Mark your diaries for a double dose of family fun with two free family-friendly events at the one location this August at Lakeside Park in Narrabeen.
Whether your little ones dream of mastering a hula hoop, watching jaw-dropping magic tricks or meeting native animals and discovering how bees help the environment, there is something for every curious mind.
This year, Picnic in the Park is swapping the traditional stage show for a free, interactive circus-themed celebration, featuring a magic show and roving magician, live entertainment, giant bubbles, juggling, hula hoop workshop, face painting, giant games, colouring-in boards, an RFS fire truck and variety of food trucks.
Just a short 300m walk from Lakeside Park, the fun continues with an open day at the Coastal Environment Centre – a hands-on community event celebrating practical ways to care for our environment while connecting with nature.
Families can take home free native plants, meet native animals, enjoy nature-inspired craft activities, listen to live music, and chat with local experts about everything from native bees and pollinators to composting, worm farming, backyard chickens and habitat gardening.
Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins said the two events offer the perfect mix of fun and learning for local families.
“Children are naturally curious, and these events tap into that sense of wonder while getting outdoors, having fun and making great family memories.
“At the Coastal Environment Centre kids can meet animals including chickens and a blue tongue lizard, learn about plants and wildlife, get their hands dirty with nature-based activities, and take home simple ideas that help create a greener future or be moved by magic and music at Picnic in the Park – there is something to interest everyone.” Mayor Heins said.
Picnic in the Park
Location: Lakeside Park, Narrabeen
Date: Saturday 29 August 2026
Time: 9am – 12pm
Pricing: Free
Gather your family and friends for a free, circus-themed celebration, full of magic, music, dancing, food trucks and fun!
Activities:
- Magic show & roving magician
- Live entertainment
- Food trucks and coffee
- Face painting
- Giant games
- Giant bubbles
- Colouring in boards
- Hula hoop workshop
- Juggling
- RFS fire truck
- And more!
Coastal Environment Centre Open Day
Location: Inside BIG4 Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park
Date: Saturday 29 August 2026
Time: 9am – 2pm
Pricing: Free
Activities:
- Plant Giveaways – Take home free native plants and learn how tackle common garden weeds.
- Expert Talks & Advice – Chat with specialists in native bees and pollinators, native plants and habitat gardening, backyard chickens, composting and worm farming and sustainable living practices.
- Biodiversity – Hear from Council’s biodiversity experts, meet native animals and learn about local citizen science projects
- Environmental Group Stalls – Meet local environmental organisations and community groups working to protect and enhance our local environment.
- Hands-On Nature Activities – Interactive activities for children and adults including meeting native animals
- Family Entertainment – Face painting, live music and nature-based craft activities
- Food – Sausage sizzle
Images: Northern Beaches Council
