One piece of content we often get asked for is a list of free things to do with the kids, especially toddlers and babies aged 0-3.
It’s not easy to find fun and free things to keep children entertained around Sydney, but we’ve managed to pull together a list of ideas that are worth trying out, or which might give you a little inspiration for your next adventure.
Visit local parks: Sydney has so many beautiful parks with play areas for children. Consider making a day of it and exploring popular ones like Centennial Park, Parramatta Park or your local neighbourhood parks.
Beach day: Enjoy a day at one of Sydney’s many beaches. Let your little one play in the sand and shallow waters. Manly Beach and Bondi Beach are excellent choices for families as well as Brighton-le-sands and Dolls Point where there are minimal waves. Sand play is also a great sensory activity.
Botanic Gardens: The Royal Botanic Garden offers a scenic environment for a leisurely stroll. It’s a peaceful place for a family picnic and allows little ones to safely explore their surrounds.
Storytime at libraries: Check your local library for free storytime or rhymetime sessions. It’s a great way to introduce your child to the joy of reading. We have some local library sessions listed in our events by age group list.
Playgroups: Many suburbs have free playgroups where parents and kids can socialise. You can search for playgroups near you on Google or ask about them in our Facebook group.
Bushwalks: Take gentle bushwalks with your child in national parks like Lane Cove National Park. Keep in mind that the walks should be suitable for young children.
Museums and galleries: Some museums and galleries offer free entry for young children. The Australian Museum and Art Gallery of New South Wales often have family-friendly exhibitions. Find out about Burra play area at the Australian Museum here.
Visit local markets: Explore local markets and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. Many markets have live music and stalls with delicious food. The Entertainment Quarter in Moore Park has regular markets and we also post about many of the markets happening around Sydney in our Weekend List.
Splash parks: Splash parks have been popping up around Sydney and they’re a great way to keep the kids entertained for cheap on a warm day. There are many across the region including in Darling Harbour, Parramatta and Sydney Olympic Park.
Shopping centres: Shopping centres often feature free indoor play areas for toddlers to enjoy. Take a look at our list of Indoor Play Centres and Kid Friendly Cafes which includes a mix of both. If there’s a Lego store in your local centre, take the toddlers and watch them play at the Lego station. Decathlon is another great store to take toddlers. They can try riding the kid’s balance bikes, scooters, bounce or kick some balls around and try out different sports without spending a cent.
For more inspiration and ideas, don’t forget to check our event lists, categorised by Age and by Location.
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