National Science Week 2025 is packed with exciting opportunities for the whole family to celebrate and explore STEM. From inspiring STEM careers to hands-on activities, demonstrations, and workshops, these events promise unforgettable learning experiences for all ages.
Across Sydney and regional NSW, parks, libraries, museums, galleries, and gardens will come alive with science. Experienced educators, scientists, and researchers will be on hand to share their knowledge, spark curiosity, and ignite a passion for discovery.
Many events take place outdoors, creating the perfect setting to relax, enjoy a picnic, and connect with the wonders of nature while learning together.
These experiences are free, but booking is needed for many of them. Make sure you register in advance to guarantee a place. Many of them book out!
Program highlights are listed below in date order.
Rhodes Science Fair 2025
The Rhodes Science Fair is a free community event for families with primary-aged children. Embrace the 2025 National Science Week theme “Decoding the Universe” with an interactive celebration of science, designed to engage children and adults to discover together through play, exploration, and participation in fascinating real-world experiments.
Families can explore patterns in nature, uncover hidden systems in technology, and learn how traditional First Nations knowledge and storytelling reveal deeper understandings of our world.
There are four engaging Auslan-interpreted stage presentations and over a dozen interactive table-top activities, the Rhodes Science Fair offers something to inspire every inquisitive mind and spark scientific curiosity of all ages.
10am – 2 pm on Saturday 9 August at The Connection, Rhodes
What can Aboriginal astronomy tell us about the night sky? How is our native flora used in bush medicine? What can we learn about sustainable living from 60000+ years of Indigenous culture?
This National Science Week, discover the answers to these questions (and more) at the Indigenous Science Experience at the Redfern Community Centre.
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
Learning about customarily used seaweeds for environmental sustainability
Indigenous astronomy
Cultural performances connecting to the natural world
Weaving
Torres Strait Islander virtual reality
Interactive physics and chemistry activities
Demonstrations and hands on action from Questacon and our local universities.
You will also meet Indigenous Elders and student leaders from the National Indigenous Science Education Program who will be assisting in activity demonstrations.
10:00am – 3:00pm on Saturday 9 August at Redfern Community Centre
This FREE event will begin with a traditional smoking ceremony and official welcome. Drop in at any time to join in.
Get ready to ignite your curiosity and explore the wonders of the universe as Georges River Libraries presents an out of this world lineup of activities for National Science Week. This year’s theme, Decoding the Universe, promises to captivate budding scientists and curious minds of all ages.
Play and Explore is the highlight of the week, where Hurstville Library will transform into a hub of discovery, with hands-on science experiments, interactive shows, creative STEM-based craft sessions, and scientific storytelling.
Whether you’re navigating the stars or uncovering the secrets of life on earth, there’s something for everyone.
10:00am – 2:00pm on Saturday 9 August at Hurstville Library
Join Soapbox Science in 2025 for a FREE event featuring 12 incredible women experts in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) They will share their amazing journeys and experiences through science with short, punchy, accessible presentations.
The speakers aim to share their discoveries in their field, inspire others and make science more approachable, particularly to young children.
Join for a FREE family fun day out at Western Sydney Parklands. The 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!
11am – 3 pm on Sunday 10 August at The Lizard Log Western Sydney Parklands
Sydney Zoo will be running an exciting program of activities that look into the science behind wild animal communication, genetics and microorganisms during National Science Week.
Join the education team from Monday to Friday – as you get hands on with First Nations knowledge, animal poo samples and discovering how much we have in common with our closest relatives. Follow the Discovery Trail to find out how animals communicate with each other. Can you hear or see them all at the zoo?
Learn about elephants using infrasound and bats using ultrasonic sounds to hunt.
Discover the 6 senses (can you guess the 6th?).
Bee inspired by insect communication and how well a frog can sing.
Book quickly for a fabulous family-friendly science festival at the Australian Museum on Saturday 9 August hosted by none other than the Surfing Scientist Ruben Meerman. With a special guest appearance by Dr Karl, kids can explore the famous Sydney Science Trail Expo full of interactive stalls to get hands-on with science and technology – it’s a kids STEM bonanza!
For those who like the outdoors, adventure to the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan on Sunday 17 August for a free interactive program of science talks, nature experiences and walks, and some fun hands-on activities.
Listen to the amazing 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 in the stargazing and our First Nations educators will share their knowledge and stories of the night sky from the Dreaming to the present day.
The Sydney City Skywatchers will provide guidance with their amazing telescopes, all whilst our campfires keep you warm on a winter’s night.
3 – 8pm on Saturday 16 August at Centennial Parkland
Science, Visual and Performing Arts- A multilingual confluence
If you the curious or have the knack for innovation, join in and explore the wonderful magic of science. This national science week event includes interesting live science experiments and STEM based working models and is family friendly, so everyone can get hands on and try different experiments.
Can you set off the lemon volcanoes?
Can you use a balloon to lift up a glass bottle?
Can you make a normal pencil look like a broken pencil when it was in the glass of water?
This event is a family event where there is many fun activities to be follow.
Creative art depicting use of science in our daily life
Science quotes in calligraphy
Creative performances to create awareness about different aspects of science
Drama on theme of Agriculture
Recitations on science
Scientific model & poster presentation by kindergarten to university students
Scientific games stalls focussing on science math skills (STEM-based games)
1.30 – 7pm on Saturday 16 August at Redgum Function CentreWentworthville
Celebrate National Science Week with free family fun at Centennial Park. Science in the Swamp returns to Loch Avenue South packed with science, fun and discovery.
Engage in hands-on experiments. Get up close with native animals. Meet real life scientists including geologists, zoologists, mathematicians and marine biologists.
Say hello to our life-size dinosaur. Dipnet for pond creatures. Make a survival shelter or visit the pop-up ocean lab. With over 30 awe-inspiring stalls, live shows and food trucks, there’s science fun for everyone.
11am – 3pm on Sunday 17 August at Centennial Parklands
National Science Week 2025 is packed with exciting opportunities for the whole family to celebrate and explore STEM. From inspiring STEM careers to hands-on activities, demonstrations, and workshops, these events promise unforgettable learning experiences for all ages.
Across Sydney and regional NSW, parks, libraries, museums, galleries, and gardens will come alive with science. Experienced educators, scientists, and researchers will be on hand to share their knowledge, spark curiosity, and ignite a passion for discovery.
Many events take place outdoors, creating the perfect setting to relax, enjoy a picnic, and connect with the wonders of nature while learning together.
These experiences are free, but booking is needed for many of them. Make sure you register in advance to guarantee a place. Many of them book out!
Program highlights are listed below in date order.
Rhodes Science Fair 2025
The Rhodes Science Fair is a free community event for families with primary-aged children. Embrace the 2025 National Science Week theme “Decoding the Universe” with an interactive celebration of science, designed to engage children and adults to discover together through play, exploration, and participation in fascinating real-world experiments.
Families can explore patterns in nature, uncover hidden systems in technology, and learn how traditional First Nations knowledge and storytelling reveal deeper understandings of our world.
There are four engaging Auslan-interpreted stage presentations and over a dozen interactive table-top activities, the Rhodes Science Fair offers something to inspire every inquisitive mind and spark scientific curiosity of all ages.
10am – 2 pm on Saturday 9 August at The Connection, Rhodes
Nature’s patterns
Explore patterns in nature with all your senses at our fun, free and relaxed family fun day at Sydney City Farm during National Science Week.
10am – 2pm on Saturday 9 August at Sydney City Farm
Indigenous Science Experience at Redfern
What can Aboriginal astronomy tell us about the night sky? How is our native flora used in bush medicine? What can we learn about sustainable living from 60000+ years of Indigenous culture?
This National Science Week, discover the answers to these questions (and more) at the Indigenous Science Experience at the Redfern Community Centre.
Come along to get hands-on with a diverse range of interactive science activities accessible to all ages. Activities will include:
You will also meet Indigenous Elders and student leaders from the National Indigenous Science Education Program who will be assisting in activity demonstrations.
10:00am – 3:00pm on Saturday 9 August at Redfern Community Centre
This FREE event will begin with a traditional smoking ceremony and official welcome. Drop in at any time to join in.
Play and Explore
Get ready to ignite your curiosity and explore the wonders of the universe as Georges River Libraries presents an out of this world lineup of activities for National Science Week. This year’s theme, Decoding the Universe, promises to captivate budding scientists and curious minds of all ages.
Play and Explore is the highlight of the week, where Hurstville Library will transform into a hub of discovery, with hands-on science experiments, interactive shows, creative STEM-based craft sessions, and scientific storytelling.
Whether you’re navigating the stars or uncovering the secrets of life on earth, there’s something for everyone.
10:00am – 2:00pm on Saturday 9 August at Hurstville Library
Soapbox Science Sydney
Join Soapbox Science in 2025 for a FREE event featuring 12 incredible women experts in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) They will share their amazing journeys and experiences through science with short, punchy, accessible presentations.
The speakers aim to share their discoveries in their field, inspire others and make science more approachable, particularly to young children.
2 – 5pm on Saturday 9 August at Tumbalong Park
Astronomy in the Parklands
Pack your picnic, torch and astronomical excitement for an evening under the stars in Western Sydney Parklands.
Under the quiet and stillness of the evening sky, you will have an opportunity to:
Join us for a beautiful night of science, nature and exploration in collaboration with Macarthur Astronomical Society.
4.30 – 7pm on Saturday 9 August at The Dairy Picnic Ground, Western Sydney Parklands
Science in the Scrub
Join for a FREE family fun day out at Western Sydney Parklands. The 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!
11am – 3 pm on Sunday 10 August at The Lizard Log Western Sydney Parklands
Sydney Zoo presents Decoding the Wild
Sydney Zoo will be running an exciting program of activities that look into the science behind wild animal communication, genetics and microorganisms during National Science Week.
Join the education team from Monday to Friday – as you get hands on with First Nations knowledge, animal poo samples and discovering how much we have in common with our closest relatives. Follow the Discovery Trail to find out how animals communicate with each other. Can you hear or see them all at the zoo?
Saturday 9 – Sunday 17 August at Sydney Zoo
Sydney Science Trail: Family Community Days
Book quickly for a fabulous family-friendly science festival at the Australian Museum on Saturday 9 August hosted by none other than the Surfing Scientist Ruben Meerman. With a special guest appearance by Dr Karl, kids can explore the famous Sydney Science Trail Expo full of interactive stalls to get hands-on with science and technology – it’s a kids STEM bonanza!
For those who like the outdoors, adventure to the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan on Sunday 17 August for a free interactive program of science talks, nature experiences and walks, and some fun hands-on activities.
The Planets – Concert and Stargazing
Listen to the amazing 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 in the stargazing and our First Nations educators will share their knowledge and stories of the night sky from the Dreaming to the present day.
The Sydney City Skywatchers will provide guidance with their amazing telescopes, all whilst our campfires keep you warm on a winter’s night.
3 – 8pm on Saturday 16 August at Centennial Parkland
Science, Visual and Performing Arts- A multilingual confluence
If you the curious or have the knack for innovation, join in and explore the wonderful magic of science. This national science week event includes interesting live science experiments and STEM based working models and is family friendly, so everyone can get hands on and try different experiments.
Can you set off the lemon volcanoes?
Can you use a balloon to lift up a glass bottle?
Can you make a normal pencil look like a broken pencil when it was in the glass of water?
This event is a family event where there is many fun activities to be follow.
1.30 – 7pm on Saturday 16 August at Redgum Function Centre Wentworthville
Science in the Swamp
Celebrate National Science Week with free family fun at Centennial Park. Science in the Swamp returns to Loch Avenue South packed with science, fun and discovery.
Engage in hands-on experiments. Get up close with native animals. Meet real life scientists including geologists, zoologists, mathematicians and marine biologists.
Say hello to our life-size dinosaur. Dipnet for pond creatures. Make a survival shelter or visit the pop-up ocean lab. With over 30 awe-inspiring stalls, live shows and food trucks, there’s science fun for everyone.
11am – 3pm on Sunday 17 August at Centennial Parklands
Feature image: Rhodes Science Fair 2024
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