We are an inquisitive family and adore immersing ourselves in science. Satisfying our curiosity has always been a family endeavour. Random questions can lead to a full-on family excursion to one of Sydney’s museums. That’s why we love National Science Week.
From hands-on activities to theory, National Science Week offers a plethora of options for families seeking to engage in science. Being in Sydney, we are lucky to have numerous options to choose from on almost every day of the celebration!
Celebrate National Science Week!
Table of Contents
What is National Science Week?
National Science Week was established back in 1997 as a vehicle to acknowledge the contributions of Australian scientists whilst also encouraging an interest in science pursuits among the general public. It is now celebrated each August.
When is National Science Week?
National Science Week is celebrated in August each year. This year, it will run from 9 to 17 August.
What is this year’s National Science Week Theme?
This year’s National Science Theme is “Decoding the Universe – Exploring the unknown with nature’s hidden language“.
2025 Science Week Events and Activities
Running All Week
Art of Discovery
This National Science Week, step inside the Garvan Institute in Darlinghurst and see the Art of Discovery exhibition up close. View stunning scientific imagery and uncover the research stories behind each piece.
Check out their Discovery After Dark event for adults.
Where: Garvan Institute, Darlinghurst, NSW
When: 11-22 August 2025 | Monday – Friday | 2.00 pm – 5.00 pm,
Cost: Free
Saturday 9 August
Sydney City Farm open day – Nature’s patterns
Explore patterns in nature with all your senses at our fun, free and relaxed family day at Sydney City Farm during National Science Week.
- Discover the amazing natural patterns in our seeds, vegies and leaves
- Get creative with botanical art and make a cyanotype print to take home
- Get up close to butterflies and learn about their life cycles, anatomy and the symmetry of their wing patterns
- Learn about the patterns that animals make as they move through the city
- Experience nature on the farm with our seasonal scavenger hunt
- Take a tour and see how we attract beneficial insects to the farm with plantings for pollinators.
- Meet a scientist
Where: Sydney City Farm | 52 Barwon Park Road, St Peters NSW 2044
When: Saturday, 9 August from 10 am to 2 pm
Cost: FREE – Book here.
Sydney Science Trail: Community Day
The Museum will be bursting with activity, and it’s all completely free! See spectacular science demonstrations, ask Dr Karl your curliest science question and giggle along to silly science humour. Chat to scientists and discover the latest innovations in their research at our Science Expo.
Dinosaur enthusiast in the family? Watch a T.rex Autopsy show, learn about megafauna, and keep your eyes peeled for Winny the Muttaburrasaurus, our roving puppet dinosaur.
Where: Australian Museum | Cnr William & College Streets, Sydney NSW 2000
When: Saturday, 9 August from 10 am to 5 pm
Cost: FREE – book tickets here
Rhodes Science Fair 2025
Families will explore patterns in nature, uncover hidden systems in technology, and learn how traditional First Nations knowledge and storytelling reveal deeper understandings of our world. With four engaging Auslan interpreted stage presentations and many interactive Science and Math activities, the Rhodes Science Fair offers something to inspire every inquisitive mind and spark scientific curiosity of all ages.
Where: The Event Space, The Connection, Rhodes
Session 1: 10.00 am—12.00 pm
Session 2: 12.00 pm—2.00 pm
Cost: FREE | Tickets available via the website
Indigenous Science Experience at Redfern
Come along to get hands-on with a diverse range of interactive science activities accessible to all ages. Activities will include: Yarning with Elders on bush foods and medicines, Indigenous astronomy, maths puzzles, making Aboriginal tools, physics and chemistry activities, and much more!
You will also meet Indigenous Elders and student leaders from the National Indigenous Science Education Program, who will be assisting in demonstrating the activities.
Where: Redfern Community Centre | 29-53 Hugo Street, Redfern NSW
When: Saturday 9 August 2025 | 10.00 am – 3.00 pm
Cost: Free | Bookings are not required, but are encouraged
3D print a planet 12–16
In this hands‑on workshop, you’ll learn how to sculpt and customise a tiny planet in Blender using Geometry Nodes and simple mesh‑editing tools. Once your miniature planet is complete, you will be shown how to export the model for 3D printing on our Bambu X1 printers.
Everyone leaves with a printable file – and the know‑how to keep creating at home.
Where: Darling Square Library | Levels 1 and 2, The Exchange, 1 Little Pier Street, Haymarket NSW 2000
When: Saturday, 9 August | 10:30 am to 1:30 pm
Cost: Full price: $40.00 | Concession: $33.00
Soapbox Science
Organised by STEM Sisters, Sydney’s Soapbox Science is returning to continue its mission of highlighting the importance of science and capturing the attention of people from all walks of life by offering STEM women from underrepresented nations the opportunity to showcase their scientific talents and share their cutting-edge research.
Where: Saturday 9 August | 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm
Where: York St, Sydney NSW 2000
Cost: Free | Book tickets online
Sunday 10 August
Science in the Scrub – Greater Sydney Parklands
Lizard Log will transform into a pop−up village of scientific wonder this National Science Week, with live science shows, hands−on experiments, native animals and over 30 stalls to explore.
Don’t miss the life−sized roaming dinosaur and your chance to meet real−life scientists at this special event.
Where: Lizard Log Amphitheatre | Western Sydney Parklands |The Horsley Dr &, Cowpasture Rd, Abbotsbury NSW 2176
When: Sunday 10 August | 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Cost: Free | no tickets or registration required
Monday 11 August
No community events listed.
Tuesday 12 August
Materials Revolution MICROfactorie Tour
Learn how materials scientists are rethinking waste, and visit the SMaRT Centre’s world-first facility where materials such as plastic and textiles are transformed into new products right here on campus. This is a rare opportunity to see pioneering micro-recycling technology in action and learn how UNSW’s research is driving global change in recycling and manufacturing practices.
Where: UNSW Main Library, Level 5 Exhibition Space
When: 12 August | 1.00 pm – 2.15 pm
Cost: Free for everyone | Make sure to register
John Vaillant: Fire Weather
In Fire Weather, award-winning Canadian author John Vaillant tells the gripping story of a city consumed by flame – a harbinger of what’s to come in a hotter, drier, more combustible world.
Joined by UNSW bushfire behaviour expert Jason Sharples, listen in on a conversation on the science of fire, the galvanising power of storytelling and how we can survive in a world where the line between our natural and built environment is increasingly blurred – and increasingly flammable.
Where: Science Theatre, UNSW Kensington
When: 12 August 6.30 pm – 7.30 pm
Cost: Free for everyone | Make sure to register
Wednesday 13 August
No community events listed.
Thursday 14 August
Plastic Micro-Recycling Workshop
In this hands-on session, you’ll explore the stages of plastic recycling, design, and manufacturing, while discovering how individuals and organisations can support a circular economy. This workshop offers insights into how science, business, and design can come together to tackle complex challenges.
Where: Seminar Room 506, Level 5, Main UNSW Library
Session 1: 12.00 pm – 12.45 pm
Session 2: 1.30 pm – 2.15 pm
Cost: Free for everyone | Registration required
Into the Deep: Science today, for our oceans tomorrow
Set inside one of Sydney’s most iconic ocean spaces, this immersive experience invites students, educators, researchers, families, and emerging scientists to explore the cutting edge of marine conservation and research through hands-on exhibits, one-on-one conversations with marine experts, and real-world career insights from some of Australia’s leading institutions.
Across the aquarium, guests will move at their own pace through a series of interactive stations—each led by professionals working in marine science, ocean technology, conservation, education, media, and more. From underwater photography and aquarium husbandry to data science and policy, this night is designed to reveal the full spectrum of ocean-connected careers.
Where: SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
When: Thursday 14 August | 6.00 pm – 9.00 pm
Cost: $20.00
Find cheap car parking here.
Friday 15 August
No community events listed.
Saturday 16 August
The Planets – Concert and Stargazing 2025
Listen to the excellent Sydney Youth Orchestra’s Symphonic Wind Orchestra performing Gustav Holst’s The Planets and more starry music before you embark on a evening of star and planet gazing.
Dr Luke Barnes from Western Sydney University will provide you with an introduction to stargazing.
The Sydney City Skywatchers will guide with their incredible telescopes, all whilst our campfires keep you warm on a winter’s night.
Where: Dickens Lawn | Centennial Park
When: Saturday 16 August 2025 | Entry from 2:30 pm | Concert: 3.00 pm – 5.00 pm (with intermission) | Stargazing: 5:30 pm – 8.00 pm
Cost: $35.00 per person | $120.00 Admit Four
National Science Week – Community Day
Start your adventure with one of our exclusive, behind-the-scenes tours led by our knowledgeable Science and Horticulture teams.
Explore PlantBank, the National Herbarium of New South Wales, and our plant nursery as you engage in hands-on workshops, family-friendly walks, and tours led by our experts.
Collect stamps for your passport by completing activities and answering the following questions with our Garden teams. Completed passports can be submitted for a chance to win a School Holiday Golden Ticket, providing a family pass to all our School Holiday offerings from Spring 2025 to Winter 2026.
Where: Plantbank, Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan
When: Saturday 16 August | 10.00 am – 3.00 pm
Cost: Free – Register now
Sunday 17 August
Wonder-Sea-STEAM Fun for Families
Dip into creative fun, research, interactive experiments and workshops that explore the future of our oceans.
Meet visiting scientists and sci-artists whose work investigates and celebrates the biodiversity of Australia’s marine ecosystems. Learn about innovative technologies in coral reef rehabilitation from the UTS C3 Future Reefs team, and meet the pint-sized planet protectors that save our seas, from amazing algal microscope footage by East Coast Algae Biosystems to a hands-on workshop inspired by phytoplankton and zooplankton at our Kids on Deck maker space.
Where: Australian National Maritime Museum | 2 Murray Street, Sydney
When: Sunday 17 August | 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Tickets: FREE
UNSW x Science in the Swamp
Step into the UNSW SciFest Village — your hub for curious minds of all ages. From drone soccer and space exploration to the quirks of native wildlife, we’re showcasing the full spectrum of STEMM with interactive exhibits, pop-up experiments, and engaging experiences led by real UNSW researchers.
Get up close with 3D anatomy models, test your reflexes in fitness challenges, marvel at optical illusions, and even meet some scaly reptile friends. Whether you’re a budding scientist, a curious parent, or just up for something new, there’s something for everyone.
Where: Dickens Lawn, Loch Avenue, Centennial Park
When: 17 August | 11.00 am – 3.00 pm
Cost: Free for everyone | No tickets or registration required
Hopefully, our list helps you prepare a family activity for two during science week.
If you are looking for activities to do at home, check out our round of National Science Week books.