6 Free Family Adventures in Sydney This Spring School Holidays

The school holidays are here again! 

And if you’re anything like us, you're looking for ways to fill those weeks with fun without emptying your wallet.

Sydney truly shines in spring, with warmer weather and nature in full bloom. It's the perfect time to get outdoors and explore our amazing city. We've pulled together a list of six fantastic free school holiday activities in Sydney that promise big fun on a little budget. From beautiful nature walks to epic playgrounds, these ideas are designed to help you create lasting memories without spending a cent.

Let's dive in and discover some hidden gems!

Centennial Parklands is a green oasis right in the heart of Sydney, and it's a perfect spot for a free family adventure. This vast park is full of things to discover, from beautiful ponds and secret gardens to ancient trees and native birds. Why not turn your visit into a nature scavenger hunt? Write a list of things for the kids to find - a pink flower, a bird's nest, a feather, a smooth grey stone - and watch their curiosity spark. You can also visit the Ian Potter Children's Wild Play Garden, a free and fantastic place for kids to climb, explore, and get a little bit muddy.

Why You’ll Love It: It's a wonderful way to connect with nature, get some fresh air, and let the kids burn off energy in a beautiful, safe environment.

• Street Address: Grand Drive, Centennial Park NSW 2021

• Dates: Open daily

• Ticket Information: Free entry

• Family Tips: Pack a picnic and a blanket to make a day of it. There are plenty of great spots to sit down and refuel.

For a rainy day or when you need a break from the sun, The Rocks Discovery Museum is a hidden gem. This free museum is located in a beautifully restored sandstone warehouse and tells the story of The Rocks area, from its Aboriginal heritage to the arrival of the First Fleet and beyond. The interactive exhibits, archaeological artifacts, and fascinating stories make history come alive for kids. It's an easy, low-key outing that’s both educational and engaging.

Why You’ll Love It: It’s an interactive, indoor activity that’s completely free. It's a great way to escape the elements and learn something new together.

• Street Address: 2-8 Kendall Lane, The Rocks NSW 2000

• Dates: Open daily

• Ticket Information: Free entry

• Family Tips: The museum is located in the heart of The Rocks, with lots of lovely cobblestone laneways to explore. It's a short walk to Circular Quay for bus, train, or ferry access.

Did you know there’s a magnificent mangrove forest right in the middle of Sydney? At Bicentennial Park, within Sydney Olympic Park, you'll find a beautiful boardwalk that winds through the Badu Mangroves. It’s an easy, flat walk that’s perfect for little legs and prams. The boardwalk offers amazing views of the Parramatta River and is a brilliant spot for birdwatching and spotting other wildlife.

Why You’ll Love It: It feels like a genuine bushwalk but is totally pram-friendly. It’s a peaceful, surprising escape from the city hustle.

• Street Address: Bicentennial Drive, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127

• Dates: Open daily

• Ticket Information: Free entry

• Family Tips: There are fantastic playgrounds and picnic spots nearby in Bicentennial Park, so you can easily combine the walk with a play.

Sometimes, a playground is all you need. And Blaxland Riverside Park isn't just any playground - it's arguably one of the biggest and best in Sydney. This park at Sydney Olympic Park is a kid's dream come true, with colossal slides, a double flying fox, a huge water play area, and climbing structures for all ages. It’s so big you can easily spend an entire day here and not get bored. The best part? It's all free to use.

Why You’ll Love It: This is the ultimate playground experience. It’s a great way to let the kids run wild and connect with other families.

• Street Address: Jamieson Street, Silverwater NSW 2128

• Dates: Open daily

• Ticket Information: Free entry

• Family Tips: Pack swimmers and a towel, as the water play area is a huge hit on a warm day.

The Art Gallery of New South Wales is a fantastic cultural outing, and general admission is always free. This is a wonderful place to introduce kids to art in a relaxed and engaging way. The gallery often has special activities or trails designed just for kids, and the sheer scale and variety of the art are impressive. Walk through the grand halls and ask your kids what colours they see, what stories the paintings tell, or which sculpture is their favourite.

Why You’ll Love It: It’s a calm, beautiful indoor space perfect for a quiet moment. It's a great way to inspire creativity in your kids.

• Street Address: Art Gallery Rd, The Domain Sydney NSW 2000

• Dates: Open daily

• Ticket Information: Free entry to general exhibitions

• Family Tips: The cafe on site can be a little pricey, so consider packing some snacks or having lunch at a nearby picnic spot in The Domain.

This short and scenic walk on the North Shore is a family favourite. The Cremorne Point Foreshore Walk is a 3-kilometre loop that’s mostly flat and perfect for prams. It offers some of the best views of Sydney Harbour, from the Harbour Bridge to the city skyline. Along the way, you’ll pass beautiful gardens, a lighthouse, and a hidden rock pool (Maccallum Pool). It's a peaceful and picturesque walk that feels a million miles from the city, even though you’re right across the water.

Why You’ll Love It: It's an easy, stunning walk with incredible views that will make you fall in love with Sydney all over again.

• Street Address: Cremorne Point Wharf, Cremorne Point NSW 2090

• Dates: Open daily

• Ticket Information: Free

• Family Tips: Start at the Cremorne Point ferry wharf. Public transport makes this trip easy. Just take a ferry from Circular Quay, and you're there!