A handy guide on everything to do in Parramatta this summer.

Ahhh, summer holidays. 

That blissful time of year when life just seems to slow down a little. 

The possibilities are endless, the weather is warm, serenity and quiet fill the house… or, if you’re a parent it’s filled with whiny echoes of "I’m bored" and "What are we doing today?"

So as the sun graces our beautiful city, it's time to unlock the secrets of Sydney (beyond the usual hotspots).

Whether you’re a history buff, a nature enthusiast, a foodie, or a family of adventure seekers, Parramatta has something for everyone these summer holidays. 

Eats on Church Street

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After working up an appetite, navigate to Church Street, the well-known "eat street" and foodie jewel in Parramatta’s crown. 

Lined with restaurants, bars and cafes aplenty, you can indulge in mouthwatering meals and soak up the buzzy atmosphere. 

There’s a stack of outdoor seating and cuisines to suit every taste bud, so whether you’re finally getting around to that long overdue catch up with friends, or connecting with loved ones, you will find that perfect spot to suit any occasion. 

The best part? Kid-friendly options where parents don’t have to compromise on good food - proving that you can have a family-friendly dining experience without sacrificing taste! 

Our favourites, Alex and Co, Frankie Bs, and Restaurant 317, do just that – think Australian fusion cuisines, generous portions of homemade pasta, share plates, and lasagne that you’ll be dreaming about for days!

Lake Parramatta

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If the words “oasis” and “city” sound like an odd pairing to you, you’re probably right. But what if I told you there was an oasis just two kilometres from Parramatta CBD where you can escape the hustle and bustle?

Have I got your attention?

Well, Lake Parramatta is just that, with over 70 hectares of bushland and offering up a complete day out for families. Think picnics, walks, swimming, BBQ, row boats, bike riding – it's the perfect way to spend a sunny summer day by the water. 

Pack a picnic basket, grab some friends, slap on that sunscreen, and let Lake Parramatta provide hours of family fun these holidays. 

And if you’re a nature lover who prefers to keep their feet on land, the Harris Park Heritage Trail is for you – a 2.4km self-guided heritage walk along Parramatta River, taking you through colonial sites, including a 200 year old house!

Lunar New Year

Image: City of Parramatta. 

2024 marks the Year of the Dragon and as the Lunar New Year approaches, the City of Parramatta dons its festive gear, taking the celebrations up a notch. 

With decorations and lanterns lining the streets, along with an art installation by Amigo and Amigo, head to Parramatta Square and Centenary Square on February 10, to kick off the Lunar New Year in style.

This family-friendly event showcases traditions and customs, celebrating the fiery dragon who brings blessings, prosperity and harmony.

Here you can follow your nose through the street food market, with skewers from Hoy Pinoy, Demochi Donuts, May’s Malaysian, Yan’s Dumplings, and Noodle Bar.

And once you’re fed, bop along to Lion and Dragon dancing, or sit back and watch the community entertainment and roving performances.

It's a family-friendly fiesta with fun activities and workshops for the kids to enjoy, making this a fun night out for big and little people!

Dates and times:

• Lunar New Year: February 10, 4pm to 10pm. 
• Dragon art installation at Parramatta Square: January 31 to February 18.

Sydney Symphony Under The Stars

Image: City of Parramatta. 

Don’t make your summer Saturday night just any old Saturday night. 

On January 20, at 7:30pm, head to Parramatta Park, for a free (yes, free!) concert under the stars, with acclaimed guest conductor Benjamin Northey. 

Listen to original works of didgeridoo magic by William Barton, with appearances by Aunty Delmae Barton, Veronique Serret, and Iva Davies AM, along with the sitar playing of Anoushka Shankar and the wonder of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.

And if one free event isn’t enough, on January 25, Parramatta Park will host the Balloon Glow, an illumination under the stars that will mesmerise adults and children alike.

Between 5pm and 10pm lay eyes on a hot air balloon illumination synchronised to an exciting music composition. 

Bask in the glow as you enjoy live music, have fun with family-friendly activities, and most importantly, devour snacks from the food trucks.

Dates and times:

• Sydney Symphony Under The Stars: January 20, 5pm to 10pm. 
• Balloon Glow: January 25, 5pm to 10pm. 

Dinosaur World Live

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Coming to Australia after stomping through the UK and USA, Dinosaur World Live is sure to satisfy those kiddie dinosaur obsessions!

Put on your fearless explorer hat and come face-to-face with some seriously lifelike dinosaurs. I’m talking about every kid's favourite prehistoric buddies, from the Tyrannosaurus Rex, a Triceratops, Giraffatitan, Microraptor, and even a Segnosaurus.

A downright entertaining journey into the world of dinosaurs, live on stage, providing a roarsome interactive show for the whole family.

After the dino extravaganza, there's a special meet and greet too – your chance to cosy up to a new dinosaur buddy. 

Who wouldn't want a selfie with a T-Rex, right?

And if that’s simply not enough dinosaur for your liking, DinoFest is on January 6 – 20 at Parramatta Park.

Grab your tickets now before they go *ahem*, extinct...

Dates and times:

• Dinosaur World Live at Riverside Theatres: January 18 – 20, 10am to 11am. 
• DinoFest at Parramatta Park: January 6 – 20. 

Discover more family-friendly summer events in the City of Parramatta here.

Feature Image: Instagram/@dinoworldwide/@atparramatta/@alexandco_parramatta.