Family-friendly events on the North Shore this July

Note: This is the July family-friendly events guide. For the June guide, scroll to the bottom

Room on the Broom 

A theatre adaptation of children’s book Room on the Broom, from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler (The Gruffalo, The Snail and the Whale). Showing at the Concourse Theatre in Chatswood. Tickets $39. 

When: July 17 – 19, 10am, 12pm

Where: 409 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood

World Cup screenings at The Canopy

The Canopy is an open air plaza in the heart of Lane Cove village, offering grass seating and a stage for screenings. Confirmed upcoming games: Scotland vs Brazil, Czechia vs Mexico, Japan vs Sweden, Australia vs Paraguay, New Zealand vs Belgium and Jordan vs Argentina.

Where: 2 Rosenthal Avenue, Lane Cove

Kids On The Coast

A council-run education program that lets kids step into the shoes of a marine biologist and learn about life beneath the waves. Pack a raincoat, hat, sunscreen, morning tea, lunch, a re-fillable water bottle and an extra pair of "wet" shoes. Tickets $82. 

When: July 15, 10am – 3pm

Where: Lake Park Road, North Narrabeen

School holidays at the Wildflower Garden

Ku-ring-gai Council will be running a schedule of outdoor, full day programs for kids aged six to twelve this school holidays. Activities include art and crafts, camping and cooking and learning about nature and wildlife. Ticket prices vary, book via council website.

When: July 6 – 20

Where: 420 Mona Vale Road

Karts District 

Arcade experience “Karts District” will be opening up in Greenwood Plaza this July, offering augmented reality activities via VR headsets. Activities on offer include virtual reality go karting, shoot-em-ups, spaceship flying and rollercoasters. Ages 7+ recommended. Tickets go on sale July 2. 

Where: 90 Pacific Highway, North Sydney

The Flying Fruit Fly Circus

A family-friendly circus show at the Sydney Opera House. Tickets $59.

When: July 4 – 11

Where: Sydney Opera House

Family-friendly events on the North Shore this June

Stargazing, Lane Cove River critters, and Japanese festivals.

By Starlight - a Dark Skies event

A family-friendly evening under the stars guided by the North Shore Astronomy Association. Bring a blanket or picnic rug. Free event. 

When: June 20, 7:30pm

Where: Cliff Oval, North Wahroonga

Gai-mariagal Festival events

The Gai-mariagal Festival runs each year, celebrating First Nations culture and history across the North Shore. Check out these family-friendly events: 

Dhinnawaan: Aboriginal astronomy for kids

Learn about the Emu in the sky and other aspects of indigenous astronomy at this event run by Koori Kinnections. For ages 6 to 11 years.

When: June 5, 4pm

Where: Chatswood Library

Gai-mariagal Festival crafternoon

Indigenous-inspired craft activities for kids aged 6 – 11. Tickets $6.

When: June 16, 3:45pm

Where: Chatswood Library

First Nations Bilingual Storytimes

This storytime event with First Nations illustrator Jade Goodwin explores the Noongar language 

When: June 19, 11am

Where: Stanton Library

Maru Street Festival 

An all-day Japanese street festival at Ernest Place, Crows Nest. Food vendors will be serving okonomiyaki, wagyu steak, karaage chicken, ramen and more. Stallholders will also be selling ceramics, baked goods, matcha, tea and jewellery. 

When: June 20, 9am – 4pm

Where: 2 Ernest Place, Crows Nest

Meet the Illustrator! with Simon Howe

Listen to Simone Howe, the writer and illustrator of kids' books such as Going Home, The House that Walked Away and Shoosh!, at Stanton Library this month, as he explores the creative process and guides the audience to create their own drawings.

When: June 5, 4:30pm

Where: Stanton Library

Who lives in the river?

This “preschoolers bush scramble” run by Willoughby Council explores the Lane Cove River, the animals that live in it and how we can keep it healthy. 

Coal Loader Heritage tour 

Learn about the history of this former harbourside industrial site, the Balls Head Coal Loader, and see how the site has been transformed into a centre for sustainability.

When: June 6, 20, 10:30am

Where: 2 Balls Head Drive, Waverton