Note: This is the September family-friendly events guide. For events in August, scroll to the bottom.
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
Family-friendly events on the North Shore this August
Bushwalk to Middle Harbour, Lego building and a pool dip.
Preschoolers’ bush scramble
A family-friendly bushwalk through Willoughby bushland down to Middle Harbour, where guides will speak about the whale migration happening out at sea. Closed shoes and hats are essential. Free.
When: August 19, 10am – 11:30am
Where: Entrance of Clive Park, Sailors Bay Road, Northbridge
Lego at Stanton
A drop-in Lego playgroup each Friday afternoon at Stanton Library for kids aged three to 12. Free, Lego provided.
When: Fridays, 3pm – 4:30pm
Where: 234 Miller Street, North Sydney
Mimosa Family Fun Day
A family-friendly fair run by Mimosa Public School P&C. Expect a dunk tank, obstacle courses, disco for the kids, second hand book store, market stalls and live music. Entry $5 per person.
When: August 15, 11am – 4pm
Where: Mimosa Public School, Frenchs Forest
North Sydney Olympic Pool reopening weekend
After a long wait for locals, North Sydney Olympic Pool reopens on August 7. Entry for the opening weekend is free.
When: August 7
Where: 4 Alfred Street South, Milsons Point
Riding around Ryde
On the third Saturday of each month, the Sydney Live Steam Locomotive Society sets up miniature tracks to ride around West Ryde. Booking required to enter the site ($6 adults, $3 kids) and train rides are $2.50 each.
When: August 15, 1pm – 4pm
Where: Corner of Anthony Road and Betts Street, West Ryde
