Visiting Australia? From the iconic Sydney Opera House to glorious beach walks, Sydney is a wonderful city to explore with the family — and best of all, some of its biggest highlights won’t cost you a cent. Here’s our list of free things to do in Sydney with kids.
#1. Sydney Harbour Bridge
Start your day with a walk across Sydney Harbour Bridge, one of Australia’s most photographed landmarks, and take in the beautiful views of Sydney Harbour. Opened in 1932, it’s the world’s largest steel arch bridge.
#2. Sydney Opera House
The stunning Sydney Opera House is a perfect spot for some amazing family photos. A varied selection of paid tours are available here if you want to spend a little, including a Junior Tour especially for kids. If not, simply make the most of the location, or grab lunch and take in the views at one of the many harbour-side family-friendly restaurants.
#3. Royal Botanic Garden
Right next door to the Opera House and overlooking the harbour, the Royal Botanic Garden is a wonderland of colour and tropical plants. Free guided walks are available on select days — check ahead for current times before you visit.
#4. Getting Around the City Centre
Sydney’s city centre is easy to explore on foot, and public transport can help you cover more ground with tired little legs. Sydney’s Opal card system covers buses, trains, ferries and light rail, with family-friendly options worth looking into before your trip. Check the current Transport for NSW website for the latest fares, passes and any free CBD shuttle services running at the time of your visit.
#5. Darling Harbour
One of the best free outdoor playgrounds around, Darling Quarter Playground was built with maximum fun, learning and imagination in mind. The kids can enjoy water games, balance ropes and giant slides, then fill up with tasty treats from the cafes, restaurants and ice-cream parlours bordering the park.
“The cafes are just gorgeous and the kids’ playground is amazing!” Suzie O.
Visiting London? Check out our free things to do in London.
#6. Centennial Park
Centennial Parklands is a great place to visit with lots of free things to do all year round. The park has several individual playgrounds, including one suited to under 5s, one for kids aged roughly 1–12 years, and a learner’s cycleway ideal for kids learning to ride. The playgrounds are close to barbecue areas or restaurants and toilet facilities.
“You will enjoy a walk in Centennial Park and they have lots of free activities!” Nicole R.
#7. Sydney’s Amazing Beaches
While Bondi Beach is arguably the most popular beach with surfers, tourists and Sydney residents, you’ll be spoiled for choice with amazing beaches in this coastal city. Bondi is linked by a paved coastal walk to Coogee and Bronte beaches — a scenic stroll of a few kilometres. Go snorkelling, scuba diving, swimming, or simply enjoy beach games and sandcastle building.
“The Bondi to Coogee walk is fab!” Jean F.
#8. Maritime Museum
Free on select days, the Australian National Maritime Museum makes a great family day out, with plenty of indoor and outdoor activities including theatre events, craft ideas and interactive exhibitions. Check the museum’s website ahead of your visit for current free-entry days and family events.
#9. Wentworth Falls
About a 90-minute drive from Sydney, Wentworth Falls is a beautiful town in the Blue Mountains with spectacular bushwalks and views. Highlights in the area include Empress Falls, the Charles Darwin Walk and Sunset Lookout, along with safe bathing spots and barbecue and picnic areas.
“It’s a bit out of Sydney but the Wentworth Falls walk is worth a look!” Grant F.
#10. Art Gallery of New South Wales
There’s free entry at the Art Gallery of NSW, which regularly hosts free talks, music and performances on select evenings. Free children’s activity trails are often available online or as printed booklets in the Gallery, with activities to engage kids aged around 6 to 12 with the exhibits.
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If you’re planning more travels with the family, take a look at our guides to free things to do in Boston and free things to do with kids in New York City. Heading to Europe instead? Our free things to do in London guide is a handy companion too.
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Have you visited Sydney recently? What free things to do in Sydney with kids would you recommend? We’d love to hear your suggestions in the comments below!
