The Big Adventure


The Big Adventure

Family Fun at Sydney Park this Saturday 7th October

People of all ages can enjoy an action-packed playground when Sydney Park transforms into The Big Adventure this Saturday, 7 October.

 

The family friendly event is part of the month-long Sydney Rides Festival, supported by the City of Sydney.

 

The Big Adventure – previously called Sydney Rides the Park – will encourage kids and kids at heart to try new sports and activities, including skating, mountain boarding, yoga, and footy and cricket clinics.

 

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said The Big Adventure encourages families to get active outdoors during the school holidays.

 

'Spring is the perfect time for kids and adults alike to cut down on time indoors and pick up a new hobby, skill or sport," the Lord Mayor said

 

'From footy clinics, balance bike lessons and even rock climbing, The Big Adventure will fill every corner of Sydney Park with activities for all ages, so more of our residents and visitors can have fun outdoors.

 

'Sydney Park is one of the city's most spectacular, family-friendly open spaces, and as part of our annual Sydney Rides Festival, The Big Adventure will include more activities than ever before."

 

Kids will also enjoy a native animal zoo, make-their-own pedal-powered smoothie, BMX displays, ballet on bikes and kite making workshops. Free bike valet parking will make getting to the event easier.

 

Author, speaker and digital wellness expert Dr Kristy Goodwin said that in a digital world saturated with screens, many kids don't spend enough time playing outdoors.

 

'More kids have access to technology and devices from an early age, meaning their leisure time is predominantly spent indoors and plugged-in, displacing play and opportunities for physical movement," Dr Goodwin said.

 

'We have to balance their green-time and screen-time, and ensure our children have time for unstructured, outdoor play.

 

'The Big Adventure will get kids out with their families where they can pick up practical playing skills and, switch off from the fast-paced digital world. It's good for their brains and for their bodies." 

 

Other Sydney Rides Festival events include a photo gallery in Paddington Reservoir Gardens, the chance to cycle across Sydney Harbour Bridge for the Spring Financial Group Spring Cycle, and an overnight escape at Cockatoo Island.

The month-long festival will finish with Light the City – a traffic-free twilight tour of Mrs Macquarie's Point, which this year will have a Halloween twist.

 

The Big Adventure is a free event on Saturday, 7 October from 9am to 4pm at Sydney Park, St Peters.

 

Sydney Rides Festival 2017 highlights include:

 

Sydney Rides photo exhibition, Paddington Reservoir Gardens – 3–29 October

Explore Sydney's secret subterranean park with a photographic exhibition in Paddington Reservoir Gardens, showcasing bike-based adventures and favourite rides. Paddington Reservoir Gardens, Oxford Street, 8am–8pm only.

 

Spring Financial Group Spring Cycle – 15 October

A once-a-year opportunity for beginners and regular riders to cross the magnificent Sydney Harbour Bridge by bike and cruise across the Cahill Expressway and The Rocks historic area, with the routes all car-free for the day. The 10km Sydney City Ride ends with a family-focused event in Pirrama Park at Pyrmont. Participants can also join the 16km River Ride, 50km Classic Ride or ride alongside Australian tour legend Robbie McEwen on the 105km Challenge Ride to Sydney Olympic Park. Departing from St Leonard's Park from 6.30am. Pre-booking essential.

 

Overnight escape to Cockatoo Island – 21 October

Pack your bike on the ferry for a sleepover at Sydney's most picturesque harbour island, then explore Cockatoo Island by bike after Sunday morning breakfast. Pre-booking essential.

 

Light the City, Mrs Macquaries Point – 28 October

Sydney's two-wheeled twilight event returns for a Halloween-inspired community celebration. Friends and families can fancy dress to impress and enjoy spectacular harbour views, gourmet food trucks, epic illuminations and the popular silent disco as the sun goes down and trees light up. Bike hire is available on the night. Mrs Macquaries Road, The Domain, 6pm–11pm.

 

Visit sydneyridesfestival.net  for program details and booking information.

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