There’s no way around it – travel is expensive, and with kids along for the ride, the cost can quickly spiral out of control. In Sydney though, there are plenty of fantastic, kid-friendly things to do that are completely free. With an immense love for the outdoors and the natural world, Sydney is a great place to hang out with your kids in the sun, and on rainy days, there are plenty of free museums and cultural sites to enjoy.
Beaches and rock pools
One of Sydney’s greatest blessings is its coastline, and in the summer parents need to do more than slather sunscreen on the kids, then sit back and relax while they enjoy their (free! ) have fun. While the surf at beaches such as Bondi, Maroubra and the North Shore is fantastic for older kids to surf, body surf or boogie board, the sandcasting set may prefer the gentler waves at Shelley Beach, or the Shark Trap. On the shores of the port. Nelson Park.
Another must-do is taking the kids to one of Sydney’s 35 or so ocean pools. Carved into rocky headlands between beaches, these pools offer a barrier against wild ocean currents and rough surf, while still occasionally washed by waves and visited by fish, anemones and fishing birds. These are ideal spots for the transition from casual pool swimmer to ocean-going surf lover. You’ll find free sea pools along Sydney’s coastline, including Coogee (North and South End), Bronte, Fairy Bower and Mahon Pool in Maroubra.
Gardens
Right in the heart of the city, the free Royal Botanic Gardens take a scenic spot to enjoy views of the Opera House and Harbor Bridge, while featuring an Aboriginal storytelling garden, a rainforest garden and a large garden. Also hosted. Buttressed Moreton Bay figs, perfect for climbing and hide and seek.
On the other side of the harbour, Wendy Whitley’s Secret Garden is a stunning tumbling, terraced, gorilla garden, reclaimed from abandoned land by local resident Wendy Whitley, whose late husband Brett Whitley was one of Australia’s foremost visual artists. . A maze of snaking trails, offering glimpses of yachts bobbing in the harbor, feels like a treasure hunt. While you’re in the neighborhood, take a walk around the beach to Luna Park, Sydney’s beautiful 1930s amusement park. Entry is free (although you have to pay for the rides) and there are often twirling costumed entertainers, as well as crazy mirrors and the big attraction – a massive, slightly creepy, clown-faced entrance that Looks at the harbor with his charming eyes.
Playground
A special feature of many Sydney playgrounds are water play areas, where children can cool off in the summer heat, when temperatures can exceed 40 °C (98 °F). It’s worth packing swimmers on any outings if you visit the water play area. Or take a special trip. Darling Quarter Kids Playground At Tumbalong Park, which features a squaring jet, a stepping stone pool, spider web climbers, giant slides and an Archimedes water screw. More great free playgrounds can be found here Blakesland Riverside Park At Sydney Olympic Park, with Sydney’s largest water play area, a Flying Fox, mega swing and multi-level tree house, and Wild Play In Centennial Park, with 10m bush tunnels, rope bridges, tepees and a swamp.
Beating the bush
Sometimes wild game just isn’t wild enough and it’s time to experience some real native bushland. While Sydney is surrounded by incredible wilderness areas, you can access the bush for free without leaving the city. Sydney Harbor National Park protects large stretches of the harbor’s coastline in a natural state, including secluded harbor beaches, islands and bushwalks connecting the winter whales’ winter migration routes. Lane Cove National Park is full of frog creeks, ferny bush walks and mudflats.
Museums and galleries
On cold or rainy days, it’s time to expand the mind. Admission is free to the Art Gallery of NSW, the state’s historic collection of Australian and international art, with an excellent Children’s programs Workshops, events and tours, much of it free. There is also free entry to the Museum of Contemporary Art, with its groundbreaking program of international artists Free family friendly tours. More amazing free art can be found at White Rabbit, which showcases contemporary Chinese art, bursting with color and sharp ideas. There’s Aboriginal and convict history to explore for free at the Rocks Discovery Museum, or see an Egyptian mummy at the University of Sydney’s free Nicholson Museum. Many Sydney councils have also recently upgraded their public libraries and these community hubs are great places to relax, read a free story or investigate the toy library. Amazing new locations included. WolheraIts hanging gardens, skylights and tree installations, and are filled with light. Surrey Hills With its Sandpit Play Center. Two of Sydney’s other major cultural attractions, the Powerhouse Museum and the Australian Museum, are free for children, although adults pay $15 for admission.
For more inspiration, check out these free things to do in Sydney. Subscribe to us. Lonely Planet Kids Newsletter And get 30% off your first Lonely Planet Kids book purchase.