There are 8 free options on our list for Sydney City and the Inner South. Four are library sessions for babies and young children, two are exhibitions, one is a book exchange and one is a bike tune-up at Glebe. Check each organiser's page in case anything has changed or you need to book a spot.
Library sessions for little ones
Libraries are a good place to start with a baby or preschooler.
- Rhymetime, ages 0 to 2: Darling Square Library in Haymarket, and Surry Hills Library.
- Storytime, ages 3 to 5: Darling Square.
- Bilingual storytime, ages 3 to 5: Darling Square Library.
Ask the library about days and times, and whether you need to book, because we don't hold that detail.
Exhibitions, swaps and bikes
- Alchemy of a Rainforest exhibition, in Sydney.
- NAIDOC poster exhibition, in Redfern.
- Discover Our Community Book Exchange, in Pyrmont.
- Free bike tune-ups at the Glebe Foreshore. Ask whether to bring your child's bike and what the tune-up covers.
Exhibitions can be a calm outing for older children. Talk about what you are going to see first, and let them lead.
Planning a free day
- Free events can still have costs on the way. Think about how you will get there and whether you need to pay for parking or transport.
- Pack a picnic lunch, water and snacks from home so the day stays free.
- Check the age on each session. The rhymetimes are listed for ages 0 to 2, and the storytimes for ages 3 to 5.
- Go early to a library session if you want a good spot, and ask the staff how it works.
- Pair a morning session with a quiet afternoon at home if you have a baby or toddler who needs a nap.
Going further
The sessions above are all listed as free. If a business or venue asks for payment, that is outside what this guide covers.
More on the way
We're still adding free events and activities across the inner city. The events and clubs below are what we have today. For the latest details, check each organiser's own page.
