10 Free Things To Do in Northern Sydney

Free things to do in North Sydney

Are you looking for free things to do with your kids in Northern Sydney? Look no further! 

Northern Sydney is a great destination for families looking for fun and affordable activities to do with their kids. From parks and beaches to museums and historic sites, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. 

In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 free things to do with kids in Northern Sydney. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, these activities are sure to keep your kids entertained while also exploring some of the best spots in the area. 

So, grab your family and get ready for a fun-filled adventure in Northern Sydney!

Top 10 Free Things to Do With Kids in Northern Sydney

We’ve compiled a list of 10 fun and free activities that will keep your kids entertained while also exploring some of the best spots in the area. Let’s check out each of the things that your children will love doing. 

1. Visit a local park

Northern Sydney is home to plenty of beautiful parks that offer a variety of activities for kids of all ages. Pack a picnic and head to one of these places for a day of fun and adventure:

A. Playgrounds in Lane Cove National Park

Lane Cove National Park boasts three well-equipped and beautifully maintained children’s playgrounds. These playgrounds offer a range of exciting activities for kids of all ages. 

Whether you’re looking to climb, swing, slide, or play, these playgrounds are sure to provide hours of entertainment and fun for your kids.

B. Waverton Park 

Located on the Waverton peninsula, Waverton Park is part of a vast open space network that includes the BP Parklands, Balls Head Reserve, and the former Coal Loader/Caltex site. 

With panoramic views of the harbour, a playground and plenty of open spaces for picnics and outdoor activities, Waverton Park is an ideal destination for a day out with the kids.

C. Flying Fox, Mona Vale

The Flying Fox playground is one of the best playgrounds on Sydney’s North Shore, and for good reason. Not only does it offer a range of exciting play equipment, but it’s also surrounded by a large, open flat park with a walking path that’s perfect for scooters and bikes. 

And when you need a break from all the play, there’s a coffee shop nearby where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. 

D. Livvi’s Place Ryde

Livvi’s Place Ryde has been meticulously planned, beautifully designed and thoughtfully created to offer an incredible experience to children. 

It has a plethora of textural and aural stimuli like hanging xylophones, metal bongos, and sandpits, flying foxes, and hand-operated water pumps. So, children will have an absolute blast exploring and discovering new things.

2. Explore the bush

Take your kids on a bushwalk through the many national parks in Northern Sydney. The Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and Garigal National Park are two great options that offer stunning scenery and plenty of wildlife.

3. Explore a historic site

Take your kids on a trip through history by exploring some of the many historic sites in Northern Sydney. Places like the Quarantine Station and Fort Denison offer a unique educational experience for kids and adults alike.

4. Discover a new beach

With its stunning coastline, Northern Sydney has plenty of beaches to choose from. Take your kids to explore some of them. Here is a list of some beaches your little ones might want to visit: 

A. Clontarf Beach

Clontarf Beach is a stunning and tranquil suburb located just across the Spit Bridge on the northern side of the mainland. It is a well-kept secret amongst Sydneysiders, offering an abundance of natural beauty ranging from its picturesque coastline to its varied wildlife. 

Those looking for an invigorating activity will delight in tackling the Manly to Spit Bridge Walk, a 3-hour 10 km walk that offers breathtaking views of the harbour and stunning bushland.

B. Chinamans Beach 

Chinamans Beach is an idyllic destination for families, offering calm waters ideal for swimming and snorkelling, as well as a range of fun water sports for those who want to try something more adventurous. 

There are plenty of shady spots to relax and picnic, along with some excellent fishing opportunities available. With its beautiful scenery and clean beaches, it’s easy to see why Chinamans Beach is such a popular destination! 

C. Balmoral Beach

Balmoral Beach’s waters offer the tranquillity of an indoor pool. Meanwhile, they provide all the perks of the ocean such as snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and sailing. 

Balmoral Sailing School offers sailing lessons, while kayaks and stand-up paddleboards can be rented to explore the protected bay. Additionally, scuba diving tours are also offered for those interested. 

D. Little Manly Cove

Little Manly Cove features a cozy beach on the harbour side, meaning there are no waves, and it’s situated below the road level with a small reserve between the beach and the road. 

The beach’s swimming enclosure, which occupies half of the beach, is fenced. Besides, its shallow waters are perfect for babies and toddlers.

E. Shelly Beach

Shelly Beach in Caloundra is a serene coastal destination that remains unexplored by many. The stretch of sand is not safe for swimming. But, it’s a peaceful retreat that’s perfect for those looking for a secluded spot to relax and unwind, away from the crowds.

5. Visit a museum

Northern Sydney is home to several museums, including the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia and the Australian Museum. Many of these museums offer free admission for kids, making it a great way to learn while having fun.

6. Go for a bike ride

The Northern Beaches have many bike paths to explore. Manly to Spit Bridge Scenic Walkway is a 10km walking and cycling trail that winds its way through some of the most picturesque parts of the Northern Beaches. 

Let us discuss two of the best cycling routes in the region: 

A. Buffalo Reserve Creek Playground

Buffalo Creek Reserve is a beautiful place for a nature-filled family outing. The bike track is an excellent way to explore the stunning native bushland and get some exercise, while the fun play equipment will keep kids of all ages entertained. 

Plenty of shaded picnic tables are dotted around the area, perfect for a snack or lunch with the family. The large sports oval is ideal for older kids who enjoy a kick of the footy or a game of cricket.

B. Golden Jubilee Field

Situated at the back of Golden Jubilee Field in Wahroonga, this purpose-built facility was initially created over a decade ago. Local youth and professional track builders have revitalised it in order to create a more modern and thrilling experience for riders. 

The facility includes an array of jumps, berms, drops and other features that are sure to challenge even the most experienced riders.

7. Take a ferry ride

One of the best ways to explore Northern Sydney is by ferry. Take a ride from Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo, or from Manly to Watsons Bay for a day of fun and adventure.

8. Visit a local market

Northern Sydney is home to many markets that offer a variety of goods and activities for kids. Check out the Kirribilli Markets or the Northside Produce Market for a fun and unique experience.

9. Attend a free event

Northern Sydney hosts many free events throughout the year, including festivals, concerts, and movie screenings. Check out the council website for a list of upcoming events that are perfect for kids and families.

10. Go on a scavenger hunt

Create your own scavenger hunt by exploring the streets and parks of Northern Sydney. Make a list of things to find, such as a specific type of flower, a unique rock formation, or a specific landmark. It’s a fun and engaging way to explore the area and spend time with your kids.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Free Thing to do With Kids

Finding fun and engaging activities to do with your children can be a challenge, especially when you’re on a tight budget. Fortunately, there are countless free activities, mentioned in this blog, that you and your kids can enjoy together. 

However, with so many options, it can be difficult to decide which activity to choose. Thus, we’ll discuss important factors to consider when choosing a free activity to do with your kids. 

1.  Location

One of the first things you’ll want to consider when choosing a free activity to do with kids is the location. You’ll want to choose an activity that’s close to where you’re staying, or close to public transportation if you’re planning on using it to get around.

2.  Age of Kids

Another thing to consider is the age of your kids. Some activities may be more appropriate for older kids, while others may be more suitable for younger kids. Choose an activity that’s appropriate for the ages of your kids.

3.  Weather

Weather is also something you’ll want to take into consideration. If it’s a hot day, you may want to chooses an activity that takes place indoors or in the shade. If it’s a cold day, you may want to choose an outdoor activity that will keep your kids warm.

4.  Interests of Kids

Think about the interests of your kids when choosing an activity. If they’re into sports, there may be free clinics or open gyms where they can play. If they’re into art, there may be free art classes or museums they can visit. 

Choose an activity that your kids will enjoy and that will hold their interest.

5.  Time of Day

The time of day is another important factor to consider. Some activities may only be available during certain hours, so you’ll need to plan accordingly. Choose an activity that fits into your schedule and that you have time for.

6.  Duration of Activity

You’ll also want to consider how long the activity will take. Some activities may only last for a few hours, while others may last all day. Choose an activity based on how much time you have available and how long your kids can last without getting bored or restless.

By keeping these considerations in mind, you can ensure that you and your children have a memorable and enjoyable experience without breaking the bank.

Enjoy Spending Time With Your Kids in Northern Sydney!

In conclusion, Northern Sydney offers a wealth of free activities that are both fun and educational for visitors and locals alike. From scenic walks and parklands to cultural sites and historical landmarks, there’s no shortage of things to do and see in this part of the city. 

Whether you’re on a tight budget or simply looking for new experiences, the ten free activities highlighted in this blog post are a great starting point. 

So pack a picnic, grab your camera, and get ready to explore all that Northern Sydney has to offer – without spending a dime!

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2 Comments

  1. says: Jo

    Wow, what some fun things Northern Sydney offers. Next time I visit I really must get beyond the harbour and the bridge and do some proper exploring. The last time I visited Manly was in 1983!

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