Get ready for an unforgettable family adventure during National Science Week 2026! Packed with exciting, hands-on activities, interactive demonstrations and engaging workshops, this celebration is designed to ignite a passion for discovery in thinkers of all ages.
You’ll have the unique chance to meet experienced educators, scientists and world-class researchers who are eager to share their knowledge, answer burning questions and spark your children’s curiosity. Whether you are uncovering the secrets of local ecosystems or marveling at cutting-edge technology, these events offer a fantastic blend of fresh air, relaxation, and mind-expanding fun.
The best part? These incredible community experiences are completely free! However, because these events are so popular, spots are limited and many will book out quickly. Be sure to look through the program highlights below and register your family in advance to guarantee your place in the fun.
Blacktown Family Science Day
Step into a world of discovery at Blacktown Family Science Day 2026 — a free, fun-filled celebration of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) for the whole community in the lead-up to National Science Week.
Join us as we transform Blacktown into a vibrant science wonderland where curious minds of all ages can explore hands-on activities, exciting experiments, and interactive workshops. Meet real scientists, discover amazing technology, and experience how science connects with creativity through art, design, and storytelling.
10am – 12.30 pm on Thursday 16 July at Emerton Youth Recreation Centre
Luminescence – Discovery of a Glowing World is an interactive theatrical experience inspired by the wonder and science of all that glows in the natural world. An exploration and discovery for young children of nature and bioluminescence – the amazing natural glowing phenomenon.
Nic-Nac Theatre Company invites participants to explore and recreate these glowing worlds that inspire wonder and awe. Adults and children learn and play side by side, creating the setting for a luminescent world. Each session is unique to the audience that builds and directs the interactive experience.
Saturday 15 – Monday 17 August at Jervis Bay Maritime Museum and Gallery.
Join Marine Rescue Port Macquarie for an exciting day of discovery, adventure, and hands-on activities as we explore the science, technology, and people behind marine rescue operations.
Held at the Marine Rescue Port Macquarie boat shed, this free community event will give visitors a unique opportunity to meet real rescue volunteers, step aboard rescue vessels, and learn how science and technology are used every day to keep people safe on the water.
10am – 3pm on Saturday 15 at Marine Rescue Port Macquarie Boat Shed
Immersive Planetarium Dome and VR Space Experience
Have you ever wanted to travel through space? Australian Digital Incursions brings two incredible experiences straight to your community: a fully immersive mobile planetarium dome and state of the art virtual reality science sessions.
Inside the dome, a live presenter takes you on a journey through the solar system, followed by an interactive quiz and a breathtaking full-dome film. In VR, you can float through the International Space Station, explore marine environments, and discover the human body from the inside.
To mark National Science Week 2026, Oberon Citizen Science Network (OCSN) is proud to present a free community event on Saturday 15th August: “Science in Oberon: More than you imagine!” at the Malachi Gilmore Hall, an art deco architectural gem.
From 10:00am to 12:30pm on Saturday 15th August, the Malachi Gilmore Hall will open to the public for viewing of a number of science- and technology-related exhibits. From 12:30pm to 3:45pm, there will be a series of talks by guest and local speakers
10:00am – 4:00pm on Saturday 15 at Malachi Gilmore Hall Oberon
Growing conservation through innovation at Sydney Zoo
Step into a world where science, innovation and wildlife collide at Sydney Zoo’s Conservation Through Innovation, a dynamic, multi‑day National Science Week experience designed for families, students and curious minds of all ages.
Begin your send of adventure on the Discovery Trail, a self‑guided journey highlighting twelve threatened species from cassowaries to cheetahs and the real conservation science that is helping to protect them. Follow interactive clues, become a wildlife detective, and uncover how technologies like thermal imaging, citizen science platforms, sustainable resource certification, and youth‑led innovation are transforming conservation around the world. Complete the mystery and claim a reward to kick‑start action at home.
Get ready to grow your mind and ignite your curiosity as Georges River Libraries sow seeds of wonderment in an exciting lineup of activities in our annual celebration play and explore for National Science Week.
Explore the wonders of life on earth with our down-and-dirty lineup of activities; learn how the oldest gardens were cultivated and traditional and contemporary uses of bushfood, snuggle in for Storytime Science, immerse yourself in the world of sensational succulents paint a virtual garden scape, design a pot to be 3D printed, or scavenge the library for seeds. There will also be tabletop discoveries, interactive installations, and plenty of opportunities to play and explore.
10:00am – 2:00pm on Saturday 15 August at Hurstville Library
Join in the family-friendly science festival at the Australian Museum on Saturday 15 August as they kick off National Science Week. Explore the famous Sydney Science Trail Expo full of interactive stalls where you can meet scientists and get up close to science and technology – it’s a kids STEM bonanza!
Science in the Swamp is back in Centennial Park this National Science Week — and bigger than ever. On 16 August Centennial Park transforms for a FREE day out where you can have hands-on science experiences filled with things to try, test and explore.
With more than 50 stalls, workshops and activity zones, visitors can dive into the fascinating world of science. Try real experiments, get hands-on with microscopes, explore chemistry in action, or take part in citizen science activities tracking wildlife and the health of local ecosystems.
10am – 3pm on Sunday 16 August at Centennial Parklands
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 22 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.
Experience Sydney City Farm during National Science Week at this free, family friendly open day. This is a drop in style event that’s free, but bookings are essential.
Discover:
Meet a scientist and learn about their work
Check out some weird and wonderful seeds and make your own seed bomb
Get up close to leaf litter bugs and insects and study them under a microscope
Create a sun print artwork to take home
Learn about how birds, bats and mammals contribute to plant propagation
Take part in our seasonal scavenger hunt around the farm
Join a tour and see how we attract beneficial insects with plantings for pollinators
Pot up a seedling to take home and care for
10am – 2pm on Saturday 22 August at Sydney City Farm
Sydney Science Trail – Community day at the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan
Celebrate National Science Week with a free family-friendly science bonanza at the Australian Botanic Garden.
Start your adventure with an 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.
10:00am – 3:00pm on Saturday 22 August at Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan
Science, Visual and Performing Arts- A multilingual confluence
Get ready for a fun-filled family day and celebrate National Science Week. Science is for everyone – whether you’re 5, 50, or beyond. Join us for an exciting community event where curiosity, creativity, and discovery come together.
This event is a family event where there is many fun activities to be follow.
Explore fascinating science topics and interactive displays
Enjoy exciting experiments and innovative science projects
Discover how science connects with visual arts, performing arts, and storytelling
Participate in extempore or impromptu speaking and public speaking
Test your knowledge in science and maths quiz contests
Win on-the-spot prizes and awards
Meet inspiring researchers, scientists, educators, and academics
Learn how science shapes our everyday lives and creates endless possibilities for the future
12.30 – 6pm on Saturday 22 August at S P Jain School of Global Management Lidcombe
Science in the Scrub returns to Western Sydney Parklands; bringing a full day of fun, discovery and hands-on science to Lizard Log on 23 August 2026.
For the first time, the UNSW SciFest Village takes over part of Science in the Scrub, with scientists stepping out of their labs to showcase experiments, interactive challenges, microscopes, chemistry in action and real research you can see, try and explore.
Don’t miss the life−sized roaming dinosaur and your chance to meet real−life scientists at this special event!
10am – 3 pm on Sunday 23 August at The Lizard Log Western Sydney Parklands
Get ready to explore, experiment, and be amazed! The Hunter Science Festival is Newcastle’s biggest and most exciting day of science, where curiosity comes to life and everyone is invited to join the fun.
Held at Newcastle Museum during National Science Week, this one-day event transforms the museum into a buzzing science playground. Thousands of people come along each year, making it the museum’s largest single-day event – and it’s easy to see why.
10am – 3 pm on Sunday 23 August at the Newcastle Museum
Get ready for an unforgettable family adventure during National Science Week 2026! Packed with exciting, hands-on activities, interactive demonstrations and engaging workshops, this celebration is designed to ignite a passion for discovery in thinkers of all ages.
You’ll have the unique chance to meet experienced educators, scientists and world-class researchers who are eager to share their knowledge, answer burning questions and spark your children’s curiosity. Whether you are uncovering the secrets of local ecosystems or marveling at cutting-edge technology, these events offer a fantastic blend of fresh air, relaxation, and mind-expanding fun.
The best part? These incredible community experiences are completely free! However, because these events are so popular, spots are limited and many will book out quickly. Be sure to look through the program highlights below and register your family in advance to guarantee your place in the fun.
Blacktown Family Science Day
Step into a world of discovery at Blacktown Family Science Day 2026 — a free, fun-filled celebration of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) for the whole community in the lead-up to National Science Week.
Join us as we transform Blacktown into a vibrant science wonderland where curious minds of all ages can explore hands-on activities, exciting experiments, and interactive workshops. Meet real scientists, discover amazing technology, and experience how science connects with creativity through art, design, and storytelling.
10am – 12.30 pm on Thursday 16 July at Emerton Youth Recreation Centre
LUMINESCENCE – Discovery of a Glowing World
Luminescence – Discovery of a Glowing World is an interactive theatrical experience inspired by the wonder and science of all that glows in the natural world. An exploration and discovery for young children of nature and bioluminescence – the amazing natural glowing phenomenon.
Nic-Nac Theatre Company invites participants to explore and recreate these glowing worlds that inspire wonder and awe. Adults and children learn and play side by side, creating the setting for a luminescent world. Each session is unique to the audience that builds and directs the interactive experience.
Saturday 15 – Monday 17 August at Jervis Bay Maritime Museum and Gallery.
The Science Behind Saving Lives at Sea
Join Marine Rescue Port Macquarie for an exciting day of discovery, adventure, and hands-on activities as we explore the science, technology, and people behind marine rescue operations.
Held at the Marine Rescue Port Macquarie boat shed, this free community event will give visitors a unique opportunity to meet real rescue volunteers, step aboard rescue vessels, and learn how science and technology are used every day to keep people safe on the water.
10am – 3pm on Saturday 15 at Marine Rescue Port Macquarie Boat Shed
Immersive Planetarium Dome and VR Space Experience
Have you ever wanted to travel through space? Australian Digital Incursions brings two incredible experiences straight to your community: a fully immersive mobile planetarium dome and state of the art virtual reality science sessions.
Inside the dome, a live presenter takes you on a journey through the solar system, followed by an interactive quiz and a breathtaking full-dome film. In VR, you can float through the International Space Station, explore marine environments, and discover the human body from the inside.
9:00am – 5:00pm on Saturday 15 in Sydney
Science in Oberon – More than you imagine
To mark National Science Week 2026, Oberon Citizen Science Network (OCSN) is proud to present a free community event on Saturday 15th August: “Science in Oberon: More than you imagine!” at the Malachi Gilmore Hall, an art deco architectural gem.
From 10:00am to 12:30pm on Saturday 15th August, the Malachi Gilmore Hall will open to the public for viewing of a number of science- and technology-related exhibits. From 12:30pm to 3:45pm, there will be a series of talks by guest and local speakers
10:00am – 4:00pm on Saturday 15 at Malachi Gilmore Hall Oberon
Growing conservation through innovation at Sydney Zoo
Step into a world where science, innovation and wildlife collide at Sydney Zoo’s Conservation Through Innovation, a dynamic, multi‑day National Science Week experience designed for families, students and curious minds of all ages.
Begin your send of adventure on the Discovery Trail, a self‑guided journey highlighting twelve threatened species from cassowaries to cheetahs and the real conservation science that is helping to protect them. Follow interactive clues, become a wildlife detective, and uncover how technologies like thermal imaging, citizen science platforms, sustainable resource certification, and youth‑led innovation are transforming conservation around the world. Complete the mystery and claim a reward to kick‑start action at home.
Saturday 15 – Sunday 23 August at Sydney Zoo
Play and Explore
Get ready to grow your mind and ignite your curiosity as Georges River Libraries sow seeds of wonderment in an exciting lineup of activities in our annual celebration play and explore for National Science Week.
Explore the wonders of life on earth with our down-and-dirty lineup of activities; learn how the oldest gardens were cultivated and traditional and contemporary uses of bushfood, snuggle in for Storytime Science, immerse yourself in the world of sensational succulents paint a virtual garden scape, design a pot to be 3D printed, or scavenge the library for seeds. There will also be tabletop discoveries, interactive installations, and plenty of opportunities to play and explore.
10:00am – 2:00pm on Saturday 15 August at Hurstville Library
Sydney Science Trail: Family Community Day
Join in the family-friendly science festival at the Australian Museum on Saturday 15 August as they kick off National Science Week. Explore the famous Sydney Science Trail Expo full of interactive stalls where you can meet scientists and get up close to science and technology – it’s a kids STEM bonanza!
Saturday 15 August at the Australian Museum
Science in the Swamp
Science in the Swamp is back in Centennial Park this National Science Week — and bigger than ever. On 16 August Centennial Park transforms for a FREE day out where you can have hands-on science experiences filled with things to try, test and explore.
With more than 50 stalls, workshops and activity zones, visitors can dive into the fascinating world of science. Try real experiments, get hands-on with microscopes, explore chemistry in action, or take part in citizen science activities tracking wildlife and the health of local ecosystems.
10am – 3pm on Sunday 16 August at Centennial Parklands
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 22 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.
Sydney City Farm Open Day
Experience Sydney City Farm during National Science Week at this free, family friendly open day. This is a drop in style event that’s free, but bookings are essential.
Discover:
10am – 2pm on Saturday 22 August at Sydney City Farm
Sydney Science Trail – Community day at the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan
Celebrate National Science Week with a free family-friendly science bonanza at the Australian Botanic Garden.
Start your adventure with an 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.
10:00am – 3:00pm on Saturday 22 August at Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan
Science, Visual and Performing Arts- A multilingual confluence
Get ready for a fun-filled family day and celebrate National Science Week. Science is for everyone – whether you’re 5, 50, or beyond. Join us for an exciting community event where curiosity, creativity, and discovery come together.
This event is a family event where there is many fun activities to be follow.
12.30 – 6pm on Saturday 22 August at S P Jain School of Global Management Lidcombe
Science in the Scrub
Science in the Scrub returns to Western Sydney Parklands; bringing a full day of fun, discovery and hands-on science to Lizard Log on 23 August 2026.
For the first time, the UNSW SciFest Village takes over part of Science in the Scrub, with scientists stepping out of their labs to showcase experiments, interactive challenges, microscopes, chemistry in action and real research you can see, try and explore.
Don’t miss the life−sized roaming dinosaur and your chance to meet real−life scientists at this special event!
10am – 3 pm on Sunday 23 August at The Lizard Log Western Sydney Parklands
Hunter Science Festival at Newcastle Museum
Get ready to explore, experiment, and be amazed! The Hunter Science Festival is Newcastle’s biggest and most exciting day of science, where curiosity comes to life and everyone is invited to join the fun.
Held at Newcastle Museum during National Science Week, this one-day event transforms the museum into a buzzing science playground. Thousands of people come along each year, making it the museum’s largest single-day event – and it’s easy to see why.
10am – 3 pm on Sunday 23 August at the Newcastle Museum
Feature image: Rhodes Science Fair 2024
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