FREE Things to do in Sydney Australia with Kids
Are you looking for things to do in Sydney with kids? As a mom I know trips get expensive, so let me share some Sydney attractions for kids and families that are free! From Manly Beach to the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House to St Mary’s Cathedral, there are lots of fun things to do together in Sydney Australia. Plus, I’ve also added some other great suggestions if you want to spend long or have some wiggle room in your budget. Get ready to visit Sydney Australia!
Things to do in Sydney with Kids
Are you prepared to navigate the lively city of Sydney with your family? From beautiful beaches to impressive landmarks, Sydney offers a lot of opportunities for families in search of fun and thrill, and sometimes, just a little relaxation? Sydney is a very family friendly city. Whether you’re a resident wanting to jazz up your weekend or a tourist keen on creating lasting memories in the city of Sydney, this Australian city caters to all.
In this blog post, I’ll be showing you some free (or very cheap) kid-friendly activities in Sydney. From tasty pies to beaches and city landmarks, I’ve compiled a list of must-see places that your entire family will love. So, get your sunscreen ready (Australia’s sun is like no other – believe me) and get ready to take some notes. Let me share with you things to do in Sydney with Kids!
Sydney with Kids
Although, some of these things below might have a small entry fee (I still consider them free compared to other more pricey items you can do around Sydney), trust me there are so many other pricey attractions around and when you have kids in tow, it can add up! So I understand when parents particularly want to find cheaper or free things to do, so here are some of my favorite locations in Sydney when you are looking to sight see and have a fun filled day for the entire family.
Sydney Harbour Bridge
Take your kids on a leisurely stroll along the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge. Enjoy panoramic views of the waters below and snap some family photos against the backdrop of this architectural marvel. It’s a fantastic way to show your kids Sydney’s beauty without spending a penny. Kids will particularly love the walk and action in the city, there is something happening on every corner. People selling ice cream, candy, and some face painting action for kids, especially during the holidays.
You can do the Sydney Harbour climb as well if you’re inclined, however this isn’t a kid friendly experience. So, if you’re a couple or going solo, you can definitely try this one!
Sydney Botanical Park
The Sydney Botanical Park is one of Sydney’s newest establishments, where kids can roam free and discover a world of botanical wonders. It’s near the water, so you can even enjoy a little picnic stop there.
From gardens to various plants, this green paradise offers a peaceful retreat for families to enjoy picnics, nature walks, and even wildlife spotting—all for free!
Sydney Opera House
While catching a show at the Sydney Opera House may come with a price tag, exploring the exterior of this iconic landmark is entirely free. Let your kids marvel at the unique architecture and surrounding area which is very spacious, enjoy the harbor views, and perhaps even watch a street performance or two around this spacious area.
You could also have a sit down meal at any of the cafes underneath the Opera house which cater to families all day and night.
After your meal, you can stroll along the waterfront deck and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Circular Quay. Whether you’re a local looking for a day out or a tourist exploring Sydney for the first time, a visit to the Opera House precinct promises an unforgettable time.
Sydney Mittagong Drive
If you’re wanting to take the kids on a drive, this is one of the best ones to take. It’s about an hour from Sydney CDB and the drive is mostly peaceful. Watch some greenery and scenes as you drive up to the serene suburb in Sydney called Mittagong.
While there, they usually have a market going on every third week of the month, this market is unusual in that the produce and the products made are all made of natural ingredients with hardly any additives. People love to take their pups out for the day to this market, and the kids love the food stalls and the large spacious grass areas for them to run around in safely.
Best Cottage Pies in Sydney
We don’t normally eat pies, but when we do, we usually grab ones from Samuel G Pies and Pastries. You can buy them cold and then store them in your freezer and cook later in the week. I love the quirky decorations inside this pie nook. The smell of freshly baked pies always fills brings you in. It’s no wonder this place has become a favorite spot for many locals and visitors alike. The friendly staff and delicious treats make it hard to resist stopping by for a slice whenever I’m in the area. If you’re ever craving a taste of home or just looking for a delightful treat, this pie nook is definitely worth a visit!
St Mary’s Cathedral
The most intriguing architectural piece in Sydney is St Mary’s Cathedral. Construction of the cathedral began in 1868, with the foundation stone laid by Archbishop John Bede Polding. However, the cathedral wasn’t officially completed until over 100 years later in 2000. Throughout the years, St Mary’s Cathedral has withstood various challenges and changes, including a fire in 1865 that destroyed the original church building on the site. The current cathedral was designed in a Gothic Revival style by architect William Wardell, and it is renowned for its stunning architecture and intricate detailing. Today, St Mary’s Cathedral stands as a symbol of faith and resilience in the heart of Sydney. It continues to be a place of worship, as well as a popular tourist attraction for visitors to the city. The cathedral’s majestic spires and beautiful stained glass windows attract people from all over the world who come to admire its beauty and reflect on its rich history.
Some of the most exciting things to see is the lights they display at Christmas in the city. They do this in the last week before Christmas and you see the crowds flock to the city and it’s just amazing to see. St Mary’s Cathedral truly shines during the holiday season with its mesmerizing light display. The festive atmosphere attracts visitors from near and far, creating a magical experience for everyone to enjoy. The are outside the church is filled with food stalls of cultural food and includes so many displays for kids to enjoy. We usually go around the Christmas time and take the kids to see the lights, the only caveat is that you will need to plan it ahead, since the light display starts when it gets dark and in Sydney at that time, it would get dark later in the evening around 7:30 – 8:00. So, if you have little ones, you may need to plan ahead a little bit. Going to have dinner beforehand can really fill in the time. It’s worth seeing, even if you do it once if you’re there around this special time of year.
The architecture of the building by itself is fascinating to see! Plus, the city always offers something new for you to try or to take the kids to, so you won’t run out of ideas while you’re there.
Manly Beach
Looking for the best family beach near Sydney, Australia? Look no further than Manly Beach! Just a short 22 minute ferry ride from the city, Manly Beach offers pristine white sands, clear waters perfect for swimming, and a bustling promenade filled with shops and restaurants. With gentle waves ideal for kids to play in and plenty of beachfront amenities, Manly Beach is the perfect spot for a fun day out with the whole family. So pack up your beach gear and head to Manly for a day of sun, surf, and sand!
We frequent Ettalong beach too, but Manly and Bondi are the most popular for tourists
Sydney attractions for kids
If you are looking for some other ideas of what to do in Sydney with Kids, try these family friendly suggestions. They aren’t free, but maybe you want to splurge on one of these family activities in Sydney Australia.
Take the little ones to the iconic Taronga Zoo, where they can see a variety of animals up close and even participate in special encounters like feeding a giraffe or holding a koala. For a more interactive experience, visit the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, where kids can learn about marine life through hands-on exhibits and activities.
If your children are more interested in history and culture, take them to the Australian Museum or the Powerhouse Museum, where they can explore exhibits on topics ranging from dinosaurs to technology. For a bit of outdoor fun, head to Darling Harbour, where kids can enjoy the playgrounds, splash around in the water park, or take a ride on the iconic Darling Harbour Ferris Wheel.
