Free Kids Activities for When it’s Raining in Sydney

While Sydney may be known for its good weather, it definitely gets its share of rain! Thankfully, there’s still plenty of things to do that will get you out of the house as a family. Pick your favourite below!

For more inspo, check out the day out ideas we share over on Insta, or browse free and low cost activities in Sydney and the Eastern Suburbs now.

Head to a Library 

Woollahra Library at Double Bay

Sydney, Randwick, Waverley and Woollahra Council libraries all host free activities (as well as some with small fees) throughout the week during school terms. Head to a Rhyme Time or Storytime for under 5s, or reserve a last minute spot at a craft or STEM workshop for primary schoolers. 

You can find the Randwick, Waverley and Woollahra library activities here, and the Sydney library events here. 

If you’re not keen on a structured activity, pop in at any time to borrow some books anyway! Some libraries have free colouring sheets available for little ones (e.g. Waverley and Surry Hills libraries), and the Woollahra Library at Double Bay has a slide inside the library that is open between 10am-11am and 3pm-4pm every day (subject to Library staff’s availability). 

Visit the Art Gallery of New South Wales

Address: Art Gallery Rd, Sydney NSW 2000

In addition to the regular exhibits at the Art Gallery, check out their dedicated Children’s Library (see Ruby’s visit here) or one of their events or drop-in workshops. 

If you have a little one, pop into their storytime from 11am-11:30am in the Children’s Library on Fridays (aimed at 3-5 year olds, but younger siblings welcome).

The Art Gallery also runs a free guided tour for kids (and families) every Sunday at 11:30am. No bookings are required, and the tour includes activities inspired by the artworks on display.

Learn at the Australian Museum

Address: 1 William Street, Sydney

The Australian Museum is my personal go-to for rainy days. Entrance for most of the exhibits is completely free (including the permanent Dinosaurs exhibit, and the special Sharks and Rays exhibit which is on until 8 December). 

Make sure you check out the kid-focused Burra exhibit on Level 2.

It’s a tactile, fun exhibition for kids (particularly young ones, but there’s something for older kids too!) focusing both on Western science and knowledge from First Nations in Australia and beyond. Includes microscopes, puzzles, tactile play, dance, film, books, projections, an under 5’s area and so much more.

Check out a glimpse of my recent visit here.

The Burra exhibit is next to the family-friendly Billabong Cafe (has high chairs, but can get very busy), and down the ramp from the permanent Dinosaur exhibit.

There’s also a parents room available next to the Billabong Cafe. 

Find more information on getting to the Museum here. 

Choose-your-own-[Museum]-Adventure

In addition to the Art Gallery of New South Wales and Australian Museum, there’s more free museums in Sydney to check out as a family, including the Museum of Sydney, and the Justice and Police Museum. There’s also the Rocks Discovery Museum, which hosts a free drop-in workshop for kids during most school holidays.

Wander Through an Indoor Market

So this is an activity that is technically free, but hard to do without spending at least a little. Wander through an indoor market and soak up the atmosphere. 

If it’s only a light drizzle, the Carriageworks Farmers Markets in Everleigh (8am to 1pm Saturdays) or the Entertainment Quarter Markets in Moore Park have enough cover to keep you (mostly) dry. 

Or head into Paddy’s Markets in Haymarket from Wednesday to Sunday, or the new Hay St foodie’s market open every day.

Hit Up an Indoor Playground

Looking for somewhere the kids can play but don’t want to fork out $20 a head for a kids’ cafe? Head to one of these shopping centre playgrounds instead!

Embrace the Water at a Splash Park

Don’t call me crazy just yet! If you were planning to visit one of Sydney’s playgrounds to enjoy the water play, why let a drizzle stop you? The kids were going to get soaked anyway, so just grab a hot drink and pack an umbrella for yourself!

Check out the best splash parks and playgrounds with water play here.

(Obviously this is not a good idea in a lightning storm or rough weather. But a little bit of a shower on a grey day can actually lead to quite a lot of fun).

Find a playgroup or another kid-friendly activity near you!

Check out free and low cost activities in the Eastern Suburbs here, or in Sydney here. We also update our blog with the best family friendly events on each weekend, and there’s often an indoor option. 

Have we missed anything? Let us know below!