Visiting Australia? From the iconic Sydney Opera House to the glorious beach walks, Sydney is a great city to explore with the family! Get your trip off to the best start and check our list of FREE Things to do in Sydney with Kids!

#1. Sydney Harbour Bridge

Start your day with a walk across Sydney Harbour Bridge, one of Australia’s most photographed landmarks, and take in the beautiful views of Sydney Harbour. Opened in 1932, it is the world’s largest steel arch bridge.

#2. Sydney Opera House

Our first stop has to be the stunning Sydney Opera House, a perfect location for some amazing family photos. A varied selection of paid tours are available here, if you want to spend a little, including the Junior Tour especially for kids. If not, make the most of the location or maybe have lunch and take in the views at one of the many harbour-side family-friendly restaurants.

#3. Royal Botanic Gardens

Right next door to the Opera House and over-looking the harbour, the Royal Botanic Gardens is a wonderland of colour and tropical plants. There are free guided walks every day from 10.30am leaving from the Garden Shop.

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#4. FREE City Centre Travel

Explore Sydney city centre on the 555, a FREE shuttle bus that operates daily on a loop from Central Station to Circular Quay via George Street. Go a little further afield with a Family Funday Sunday Ticket that allows unlimited travel on buses, trains and ferries for just $2.50 per person.

#5. Darling Harbour

One of the best FREE outdoor playgrounds ever, Darling Quarter Playground was built with maximum fun, learning and imagination in mind! The kids can enjoy water games, balance ropes and giant slides, then fill up with some tasty treats from the varied cafes, restaurants and ice-cream parlours bordering the park.

“The cafes are just gorgeous and the kids’ playground is amazing!” Suzie O.

Visiting London? Check out our FREE Things to do in London.

#6. Centennial Park

Centennial Parklands is a great place to visit with lots of free things to do all year round! The park has three individual playgrounds, including the Restuarant Playground for under 5s, the Paddington Gates Playground for kids aged 1-12 years and the Learner’s Cycleway Playground which has a cycleway ideal for kids learning to ride. All playgrounds are close to barbecue areas or restaurants & toilet facilities.

“You will enjoy a walk in Centennial Park and they have lots of free activities!” Nicole R.

#7. Sydney’s Amazing Beaches

While Bondi Beach is arguably the most popular beach with surfers, tourists and Sydney residents, you will be spoiled for choice for amazing beaches in this coastal city. Bondi is linked by a paved pathway to Coogee and Bronte beaches, a scenic 6km stroll. Go snorkelling, scuba diving, swimming or enjoy beach games and build some sand creations!

“The Bondi to Coogee walk is fab!” Jean F.

#8. Maritime Museum

Free on select days, the Australian National Maritime Museum is a great family day out with plenty of indoor and outdoor activities for everyone to enjoy including theatre events, craft ideas and interactive exhibitions. Family Fun Days are held on Sundays.

#9. Wentworth Falls

A 90 minute drive from Sydney, Wentworth Falls is a beautiful town situated in the Blue Mountains with spectacular bushwalks and views. Sites to visit in the area include Empress Falls, the Charles Darwin Walk and Sunset Lookout. There are also safe bathing areas, barbecue and picnic areas.

“It’s a bit out of Sydney but the Wentworth Falls walk is worth a look!” Grant F.

#10. Art Gallery of New South Wales

There is free entry at the Art Gallery of NSW which regularly hosts free celebrity talks, music and performances on Wednesday evenings. Free Children’s Trails are available online or as printed booklets in the Gallery. They contain great activities to engage kids aged 6 to 12 years with the exhibits.

 

Have you visited Sydney recently? What Free Things to do in Sydney with Kids would you recommend? We’d love to hear your feedback, so please let us know in the comments below!

Are you planning a visit to the USA? Check out our Free Things to do in Boston or Free Things to do in New York.

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