7 Free Things to Do in Sydney City with Kids
Keeping the kids entertained in the city doesn’t have to cost a fortune! Sydney is packed with incredible spots where little ones can run, play, learn, and explore—all for free. Whether you’re after a nature-filled adventure, a creative escape, or just somewhere to let off steam, we’ve rounded up seven must-visit places for a fun (and budget-friendly) day out in the city.
1. Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
A slice of paradise right in the heart of the city! The Royal Botanic Garden is open daily from 7:00 AM to sunset and is perfect for a picnic, a wander through lush greenery, or a bit of wildlife spotting. The rose garden (blooming until May) is a magical spot for kids to explore, and the open spaces are ideal for burning off energy. Keep an eye out for ibises, lizards, and cockatoos as you stroll, and don’t miss the beautiful views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
For a little extra adventure, check out the Calyx, a stunning indoor garden space with interactive exhibits and rotating floral displays. The gardens also run free guided walks—perfect if your little ones love learning about plants and nature. Your kids will just love being able to run around the immaculate gardens, enjoy all the fountains and climb on the statues - the lion ones specifically.
2. Art Gallery of NSW
Not just for grown-ups! The Art Gallery of NSW (open daily 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with late-night Wednesdays until 10:00 PM) has a dedicated kids' library with cubby holes, drawing materials, and interactive art displays - you can check out the visuals here. School holidays bring extra fun with workshops and hands-on activities—perfect for budding artists. The gallery’s family-friendly exhibitions often feature bright, engaging works that captivate little minds.
The newly opened Sydney Modern extension includes kid-friendly art spaces, comfy seating areas, and a café. Plus, there’s always something new to see with changing exhibits, so every visit feels fresh and exciting.
The Art Gallery also runs free guided tours for families on Sundays at 11:30am which go for 40 minutes.
3. Australian Museum
Dinosaur lovers, this one’s for you! Open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (closed Christmas Day), the Australian Museum is home to an epic dino collection and the Burra learning space, which is packed with hands-on activities for kids. Plus, general admission is free, making it an easy win for a fun and educational day out.
The museum also has fascinating exhibits on Australian wildlife, ancient cultures, and First Nations history. Kids can get up close to skeletons, fossils, and interactive science stations. The play area in the Burra space is perfect for little explorers, and the museum café has kid-friendly options if you need a snack break.
4. Lego Store, Pitt Street Mall
Lego dreams come true! The Lego store (open various hours, generally 9:30 AM–7:00 PM on weekdays) is free to enter and full of larger-than-life Lego sculptures, play zones, and hands-on building fun. Whether your kids want to design their own mini-figure (paid option) or just marvel at the displays, this is a great stop for some indoor entertainment.
The centerpiece of the store is an enormous Sydney Harbour Bridge Lego model, plus a life-sized koala and other Aussie icons built from thousands of bricks. There’s a free-play building area where kids can get creative - a great free resource if you need a play break in the city after all the sight seeing.
5. Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour
A playground AND a water play area? Yes, please! Open 24 hours (but best for play during daylight hours), Tumbalong Park has swings, slides, climbing frames, and water jets for splash-filled fun. Pack a picnic and make a day of it—it’s conveniently close to Darling Harbour’s cafes and attractions, too.
The park has picnic tables, shade structures, and grassy areas for relaxing, plus plenty of space for kids to run wild. The interactive water play zone features fountains, pumps, and streams—so bring a change of clothes! Nearby, you’ll find the Darling Quarter playground with extra climbing equipment, tunnels, and a flying fox.
6. Haymarket – Paddy’s Markets & Market City
Markets might not be your first thought for kid-friendly fun, but Paddy’s Markets (Wed-Sun, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM) and Market City (daily, 9:00 AM-9:00 PM) offer more than just shopping. Timezone arcade, weekend entertainment, and vibrant food stalls make this a great stop for families looking for a mix of fun and culture.
Paddy’s Markets is a great spot for bargain hunting, and kids will love checking out the quirky toys, souvenirs, and international snacks. The new Hay St Market also includes over 48 food and beverage vendors. Upstairs at Market City, Timezone is packed with arcade games, claw machines, and mini bowling (although you will need to pay to play these). If you need a break, the Market City food court has plenty of kid-friendly meals, from dumplings to sushi.
7. State Library of NSW
Books, cubby holes, and creative spaces—what’s not to love? Open Mon-Fri 9:00 AM-8:00 PM, Sat-Sun 10:00 AM-5:00 PM, the State Library’s kids’ section is a hidden gem. With plenty of books, puzzles, and comfy reading nooks, it’s a great spot for a quiet escape or a rainy-day adventure.
The Children's Library has a colorful, welcoming space with beanbags, picture books, and craft activities. There are also storytime sessions and interactive displays for young readers. Upstairs, parents can browse exhibitions or enjoy a coffee while the kids dive into a new book. There is also a family room located on the ground floor near the old building entrance. This room is on the smaller side but it has great activity for kids who aren’t interested in reading or who would prefer to play with puzzles, figurines and dress ups.
Final Tips for a Budget-Friendly City Adventure:
Pack a picnic or snacks to save on food costs.
Wear comfy shoes—there’s lots of walking involved!
Bring a towel and change of clothes if visiting water play areas.
Check each venue’s website before heading out for any special events or closures.
Sydney city is bursting with free activities for families, and these spots guarantee a fun-filled day out without spending a cent. Where will you explore first?
