Top 5 Free Kids Activities at Foundation Day in Parramatta
Looking for historical and educational kids activities without breaking the bank? Families can discover Parramatta’s rich cultural history at Foundation Day 2024 – a fun and FREE day out where play meets learning!
North Parramatta Precinct, home of the historically significant Parramatta Female Factory, will be transformed into a festive market fair where you can experience life 200 years ago. Explore historical building tours and workshops where kids, parents and grandparents can discover new skills, hobbies and facts about Parramatta’s past while spending quality family time together.
Get your kids outside and off their screens for a packed schedule of wholesome activities waiting just beyond your door!
Here are 5 activities you can’t miss at the FREE Foundation Day event.
Hobby Horse Race
Get into the racing spirit – the First Annual Parramatta Foundation Day Hobby Horse Race is here!
Spark your creativity and join the free hobby making workshop to decorate your own hobby horse to play with and take home at the end of the day. The workshop will be hosted by George Buchanan, the winner of the arts and craft reality television show ‘Making It Australia’ aired on Network Ten.
Not only will you get the chance to win prizes for the most creative hobby horse design, but you can also compete for the first-place ribbon at the First Annual Parramatta Foundation Day Hobby Horse race.
Horse racing has a long history in Parramatta with unofficial races held at the main of George St as early as 1795, as well as official racing at sports carnivals, Parramatta Fairs and what would become Rosehill Racecourse. May the battle commence!
Horse and Carriage Rides
Step back in time and travel as how they did in the past – without motors and mechanics, but by classic horse power! Enjoy a memorable scenic horse and carriage ride around the North Parramatta Precinct, taking in the sights of iconic historical buildings and Foundation Day festivities. Arrive early to avoid the queue!
Petting Zoo
Are your kids lovers of furry farm animals? Bring the family along to pet and feed local animals including calf, sheep, goats, ducks, ducklings, chickens, guinea pigs, rabbits, piglets and more!
The petting zoo is a great opportunity for little ones to meet and learn about a variety of different animals while getting up close and personal with their favourite storybook friends in real life. This interactive hands-on experience is something that kids of all ages will enjoy!
Parramatta Fair
Get excited – the fair is coming to town! The Foundation Day Parramatta Fair is a tribute to the first ever fair held in Australia and to NSW’s first agricultural society.
Look forward to:
- A variety of stalls from Artist Made Markets
- Parramatta historic societies
- Demonstrations from Levi the Village Blacksmith
- Face painting
- Roving hula hoop and bubble artist performers
Historical buildings and displays
There’s no better way to learn about history than directly from the past itself. From walking history building tours to real-life army tanks and interactive historic artefacts, deep dive into the interesting and real stories of Parramatta.
There is so much to do and see at Foundation Day 2024 on Saturday 2 November. From free kids activities and workshops to live music and face painting, join us in bringing history to life at the North Parramatta Precinct. Discover an exciting adventure and make memories that will last a lifetime!
