Sydney Science Trail: Community Day
Join us for a one-day science bonanza, jam-packed with science shows and activities for kids of all ages!
Get ready for Sydney Science Trail Community Day - a science bonanza, packed with live shows and hands-on activities for kids of all ages, and hosted by the Surfing Scientist, Ruben Meerman. Catch the spectacular Let’s Go! Science Show by Creative Science, see special appearances from Winny, the Australian Museum’s resident dinosaur, and meet Australian Museum Research Institute scientists sharing their favourite objects throughout the galleries.
Entry is free with more than 15 interactive activities. Some shows and experiences incur charges and can be booked as an add-on during registration.
Free activities
When: Saturday 15 August: 10.30am, 11.45am, 1.45pm, 3pm
Duration: 30 mins
Location: Hintze Hall, Level UG
Age recommendation: All ages
Cost: Included with entry
Enjoy a lively science show packed with fun demonstrations and plenty of laughs. Using everyday items - from bananas to baguettes - the presenter reveals surprising science, topped off with a cool liquid nitrogen finale.
When: Saturday 15 August: 11.15am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm, 3.45pm
Duration: 25 mins
Location: Hintze Hall, Level UG
Age recommendation: All ages
Cost: Included with entry
Join us for a science showcase with a live Q&A hosted by Ruben Meerman and learn about the exciting STEM work of our Partner University, University of Technology Sydney and other stall holders.
When: Saturday 15 August: 11am, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm
Duration: 30 mins
Location: Meet in Wild Planet at entry to Garrigarang, Level UG
Age recommendation: All ages
Cost: Included with entry
Expand your understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures on this unique tour of objects from the Australian Museum's collections, led by a First Nations guide.
When: Saturday 15 August: All day
Duration: Drop-in from 10am
Location: Wild Planet, Level UG
Age recommendation: All ages
Cost: Included with entry
Interactive hands-on experiments that transform everyday materials into exciting scientific explorations and captivate minds. Each activity will spark curiosity and deepen understanding of scientific principles!
When: Saturday 15 August: All day
Duration: Drop-in from 10am
Location: Burra, Level 2
Age recommendation: All ages
Cost: Included with entry
Head to Burra to create a moving stick insect to take home and explore the other hands-on activities in our immersive learning space!
When: Saturday 15 August: All day
Duration: Drop-in from 10.30am
Location: Wansolmoana, Level 2
Age recommendation: All ages
Cost: Included with entry
Get creative with the traditional Māori art of tukutuku weaving! In this fun, hands-on, creative session, you’ll explore the beautiful patterns of tukutuku panels—decorative latticework found in wharenui (meeting houses).
When: Saturday 15 August: All day
Duration: Drop-in from 10.30am
Location: Westpac Long Gallery, Level G; Minerals, Level 1; Surviving Australia, Level 2; Dinosaurs, Level 2; Birds of Australia, Level 2
Age recommendation: All ages
Cost: Included with entry
Get your questions ready to ask the Australian Museum Research Institute's scientists, our Library and Archives and Education teams as you explore the interesting objects they have brought from our collections to share with you.
When: Saturday 15 August: All day
Location: Museum-wide
Age recommendation: All ages
Celebrate science throughout the whole museum! Find scientists, researchers and specialists from a range of fields around every corner of the museum. Ask questions and learn more about what they do.
Paid experiences
These experiences are not included with free entry and must be booked as an add-on when you register. Capacity for these add-on events is limited.
Science Expo
When: Saturday 15 August, various time slots available
Duration: Approx 30 mins
Location: Hintze Hall, Level UG
Age recommendation: All ages
Cost: $8 Members, $10 non-Members (Ages 4+)
Explore our renowned Science Expo, featuring scientists and researchers from over 20 organisations including Sydney Science Trail partner University of Technology Sydney. Get hands-on with experiments and interactive displays, chat about everything from frogs to fossils and be inspired by the latest innovations in science.
Plus your Science Expo ticket includes access to our Bloodsuckers: Nature's Vampires exhibition!
Robotics in Action Show
When: Saturday 15 August, various time slots available
Duration: 30 mins
Location: Theatre (Level UG)
Age recommendation: All ages
Cost: $8 Members, $10 non-Members (Ages 4+)
Children 3 years and under must sit on parent/guardian's lap
Experience the world's most cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics - see autonomous self-driving cars, AI drones and humanoid and dog robotics in action. Learn about what AI and robotics are capable of and where the technology may head in the future. It's early days of this technology but already you will see incredible robotic dancing, voice interaction and backflips! Come along to see the future in action.
Bug-Tastic! Workshop
When: Saturday 15 August, various time slots available
Duration: 30 mins
Location: Education Room 1, Level LG
Age recommendation: 4+
Cost: $8 Members, $10 non-Members
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Step into the fascinating world of bugs with a hands-on workshop. Meet live Australian butterflies in our immersive Butterfly House, train as a junior bug detective in Stick Insect Spy School, and explore the microscopic world through interactive challenges. Perfect for curious kids who love getting up close to nature.
Nature Up Close: Beginners photography workshop
When: Saturday 15 August, various time slots available
Duration: 40 mins
Location: Education Room 2, Level LG
Age recommendation: 4+
Cost: $8 Members, $10 non-Members
Children must be accompanied by an adult. At least one device per booking is required.
See nature through a new lens in this hands-on introductory workshop. Learn simple photography techniques, practise looking closely at the natural world and build confidence capturing plants, animals and the tiny details often missed.
Botanic Gardens of Sydney will be hosting their Community Day on Sunday 22 August at the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan. You can see the full program here.
Ruben Meerman appears by arrangement with Claxton Speakers International.
