Sydney families can enjoy a range of free activities during the spring school holidays, with outdoor adventures, creative workshops and hands-on learning opportunities planned across the city from 28 September to 9 October.
The NSW Government has brought together activities in Sydney’s public spaces to help families find affordable ways to keep children active and entertained during the break.
The school holiday programme begins with the Unbound Street Performance Festival at The Rocks on 26 and 27 September. Running from 10am to 7pm, the free event will feature roaming performers, installations and street entertainment.
Families can head to Tumbalong Park at Darling Harbour on 3 and 4 October for Big Factory Ideas, a new outdoor programme combining science, technology, creativity and engineering through interactive activities. The event runs from 11am to 3pm and is designed to encourage children to explore and learn through practical experiences.
Darling Harbour will also host Little Chef at Darling Square from 3 to 11 October. The free cooking experience is aimed at young food enthusiasts and will include a special appearance by chef and entrepreneur Morgan Hipworth.
At the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan, the Paper Daisy Spring Festival will offer live music, lawn games and free children’s craft activities on weekends until 11 October. The festival runs from 10am to 3pm, with additional painting experiences available to book and food and drink options on site.
Families looking for an outdoor activity can visit Moore Park for a free petting zoo from 28 September to 9 October, excluding 3, 4 and 5 October. The activity will run daily from 10am to midday, giving children the chance to meet farm animals.
Sydney Olympic Park will also offer opportunities for families to stay active, including the Haslams Pump Track, disc golf at Newington Armory, lookouts, boardwalks and cycle tracks.
Other free attractions include swimming at Marrinawi Cove, visiting the Botanic Gardens in Sydney, Mount Annan and Mount Tomah, and exploring Ian Potter Children’s WILD PLAY garden at Centennial Park, which is open daily from 10am to 5pm.
Families can also head to Lizard Log in Western Sydney Parklands for walking, cycling and nature play.
NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said the programme would give families more ways to enjoy the school holidays without spending money.
“We’re putting the free back into family fun these school holidays making sure there’s plenty of activities to keep kids active and curious during the school holidays without opening their wallets,” he said.
“From cooking classes to spring festivals and street performers taking over The Rocks there’s something for everyone.”
Families planning visits should check individual event details before heading out, as some activities operate on specific dates and others may require bookings.
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