Top Free Things In Sydney For Families

Sometimes taking your kids out constantly can put a strain on your wallet. But, your kids’ joy and adventurous spirit shouldn’t come at a heavy price. From activities that help kids connect to nature, to finding educational activities that are fun and informative, Sydney has quite a few free family activities for everyone.

Nature Walks

Malabar Headland National Park Western Walking Track
The stunning 1.15km track provides public access to Malabar Headland, which re-opened to the public in 2018 for the first time in 100 years, and creates a circular loop by linking with the coastal National Parks Wildlife Service Boora Point Walking Track.

Bondi to Coogee Walk
The walk will take you through the beaches of Tamarama, Clovelly and Bronte, showing off stunning cliffs and rock formations as well as the hauntingly beautiful Waverley Cemetery. The walk is too long for little ones and don’t feel obliged to do the whole thing; walking by one or two of the beaches is fun and more than enough for everyone. You can stop at one of the beaches; Bronte and Clovelly have an excellent cafe and playground that suit all ages. And of course, the beach is waiting for you…

Pram/Bike Friendly Walks
The Bondi to Coogee walk isn’t very pram or bike-friendly. One of our lovely explorers has found a pram/bike-friendly walk in each region. Enjoy!

Bushwalking trails with Toddlers and Preschoolers
If you really want to explore the outdoor and want to encourage your little one too, then try out these toddler and preschool-friendly bushwalks!

Fabulous Parks

Centennial Park
The stunning Centennial Park features various pockets of lawns and ponds. and you can find a bike track and playground near the main entrance, a pond of ducks and swans who are more than happy to be fed and spacious fields where you can kick around a ball. Several BBQs are left around the park for you to use for free as well as picnic tables.

Royal Botanic Gardens
The Royal Botanic Gardens is a cultural oasis that’s perfect for a picnic and an afternoon of imaginative play amongst the almost mystical bushes. Ramble over 30 hectares of lush greenery while the kids explore fascinating plants and resident wildlife. Lie back and watch the light dance through the foliage or pound the pavement for some exercise with breathtaking views.

Free Festivals

The spring/summer lineup of Sydney markets and festivals is pretty impressive, so make sure you clear your calendars for free entertainment and free fun in the sun with the family.

Darling Square Moon Festival - Friday 25th September to Sunday 11th October 2020

Crows Nest Fest - Sunday 18th October 2020

Emerge Festival 2020 -  Tuesday 1st September to Sunday 11th October 2020

Water Activities

Water Playgrounds
Sometimes you just don’t feel like the salty waters of Sydney’s beaches, but luckily there are quite a few water playgrounds that house cafes and seats for parents. See Sydney’s best free water parks for kids.

Rock Pools
Nestled amongst are beaches are some extraordinary and fun rock pools! They’re not just great and safe for swimming but it’s also a chance to observe the animals that shuffle between the crevices of the rocks. If there are shells stuck on the rocks, you can crack them open with a rock and hand-feed it to the fishes. So, head to one of these rock pools!

Snorkelling Spots
If you have snorkel and mask, rush off to these beaches and learn about our marine life.

Beaches for Toddlers & Preschoolers
The more popular and crowded beaches in Sydney aren’t always the best for the little ones. Check out these beaches that are perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.

Educational Activities

Powerhouse Museum
The Powerhouse contains more than 250 extraordinary permanent exhibits that give kids a brilliant hands-on, interactive experience. From touching skeletons and large scale train models to watching beautiful clockwork performances, there’s plenty to learn and enjoy here.

The Rocks Discovery Trail For Kids
Explore Sydney from pre-European days to the present in in the cobblestones backstreets of The Rocks. History will leap out at you as you follow the specially designed map for little explorers. Get the kids ready to start exploring and discover hidden gems, special treats and freebies along the way! 

Free Art

Sculptures by the Sea
Every year,  Sydney's spectacular Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk is transformed into the world’s largest free public sculpture exhibition for Sculptures By The Sea. Over three weeks, the 2 km stretch is be adorned by 100 contemporary sculptures by Australian and international artists. This year the 24th annual exhibition will take place from 22 October – 8 November 2020 (please note the event is TBC for 2020).

Art Gallery of NSW
If you have a flowering artist or just a kid that loves to get their hands scribbling furiously, then they’ll love the Art Gallery! Admission is free, and so are the permanent galleries and most exhibitions and events. Kids will be awed by the sheer size of some paintings. There are heaps of free art activities too! 

Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA)
Located on the spectacular Sydney Harbour, the MCA is free and open to visitors Tuesday to Sunday. Everyone is invited to experience the latest contemporary art from Australian and international artists, in a creative, diverse and inclusive space. They also host unique events and exhibitions throughout the year. A team of gallery hosts love exchanging ideas and sharing insights on the collections, so visitors big and small can get the most out of their visit. 

Sydney is also awash with oodles of free public art - take a look at our guide and go on a discovery adventure! 

More Sydney Fun

The Ultimate Family Bucket List
Alpaca Farmstays Near Sydney
Sydney Secret Spots To Explore With The Kids

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