What are the best things to do with kids in Sydney?

Top family activities in Sydney include Taronga Zoo, SEA LIFE Aquarium, the Royal Botanic Gardens (free), Centennial Parklands, Featherdale Wildlife Park, Luna Park, and a ferry to Manly Beach. Sydney Olympic Park's Blaxland Riverside Park is one of the city's best playgrounds.

Where can I find free things to do with kids in Melbourne?

Melbourne has plenty of free family activities: the Royal Botanic Gardens (with a dedicated children's garden), the National Gallery of Victoria, Federation Square, the Ian Potter Children's Garden, and numerous parks and playgrounds. Many museums offer free entry for children.

What are the best family activities in Brisbane?

Brisbane's South Bank Parklands offer Streets Beach (free), the Queensland Museum, and GOMA. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is the world's largest koala sanctuary. Roma Street Parkland and New Farm Park are great for free outdoor play.

things to do with kids

by william samuels·9 april 2026

william is a parent of three who has tested every playground, zoo, and museum on this list with his own kids.

we've curated the best family-friendly activities across 19 Australian cities — from zoos and museums to beaches and bushwalks. 92 of the activities listed are completely free.

tap any city below for the full list of things to do with kids, including age ranges, price levels, and what to expect.

choose your city

SydneyNSW

10 activities · 4 free

MelbourneVIC

10 activities · 2 free

BrisbaneQLD

10 activities · 7 free

PerthWA

10 activities · 4 free

AdelaideSA

10 activities · 6 free

Gold CoastQLD

10 activities · 3 free

CanberraACT

10 activities · 5 free

HobartTAS

10 activities · 6 free

DarwinNT

10 activities · 5 free

Sunshine CoastQLD

10 activities · 6 free

GeelongVIC

10 activities · 5 free

NewcastleNSW

10 activities · 8 free

CairnsQLD

10 activities · 5 free

ToowoombaQLD

8 activities · 6 free

LauncestonTAS

8 activities · 4 free

TownsvilleQLD

8 activities · 4 free

WollongongNSW

8 activities · 6 free

BallaratVIC

8 activities · 3 free

BendigoVIC

8 activities · 3 free

top free activities across Australia

Royal Botanic Gardens — free in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, Hobart, and Darwin

South Bank Parklands, Brisbane — Streets Beach, playgrounds, and riverside walks — all free

Kings Park, Perth — 400 hectares of nature playgrounds and treetop walkways

National institutions, Canberra — free entry to the War Memorial, National Museum, Parliament House, and the Mint

Cataract Gorge, Launceston — swimming pool, walking trails, and peacocks — all free

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opening hours, prices, and availability may change. always check the venue's website before visiting. mini mode is not affiliated with any of the venues listed.