what are the best free things to do with kids in sydney

What Are The Best Free Things To Do With Kids In Sydney?

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    Sydney is a wonderful place full of limitless opportunities for fun with the kids. Are you looking for the greatest free ways to entertain your children? Stop right there! Sydney is packed with fun activities that won't break the bank and are suitable for kids of all ages. There is a wide variety of possibilities, from beaches of golden sand to fascinating museums and verdant havens. Prepare to embark on a trip full of happiness, laughter, and precious memories as we reveal "The Best Free Things To Do With Kids In Sydney." What are we waiting for?

    Free Things to Do in Sydney

    Museum Of Contemporary Art

    The Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) houses an impressive array of works by Australian and international artists, making it a must-see for art enthusiasts of all ages. Every Wednesday, the MCA offers free admission and ARTplay for infants, preschoolers and kindergarteners, who can roam the galleries at their own pace and enjoy the collection. You can find more information about bringing your family to the MCA on their families page, but in short, the entire museum is stroller-friendly, and there is a cafe and a parent's area.

    Run Amok In A Park

    Sydney is known for its many beautiful parks open to the public at no cost. The natural motions of water are represented in the play area at Blaxland Riverside Park in the Sydney Olympic Park, Nurragingy Reserve in Doonside, and Steel Park in Marrickville, making them wonderful places to take the kids throughout the summer.

    Art Gallery Of New South Wales

    Children under five are allowed free ticketed exhibitions at the Art Gallery of New South Wales (AGNSW), making it a family-friendly destination that won't break the bank. Stop by the information desk in either structure to learn about upcoming free events for families, where you can also pick up a map of kid-friendly routes and printed-out worksheets and colouring pages. Keep an eye out for the children's labels as you wander; these labels feature active suggestions designed to foster critical thinking, visual literacy, and a love of art in young visitors. Here you may find information about taking your children to the AGNSW.

    Plan A Picnic

    When Christmas cabin fever sets in, a picnic is a terrific free activity to change things and get the kids out of the house. Read on to learn where you should go for a picnic in Sydney.

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    The Australian Museum

    A trip to The Australian Museum is necessary if you're looking for free activities with kids in Sydney. Nothing beats getting up close and personal with prehistoric creatures. They can enjoy special exhibitions and interactive activities in addition to the standard collection, which will surely be a hit. The museum welcomes families with strollers and has a changing station and two cafés where visitors can relax with a milkshake. Visit the events page on The Australian Museum's website to find out if any forthcoming free tours or courses interest you.

    Stretch Your Legs On A Bushwalk

    When youngsters in Sydney have a lot of excess energy, a free bushwalk is the best thing to do. We don't think you should blame us for this if there's a piggyback ride involved; we've selected the greatest bushwalks to undertake in and around Sydney with kids, whether they have little legs or are more experienced explorers. 

    Find Some Chill In A Library

    Get the kids to one of Sydney's fantastic libraries if you're in the mood for a spellbinding story; several provide free children's programming. Rockdale Library, with its enchanted forest–themed reading area and extensive children's library, is one of our favourites; the State Library, with its extensive Children's Library, is another.

    Dance And Fitness Classes

    On Wednesday mornings throughout the school year, bring your little dancers to Bella Vista Pocket Park for a free dance lesson. 

    The Australian Teachers of Dancing developed the imaginative dance programme Imagine for the young students at The Stage Door Performing Arts. Children aged two to five will be introduced to dance as a means of self-expression, socialisation, musical exploration, and physical activity. 

    Traverse, A Centuries-Old Mangrove Forest

    A mangrove forest that is hundreds of years old may be found right in the middle of Sydney's bustling downtown. 

    Located in Sydney Olympic Park, the Badu Mangroves are an excellent addition to anyone's itinerary of free things to do in Sydney.

    Nature Walks

    Malabar Headland National Park Walking Track

    Malabar Headland, which reopened to the public in 2018, is accessible through the 1.15km Malabar Headland route, which links with the coastal National Parks Wildlife Service Boora Point Walking route to form a circular loop.

    Bondi to Coogee Walk

    Walking along the coast, you'll see the magnificent Waverley Cemetery, cliffs, and rock formations at Tamarama, Clovelly, and Bronte.

    The Great West Walk

    The Great West Walk is a beautiful 65-kilometre track from Parramatta to the Blue Mountains that passes through some of Sydney's most breathtaking landscapes. While the entire trek is probably too much for young children, we recommend trying out a section as a family.

    Visit Sydney's Famous Shipwreck

    The iconic shipwreck in Sydney is a fun destination for kids of all ages. The SS Ayrfield, which saw service during World War II, has now retired to the peaceful waters of the Parramatta River. 

    Visit the Shipwreck Lookout near the Sydney Olympic Park Archery Centre to take in the sights and learn about the area's rich history. 

    Free Playgrounds

    Adventure playgrounds, enclosed playgrounds, playgrounds near the sea, you name it, ellaslist loves it all! 

    One of the finest free things to do in Sydney is to take the kids to a playground where they can burn off some excess energy while getting fresh air. Some of our favourites are listed here.

    Livvi's Place

    Livvi's Place at Elara is well-known as one of Sydney's most enjoyable playgrounds and with good reason.

    The bright playground contains everything a kid might want: a trampoline loop, a carousel, a fun glider, a water play area, slides, a flying fox, climbing nets, swings, and more.

    Bungarribee Park

    Bungarribee Park is the best place for kids to run around and have fun every day of the week. 

    With exciting features including a 50-meter dual flying fox, slides, water and sand play area, 14-meter play tower, obstacles, ramps, tunnels, swings, spinners, climbing walls, and more, we can guarantee that your children will ask to return as soon as possible.

    Sydney Park

    Sydney Park is not only one of the best parks in Australia but in the whole wide world since it was named the world's most creative park in the year 2020. Your family will appreciate you for including this delightful destination on your itinerary of free Sydney attractions.

    Climb The Lollypop Lighthouse

    Our fascination with Hornby Lighthouse, with its distinctive red and white stripes, knows no bounds.

    Hornby Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located at South Head, close to Watsons Bay in Sydney Harbour National Park. The lighthouse reminds us of a striped lollypop from a distance, but its true duty is considerably more important.

    The Hornby Lighthouse, which has stood tall since 1858, is one of our favourite free things to do on a sunny day in Sydney. 

    The Camp Cove Car Park is a free parking option. However, park admission is required. If you choose, you can also get there through the South Head Heritage Trail.

    Explore The Brickpit Ring Walk

    With its bold red and white stripes, Hornby Lighthouse never ceases to captivate us.

    South Head, in Sydney Harbour National Park, is home to the historic Hornby Lighthouse. It is close from Watsons Bay. The lighthouse may look like a striped lollypop from a distance, but its real purpose is much more serious.

    We love visiting Sydney's Hornby Lighthouse on a bright day. 

    Park entry is required. However, Camp Cove Car Park is free. The South Head Heritage Trail also provides access to the area.

    Life's A Beach

    If you call Sydney home, then yes, it is. Our waterfront metropolis boasts countless stunning beaches, each more breathtaking than the last. You can visit them without spending a dime!

    Sydney's greatest kid-friendly beaches provide free water and sand play every day of the week, so make a list of your favourites and cross them off individually.

    We love the beaches in the Royal National Park, particularly Congwong Beach, Darook Park Beach, Collins Flat Beach, and the rest of the wonderful beaches there. Sydney has several secret beaches that offer additional seclusion.

    Catch A Sydney Sunset

    Enjoy the beautiful afternoon light at one of Sydney's numerous free sunset viewing spots.

    Free Parks & Gardens

    Centennial Park

    Beautiful Centennial Park is divided up with little patches of greenery and water. There is a pond with ducks and swans that would love to be fed, a bike trail, a playground, and open fields perfect for a kickball game.

    You can use the free barbeque grills and picnic tables across the park. A complete list of Sydney's free attractions!

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    Royal Botanic Gardens

    The Royal Botanic Gardens is a cultural haven where families may have picnics and let their kids run wild for a day among the nearly magical bushes. 

    Hike through 30 hectares of forest while the kids learn about interesting plants and native animals. Relax and watch the light play on the leaves, or get some exercise while soaking in the scenery.

    The Royal Botanic Gardens also offer free, volunteer-led tours of the grounds. Booking in advance is highly recommended.

    Wendy Whiteley's Secret Garden

    A visit to Wendy's Secret Garden, one of Sydney's most beautiful free attractions, is always a fantastic idea. A charming nook on the North Shore, loaded with surprises around every curve, is the ideal setting for a family picnic. 

    Wendy's Secret Garden is an eccentric natural paradise with magnificent trees, beautiful flowers, and breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour. 

    Make A Splash

    Blaxland Riverside Playground, Darling Quarter, and Putney Park are just a few of the Sydney water parks open for free during the summer.

    Shark Beach, Nielsen Park. 

    It would be nearly unthinkable not to swim in the water in Sydney. Bondi may be a popular destination for locals and tourists, but bringing kids there isn't a great idea unless you plan to swim between the flags. Where do people in this area take their children? Shark Beach in Nielsen Park is a great option for a day at the beach because it has grassy areas where you can spread your towel, a peaceful swimming area, a cafe, and other amenities. The locals don't want you to know about it so that you can steal their secret hangout! 

    Conclusion 

    Sydney is a city filled with endless opportunities for fun with kids, offering a wide variety of activities that won't break the bank. Some of the best free things to do in Sydney include visiting the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA), running amok in parks, visiting the Art Gallery of New South Wales (AGNSW), planning a picnic, visiting the Australian Museum, taking a free bushwalk, finding some chill in a library, attending dance and fitness classes at Bella Vista Pocket Park, exploring the Badu Mangroves, taking nature walks at Malabar Headland National Park Walking Track, and visiting Sydney's famous Shipwreck.

    Free playgrounds include Livvi's Place, Bungarribee Park, Sydney Park, and the Lollypop Lighthouse. The MCA offers free admission and ARTplay for infants, preschoolers, and kindergarteners, while the Art Gallery of New South Wales offers free ticketed exhibitions for children under five.

    For a more adventurous experience, consider visiting Sydney's famous Shipwreck Lookout near the Sydney Olympic Park Archery Centre. Free playgrounds like Livvi's Place, Bungarribee Park, Sydney Park, and the Lollypop Lighthouse are also great options for kids to enjoy.

    In summary, Sydney offers a wide variety of free activities for kids of all ages, from the Museum of Contemporary Art to the Art Gallery of New South Wales. These activities are suitable for families with strollers and offer a fun and educational experience. The Hornby Lighthouse in South Head, located in Sydney Harbour National Park, is a popular attraction with its bold red and white stripes. Visitors can enjoy the lighthouse on a bright day, while Camp Cove Car Park and the South Head Heritage Trail provide free access. Sydney's numerous kid-friendly beaches offer free water and sand play daily, including Congwong Beach, Darook Park Beach, and Collins Flat Beach. Sydney also has secret beaches for added seclusion.

    Free parks and gardens include Centennial Park, Royal Botanic Gardens, Wendy's Secret Garden, Blaxland Riverside Playground, Darling Quarter, and Putney Park. Shark Beach in Nielsen Park is a popular spot for a day at the beach, offering grassy areas, a peaceful swimming area, and a cafe. Booking in advance is highly recommended for a memorable experience.

    Content Summary: 

    • Sydney is a wonderful place full of limitless opportunities for fun with the kids.
    • Are you looking for the greatest free ways to entertain your children?
    • Sydney is packed with fun activities that won't break the bank and are suitable for kids of all ages.
    • Prepare to embark on a trip full of happiness, laughter, and precious memories as we reveal "The Best Free Things To Do With Kids In Sydney."
    • The Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) houses an impressive array of works by Australian and international artists, making it a must-see for art enthusiasts of all ages.
    • Run Amok In A Park Sydney is known for its many beautiful parks open to the public at no cost.
    • Art Gallery Of New South Wales Children under five are allowed free ticketed exhibitions at the Art Gallery of New South Wales (AGNSW), making it a family-friendly destination that won't break the bank.
    • Here you may find information about taking your children to the AGNSW.
    • A trip to The Australian Museum is necessary if you're looking for free activities with kids in Sydney.
    • Visit the events page on The Australian Museum's website to find out if any forthcoming free tours or courses interest you.
    • When youngsters in Sydney have a lot of excess energy, a free bushwalk is the best thing to do.
    • Get the kids to one of Sydney's fantastic libraries if you're in the mood for a spellbinding story; several provide free children's programming.
    •  Located in Sydney Olympic Park, the Badu Mangroves are an excellent addition to anyone's itinerary of free things to do in Sydney.
    • Walking Track Malabar Headland, which reopened to the public in 2018, is accessible through the 1.15km Malabar Headland route, which links with the coastal National Parks Wildlife Service Boora Point Walking route to form a circular loop.
    • The Great West Walk is a beautiful 65-kilometre track from Parramatta to the Blue Mountains that passes through some of Sydney's most breathtaking landscapes.
    • The iconic shipwreck in Sydney is a fun destination for kids of all ages.
    • Lookout near the Sydney Olympic Park Archery Centre to take in the sights and learn about the area's rich history.
    • One of the finest free things to do in Sydney is to take the kids to a playground where they can burn off some excess energy while getting fresh air.
    • Livvi's Place at Elara is well-known as one of Sydney's most enjoyable playgrounds and with good reason.
    • Bungarribee Park is the best place for kids to run around and have fun every day of the week.
    • Sydney Park is not only one of the best parks in Australia but in the whole wide world since it was named the world's most creative park in the year 2020.
    • Our fascination with Hornby Lighthouse, with its distinctive red and white stripes, knows no bounds.
    • South Head, in Sydney Harbour National Park, is home to the historic Hornby Lighthouse.
    • We love visiting Sydney's Hornby Lighthouse on a bright day.
    • The South Head Heritage Trail also provides access to the area.
    • Our waterfront metropolis boasts countless stunning beaches, each more breathtaking than the last.
    • Sydney's greatest kid-friendly beaches provide free water and sand play every day of the week, so make a list of your favourites and cross them off individually.
    • Sydney has several secret beaches that offer additional seclusion.
    • Enjoy the beautiful afternoon light at one of Sydney's numerous free sunset viewing spots.
    • Free Parks & Gardens Centennial Park Beautiful Centennial Park is divided up with little patches of greenery and water.
    • A complete list of Sydney's free attractions!
    • The Royal Botanic Gardens is a cultural haven where families may have picnics and let their kids run wild for a day among the nearly magical bushes.
    • The Royal Botanic Gardens also offer free, volunteer-led tours of the grounds.
    • Wendy Whiteley's Secret Garden A visit to Wendy's Secret Garden, one of Sydney's most beautiful free attractions, is always a fantastic idea.
    •  Make A Splash Blaxland Riverside Playground, Darling Quarter, and Putney Park are just a few of the Sydney water parks open for free during the summer.
    • It would be nearly unthinkable not to swim in the water in Sydney.
    • Bondi may be a popular destination for locals and tourists, but bringing kids there isn't a great idea unless you plan to swim between the flags.
    • Shark Beach in Nielsen Park is a great option for a day at the beach because it has grassy areas where you can spread your towel, a peaceful swimming area, a cafe, and other amenities.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Sydney hosts various free, family-friendly events and festivals throughout the year, such as the Sydney Festival, which includes outdoor performances, art installations, and activities for children.

     

    The Rocks Discovery Museum and Customs House both provide free exhibits that showcase Sydney's rich history, architecture, and cultural heritage.

     

    Parks like Sydney Park and Bicentennial Park offer free sports facilities, including cycling tracks, skate parks, and sports fields, where kids can engage in various activities.

     

    Yes, the Sydney Opera House occasionally hosts free family events, such as concerts, workshops, and performances designed to entertain and engage young audiences.

     

    Families can take advantage of the many free water-based activities, such as swimming in ocean baths, playing in rock pools at various beaches, or simply enjoying a picnic by the beautiful harbours and waterways.

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