The best things in life are free – especially if you’re exploring and adventuring around Western Sydney!

Forget splashing the cash when it comes to keeping the whole family occupied, there are plenty of things to do that don’t cost a thing and will leave you and your little ones feeling like you’ve had a great day out.

Top Free Things to Do with Kids in Blacktown

Whether it’s exploring excellent parks, browsing eclectic market stalls or getting a hands-on culture hit at an arts centre, work your way through this list of free things to do with your kids and the experiences will be priceless!

1. Burn off energy at Bungarribee Park

Bigger really is better when it comes to Bungarribee Park, with this spectacularly spacious 200-hectare spot one of the largest recreational spaces in Western Sydney. Ideal for big family picnics or birthday parties, thanks to the 20 barbecues and 13 shelters available (with eight for hire, so no need to stress about nabbing a spot!), you’ll find it tough to wrestle the kids away from the thrilling 14-metre high climbing tower, flying fox, slides and cycling tracks long enough to scoff their lunch.

Still not convinced? Ticking off the essentials for a satisfying park play for all, there’s ample parking and delicious coffee on tap at the very kid and pet-friendly park café, Harvey’s Social.

Location: Intersection of Doonside Rd & Holbeche Rd, Bungarribee

2. Get creative at the Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre

Nestled right in the heart of Blacktown City, the Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre is a fun multi-arts hub with everything you need to set your children’s imagination free.

Just a quick stroll from Blacktown Station, this former church now houses an interactive performance studio, gallery spaces and a weaving garden to while away a few enjoyable hours. 

Location: 78 Flushcombe Rd, Blacktown

3. Get back to nature at Nurragingy Reserve

For guaranteed playground fun, no matter what your child’s age or ability, Waiwai Ngurra inclusive adventure playspace at Nurragingy Reserve is a must-visit. Found in the heart of the popular 63-hectare bushland park, Waiwai Ngurra has all-access swings, slides, a customised elevated walkway and quiet spaces to suit every little one, no matter how they like to play.

Keen to do some more exploring? Don’t miss the bridges, pavilions and gazebos of Chang Lai Yuan, a serene and special space designed and constructed by sister cities Blacktown City Council and Liaocheng Municipal Government in China.

Location: Knox Road, Doonside

4. Make the most of Library@Mount Druitt Hub

Do your kids hate cracking a book? Chances are they think the library is the last place to go for some fun… but it turns out they’re sorely mistaken. The Library@Mount Druitt Hub is an absolute treasure trove of cool, collaborative and totally free activities aimed at nurturing growing brains and helping them make new friends within the community.

Whether they’re using a microbit to build a watch at STEM Club, matching their skills against other competitors at the monthly Board Game Arena, or letting their inner crazy creative fly free at the intriguing and outrageous Bad Art Arvo, kids will have a ball at these entertaining sessions.

Location: 9 Ayres Grove, Mount Druitt

5. Explore the stalls at Parklea Market

Sure, it might be the biggest indoor market in the Southern Hemisphere, crammed with colourful stalls offering fresh produce, clothing and trinkets, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a free family day out at the famous Parklea Markets.

Not only can you spend hours with the kids window-shopping your way through the huge number of stalls, but there’s also a great kids' area and fabulously free events aimed at little ones throughout the year, such as their recent Pirate Party and back-to-school showbags.

Location: 601 Sunnyholt Rd, Parklea
When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm

6. Have a ball at the Blacktown Exercise Sports and Technology Hub

If the relentless thump of a soccer ball being kicked against your back fence has you close to breaking point, help is at hand thanks to the incredible all-weather playing field at the Blacktown Exercise Sports and Technology Hub (BEST).

Perfect for kids with endless energy to burn and an unrivalled passion for ball sports – or just those days everyone needs to get out of the house – a trip to this incredible state-of-the-art facility located within Blacktown International Sports Park has something for the whole family. Take your pick from the soccer field and basketball hoops, or the innovative playground crammed full of slides, obstacle courses and climbing nets.

Location: 25 Blacktown Olympic Ave, Rooty Hill

7. Take a trip to Riverstone Food Markets

Riverstone Food Market will be back soon at Bambridge Lane Complex with your favourite food trucks, local entertainment, delicious food and free kids' activities.  

Where: Bambridge Lane, Riverstone
When:  Occasional Saturdays from 5 pm to 9 pm

8. Free, Family-Friendly Events Around Blacktown

Looking for fun things to do with the kids that won’t break the bank? Throughout the year, Blacktown will be buzzing with a fantastic lineup of free, family-friendly events designed to bring the community together. From cultural festivals to kids’ workshops and interactive performances, there’ll be something for every age and interest.

These events are the perfect way to spend quality time with the family, discover local talent, and explore everything our vibrant city has to offer.

Keep an eye on their event announcements and stay up to date with all the latest events at Blacktown City Council.

Hero image credit: Sydney.com

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