The Best Free Things To Do With Kids in Sydney This Winter 2017

By: Phoebe Ackland, ellaslist

Winter time doesn't have to break the bank in 2017- we have you covered with a heap of family-friendly activities and events where the fun is free!

1. Wonderful Winter Festivals

You're in luck- entry to most of Sydney's awesome winter festivals in 2017 is free! Although some of the activities will cost you, we say the electric atmosphere will make up for any pennies spent. Take a glide on an ice rink, build a snowman in the Snow Play, race down ice slides on a toboggan, or just hold a mug of hot chocolate in your hands and listen to some free, live music. It doesn't get any better or more family-friendly than a winter festival. Check out our list of the best ones in 2017 here. 

2. Australian Museum

The Australian Museum is one that will have you returning again and again. General admission for children 16 years and under is FREE, so take advantage! Without a doubt, the highlight of the museum is the Kidspace- a dedicated area for under 5s where children are encouraged to explore the natural world through play. Unlike so many other museums, they can touch and get their hands on a heap of cool artefacts, play dress-ups and cosy up inside themed pods. They also have a heap of paid and free events available for children throughout Winter and the school holidays in particular. 

3. Museum of Contemporary Art

Entry to the MCA is free- the perfect (and cheapest!) way to introduce your little ones to the arts! As well as exploring all the permanent exhibitions, the MCA always has a huge family program where kids will learn about art through making it, rather than just looking at it. One of our favourites is ARTplay, a drop-in workshop that costs a mere $5 donation per family, where kids Explore the interactive Bella Room, have fun with fancy dress, sing songs, play exhibition inspired games and put your dance moves to the test! To see their full kids and family program, click here. 

4. Perfect Playgrounds

At ellaslist, we just LOVE a great playground- whether it's a fenced one for tots who like to run, an old-fashioned one to take you on a trip down memory lane, or it's near a kid-friendly cafe for a play-lunch combination, they're all music to our ears. The best part? They're free! Rug up warm and take your children to a fantastic playground this Winter- before you head off, check out our ultimate guide to Sydney's playgrounds. You might just find one worth driving for, like the new Bungarribee playground in Sydney's largest parklands, complete with a 50-metre long flying fox! 

5.  Australian National Maritime Museum

Check out the National Maritime Museum this Winter for some nautical fun. They have a FREE Galleries Ticket which includes entry to all the permanent exhibitions, the under 5s Mini Mariners play zone, the Sea Science Pontoon and Dirk Hartog's Pewter Plate. They also offer a huge calendar full of family events and workshops, including their regular FREE family fun Sundays complete with lively performances, film screenings, characters tours, face painting and more! See their full schedule here. 

6. The Powerhouse Museum

We just love the Powerhouse Museum- it's a treasure trove of all things history, science, technology and design. It's one of the most hands-on museums in Sydney, so families can always be found having a ball here. The FREE entry for children under 16 years of age doesn't hurt, either. This Winter, above all else, we recommend you visit their FREE Wiggles Exhibition, which has been recently refurbished to include an interactive Big Red Car as well as memorabilia from the new cast including Lachie's teddy bear and Emma's ballet slippers.