If you find yourself in Sydney for a day and want an adventure for free we have found a plethora of delights for you to explore. Whilst you will need to find your way to the spot, entry or exploration is free! Yes, Sydney has quite an array of free stuff to do with kids. But where to start! We hope you enjoy our free things to do in Sydney with kids coverage.
Free things to do in Sydney with kids
Table of Contents
Sydney Playgrounds and Playspaces
Over the last few years councils all around Sydney have invested in revitalising park spaces and have transformed them into amazing play spaces that are drawing more and more families to them seach weekend. With free parking, free bbq areas and the most amazing playgrounds, heading to these spaces are the ultimate FREE activity for any day of the week.
Looking for the best playgrounds in Sydney? Check out our full coverage!
Best Water Parks in Sydney | Jubilee Park Adventure Playground, Mortdale | Fairfield Adventure Park, Fairfield | Wulaba Park, Green Square Waterloo | Parramatta Park Playground, Parramatta | Holroyd Gardens, Merrylands | Sydney Park, St Peters | Bungarribee Park, Bungarribee | Blaxland Riverside Park, Olympic Park | Casula Parklands Adventure Playground | Oatley Park Baths | Oatley Park Adventure Playground
The Museum of Contemporary Art Australia
The Museum of Contemporary Art Australia is a cultural marvel and houses a brilliant range of contemporary art. The venue is free to visit and children are warmly received.
Throughout both the school term and the Sydney school holidays, the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia offers a range of family fun activities. Some are free, some request a small donation.
Opening hours: 10.00 am–5.00 pm daily | 10.00 am–9.00 pm Wednesdays | Closed 25 December
Address: 140 George St, The Rocks NSW
Website: www.mca.com.au
The Museum of Contemporary Art with Kids
Visit Home & Away’s Summer Bay
You know we belong together……you and I forever and ever……. Home and Away has been the early evening television series that any tweens, teens and even adults have enjoyed for over twenty years. For many visitors to Sydney, a trip to Summer Bay tops their bucket list.
We have explored Summer Bay (actually called Palm Beach) a number of times and have even climbed up to Barrenjoey Lighthouse. It is FREE to visit and if you choose your day carefully, you may even get to meet one of the cast members!
Head over to our Visit Summer Bay Guide to read about how we timed our visit to meet the cast!
The Rocks Discovery Museum
The Rocks Discovery Museum is open every day from 10.00 am – 5.00 pm and is located in a three-storey high restored 1850s sandstone warehouse in The Rocks. It is free to enter and walks you through the history of the are from pre-European occupation through to modern times. It is a great little pit stop if you are exploring the area.
You can read about our visit to the Rocks Discovery Museum with kids
Opening hours: 10.00 am – 5.00 pm daily | closed Good Friday and Christmas Day
Address: Kendall Lane (enter via Argyle Street), The Rocks, NSW, 2000
Website: www.therocks.com
Click for the best things to do with visitors in Brisbane
Walk the Sydney Harbour Bridge
The Sydney Harbour Bridge is an Australian Icon. Whilst you can pay to do the BridgeClimb or walk to the top of the Pylon Lookout you can also enjoy the bridge and the magnificent view for free by walking the pedestrian pathway along the bridge’s eastern edge.
The Sydney Harbour Bridge is open all day and night and is FREE to walk.
Chau Chak Wing Museum
If your kids are super interested in the ancient world or perhaps just love the idea of seeing a real-life mummy, a trip to the University of Sydney to visit the Chau Chak Wing Museum needs to be on your list. 3 floors, numerous exhibits, and the most amazing collection of Ancient Egyptian artefacts will keep the kids busy
The museum is always free and is never crowded. Go and have a look.
Read about our visit to the Chau Chak Wing Museum with kids
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10.00 am – 4.30 pm | open first Saturday of the month 12.00 – 4.00 pm (otherwise closed).
Address: via the Quadrangle at Sydney University
Website: sydney.edu.au
The Art Gallery of NSW
The Art Gallery of NSW is considered one of the premier art galleries in Australia and experiences over 1,000,000 visitors every year. A mere 15 minute walk from the city centre, admission to the Gallery is free, and so are the permanent galleries and most exhibitions and events.
Opening hours: Open daily from 10.00 am | closes 5.00 pm except for 10.00 pm on Wednesdays
Address: Art Gallery Rd, Sydney NSW
Website: www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au
Royal Botanic Gardens
The Royal Botanic Gardens is the perfect spot for a picnic right in the heart of Sydney. This space is the place to visit if you wish to introduce your children to plant life with everything from a tropical greenhouse to succulents and herbs on show. Want a tour? Check their website for the next free tour. The Royal Botanic Gardens often hosts a range of free family events too.
Opening hours:
Address: Mrs Macquaries Rd, Sydney NSW
Website: www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au
Luna Park
Luna Park is a very popular Sydney destination. Entry is free and the view is breathtaking. You do need to pay for rides, but if you want a budget visit head to Coney Island for just $15.00. I always remember to pack lunch.
Opening hours: Luna Park hours vary. They are open Friday – Monday most weeks, and all days during the school holidays but check for details
Address: 1 Olympic Dr, Milsons Point NSW
Website: www.lunaparksydney.com
Centennial Park
Centennial Park is the perfect spot for a picnic, a ball game or a walk. At 189 hectares it is a massive area perfect for exploring. There are always a plethora of free activities happening at the site and I always click through to their What’s On Page for ideas. The Entertainment Quarter isn’t too far away either with so many food choices, two free playgrounds and a whole bunch of other goodies to explore.
Opening hours: Centennial Parklands is open to the public 365 days a year, however vehicle access is generally prohibited in Centennial Park between sunset and sunrise.
Address: Centennial Park, Randwick
Website: www.centennialparklands.com.au
Bondi Beach
Bondi Beach is one of Australia’s most iconic beaches. You can swim in the ocean or swimming pool; try your skills at the Bondi Skate Park or play at the enclosed playground. It’s also a celebrity haven – so you are likely to spot one or two on your adventures. Want something a little quieter (with better swimming locations)? Head to Cronulla.
Sydney Park
St Peters Park is one of our favourite places to visit with our bikes as it has an entire mini road pathway with traffic lights, roundabouts and stop signs perfect for little kids. Of course, it is also free. On the other side of the park you will also find an enormous playground with tunnels, climbing walls, bridges, slides and swings. *Must visit*
Opening hours: Open 24 hours
Address: 416 Sydney Park Rd, Alexandria
Website: Our trip to Sydney Park
The Sydney Opera House
The Sydney Opera House is another Sydney landmark that offers the Kids at the House program for children filled with a bounty of theatre options. Although these generally have a fee, each school holiday period the site opens a creative play area which is free to visit. Check the program before you visit.
For a free option, head to the Sydney Opera House and enjoy exploring the outside for the view and a quick glimpse inside. During school holidays, the Sydney Opera House offers free activities just outside the playhouse.
Address: Bennelong Point, Sydney
Website: www.sydneyoperahouse.com
Australian National Maritime Museum
Australian National Maritime Museum is located in Darling Harbour, a short walk from the CBD. They have a large selection of ships, boats and submarines on display and a rich permanent collection which your kids will love to explore. You can visit the galleries and exhibitions for free on the first Thursday of every month (excluding public and school holidays). It is well worth a visit!
Opening hours: 9.30 am – 5.00 pm daily
Address: 2 Murray St, Sydney NSW
Website: www.sea.museum
Botany Bay
Botany Bay is a place most Australian’s can tell you a lot about. It is the place where some would say Australia’s European history began. Walking along the shore line you will come across many notable historical markers, a burial plot and many educational items.
Address: The Kurnell area is off Captain Cook Drive, access is via Rocky Point Road, off the Princes Highway
Website: www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
The Sydney Observatory
The Sydney Observatory is an Australian landmark offering some of the best views across the city. Entry is free providing access to all of the rooms other than the top observation areas where the telescopes are used for tours. One of the highlights for us was the LEGO room which is also free.
Opening hours: 10.00 am – 5.00 pm daily.
Address: 1003 Upper Fort St, Millers Point NSW
Website: maas.museum/sydney-observatory/
Sydney Beaches
Then, of course, there are the Sydney beaches. They are all free and all amazing. We have pulled together this super amazing Sydney Beaches with kids resource to help you find your perfect beach.
But which one to choose?
Where to Stay in Sydney
Sydney has quite an array of accommodation options to choose from. We love heading into the city for a staycation for special events as it saves the drive home. Head to our Sydney Accommodation guide for ideas on where to stay.
We will add more places as we find them! Feel free to leave a comment detailing the finds you have discovered.
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Reblogged this on Backpacks and Babygrows and commented:
Things to do in Syney for free when travelling with kids – courtesy of The Kid Bucket List
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Question: is the Observatory free? I have it in my mind that it is, but perhaps we did pay after all.
Ok, just answered by own question: free for a self-guided tour to limited areas. Payment for things like telescopes, cinema sessions and night visits. I seem to recall I just took the kids through the free stuff.
nice! We plan on taking the kids to Sydney next year. Planning lots of closer to home travel and Sydney is on that list so this list is helpful!
great list! I would add: Customs House (Circular Quay) – very cool model of Sydney CBD under a perspex section of floor and usually an free exhibition on. Some great walks like Spit to Manly or Bondi to Bronte. Blaxland Riverside Park – totally awesome.
Ooh, like I said in that last comment, we might be heading to Sydney later in the year, so I will definitely be checking back to this list if we do!! Great ideas!
This is a great list! I think you can still get the free shuttle bus from George street which goes round the CBD. I used this to plan my last trip . Im pretty sure the Library is still free as well, may not be the best place for the little ones though :/, there are always the parks though which are fantastic!