Choose your own adventure: free things to do this Easter long weekend and school holidays
Saturday, 4 April 2026
Families looking for cost effective activities this coming Easter long weekend and school holidays can spend hours free of charge roaming through more than 80,000 objects on display in the state’s Cultural Institutions.
Located close to public transport, and offering extensive free programs, the Cultural Institutions offer treasure hunts for everyone’s tastes. From exploring the library within a library in the State Library’s Shakespeare Room; star gazing with Sydney Observatory’s Southern Sky Astrophotography exhibition; unleashing your inner artist in the Sydney Opera House’s Art on the Steps program; or discovering the secret world of frogs at the Australian Museum.
Keep the car at home and catch public transport. Whichever location you start at you can walk, or ride, easily to another Cultural Institution. The Sydney Culture Walk has a free digital walking itinerary of architecture, art and history, now available on the Walks Near Me platform.
Across the six state Cultural Institutions, there is something for everyone. A few highlights include:
- State Library – The Shakespeare Room. One of the most unknown and unusual public venues in Sydney, browse the collection of works by and about Shakespeare and his times. Or, relax for a moment to enjoy the exquisite craftsmanship including the stain glass windows depicting the seven ages of man, from As You Like It (Act II, Scene VII).
- Art Gallery of NSW – Mechelle Bounpraseuth: ສູ້ສູ້ Sou Sou. A playful and interactive exhibition by Sydney artist known for her colourful, hand-built, glossy ceramics depicting food and other homely treasures. In this exhibition of newly commissioned works, large-scale ceramic sculptures, visitors of all ages are invited to gather at tables or ສາດ saats (Lao floormats) to share the flavours, dishes and stories that are unique to them.
- Sydney Observatory – Southern Sky Astrophotography. Enjoy an exhibition of celestial photography, showcasing the finalists of the 22nd annual David Malin Awards. While there, visitors can take part in an intimate guided tour including climbing into the iconic domes to see the historic and modern telescopes in action. These tours offer the chance to see terrestrial objects through a telescope, as well as unparalleled views across Sydney Harbour.
- Museums of History NSW – Justice & Police Museum Kids Trails. Pick up a kids trail and explore the stories of Sydney’s original Water Police Station and courts. Unlock secrets and solve mysteries as you move through the museum.
Through a series of family-friendly, interactive stations and engaging dioramas, the FrogID Touring Exhibition explores the beautiful diversity of our nation’s amphibious friends, as well as the crucial role they play in our delicate ecosystems and the ways you can help conserve the frogs in your local area. 7 March – 17 May 2026 in Hintze Hall at the Australian Museum.
- Australian Museum – Frog ID Exhibition. Explore the amazing frogs of Australia and the essential role they play in local environments in this engaging and interactive exhibition.
- Sydney Opera House
- Palette Session – Freestyle Dance Workshops. Rooted in street dance culture, Palette Session brings together dancers from hip hop, ballroom, krump, folk, contact improvisation and First Nations dance practices in a collaborative, inclusive space.
- Art on the Steps. Free, public artwork series on and under the Monumental Steps, featuring two new performance commissions by Australian artists Mel O’Callaghan and Frances Barrett. Mel O’Callaghan’s Live Echo, works with three hundred choristers from the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs and composer Dan Walker. Frances Barrett’s Celia gathers seven vocalists beneath the steps in an improvised exchange of calls and echoes.
For more tips, the Culture Station, opposite wharf 5 at Circular Quay provides information on events and exhibitions happening across the city.
Minister for the Arts, John Graham said:
“Cost of living pressures are real – we know people are feeling the pressure. The Minns Government has delivered free entry to every Cultural Institution. It is something we are committed to.
“Everyone loves a treasure hunt, and our Cultural Institutions really do have something for everyone, and offer many wonderful things to explore and do.
“Happily, our Cultural Institutions are all close to public transport, and an easy walk or ride between each other. People of all ages can make a day of it and visit a couple, sign up to one of the many free programs on offer, or simply wander through and uncover some incredible hidden gems.”
Minister for Jobs and Tourism, Steve Kamper said:
“The Easter long weekend offers families the chance to come together and enjoy a fun trip in the city, with numerous free programs available across Sydney’s cultural institutions, along with the many beaches, national parks and other natural attractions Sydney is blessed with.
“Providing free experiences during a time of financial pressure for families is incredibly important, and it’s something the NSW Government is committed to supporting.
“These initiatives show that Sydney is a city where families can enjoy a great weekend away without breaking the budget once they get here, which plays an important role in driving visitation and supporting local jobs that rely on the visitor economy.”
