Six Of The Best Things To Do In Parramatta This Summer

By: Phoebe Ackland, ellaslist

It might not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about where to spend those long, hot, summer days and balmy nights- but Parramatta is proving just how BIG on family entertainment and action it is! This summer, don’t miss their host of exciting events, festivals & celebrations- best of all, some of them are FREE!

1. Mov’In Bed Parramatta Park

An outdoor cinema experience like no other- this one will have you snuggling up on one of their 150 beds! Whilst March technically welcomes the beginning of Autumn, there are still a few balmy nights to be enjoyed, so make the most of them with this unique cinema experience. Family movie highlights include The Lion King, The Jungle Book & E.T The Extra Terrestrial.
Where: The Crescent, Byrnes Avenue, Parramatta Park
When: Friday 3 March- Sunday 2 April 2017
Cost: Tickets available online; $17.61-$94.72. Beds can fit 3 people.
MORE INFO HERE

2. Lunar New Year Celebrations, Centenary Square

Parramatta will ring in the year of the Rooster with vibrant colours, performances and flavours. Check out live cooking demos to get some Asian recipe inspiration, grab a bite from a food stall, make a fan or lantern, learn how to origami, check out a traditional performance & LOTS more!
Where: Centenary Square, Parramatta
When: Friday 3 February; 4.30-9.30pm
Cost: FREE
MORE INFO HERE

3. Australia Day in Parramatta

Celebrate our fine nation with an all-day FREE party! The line-up is big and families are totally catered for. Get excited for vintage car and truck displays, an 80m long Big BBQ, Sydney’s biggest hot air balloon sky display, roving entertainment, and a dedicated Kids’ Crescent with wild jungle face painting, drumming workshops, magic shows, giant bubbles and So much more!
Where: Parramatta Park, Pitt St & Macquarie St, Parramatta
When: Thursday 26 January 2017; 6am-9pm
Cost: FREE
MORE INFO HERE

4. FREE School Holiday Workshops

This January, Parramatta Council has kids covered with a huge range of educational, fun and FREE workshops at various locations. Highlights include skate boarding lessons with some of Australia’s best coaches, self defence workshops, heritage and history tours, and fossil digs to learn about Parramatta 200 million years ago!
Where: Various Locations in Parramatta
When: Monday 9 January – Wednesday 25 January 2017
Cost: FREE
MORE INFO HERE

5. Circus City

Part of Sydney Festival 2017. Circus City is a collection of free and paid shows and includes: a big top, an outdoor trapeze, circus workshops, talks, films, an exhibition and a series of events for circus professionals. Whether you are young or old you can wonder at the skill and beauty on display in the performances or get involved in the extensive family workshops program.
Where: Riverside Theatres & Prince Alfred Square, Parramatta
When: 12-22 January 2016
Cost: FREE
MORE INFO HERE

6. Row A Boat On Lake Parramatta

Explore the picturesque Parramatta River by hiring a small watercraft with your family this Summer- what an adventure! Hire anything from 4-person paddleboats and rowboats to stand up paddleboards, canoes, kayaks and pedal boats. Enjoy a 1, 2, 4 hour or whole day session on the lake, where there is also bushwalking tracks, barbecue and picnic facilities, a playground, native wildlife and bird watching, a café and a patrolled swimming area- the hottest place in town to cool down!
Where: Lake Parramatta, accessed via Lackey Street off Bourke Street, North Parramatta
When: Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays; 10am-6pm
Cost: Check out their price list
MORE INFO HERE

Fresh out of school holiday activity inspiration? You need our Guide to Summer! Get your FREE digital copy now.