14 Things To Do With Kids Before The Vivid Lights Turn On
Vivid Sydney officially lights up from 6pm each night — but if you’re heading into the city with kids, there’s plenty to do beforehand to turn it into a full day out.
From free workshops and playgrounds to scavenger hunts, museums, arcade games and giant Lego sculptures, here are 14 family-friendly ways to fill the hours before the lights come on.
Free Activities Around the CBD
Free Neon Face Painting at Paddy’s Markets
Heading to Haymarket before Vivid? Paddy’s Markets is offering free neon face painting from 12pm - 3pm on Fridays and weekends during Vivid with any proof of purchase from the markets.
There’s also a free Vivid scavenger hunt running daily until 13 June, with glow-in-the-dark prizes to be won.
Face Painting Hours: Fri - Sun from 12pm - 3pm
Paddy’s Markets Opening Hours: Wed - Sun from 10am - 6pm (dining at Hay St Market open until 8pm on Wed and Sun and 11pm on Thur - Sat)
Address: 13 Hay St, Haymarket, Sydney
Tech, Games and Interactive Fun
Image: Gateway Sydney. Used with permission
Free Arcade Games at Gateway Sydney
If you’re near Circular Quay, head into the Gateway Sydney dining precinct where free arcade games are set up during Vivid.
Families who spend $30 on dining can also claim a token for the claw machine from 6pm on Wednesday to Sunday evenings.
Address: Alfred St, Sydney (directly behind Circular Quay Train Station, next to Customs House)
Kids Tech Workshops at the Apple Store
Book into a free Apple workshop for kids aged 6 - 12 at the Apple Store on George Street near Pitt Street Mall. Kids can experiment with iPads and creative technology activities, with all devices provided.
These workshops run on weekends and bookings are essential. Find a workshop here. (This is the calendar with all stores, so scroll through or filter for the Sydney store).
Address: 367 George St, Sydney
Fly the Millennium Falcon at David Jones
Star Wars fans should head to Level 9 of the David Jones Elizabeth Street store, where kids can sit inside a life-size playable Millennium Falcon cockpit.
There’s also a Mandalorian-themed scavenger hunt running until 8 June, with the chance to win movie tickets or prize packs. Younger kids will also love the free Lego play tables and Winnie-the-Pooh themed display tree. See our visit here.
Opening hours: Open everyday until 7pm, and until 9pm on Thursdays
Address: Corner of Castlereagh and Elizabeth Streets, Sydney
Size Up Against Giant Lego Displays
The world’s largest Lego store is right in Pitt Street Mall and worth a visit during Vivid. Check out the huge Lego sculptures, browse the displays and let kids have a turn at the free play tables.
Afterwards, stick around to watch the buskers performing throughout the mall.
Address: Entry is via Pitt Street Mall, 400 George St Sydney
Claw Machine Arcade at Joystick
For older kids (or adults who secretly love claw machines), Joystick Arcade on George Street is packed with prize machines and arcade games.
The smaller prize machines are great for younger kids wanting a guaranteed win without spending too much. See our visit here.
Opening Hours: Daily, 10am - 2am
Address: 591 George Street, Sydney
Museums, Libraries and Quieter Stops
Markets, Museums and Candy-Making in The Rocks
The Rocks makes an easy pre-Vivid wander with plenty to explore before sunset.
Browse the markets on Fridays to Sundays, duck into the free Rocks Discovery Museum, or watch traditional candy-making demonstrations at Sticky in The Rocks Centre (Google Maps).
There are also lots of easy dinner options nearby if you’re planning to stay for the lights — from pubs and Pancakes on the Rocks to food trucks at the Overseas Passenger Terminal.
Markets: Fridays - Sundays, 10am - 9pm (Vivid late night hours)
Address: George Street, The Rocks
Become an Archaeologist at the Unearthed Exhibit
The Museum of Sydney’s Unearthed exhibition includes an interactive section called “Dig It!”, where kids can sketch artefacts, complete 3D puzzles and explore a Sydney dig site through an archaeology-themed game.
Entry is free, though bookings or registration are required. See our recent visit here.
Opening Hours: Daily, 10am - 5pm
Address: Corner of Bridge Street and Phillip Street, Sydney
Sink the Boat at the Pamela Allen Exhibit
Perfect for younger kids, the Pamela Allen exhibit at the State Library is a short but sweet stop near Circular Quay and the Opera House. Get a quick glimpse of our recent visit here.
It’s an easy, quick indoor activity to break up the afternoon before heading out for Vivid.
Opening Hours: Mon - Thurs until 8pm, Fri - Sun until 5pm
Address: State Library of NSW, 1 Shakespeare Place, Sydney
Take a Break at a City of Sydney Library
Need a quieter reset before the evening crowds? Pop into Customs House near Circular Quay or The Exchange in Darling Square.
Both are handy spots to recharge, browse children’s books and take a break from the noise.
Opening Hours: Weekdays until 6pm, Sat and Sun until 4pm
Customs House Library Address: 31 Alfred Street, Circular Quay
Darling Square Library Address: The Exchange, Levels 1 and 2, 1 Little Pier St, Haymarket
Visit the Art Gallery of NSW
The Art Gallery of NSW is a great way to spend a few hours in the city.
Kids can explore Mike Hewson’s “The Key’s Under the Mat” installation, or visit the Children’s Library, which is open Tuesday to Saturday until 4pm and Wednesdays until 6pm.
See our honest thoughts about Mike Hewson’s exhibit here.
From there, it’s an easy walk down through the Botanic Gardens towards Circular Quay for dinner and the evening lights.
Opening Hours: 10am - 5pm (until 10pm on Wednesdays)
Address: Art Gallery Rd, Sydney
Outdoor Play and Darling Harbour Stops
Have a Play at Tumbalong Park Playground
If your kids need to burn energy before nighttime, Tumbalong Park playground is one of the best spots in the city.
There’s a flying fox, slides, swings and climbing ropes spread across the huge play space.
A couple of things to note:
The playground is not fenced
The equipment is spread out, which can make supervising multiple kids tricky
There’s plenty of water play, so spare clothes are a good idea
Address: Darling Harbour, 11 Harbour St, Sydney
Kids Activity Trail at the Maritime Museum
The Australian National Maritime Museum has a free kids activity trail for children aged 4 - 10.
Pick up a trail sheet, collect stamps as you explore the museum, and enjoy the exhibits without needing to pay for ship entry.
Families wanting to add more can also book tickets to the paid Vivid Wonderverse experience.
Opening Hours: Daily, 10am - 4pm
Address: 2 Murray St, Darling Hbr, Sydney
Saturday Night Bonus Activity
Free Vivid Kids Concerts at Tumbalong Park
If you’re visiting on a Saturday night, Tumbalong Park hosts free family concerts right before the Vivid lights switch on.
2026 line-up:
23 May — The Mik Maks
30 May — Benny Time
6 June — Jay Laga’aia
13 June — Angie Who
These concerts are a great way to keep kids entertained while waiting for sunset and the Vivid displays to begin.
Time: 5pm - 6pm
Address: 11 Harbour St, Sydney
