Free stuff worth leaving the house for.
Council events, library sessions, park play, markets, festivals, cultural events, open days.
Where
This weekend
Fri 30 to Sun 1 Nov
54 free activities near Northern Beaches
Free
Curl Curl parkrun (5km, families welcome)
parkrun Australia (volunteers)Free community listing
Every Saturday, 7:00am start · Curl Curl · 2.1 km · Ages 4 to 17 · Outdoor
A free, friendly 5km walk, jog or run around the lagoon every Saturday morning. Prams welcome, nobody finishes last.
Image: Dad Steps, North Curl Curl
Free
Dad Steps Curl Curl
Dad StepsFree community listing
Every Saturday morning. Rain, hail or shine! · Curl Curl · 2.1 km · Ages 0+ · Outdoor
Dad Steps is a casual walking club for dads and their children—Dad Steps was created to give dads a simple space to connect with other dads. No pressure, no expectations—just getting outside, walking with their children, and having conversations with other fathers who get it
Image: Northern Beaches Council
Free
Sounds of Manly: free live music weekend + kids' Fairy Wishes show
Northern Beaches CouncilFree community listing
Sat 31 Oct and Sun 1 Nov 2026, 9:00am to 5:30pm; kids' show Sun 12:30pm · Manly · 5.2 km · Ages 0 to 12 · Outdoor
Live music pops up all over Manly's town centre all weekend, with a roving hula hoop and juggling duo on Saturday morning. On Sunday at 12:30pm, little ones can dance along at the Fairy Wishes show on the Corso with Scratch the Cool Kat, Lulu the Funky Clown and Trixie the Disco Dancing Pixie, then meet the characters.
Free
Manly Arts & Craft Market
Market operator (listed by Northern Beaches Council)Free community listing
Every Saturday and Sunday, 9:00am to 5:00pm · Manly · 5.2 km · Ages 0 to 17 · Outdoor
Open-air handmade and craft stalls in the heart of Manly, a short walk from the beach.
Image: Northern Beaches Council
Free
Manly Art Gallery & Museum (free entry)
Northern Beaches CouncilFree community listing
Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00am to 5:00pm · Manly · 5.2 km · Ages 0 to 17 · Indoor
A free, bite-sized gallery right on Manly Cove with changing exhibitions and a beach-culture museum. Ideal rainy-day stop before the ferry.
Free
Surf + Sound Boardrider Battle (free to watch)
Surf + SoundFree community listing
Sat 31 Oct and Sun 1 Nov 2026 · Manly · 5.2 km · Ages 0 to 17 · Outdoor
Watch world champion surfers and the best club surfers in Australia battle it out on Manly Beach. Free on the sand.
Image: Surf + Sound (Artemus Group)
Free
Surf + Sound: free art trail at Manly Wharf
Surf + Sound (Artemus Group)Free community listing
Three weekends, Fri 16 Oct to Sun 1 Nov 2026 · Manly · 5.2 km · Ages 0 to 17 · Outdoor
Giant inflatables, sculptures and projections from cult artist Jeremyville take over Manly Wharf, while local artists live-paint five vintage Land Rover Defenders along the cove. A free, walk-through art adventure kids will want to photograph from every angle, open from Fri 16 Oct for three weekends.
Free
Kids DIY Workshop at Bunnings Balgowlah
Bunnings WarehouseFree community listing
Every Saturday and Sunday, 11:00am to 1:00pm · Balgowlah · 5.5 km · Ages 5 to 12 · Indoor
Hands-on weekend workshops where kids build, paint and plant a take-home project, from woodwork to garden pots.
Free
Glenrose Village FREE Halloween Hunt
Glenrose VillageFree community listing
Sat 31 Oct 2026, sessions from 11:00am · Belrose · 7.4 km · Ages 5 to 12
Grab a clue sheet and go hunting for spooky Halloween decals hidden all around Glenrose Village. Find every one to win a Halloween treat, and come dressed up for extra fun!
Free
Kids DIY Workshop at Bunnings Belrose
Bunnings WarehouseFree community listing
Every Saturday and Sunday, 11:30am to 12:30pm · Belrose · 7.4 km · Ages 5 to 12 · Indoor
Hands-on weekend workshops where kids build, paint and plant a take-home project, from woodwork to garden pots.
Free
Manly Fresh Market
Market operator (listed by Northern Beaches Council)Free community listing
Every Sunday, 8:00am to 2:00pm · Manly · 5.2 km · Ages 0 to 17 · Outdoor
Growers and makers market with fresh produce and food for a Sunday wander.
Free
Seaforth Markets
Market operator (listed by Northern Beaches Council)Free community listing
Every Sunday, 8:00am to 12:30pm · Seaforth · 6.4 km · Ages 0 to 17 · Undercover
Organic produce, artisan food and fresh bread under cover at Balgowlah RSL.
Free
Bags to Riches Second Hand Market
Market operator (listed by Northern Beaches Council)Free community listing
First Sunday of the month, 9:00am to 1:00pm · Dee Why · 0.2 km · Ages 0 to 17 · Outdoor
Council's pre-loved market: toys, kids clothes and sporting gear from suitcases and rugs, with live music from young local musicians.
Free
Felons Manly Community Day (free face painting)
Felons ManlyFree community listing
Sundays from 11:00am (featured Sun 18 Oct 2026) · Manly · 5.2 km · Ages 0 to 12 · Undercover
Sunday fun on the wharf! Kids get free face painting while the grown-ups enjoy live music and a meat tray raffle, all with harbour views. An easy, relaxed family lunch spot right off the ferry.
Free
Free Magic Show and Face Painting at The Mona
The Mona Vale HotelFree community listing
Sun 1 Nov 2026, from 2:00pm · Mona Vale · 8.1 km · Ages 0 to 12
Sunday afternoon sorted: a free magic show plus face painting for the kids at The Mona in Mona Vale. Grab a table, let the little ones enjoy the show, then send them off to the playground while you finish lunch.
Free
Community Beach Clean at Manly Beach
Curl Curl Community (community group)Free community listing
First Sunday of every month, 3:00pm to 4:00pm · Manly · 5.2 km · Ages 0 to 17 · Outdoor
One hour giving back to Manly Beach. Kids love the treasure-hunt feel of collecting rubbish before it reaches the ocean.
Free
Story Time at Dee Why Library
Northern Beaches Council LibrariesFree community listing
Every Monday during school term, 10:00am to 10:30am · Dee Why · 0.2 km · Ages 3 to 5 · Indoor
Interactive stories, songs and rhymes for preschoolers that build early literacy skills before big school.
Free
Story Time at Warringah Mall Library
Northern Beaches Council LibrariesFree community listing
Every Monday during school term, 10:00am to 10:30am · Brookvale · 2.3 km · Ages 3 to 5 · Indoor
Interactive stories, songs and rhymes for preschoolers that build early literacy skills before big school.
Free
Rhyme Time at Manly Library
Northern Beaches Council LibrariesFree community listing
Every Monday during school term, 10:00am to 10:30am · Manly · 5.2 km · Ages 1 to 3 · Indoor
Rhymes, songs and movement for toddlers that support listening, language and speech development. A great 30 minute outing with little ones.
Free
Baby Bounce at Mona Vale Library
Northern Beaches Council LibrariesFree community listing
Every Monday during school term, 10:00am to 10:30am · Mona Vale · 8.1 km · Ages 0 to 1 · Indoor
A lap-sit session of songs and rhymes for bubs and their grown-ups. Pick up rhymes you can use at home and meet other local parents.
Free
Rhyme Time at Manly Library
Northern Beaches Council LibrariesFree community listing
Every Monday during school term, 10:30am to 11:00am · Manly · 5.2 km · Ages 1 to 3 · Indoor
Rhymes, songs and movement for toddlers that support listening, language and speech development. A great 30 minute outing with little ones.
Free
Story Time at Dee Why Library
Northern Beaches Council LibrariesFree community listing
Every Tuesday during school term, 10:00am to 10:30am · Dee Why · 0.2 km · Ages 3 to 5 · Indoor
Interactive stories, songs and rhymes for preschoolers that build early literacy skills before big school.
Free
Baby Bounce at Warringah Mall Library
Northern Beaches Council LibrariesFree community listing
Every Tuesday during school term, 10:00am to 10:30am · Brookvale · 2.3 km · Ages 0 to 1 · Indoor
A lap-sit session of songs and rhymes for bubs and their grown-ups. Pick up rhymes you can use at home and meet other local parents.
Free
Baby Bounce at Manly Library
Northern Beaches Council LibrariesFree community listing
Every Tuesday during school term, 10:00am to 10:30am · Manly · 5.2 km · Ages 0 to 1 · Indoor
A lap-sit session of songs and rhymes for bubs and their grown-ups. Pick up rhymes you can use at home and meet other local parents.
Free
Rhyme Time at Glen Street Library
Northern Beaches Council LibrariesFree community listing
Every Tuesday during school term, 10:00am to 10:30am · Frenchs Forest · 5.2 km · Ages 1 to 3 · Indoor
Rhymes, songs and movement for toddlers that support listening, language and speech development. A great 30 minute outing with little ones.
Free
Baby Bounce at Forestville Library
Northern Beaches Council LibrariesFree community listing
Every Tuesday during school term, 10:00am to 10:30am · Forestville · 7.3 km · Ages 0 to 1 · Indoor
A lap-sit session of songs and rhymes for bubs and their grown-ups. Pick up rhymes you can use at home and meet other local parents.
Free
Story Time at Mona Vale Library
Northern Beaches Council LibrariesFree community listing
Every Tuesday during school term, 10:00am to 10:30am · Mona Vale · 8.1 km · Ages 3 to 5 · Indoor
Interactive stories, songs and rhymes for preschoolers that build early literacy skills before big school.
Free
Rhyme Time at Dee Why Library
Northern Beaches Council LibrariesFree community listing
Every Wednesday during school term, 10:00am to 10:30am · Dee Why · 0.2 km · Ages 1 to 3 · Indoor
Rhymes, songs and movement for toddlers that support listening, language and speech development. A great 30 minute outing with little ones.
Free
Rhyme Time at Warringah Mall Library
Northern Beaches Council LibrariesFree community listing
Every Wednesday during school term, 10:00am to 10:30am · Brookvale · 2.3 km · Ages 1 to 3 · Indoor
Rhymes, songs and movement for toddlers that support listening, language and speech development. A great 30 minute outing with little ones.
Free
Rhyme Time at Manly Library
Northern Beaches Council LibrariesFree community listing
Every Wednesday during school term, 10:00am to 10:30am · Manly · 5.2 km · Ages 1 to 3 · Indoor
Rhymes, songs and movement for toddlers that support listening, language and speech development. A great 30 minute outing with little ones.
Free
Story Time at Glen Street Library
Northern Beaches Council LibrariesFree community listing
Every Wednesday during school term, 10:00am to 10:30am · Frenchs Forest · 5.2 km · Ages 3 to 5 · Indoor
Interactive stories, songs and rhymes for preschoolers that build early literacy skills before big school.
Free
Rhyme Time at Forestville Library
Northern Beaches Council LibrariesFree community listing
Every Wednesday during school term, 10:00am to 10:30am · Forestville · 7.3 km · Ages 1 to 3 · Indoor
Rhymes, songs and movement for toddlers that support listening, language and speech development. A great 30 minute outing with little ones.
Free
Baby Bounce at Mona Vale Library
Northern Beaches Council LibrariesFree community listing
Every Wednesday during school term, 10:00am to 10:30am · Mona Vale · 8.1 km · Ages 0 to 1 · Indoor
A lap-sit session of songs and rhymes for bubs and their grown-ups. Pick up rhymes you can use at home and meet other local parents.
Free
Baby Bounce at Manly Library
Northern Beaches Council LibrariesFree community listing
Every Wednesday during school term, 10:30am to 11:00am · Manly · 5.2 km · Ages 0 to 1 · Indoor
A lap-sit session of songs and rhymes for bubs and their grown-ups. Pick up rhymes you can use at home and meet other local parents.
Free
Baby Bounce at Dee Why Library
Northern Beaches Council LibrariesFree community listing
Every Thursday during school term, 10:00am to 10:30am · Dee Why · 0.2 km · Ages 0 to 1 · Indoor
A lap-sit session of songs and rhymes for bubs and their grown-ups. Pick up rhymes you can use at home and meet other local parents.
Free
Rhyme Time at Warringah Mall Library
Northern Beaches Council LibrariesFree community listing
Every Thursday during school term, 10:00am to 10:30am · Brookvale · 2.3 km · Ages 1 to 3 · Indoor
Rhymes, songs and movement for toddlers that support listening, language and speech development. A great 30 minute outing with little ones.
Free
Story Time at Manly Library
Northern Beaches Council LibrariesFree community listing
Every Thursday during school term, 10:00am to 10:30am · Manly · 5.2 km · Ages 3 to 5 · Indoor
Interactive stories, songs and rhymes for preschoolers that build early literacy skills before big school.
Free
Baby Bounce at Glen Street Library
Northern Beaches Council LibrariesFree community listing
Every Thursday during school term, 10:00am to 10:30am · Frenchs Forest · 5.2 km · Ages 0 to 1 · Indoor
A lap-sit session of songs and rhymes for bubs and their grown-ups. Pick up rhymes you can use at home and meet other local parents.
Free
Story Time at Forestville Library
Northern Beaches Council LibrariesFree community listing
Every Thursday during school term, 10:00am to 10:30am · Forestville · 7.3 km · Ages 3 to 5 · Indoor
Interactive stories, songs and rhymes for preschoolers that build early literacy skills before big school.
Free
Rhyme Time at Mona Vale Library
Northern Beaches Council LibrariesFree community listing
Every Thursday during school term, 10:00am to 10:30am · Mona Vale · 8.1 km · Ages 1 to 3 · Indoor
Rhymes, songs and movement for toddlers that support listening, language and speech development. A great 30 minute outing with little ones.
Free
Tibetan Story Time at Dee Why Library
Northern Beaches Council LibrariesFree community listing
Thursdays, fortnightly, 11:00am to 11:30am during school term · Dee Why · 0.2 km · Ages 0 to 5 · Indoor
Stories, songs, rhymes and games that support Tibetan language and literacy for little ones.
Free
Organic Food Market Warriewood
Market operator (listed by Northern Beaches Council)Free community listing
Every Friday, 8:00am to 2:00pm · Warriewood · 6.8 km · Ages 0 to 17 · Outdoor
Open-air Friday market with organic produce, gourmet food and patisserie.
Free
Rhyme Time at Dee Why Library
Northern Beaches Council LibrariesFree community listing
Every Friday during school term, 10:00am to 10:30am · Dee Why · 0.2 km · Ages 1 to 3 · Indoor
Rhymes, songs and movement for toddlers that support listening, language and speech development. A great 30 minute outing with little ones.
Free
Rhyme Time at Manly Library
Northern Beaches Council LibrariesFree community listing
Every Friday during school term, 10:00am to 10:30am · Manly · 5.2 km · Ages 1 to 3 · Indoor
Rhymes, songs and movement for toddlers that support listening, language and speech development. A great 30 minute outing with little ones.
Free
Rhyme Time at Glen Street Library
Northern Beaches Council LibrariesFree community listing
Every Friday during school term, 10:00am to 10:30am · Frenchs Forest · 5.2 km · Ages 1 to 3 · Indoor
Rhymes, songs and movement for toddlers that support listening, language and speech development. A great 30 minute outing with little ones.
Free
Rhyme Time at Mona Vale Library
Northern Beaches Council LibrariesFree community listing
Every Friday during school term, 10:00am to 10:30am · Mona Vale · 8.1 km · Ages 1 to 3 · Indoor
Rhymes, songs and movement for toddlers that support listening, language and speech development. A great 30 minute outing with little ones.
Free
Rhyme Time at Manly Library
Northern Beaches Council LibrariesFree community listing
Every Friday during school term, 10:30am to 11:00am · Manly · 5.2 km · Ages 1 to 3 · Indoor
Rhymes, songs and movement for toddlers that support listening, language and speech development. A great 30 minute outing with little ones.
Image: RMYC Broken Bay
LOW COST: 2026 price TBC ($10 entry in 2025)
Timber Boat Festival at RMYC Newport (Family Fun Zone)
Royal Motor Yacht Club Broken BayFree community listing
Sat 7 and Sun 8 Nov 2026, festival activities about 9:00am to 4:30pm · Newport · 10.6 km · Ages 0 to 12 · Outdoor
Gleaming classic timber boats line the Pittwater shore while kids head to the Family Fun Zone to build their dream boat, get their faces painted, enter the art competition and get crafty in the crafting hut. Watch little Rainbow sailing boats zip across the water, and tuck into a festival BBQ with live music all day.
Image: Northern Beaches Council
Free
Capture the Coast: Beach Photography Session at Avalon (Ocean Festival)
Northern Beaches Council (Ocean Festival)Free community listing
Sun 8 Nov 2026, 4:30pm to 6:00pm · Avalon Beach · 13.2 km · Ages 7 to 12 · Outdoor
Grab a phone or camera and hit Avalon Beach at golden hour with local photographer Tim Seaton, who shares easy tricks for framing, light and timing to snap amazing ocean shots. Back at the surf club, kids hear the stories behind Tim's best coastal photos and get inspired to protect our oceans.
Free
Berry Reserve Market
Market operator (listed by Northern Beaches Council)Free community listing
Third Sunday of the month, 9:00am to 3:00pm · Narrabeen · 4.1 km · Ages 0 to 17 · Outdoor
Boutique market on the banks of Narrabeen Lakes with grassy space for kids to run.
Free
Manly Village Public School Markets
Market operator (listed by Northern Beaches Council)Free community listing
Third Saturday of the month, 8:00am to 4:00pm · Manly · 5.2 km · Ages 0 to 17 · Outdoor
P&C-run community market supporting the local public school.
Free
Palm Beach Market
Market operator (listed by Northern Beaches Council)Free community listing
Fourth Sunday of the month, 9:00am to 3:00pm · Palm Beach · 17.2 km · Ages 0 to 17 · Outdoor
Iconic beachside market with homewares, fashion and jewellery, right next to the sand.
Image: Northern Beaches Council
Free
Christmas by the Beach 2026
Northern Beaches CouncilFree community listing
Fri 11 Dec 2026, 4:00pm to 7:30pm · Dee Why · 0.2 km · Ages 0 to 17 · Outdoor
Carols, a children's Christmas show, free face painting and free Santa photos by the beach. BYO picnic or grab dinner from the food trucks.
Free
Organic Food Market Mona Vale
Market operator (listed by Northern Beaches Council)Free community listing
Every Sunday, 8:30am to 1:00pm · Mona Vale · 8.1 km · Ages 0 to 17 · Outdoor
Fresh produce, bakery and hot food stalls, plus homewares and vintage finds.