Kick off the school holidays with a celebration of sweets in World Chocolate Day
Get out and about with the family in Sydney this week for the school holidays and kick off with a free pop-up event at Darling Harbour celebrating all things sweet for World Chocolate Day
SWEETS
World Chocolate Day, Harbourside Amphitheatre, Darling Harbour, Sunday to July 13, 10am-3pm
You could say it’s chocolate day every day but now it’s official. The king of the sweets world will be celebrated with fountains flowing with gooey goodness for World Chocolate Day on Sunday. You can get in on the action at Darling Harbour where a chocolate fountain and free pop-up chocolate bar will celebrate the sweet day. Families are welcome to come along and enjoy a host of sweet treats, have a dip of the chocolate fountain and go into the draw for tickets to see Charlie And The Chocolate Factory: The New Musical, which is in its last days in Sydney, ending on July 21 after a six-month run in Sydney.
ACTION
Freestyle Kings Motocross, Westfield Mount Druitt, Saturday, noon-4pm
Get the heart racing with some fast-paced action as four of Australia’s top motocross riders take to the stage to put their skills on show. Watch as Pat Bowden, Ryan Brown, Jake Smith and Luke Mitchell perform on the stage in the carpark outside the entry to Target and later, you will have the chance to chat with the boys about how they learnt the amazing tricks and maybe even pass on a few tips. Pat Bowden will also be doing an individual meet and greet prior to the show, from 11am at the City Beach store. The event is free.
COOKING
Cooking With Lotus, Chinese Garden, Darling Harbour, Monday to July 19, various times
Little fingers can get creative learning to make Chinese wontons and spring rolls in a cooking workshop offered through the Chinese Garden. Children can learn how to use their chopsticks with ease when they tuck in to eat the fruits of their labour. There are cultural workshops offered through the Garden. Craft workshops are free with entry into the Gardens ($6 for adults/$3 for children) and Lotus cooking workshop is an additional $15 per child. See darlingharbour.com for times.
Make Your Own Churros, San Churro Chocolateria, Bankstown Sports Club, July 10 and 11, 10.30am and 12pm
They’re soft and doughy on the inside and crunchy on the outside and now children aged three to 11 can make their own Mexican doughnuts in a workshop back by popular demand. The ticket price includes the churro making workshop plus a mini milkshake. All children must be pre-booked and accompanied by an adult. Tickets are $17.95 and you can book your spot at bankstownsports.com
Mini Chefs, La Boca Bar and Grill, Stamford Hotel, Mascot, July 9 and 10, 11am-1pm
Put on your bright aprons and chefs hats for two hours of cooking fun at the Argentine restaurant. Try your turn at making fun meatballs, fish fingers and empanadas as you learn the basics of cooking. Aimed at children aged six to 12, little chefs will sit down for a lunch of the food they’ve created and will take home their apron and chef’s hat plus a cookbook. For $49, bookings essential at stamford.com.au.
WINTER
Winterfest, Luna Park, today until July 23
It would have the be the outdoor ice skating rink with the best view this winter. The Harbourside winter festival features snow falls and wintry tunes to transform Sydney into a true festive wonderland. A Christmas in July theme will see also the arrival of Santa. Unlimited ice skating is included
in the Unlimited Ride Pass, from
$25-$57, or $2 cheaper online at lunaparksydney.com.
Winterlight Festival, Prince Alfred Square, Parramatta, from 5pm today until July 21
The heart of Parramatta will be transformed into a winter wonderland until July 21 with an outdoor ice skating rink taking centre stage. Tipped as Sydney’s biggest winter festival, families can enjoy the illuminated ferris wheel, carnival rides, night markets, cabaret shows, live music and more. Check winterlight.com.au for ride and rink pricing.
Bondi Winter Magic, Bondi Beach, July 9 to 20
Celebrating 10 years as the winter festival by the sea, Bondi will again light up with an outdoor ice skating rink, the 22m ferris wheel, Bondi Vista, and a full program of art and cultural activities. Learn about the suburbs’ past with a history walking tour or catch the best in homegrown theatre, comedy, cabaret and circus with Bondi Feast at the Bondi Pavilion. Check out the schedule of events at bondiwintermagic.org.au.
ANIMALS
Petting Zoo, Paddy’s Market, Flemington, Sunday, 10am-1pm
The country comes to the city this weekend with a variety of farm animals on display at the markets. After a spot of shopping, take a
break with the children to pat and feed goats, sheep, lamb, ducks, chicks and rabbits. They can learn from the handlers how to look after these cute animals in an event that
is free of charge.
IMAGINATION
Way Out West, Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre, July 10-14, various times
Light up little imaginations with five days of activities designed to spark the mind and get kids creative. With more than 230 programmed activities, there will be something to interest kids aged up to 15 these school holidays. Hear dreamtime and creation stories from elders in a performance of Fire Bucket and have a laugh with the Listies irreverent comedy show Rolling On The Floor Laughing So Hard A Little Bit Of Wee Comes Out. Get creative as contemporary artists share their skills in Art Of Surprise, or cook up
a storm in Radha’s Kitchen. Check wayoutwestfestival.com.au for the full schedule and prices.
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