Free things to do with toddlers in Sydney

A free day with a toddler in Sydney works best when you lower the bar and lengthen the time. Small children do not need a famous attraction. They need somewhere safe to wander, something to splash in, and a place where nobody minds noise or mess. Sydney has plenty of that. Water play is the toddler favourite in warm months, and parks such as Lizard Log in the Western Sydney Parklands, Tumbalong Park in Darling Harbour, the Ribbon Playground, Bigge Park in Liverpool and the Ian Potter Children's Wild Play Garden in Centennial Park give shallow, gentle splashing. In cooler weather, libraries such as Green Square Library offer story time, soft seating and picture books, which is worth knowing when the weather turns. Build the day around naps. A morning outing that finishes before lunch works better than an afternoon that collides with a meltdown. Pack double the snacks you think you need, and a change of clothes for the toddler and for you. Check the listing for fencing, shade and toilets before you go, since those details matter more than the equipment. Do not feel you have to see everything. One good hour is enough, and a toddler who leaves happy will want to come back.

Our picks

  • Balmoral Beach Balmoral Beach Mosman

    Balmoral Beach and Baths is a harbour beach in Mosman maintained by Mosman Council.

    ★ 4.7 (3,441)

  • Coogee Beach Coogee Beach Coogee

    Coogee Beach is a Randwick City Council beach at Beach Street, Coogee, sheltered by Wedding Cake Island, which the council says makes it a calmer swimming beach for…

    Patrolled All year · All-abilities access · ★ 4.7 (3,017)

  • Manly Beach Manly Beach Manly

    Manly Beach is a Northern Beaches Council ocean beach that curves about 2 km from South Steyne to North Steyne and Queenscliff, lined with Norfolk pines.

    Patrolled All year · All-abilities access · ★ 4.7 (3,683)

  • Wendy's Secret Garden Wendy's Secret Garden Lavender Bay

    Wendy's Secret Garden is a public garden created by Wendy Whiteley in the Lavender Bay Parklands, off Lavender Street, Lavender Bay.

    ★ 4.8 (3,596)

  • Royal Botanic Garden Sydney Royal Botanic Garden Sydney Sydney

    The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney is Australia's oldest botanic garden, on the harbour about a 5-minute walk from the city centre.

    ★ 4.7 (25,572)

  • Weeping Rock circuit, Wentworth Falls Weeping Rock circuit, Wentworth Falls Wentworth Falls

    A 1.6 km loop (about 1 hour, Grade 3) from Wentworth Falls picnic area in Blue Mountains National Park, taking in Jamison lookout, Wentworth Falls lookout and, about…

    1.6 km · Grade 3 · 1hr

Before you go

Best for which ages

These places suit children from walking age up to around four. Babies can come along in a carrier or on a rug. Older siblings usually enjoy the same places, so a toddler-friendly spot often works for the whole family. Children close to three tend to enjoy wider adventures than a one-year-old, so match the place to the child in front of you.

What to bring

Nappies and wipes, a change of clothes and a sunhat. Snacks and water in plenty, and a rug for the grass. A small toy or a ball can save a tantrum. Pack a bag for wet clothes and a towel for the car seat.

Parking and facilities

Look for places with nearby parking, toilets and a change area. Many parks have toilets but not all have baby change, so the listing is worth checking. Libraries and larger museums often have good facilities for parents. Aim to park close, because carrying a tired toddler and a bag across a big car park is no fun.

Best time of year

Warm months suit water play, with mornings and late afternoons best for shade and comfort. In cooler or wet weather, libraries and indoor spaces are better. Autumn and spring give mild days for most outdoor spots. Spring is kind to small skin and short attention spans, with warm days and no crowds.

Prams and accessibility

Many playgrounds and parks have paved paths for prams, though sand and grass can be hard going. Libraries and museums usually have lifts. Check the listing for access details, and use a carrier if the ground is rough. Wet play areas can be slippery, so hold a hand near the water and choose shoes with grip.

Beaches, rock pools and ocean baths

Swim between the red and yellow flags. Patrol seasons and hours on each listing come from the surf club or council page.

  • Balmoral Beach Balmoral Beach Mosman

    Balmoral Beach and Baths is a harbour beach in Mosman maintained by Mosman Council.

    ★ 4.7 (3,441)

  • Coogee Beach Coogee Beach Coogee

    Coogee Beach is a Randwick City Council beach at Beach Street, Coogee, sheltered by Wedding Cake Island, which the council says makes it a calmer swimming beach for…

    Patrolled All year · All-abilities access · ★ 4.7 (3,017)

  • Manly Beach Manly Beach Manly

    Manly Beach is a Northern Beaches Council ocean beach that curves about 2 km from South Steyne to North Steyne and Queenscliff, lined with Norfolk pines.

    Patrolled All year · All-abilities access · ★ 4.7 (3,683)

  • Bondi Beach Bondi Beach Bondi Beach

    Bondi Beach is a beach about one kilometre long on Campbell Parade, managed by Waverley Council, which says it draws up to 50,000 people on a busy summer day.

    ★ 4.6 (5,641)

  • Austinmer Rock Pool Austinmer Rock Pool Austinmer

    Austinmer Rock Pool is a pair of twin rock pools at the southern end of Austinmer Beach, overlooked by a historic pavilion; the southern pool is narrower and slightly…

    Not patrolled

  • Northbridge Baths Northbridge Baths Northbridge

    Northbridge Baths are unsupervised tidal baths on the Middle Harbour foreshore, set in native bushland, run by Willoughby City Council.

    Not patrolled

  • Shelly Park Ocean Pool Shelly Park Ocean Pool Cronulla

    Shelly Park Ocean Pool is an ocean bath with a small sandy beach next to the Esplanade Walkway on the Cronulla Peninsula, beside Shelly Park.

    Not patrolled

  • Malabar Beach Malabar Beach Malabar

    Malabar Beach in Long Bay is popular with families because of its normally placid conditions, according to Randwick Council.

    Patrolled Summer (unpatrolled at other times) · All-abilities access

  • Bronte Beach Bronte Beach Bronte

    Bronte Beach is one of three Waverley beaches that council lifeguards patrol year-round.

    Patrolled

  • Newport Beach Newport Beach Newport

    Newport Beach is 1.3 km long, running from Newport Head in a gentle arc to Little Reef.

    Patrolled Last weekend of September to last weekend of April · All-abilities access

  • Queenscliff Beach Queenscliff Beach Queenscliff

    Queenscliff Beach is the northern end of the Manly surf beach, within a 10-minute walk of Manly Wharf, and a headland tunnel connects it via the rocks to Freshwater…

    Patrolled Last weekend of September to last weekend of April

  • Freshwater Beach Freshwater Beach Freshwater

    Freshwater is part of the Manly-Freshwater National and World Surfing Reserve, and the council describes it as a good family beach with good swimming conditions.

    Patrolled Last weekend of August – late May (council lifeguards) · All-abilities access

  • Warriewood Beach Warriewood Beach Warriewood

    Warriewood Beach is a surf beach with its own surf life saving club, between Turimetta and Mona Vale.

    Patrolled Last weekend of September to last weekend of April

  • Woy Woy Baths Woy Woy Baths Woy Woy

    Woy Woy Baths is a netted swimming area in the Woy Woy channel of Brisbane Water, next to the wharf.

    Not patrolled

  • Mona Vale Rockpool Mona Vale Rockpool Mona Vale

    Mona Vale Rockpool, off Surfview Road at the northern end of the beach, has two pools: one suitable for toddlers and a larger 30 m pool for bigger kids and adults.

    Not patrolled

  • North Wollongong Beach North Wollongong Beach North Wollongong

    North Wollongong (North Beach), on Cliff Road, is Wollongong's busiest beach and is patrolled all year round.

    Patrolled All year · All-abilities access

  • Palm Beach Rockpool Palm Beach Rockpool Palm Beach

    Palm Beach Rockpool is an 8-lane, 50 m ocean pool on the eastern side of Palm Beach at the southern end, with access off Ocean Road.

    Not patrolled

  • Frenchmans Bay Frenchmans Bay La Perouse

    Frenchmans Bay is a calm bay with a sandy beach in Botany Bay at La Perouse.

    Patrolled 1 December to 28 February

  • Newport Rockpool Newport Rockpool Newport

    Newport Rockpool is a 50 m ocean pool at the southern end of Newport Beach, reached from the walkway at Calvert Parade and The Boulevard or along the beach from the car…

  • Ross Jones Memorial Pool Ross Jones Memorial Pool Coogee

    The Ross Jones Memorial Pool is a man-made rock pool built in 1947 next to the Coogee Surf Life Saving Club at the south end of Coogee Beach.

  • Congwong Beach Congwong Beach La Perouse

    Congwong Beach is a calm bay facing Botany Bay, inside Kamay Botany Bay National Park and managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, according to Randwick…

    Not patrolled

  • Woolwich Baths Woolwich Baths Woolwich

    Woolwich Baths are harbour sea baths in Woolwich that first opened in 1907, making them one of Australia's oldest, according to Hunter's Hill Council.

    Not patrolled

  • Freshwater Rockpool Freshwater Rockpool Freshwater

    Freshwater Rockpool is a 50 m ocean pool at the northern end of Freshwater Beach.

    Not patrolled

  • Terrigal Beach Terrigal Beach Terrigal

    Terrigal Beach is a patrolled beach at the southern end of a 2.8 km stretch of sand, with cafes and restaurants overlooking it.

    Patrolled 26 Sep 2026 – 25 Apr 2027 · All-abilities access

  • The Grant McBride Baths The Grant McBride Baths The Entrance

    The Grant McBride Baths (formerly The Entrance Ocean Baths) are free tidal ocean baths with a 50 metre outdoor pool, a 22 metre lap pool, a children's wading pool, and…

    Patrolled Saturday 26 September 2026 to Sunday 25 April 2027

  • Murray Rose Pool Murray Rose Pool Double Bay

    Murray Rose Pool (formerly Redleaf Pool) is a harbourside tidal swimming enclosure of about 90 by 60 metres on Double Bay.

  • Collaroy Beach Collaroy Beach Collaroy

    Collaroy Beach adjoins Narrabeen Beach, and the council describes the beachfront as having facilities for everyone, including people with mobility issues, with a ramp…

    Patrolled October to April · All-abilities access

  • Bilgola Beach Bilgola Beach Bilgola Beach

    Bilgola Beach is a 500 m surf beach bordered by Bilgola Head to the north and Newport Head to the south.

    Patrolled Late September to late April · All-abilities access

  • Killcare Beach Killcare Beach Killcare

    Killcare Beach is a patrolled beach with views of the Tasman Sea and Sydney's northern beaches.

    Patrolled 26 Sep 2026 – 25 Apr 2027 · All-abilities access

  • Towradgi Rock Pool Towradgi Rock Pool Towradgi

    Towradgi Rock Pool, off Towradgi Road, has a main 50 m pool and a toddlers' pool, with views north and south over two patrolled beaches.

  • Narrabeen Beach Narrabeen Beach Narrabeen

    Narrabeen Beach is part of the long sandy stretch from Collaroy to North Narrabeen; the council notes it is prone to large surf and erosion and lists fair swimming…

    Patrolled Last weekend of September – last weekend of April

  • Wollongong City Beach Wollongong City Beach Wollongong

    Wollongong City Beach, off Marine Drive, is just south of the lighthouses at Flagstaff Hill.

    Patrolled 26 September 2026 to 25 April 2027

  • MacMasters Beach MacMasters Beach MacMasters Beach

    MacMasters Beach is a patrolled beach with a mix of surf breaks and sheltered swimming areas.

    Patrolled 26 Sep 2026 – 25 Apr 2027 · All-abilities access

  • Maccallum Pool Maccallum Pool Cremorne Point

    Maccallum Pool is a 33 m harbourside pool on the Cremorne Point Walk, filled with water directly from the harbour, with an adjoining timber deck and views across Sydney…

    Not patrolled

  • Taylors Point Baths Taylors Point Baths Clareville

    Taylors Point Baths is a netted swimming enclosure on Pittwater at 164 Hudson Parade, Clareville, which the council says was recently upgraded with new decking and…

    Not patrolled

  • Collaroy Rockpool Collaroy Rockpool Collaroy

    Collaroy Rockpool is an 8-lane, 50 m ocean pool with a toddler pool at the southern end of Collaroy Beach, with easy access for people with disability.

  • Lilli Pilli Baths Lilli Pilli Baths Lilli Pilli

    Lilli Pilli Baths are netted tidal swimming baths on the Port Hacking River inside Lilli Pilli Point Reserve, with views to the Royal National Park.

    Not patrolled

  • Bellambi Rock Pool Bellambi Rock Pool Bellambi

    Bellambi Rock Pool, off Robert Cram Drive, has a main pool and a toddlers' pool, with a children's playground and a shared pathway nearby.

    Not patrolled

  • Kyeemagh Beach Baths Kyeemagh Beach Baths Kyeemagh

    Kyeemagh Beach Baths is one of the swimming enclosures that Bayside Council lists along the Botany Bay foreshore at Lady Robinsons Beach.

    Not patrolled

  • Clovelly Beach Clovelly Beach Clovelly

    Clovelly Beach is a small, tranquil beach at the end of a narrow bay, and Randwick Council says it is popular with families and snorkellers.

    Patrolled All year · All-abilities access

  • North Narrabeen Beach North Narrabeen Beach North Narrabeen

    North Narrabeen includes Birdwood Park and Narrabeen Lagoon and became a National Surfing Reserve in 2009.

    Patrolled September long weekend to April long weekend

  • Silver Beach Tidal Baths Silver Beach Tidal Baths Kurnell

    Silver Beach Tidal Baths are a netted swimming area midway along Silver Beach at Kurnell, which faces Botany Bay.

    Not patrolled

  • Continental Pool Continental Pool North Wollongong

    Continental Pool, on Cliff Road between Wollongong Harbour and North Beach, has a 50 m pool, a 45 m pool and a toddlers' pool; the 45 m pool has a ramp entry for people…

    Patrolled · All-abilities access

  • Cronulla Beach (South Cronulla) Cronulla Beach (South Cronulla) Cronulla

    Cronulla Beach, often called South Cronulla, is home to Cronulla Surf Life Saving Club and is popular with families, according to Sutherland Shire Council.

    Patrolled October to April · All-abilities access

  • Mahon Pool Mahon Pool Maroubra

    Mahon Pool is a rock pool at the base of Jack Vanny Reserve, just north of Maroubra Beach, built in 1935-1936 on the foundation of a naturally formed seaside rock pool.

    Not patrolled

  • The Entrance North Beach The Entrance North Beach The Entrance North

    North Entrance Beach is a patrolled surf beach at The Entrance North.

    Patrolled 26 September 2026 to 25 April 2027

  • North Cronulla Beach North Cronulla Beach Cronulla

    North Cronulla Beach is a sandy beach with a rocky shoreline to the south.

    Patrolled October to April

  • Long Reef Beach Long Reef Beach Collaroy

    Long Reef Beach sits between nature reserves, next to Long Reef Reserve and Griffith Park; the council lists good swimming and body boarding conditions.

    Patrolled Last weekend of September to last weekend of April

All beaches and rock pools in Sydney, free and paid

Botanic gardens and big parklands

Open lawns, shaded paths and room to run, with toilets and a picnic spot close by.

All gardens and parklands in Sydney, free and paid

Waterfalls, lookouts and forest walks

Walks the park service or council describes with a length and grade. Each listing says how far, how hard, and what is at the start.

All walks, waterfalls and lookouts in Sydney, free and paid

Free museums, galleries and science

Permanent collections with free entry. Special exhibitions can be ticketed; the listing says so.

  • Hyde Park Barracks Hyde Park Barracks Sydney

    Hyde Park Barracks is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed convict-era building on Queens Square, Macquarie Street, run by Museums of History NSW.

    ★ 4.7 (2,130)

  • Art Gallery of New South Wales Art Gallery of New South Wales Sydney

    The Art Gallery of New South Wales is on Art Gallery Road in The Domain, Sydney.

    ★ 4.7 (15,072)

  • Chau Chak Wing Museum Chau Chak Wing Museum Camperdown

    The Chau Chak Wing Museum is a free public museum at the University of Sydney, with temporary and permanent exhibitions across four floors.

    ★ 4.7 (817)

  • Australian Museum - Dinosaur Gallery Australian Museum - Dinosaur Gallery Sydney

    The Dinosaurs exhibition is a permanent gallery on Level 2 of the Australian Museum, 1 William Street, Sydney, opposite Hyde Park.

    ★ 4.6 (13,690)

  • Vaucluse House Vaucluse House Vaucluse

    Vaucluse House is a 19th-century harbourside estate run by Museums of History NSW; it became Australia's first official house museum in 1915.

    ★ 4.6 (1,052)

  • White Rabbit Gallery White Rabbit Gallery Chippendale

    White Rabbit Gallery at 30 Balfour Street, Chippendale, shows 21st-century Chinese contemporary art from Judith Neilson's collection across four levels.

    ★ 4.6 (2,354)

  • Australian Museum Australian Museum Darlinghurst

    The Australian Museum at 1 William Street, on the corner of College Street opposite Hyde Park, is a natural history and culture museum with free general entry to its…

    Sensory-friendly sessions · ★ 4.6 (12,918)

  • Justice and Police Museum Justice and Police Museum Sydney

    The Justice & Police Museum is a Museums of History NSW site in a former police station and courthouses on the corner of Albert and Phillip streets, Sydney.

    ★ 4.5 (654)

  • Australian PlantBank Australian PlantBank Mount Annan

    The Australian PlantBank is the Botanic Gardens of Sydney's plant conservation research and seedbank facility at the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan.

    ★ 4.7 (114)

  • The Rocks Discovery Museum The Rocks Discovery Museum The Rocks

    The Rocks Discovery Museum at 2-8 Kendall Lane, The Rocks, tells the story of The Rocks from before European settlement to the present, displaying archaeological…

    ★ 4.4 (649)

  • Rouse Hill Estate Rouse Hill Estate Rouse Hill

    Rouse Hill Estate is a historic rural homestead museum run by Museums of History NSW at 356 Annangrove Road, Rouse Hill, on Dharug Country.

    ★ 4.4 (244)

  • Powerhouse Castle Hill Powerhouse Castle Hill Castle Hill

    Powerhouse Castle Hill, at the Museums Discovery Centre, 2 Green Road, Castle Hill, is where the Powerhouse museum stores and cares for its collection of more than half…

    ★ 4.4 (215)

  • Museum of Sydney Museum of Sydney Sydney

    The Museum of Sydney, run by Museums of History NSW, is built over and around the remains of Sydney's first Government House on the corner of Phillip and Bridge streets.

    ★ 4.1 (3,038)

  • Hurstville Museum & Gallery Hurstville Museum & Gallery Hurstville

    Hurstville Museum & Gallery is run by Georges River Council at 14 MacMahon Street, a short walk from Hurstville station.

  • Museum of Chinese in Australia (MOCA) Museum of Chinese in Australia (MOCA) Haymarket

    The Museum of Chinese in Australia (MOCA) shares the history, traditions and culture of Chinese Australians.

Splash pads and water play

Free water play the council runs, usually in the warmer months. The listing says when the water is on.

All water play spots in Sydney, free and paid

Playgrounds and adventure parks

The destination playgrounds and nature play spaces worth a trip across town.

  • Cremorne Reserve Cremorne Reserve Cremorne Point

    Cremorne Reserve is a North Sydney Council harbourside reserve on Cremorne Point with bushland, formal lawns and gardens, and views of the harbour and the city.

    ★ 4.8 (892)

  • Observatory Hill Park Observatory Hill Park

    Observatory Park, often called Observatory Hill, is a City of Sydney park on Upper Fort Street, Millers Point, with panoramic views of Sydney Harbour.

    ★ 4.7 (2,999)

  • Barangaroo Reserve Barangaroo Reserve Barangaroo

    Barangaroo Reserve is a 6-hectare harbourside park on a former container site at the northern end of Barangaroo, a few minutes from the CBD.

    ★ 4.7 (4,869)

  • Blackman Park Blackman Park Lane Cove West

    Blackman Park is a large Lane Cove Council park beside the river on Lloyd Rees Drive, Lane Cove West.

    ★ 4.6 (1,044)

  • Sirius Park and Foreshore Sirius Park and Foreshore Mosman

    Sirius Park and Foreshore (Sirius Cove Reserve) on Sirius Cove Road, Mosman, is a Mosman Council park with bushland and a foreshore reserve.

    ★ 4.6 (795)

  • Sydney Park Wetlands Sydney Park Wetlands Erskineville

    The Sydney Park wetlands are a network of four wetland areas inside Sydney Park, the City of Sydney's 44-hectare regional park on Sydney Park Road, Alexandria.

    ★ 4.8 (180)

  • Heffron Pedal Park Heffron Pedal Park Maroubra

    Heffron Pedal Park is a Randwick City Council miniature road network in Heffron Park, 417-439R Bunnerong Road, Maroubra, where children ride bicycles and scooters.

    ★ 4.7 (287)

  • Sir Joseph Banks Park playground Sir Joseph Banks Park playground Botany

    Sir Joseph Banks Park is a Bayside Council park on Tupia Street, Botany.

    ★ 4.8 (140)

  • Yamble Reserve Yamble Reserve Ryde

    Yamble Reserve is a City of Ryde park on Quarry Road, Ryde.

    ★ 4.6 (542)

  • Elkington Park Elkington Park Balmain

    Elkington Park is an Inner West Council park at 42 Glassop Street, Balmain, on the harbour foreshore.

    ★ 4.6 (425)

  • Livvi's Place Ryde Livvi's Place Ryde Ryde

    Livvi's Place is an all-inclusive playground in Yamble Reserve, Quarry Road, Ryde, where children of all abilities can play, learn and socialise together.

    All-abilities · ★ 4.6 (338)

  • Domain Creek Playground Domain Creek Playground Westmead

    Domain Creek Playground is a large playground on the Westmead side of Parramatta Park, opposite the Queens Road Gatehouse near Queens Road and Park Avenue.

    ★ 4.5 (639)

  • Wangal Park Wangal Park Croydon

    Wangal Park is a 4.2-hectare Burwood Council park on the corner of Monash Parade and Royce Avenue, Croydon, planted with trees and native species as a refuge from the…

    ★ 4.6 (273)

  • Inglis Park Inglis Park Randwick

    Inglis Park Playground is a Randwick City Council playground at 5R Young Street, Randwick, in the Newmarket precinct.

    ★ 4.6 (241)

  • Ryde Park Ryde Park Ryde

    Ryde Park is a City of Ryde Council park on Blaxland Road, Ryde.

    ★ 4.4 (862)

  • Brightmore Reserve Brightmore Reserve Cremorne

    Brightmore Reserve in Cremorne has an educational tricycle track where young bike, trike and scooter riders can practise on a mini road system with roundabouts,…

    ★ 4.6 (156)

  • The Canopy Lane Cove The Canopy Lane Cove Lane Cove

    The Canopy is a Lane Cove Council park and dining precinct at 2 Rosenthal Avenue, Lane Cove, opened in June 2020.

    ★ 4.7 (68)

  • Berry Island Reserve Playground Berry Island Reserve Playground Wollstonecraft

    Berry Island Reserve is a North Sydney Council harbourside bushland reserve in Wollstonecraft, a small peninsula linked to the mainland by a wide grassed causeway with…

    ★ 4.6 (127)

  • Camperdown Park (Damun Inclusive Playground) Camperdown Park (Damun Inclusive Playground) Camperdown

    Camperdown Park is an Inner West Council park on Mallett Street, Camperdown, with a playground, basketball courts, a sporting ground, tennis courts, an outdoor fitness…

    ★ 4.6 (77)

  • Wulaba Park Wulaba Park Waterloo

    Wulaba Park is a City of Sydney park on Amelia Street in Waterloo with a large adventure playground.

    ★ 4.5 (152)

  • Village Green Playground Village Green Playground Sydney Olympic Park

    Village Green Playground is in the middle of Bicentennial Park at Sydney Olympic Park, one of three playgrounds in the park.

    ★ 4.6 (69)

  • Learner's Cycleway Playground Learner's Cycleway Playground Centennial Park

    The Learners' Cycleway is a one-way, surfaced loop track in Centennial Park where children of all ages can practise riding their bikes.

    ★ 4.7 (27)

  • King George Park Playground King George Park Playground Rozelle

    King George Park Playground, previously known as the Constellation Playground, is an inclusive, fenced council playground by the water in King George Park, Manning…

    All-abilities · ★ 4.4 (126)

  • Sydney Park Bike Track Sydney Park Bike Track Erskineville

    The Sydney Park bike track is a City of Sydney children's cycling track in Sydney Park, next to the car park on Sydney Park Road, Alexandria, opposite Mitchell Road.

    ★ 4.4 (83)

  • Casula Parklands Adventure Playground Casula Parklands Adventure Playground Casula

    Liverpool City Council's adventure playground at Casula Parklands, for toddlers to adults.

    All-abilities

  • Centennial Parklands Centennial Parklands Centennial Park

    Centennial Parklands covers 369 hectares near central Sydney and is made up of Centennial Park, Moore Park and Queens Park, managed by Greater Sydney Parklands.

  • Wadanggari Park Wadanggari Park St Leonards

    Wadanggari Park is a Lane Cove Council park at 568 Pacific Highway, St Leonards, opposite St Leonards train station.

    ★ 4.3 (86)

  • St Leonards Park Playground St Leonards Park Playground North Sydney

    St Leonards Park in North Sydney has a custom playground that North Sydney Council says has many accessible items and activities.

    All-abilities · ★ 4.4 (38)

  • James Hilder Reserve James Hilder Reserve Surry Hills

    James Hilder Reserve is a City of Sydney park at 121-131 Campbell Street, Surry Hills, with a children's playground and a fitness station with upper and lower body…

    ★ 4.4 (38)

  • St Thomas Rest Park Playground St Thomas Rest Park Playground Crows Nest

    St Thomas Rest Park in Crows Nest is a North Sydney Council park with a custom, fully fenced playground with a retro theme.

    ★ 4.4 (33)

  • Camdenville Park BMX Pump Track Camdenville Park BMX Pump Track Saint Peters

    Camdenville Park, at 65 May Street, St Peters, is an Inner West Council park with a BMX pump track that has separate senior and junior sections.

  • Punch Park Punch Park Balmain

    Punch Park is an Inner West Council park at 16-30 Wortley Street, Balmain.

    ★ 4.2 (94)

  • Wetherill Park District Park Wetherill Park District Park Wetherill Park

    Wetherill Park District Park on Victoria Street, Wetherill Park, is one of Fairfield City Council's four district parks.

    ★ 4.2 (67)

  • Timbrell Park Bike Track Timbrell Park Bike Track Five Dock

    Timbrell Park in Five Dock is a City of Canada Bay park with a BMX pump track.

  • Sydney Park Playground Sydney Park Playground Alexandria

    Sydney Park Playground is an extensive, partially enclosed playground in Sydney Park with a diverse range of traditional and adventure play equipment for children of…

  • Carss Bush Park Playspace Carss Bush Park Playspace Carss Park

    Georges River Council grades the Carss Bush Park playspace in Carss Park as regional scale, its top level.

    All-abilities

  • Fairfield Adventure Park Fairfield Adventure Park Fairfield

    Fairfield Adventure Park on Lawson Street is one of Fairfield City Council's Destination (Super) Parks, with a playground, an amenities building, an accessible toilet…

  • Leagues Club Park Playspace Leagues Club Park Playspace Gosford

    Leagues Club Park (Leagues Club Field) on the Gosford waterfront is graded a regional playspace by Central Coast Council.

    All-abilities

  • Fagan Park Playground Fagan Park Playground Galston

    A playground in historic Fagan Park, Galston, with a large climbing frame, a flying fox, a liberty swing, play equipment and a sandpit.

    All-abilities

All parks and playgrounds in Sydney, free and paid

More free days out

Community farms, wildlife spots and other places that cost nothing to get into.

  • Wylde MTB & BMX Wylde MTB & BMX Cecil Park

    Wylde MTB and BMX is a riding area in Western Sydney Parklands at Cecil Park, reached from Elizabeth Drive via Range Road and the Wylde Access Road.

    ★ 4.7 (145)

  • Jubes Mountain Bike Park Jubes Mountain Bike Park North Wahroonga

    Jubes Mountain Bike Park is a Ku-ring-gai Council mountain bike area at the back of Golden Jubilee Field, off Esk Street, Wahroonga.

    ★ 4.4 (127)

  • Hope Kids Playgroup Hope Kids Playgroup Maroubra

    Hope Kids Playgroup meets at Hope Uniting Church Hall, 829 Anzac Parade, Maroubra.

  • Coogee Randwick Wombats Coogee Randwick Wombats Maroubra

    Coogee Randwick Wombats is a junior rugby league club and a member of the South Sydney District Junior Rugby Football League, which lists the club and its contact on…

  • Ivo Rowe Rockpool Ivo Rowe Rockpool Coogee

    The Ivo Rowe Rockpool is a small natural ocean pool run by Randwick City Council at 1R Bunya Parade, South Coogee.

Libraries, story time and rhyme time

Free sessions for babies, toddlers and preschoolers, usually in school term.

  • Green Square Library Green Square Library Zetland

    Green Square Library is an award-winning underground City of Sydney library at 355 Botany Road, Zetland, next to Green Square train station.

Questions parents ask

Where can I take a toddler in Sydney for free on a hot day?
Free water play parks are the best choice, such as Lizard Log, Bigge Park and the Ribbon Playground. Go in the morning, bring a hat, and check the listing to see whether the water is running.
What free indoor things are there for toddlers in Sydney?
Libraries with story time and children's corners are easy and reliable. Some museums have spaces where small children can move and explore. Check opening days and any rules about noise.
How long should a free outing with a Sydney toddler last?
Short is better. An hour or two at a good place, timed around naps and meals, beats a long day. Leave while they are still happy.
Are free places in Sydney safe for toddlers?
Parks away from the water tend to be easiest; around harbour foreshores, rock pools and busy roads, fencing is not something to assume. Look at the listing, and always supervise at arm's reach near water or roads, even in shallow splash areas.

Other kinds of free day in Sydney

For toddlers in other cities