Want to Raise a More Creative Kid? Start With These 6 Free Sydney Outings.

As parents, we all want to raise curious, creative kids who see the world with a sense of wonder. But how do you actually do that? It's simpler (and cheaper!) than you might think. Fostering creativity isn't about expensive classes; it's about exposure to new ideas and showing children that inspiration is all around us.

It starts with experiences that open their minds and let their imaginations run wild. Getting them excited about art means swapping quiet galleries for incredible sculptures, giant murals, and hands-on workshops where they can make their own masterpieces.

Ready to begin? Here are six incredible, and completely free, Sydney outings that will do just that.

A trip to the Art Gallery of NSW is a must-do. With its stunning new Sydney Modern Project wing, the gallery is more welcoming and family-friendly than ever. Wander through vast spaces filled with everything from classic Australian paintings to incredible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and mind-bending contemporary installations.

 Why You’ll Love It:  The gallery runs fantastic free drop-in workshops for kids, especially during school holidays. They provide all the materials and guidance for your little one to create something inspired by the art they’ve just seen. It perfectly combines looking with doing.

• Location:  Art Gallery Road, The Domain, Sydney NSW 2000

• Dates:  Open daily. Check the website for specific workshop times, especially during the current July school holidays.

• Ticket Information:  Free general admission to the permanent collection. Charges may apply for special exhibitions. All family programs are free.

• Family Tips:  Head to the spectacular 'Tank' in the Sydney Modern building for large-scale, immersive art. Don't be afraid to ask the gallery staff for a kids' activity sheet to help guide your visit.

Turn a suburban walk into a vibrant art safari! The backstreets of Newtown and Enmore are a world-famous canvas for some of the best street art you will ever see. From tiny hidden stencils to giant, building-sized murals, it’s a colourful, ever-changing outdoor gallery.

Why You’ll Love It:  It’s an art treasure hunt. Kids love the thrill of spotting a new piece of art down a laneway or behind a car park. It’s proof that art isn't confined to gallery walls and can be found anywhere.

• Location:  Start at Newtown Station and wander down Enmore Road and the surrounding laneways, like Stencil Lane and Station Street.

• Dates:  Accessible 24/7.

• Ticket Information:  Absolutely free.

• Family Tips:  Make a game of it! Create a checklist of things to find (e.g., "a mural of an animal," "a black and white stencil," "a colourful tag"). It’s a great way to get kids looking closely.

Situated right on the harbour, the MCA is the perfect place to introduce kids to the weird and wonderful world of contemporary art. The exhibitions are always changing, often featuring large-scale, interactive, and thought-provoking pieces that kids are naturally drawn to.

Why You’ll Love It:  The MCA excels at making art accessible. Their free "Family Space" is a brilliant, hands-on area where kids can respond creatively to the art on display. The rooftop cafe also offers unbeatable views for a post-art snack.

• Location:  140 George Street, The Rocks, Sydney NSW 2000

• Dates:  Open daily (except Tuesdays).

• Ticket Information:  Free general admission. Some special exhibitions may be ticketed.

• Family Tips:  Check their website for "Art Safari" tours for kids, which are often free during the holidays. Even just sitting on the front steps and watching the ferries go by is a great Sydney experience.

This is one of Sydney’s most incredible and unique art experiences. The White Rabbit Gallery is home to one of the world's most significant collections of contemporary Chinese art. The multi-level gallery always has something mind-boggling and brilliant on display, from giant installations to intricate sculptures.

Why You’ll Love It:  It’s full of surprises. The art is often playful, high-tech, or on a scale that will blow kids' minds. It’s completely different from a traditional gallery and sparks so many interesting conversations.

•  Location:  30 Balfour Street, Chippendale NSW 2008

•  Dates:  Open Wednesday to Sunday.

•  Ticket Information:  Free entry.

•  Family Tips:  The ground floor tea house is a lovely, calm spot for a pot of Chinese tea and some dumplings after your visit. The gallery is best for kids who are happy to look and wonder, as most pieces are not for touching.

Housed in the magnificent old Eveleigh Railway Workshops, Carriageworks is a vast, industrial space dedicated to large-scale art installations and performances. Simply walking into the main building is an experience in itself. The art here is often immersive and on a massive scale you won't see anywhere else.

Why You’ll Love It:  The sheer size of the art is a spectacle. It’s not a crowded, busy gallery, so kids have space to move and experience the installations from all angles. It feels like an urban adventure.

• Location:  245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh NSW 2015

• Dates:  Open Wednesday to Sunday. Check for specific exhibition dates.

• Ticket Information:  Free entry to most exhibitions.

• Family Tips:  The weekly Farmers Market (Saturdays) is also held here, so you can combine your art visit with a taste of some amazing local produce. The space is huge and great for a rainy day run-around.

Celebrate the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples at this vibrant community event. Held during NAIDOC Week each July, it's a fantastic day of free cultural immersion for the whole family, with a huge focus on art, dance, and storytelling.

Why You’ll Love It:  It’s a joyful, hands-on celebration. Kids can participate in art and craft workshops, listen to incredible stories, watch breathtaking traditional dance performances, and enjoy live music. It’s an amazing, welcoming atmosphere and a wonderful way to connect with the world's oldest living culture.

• Location:  Hyde Park, Elizabeth Street, Sydney NSW 2000 (Location can vary year to year).

• Dates:  A specific day during NAIDOC Week (this week, July 6-13, 2025). Check the website for the exact date.

• Ticket Information:  Free.

• Family Tips:  Check the event schedule beforehand to plan your day around the performances and workshops you don't want to miss. Come with an open heart and be ready to learn and celebrate.