There’s no way around it: having kids is exhausting. They need 24/7 monitoring and, when they’re old enough to walk and talk, also need to be entertained — constantly. Not only can kids drain you physically and emotionally, they can also drain your funds (lucky we love them).
One way to combat this is to do an activity with them that’s totally free. Fortunately for those in Sydney and its surrounds, the city is filled with things to do with kids that fit that bill.
From possibly sparking up an interest in horticulture with a visit to the Royal Botanic Garden, to seeing Sydney’s CBD and sparkling harbour waters from 83 floors up, these are the best things to do in Sydney with kids — and no price tag.
Tour the Chau Chak Wing Museum
The University of Sydney’s museum of art, science and history, Chau Chak Wing Museum, is open seven days a week, and free to visit. Tour its four floors and learn about its artworks, artefacts and specimens. During the school holidays, the museum will be holding activities and talks designed for children aged 5 to 12 and their families.
Smell the Roses at Royal Botanic Garden
While the Royal Botanic Garden are free to stroll anytime of the year, and usually have regular events on, it puts on a special program of kids’ events during the school holidays.
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This winter school holiday’s schedule includes Luminous Eco Lantern Making, an outdoor theatre show of Bill Brushtail and the Case of the Missing Habitat, and an immersive exhibit called Inside the Tide. You also have the option to enroll kids in a Seedlings Nature School, though they must be accompanied by a carer.
See Sydney from Crown Sydney Sky Deck
Parents will get a kick out of this activity, too: seeing Sydney from the 83rd floor of Crown Sydney, Sky Deck. Amazingly, Sky Deck is completely free to visit with a tour. Step out onto its open-air balcony or see from inside the Harbour Bridge, Opera House and all the way to the Northern Beaches. Note that Sky Deck is closed Thursdays and Fridays, and that to access it, you have to book a (free) tour online, a month in advance. As you can imagine, they book out quickly.
Walk Through Luna Park
Okay, so technically, entering Luna Park itself is free, but its rides and games aren’t. Still, though, if you find yourself with some time to kill one afternoon, consider bringing the kids here and making a (free) game to play yourself, like who sees the most stuffed animals, or who counts the most boats. If you do decide to ride, you can buy a day pass or, for better value, an annual pass that you can use anytime for unlimited rides anytime the park is open.
Learn History at The Rocks Discovery Museum
Housed in a restored sandstone warehouse from the 1850s, The Rocks Discovery Museum showcases thousands of years of history through its collection of images and archaeological artefacts.
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To help bring the history of the area to life (and keep kids captivated, which as we all know, can be hard to do!), the exhibits are filled with fun and interactive audio and visual elements. The museum is open daily.
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