.
When: October 1 – 9, 10am – 3pm
Where: Coastal Environment Centre, North Narrabeen
Crows Nest Street Festival
Willoughby Road and Clarke Street will be cordoned off as the Crows Nest Festival returns, bringing music, food, face-painting and roving entertainers. The Crows Nest Metro will be open for the festival this year, easing travel times.
When: October 18, 10am – 5pm
Where: Crows Nest main street
Family-friendly events on the North Shore this September
Bug hunting, a fauna fair and French markets.
Willoughby Fauna Fair
An event in Willoughby Park celebrating local wildlife. Features a presentation of local native animals by the Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, live music from Amelie Ecology, workshops and activities for kids. Free entry, reserve a spot online.
When: September 20, 10am – 3pm
Where: Willoughby Park, McClelland Street
Owl Babies — Lane Cove Bush Kids
An educational event about Australian native owls for kids aged 2 – 5. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Combined ticket for child and adult is $10.85.
When: September 22, 9:45am
Where: Stringybark Reserve, Murray Street
Let's Go Bug Hunting
Use nets to search for aquatic insects in Stringybark Creek. The event is part of the Water Bug Blitz, a national Citizen Science program. All equipment and guidance provided by Council. Ages 5 years and above. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Free event, booking essential.
When: September 5, 9am
Where: Stringybark Creek, Batten Reserve
French Markets
Le Marché: monthly french markets held at Woolwich Dock and Willoughby. Family friendly, dog friendly, free entry.
When: September 13, 9:30 – 2:30 (Woolwich), September 27, 9:30 – 2:30 (Willoughby)
Where: Clarke Road, Woolwich; Laurelbank Willoughby
Bushcare's Big Day Out
A morning of bushwalking tree planting and a morning tea led by the Stringybark Creek Residents Association. Parental supervision and enclosed footwear necessary.
When: September 26, 9am
Where: Mindarie Park
Four Leaf Clover and Reverse Revolution
Two very young bands take to the stage at The Canopy, Lane Cove: Four Leaf Clover playing pop-rock, and Reverse Revolution playing punk-rock. Free entry.
When: September 20, 2pm
Where: 2 Rosenthal Avenue, Lane Cove
Preschoolers bush scramble – Dinosaur adventure
Another bush scramble, this month focusing on prehistoric megafauna and dinosaurs. Enclosed shoes, a hat and water required. Attendance reserved for Willoughby Council residents.
When: September 23, 10am – 11:30am
Where: O.H. Reid Memorial Park, Reid Drive, Chatswood West