Greater Sydney Parklands knows a thing or two about inspiring mini biologists, palaeontologists, physicists and geologists. Back by popular demand, Science in the Swamp returns to Centennial Park, and Science in the Scrub is popping back up in Western Sydney Parklands this August for National Science Week 2026.
Festivities kick off on Sunday, August 16 at Centennial Park for Science in the Swamp. UNSW is back this year (at both events), hosting the mega SciFest Village featuring slime-making, psychology experiments, astronomy and more. Little ones can chat to real-life scientists, take on challenges and engage in STEM activities. Everyone’s favourite dinosaur, Ginger (the life-sized Australovenator) and baby dinos, plus live creatures will be back at both events for some wild meet and greets.
Carry the excitement over to Western Sydney Parklands on Sunday, August 23 for Science in the Scrub where you can explore marine science with the Australian National Maritime Museum Ocean Lab, witness the magic of liquid nitrogen in a live science show and investigate insects on the Bug Hunt Citizen Science Project. You can even set foot into the Indigenous Science Village where medicinal plants, bush tucker and seaweed harvesting offer a hands-on journey through culture and science.
We haven’t even covered the tip of the iceberg with what’s on. Check out the full programs for Science in the Swamp and Science in the Scrub this National Science Week here. Both events run from from 10am to 3pm.