7 Last Minute Free Things to do in Sydney These School Holidays!

You might be ready for a rest, but the family is still keen to get out and about? Check out these free options around Sydney and keep the kids on the go until the school bell rings.

1. State Library of NSW

The State Library of NSW is celebrating its 200th Birthday! If you’re organised, you can even be there for the launch of the celebrations at Open Day this Sunday 19 April.

After taking in the opening Smoking Ceremony, you can join a tour, visit the collections, listen to some live music and join in the family fun. There will be toys, art, craft and puzzles aplenty in the Mitchell Building and pay a visit to the Children’s Library in the Macquarie Street Building for story time and other special events. If you’re there with a child, book your FREE place to listen to Lah-Lah’s Big Live Band, or hear from Mick Elliott, Australian writer and storyteller.

Play in Mr McGee’s tree, turn the giant pages of Bertie and the Bear, and make a splash with the animals from Who Sank the Boat?

Whenever you choose to visit the State Library, make sure you make time for The Curious World of Pamela Allen free exhibition. From the antics of Mr McGee to Who Sank the Boat?, Belinda, and Mr Archimedes’ Bath, for more than 40 years, Allen’s stories have been captivating children and parents alike and this interactive exhibition brings the stories to life for everyone. Play in Mr McGee’s tree, turn the giant pages of Bertie and the Bear, and make a splash with the animals from Who Sank the Boat? There are reading nooks, corners to explore, and even a hat to try on!

Visit sl.nsw.gov.au

2. Alexander’s Outing Walk

If you’ve been inspired by your visit to The Curious World of Pamela Allen exhibition at the State Library of NSW, it’s time to follow in the footsteps of one of her most beloved characters. Explore Sydney in the same way that Alexander the duckling did, visiting key landmarks along the way.

If your family enjoys tracking Alexander’s route using the online map, you might like to make up your own path for others to enjoy as well.

Starting from the State Library in Macquarie Street you’ll explore the Botanic Gardens, visit the Art Gallery of NSW, and finish at the Archibald Fountain in Hyde Park.

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If your family enjoys tracking Alexander’s route using the online map, you might like to make up your own path for others to enjoy as well. Visit Walks Near Me and start sharing your favourite places with other families.

Explore the walk Alexander’s Outing Map

3. Festival of Democracy at State Parliament House

Pay a visit to State Parliament House on Friday 17 April and enjoy the Festival of Democracy 2026. For children aged 5 to 12 years, this is a full day of free fun activities and an opportunity for the family to spend time exploring together.

The day will feature interactive and educational activities, bringing democracy alive for young and old alike.

Book your place online for this free day out in the Sydney CBD.

Visit the Festival of Democracy to find out more.

4. Centennial Parklands

Looking for a place to enjoy the great outdoors? Head to Centennial Parklands and make the most of the wide, green spaces, play areas, BBQs and bike tracks.

Adventurous children who enjoy getting into nature will love the Ian Potter Children’s WILD PLAY Garden. Tunnels, creek beds, water play and a treehouse will keep them, and you, busy all day. Suitable for all abilities.

Wild Play is best accessed from the York Road gates.

Visit centennialparklands.com.au

And don’t forget to visit this year’s Art Express exhibition, showcasing artworks by last year’s Year 12 HSC students.

5. Art Gallery of NSW

Open from 10am to 5pm each day, and to 10pm on Wednesdays, entry is free to the permanent displays. Visit for as long or as little as you like.

During these holidays, there are a number of free drop-in workshops and activities on offer for children. These include Indian illustrations, Paper wearables, Ceramics and if you’re there on a Sunday, join the Roving art-making guided tour for kids at 11am.

And don’t forget to visit this year’s Art Express exhibition, showcasing artworks by last year’s Year 12 HSC students. For creatives in the family, this is an opportunity to see what might be possible if they choose to pursue creative arts through their high school years.

Visit: artgallery.nsw.gov.au

6. The World’s Largest Lego Store

Yes, you can visit the world’s largest Lego store right here in Sydney! Located in Pitt Street Mall, entry is free.

Check out the incredible displays, express your creativity at the Lego play tables, and enjoy the wonder of what is possible when you use your imagination and Lego.

Visit lego.bricksmegastore.com

To keep your children curious and busy, here are our top picks for things to do in and around Sydney.

7. Sydney Olympic Park

Blaxland Riverside Park

There’s space for everyone at Blaxland Riverside Park, located next to the Parramatta River. There are free BBQs and shelters, but you might like to bring your own chairs and set up a space closer to the playground because that’s where the children will be spending their time.

Including water play, swings, tunnels and a flying fox, this playground is accessible to children of all ages and abilities but be ready to keep an eye out as they explore this big and busy space.

With open space to set up your picnic or for older kids to play some soccer, this is the perfect place to spend a day with your family.

Visit sydneyolympicpark.com.au

Brickpit Ring Walk

Enjoy a stroll 18m above the ground as you take in the wetlands below. Featuring an inbuilt multimedia experience, as you stroll the 550m walkway you’ll learn about the history of the Brickpit that once supplied 60 per cent of the bricks used to build homes in Sydney.

Use the self-guided tour app to explore the parklands on foot or bring your bikes for a day of leisurely riding or high adventure on the bike tracks. With 50 artworks to enjoy throughout the park, plus wildlife to spot you’ll always have something new to marvel at.

Visit sydneyolympicpark.com.au

With less than a week until the kids head back to school, there’s still time to create memories together.

Seize the moment and send them back full of news of your shared adventures.

And all for the cost of a train fare.

Keep an eye on our Community Noticeboard for more community and church events, all throughout the year.

Feature image: Canva Pro