Macquarie St Adventure 2026

A Free School Holiday Day Out Along Macquarie Street

If you’re looking for a school holiday plan that ticks the “interesting for kids” and “worth leaving the house for” boxes, this one’s a solid option.

The Macquarie Street Adventure is taking over the city on Friday 17 April (10am–3pm), with a full day of free, drop-in activities spread across some of Sydney’s most iconic buildings.

Visitors entering Hyde Park Barracks. Image courtesy of Museum of Museums of History NSW.

Start at Hyde Park Barracks

The courtyard at Hyde Park Barracks becomes the main hub for hands-on activities — the kind kids can get stuck into, not just watch.

Expect:

Macramé and knot-tying workshops
Making your own convict love token
Paper building activities (yes, they can construct their own mini Barracks)
A go at convict-style bricklaying

Parliament House NSW. Image courtesy of Destination NSW.

Then wander up to NSW Parliament

Inside NSW Parliament, things shift up a gear with the Festival of Democracy — a surprisingly engaging way to introduce kids to how things work.

There are:

Arts and crafts
Interactive re-enactments
Historic chamber visits

It’s hands-on enough to hold interest, without feeling like a lesson.

Kids reading at the State library of NSW. Image courtesy of the State Library of NSW.

Finish at the State Library

A short walk away, the State Library rounds out the day with more drop-in activities and exhibitions.

If you’ve got older kids (or podcast fans), there’s also a live recording of Bedtime Stories with R.A. Spratt at 2pm — one to book ahead for.

Why it works

It’s completely free
You can arrive anytime and leave anytime
Everything is walkable (no extra logistics once you’re there)
There’s a good mix of creative, active and slightly educational

Kids in hammocks at Hyde Park Barracks. Image courtesy of James Horran.

The details

When: Friday 17 April, 10am–3pm
Where: Macquarie Street precinct (Hyde Park Barracks, NSW Parliament, State Library)
Cost: Free but registrations required, click here to register

About Author

Francesca Millena

Writer, foodie and ideas-sponge, Francesca grew up in the Inner West and loves writing about all things IW related from playgrounds and podcasts, restaurants and retail, bubble tea and basketball courts. Mum to an active child, she also knows a thing or two about keeping a little one entertained on a rainy day.

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