I live in Sydney with 2 kids under 6. These 4 spots keep them busy without costing a fortune.

I've lived in Sydney for 15 years with two kids under six. While the beach is my happy place, sometimes I prefer not to deal with the sun, sand, and sunscreen with the kids. As a local, I've discovered many low-cost family-friendly activities despite Sydney being one of the most expensive cities to live in Australia.

One of our favorite low-cost activities is visiting the Australian Museum in the CBD. To my kids, it's simply known as the dinosaur museum, filled with real dinosaur skeletons and life-size models. Their favorite is the interactive learning and play space called Burra where they can dress up as animals and pretend to swim. General entry is free, but major exhibitions require a paid ticket.

For a picnic, I love Centennial Park in Paddington, just a 10-minute ride from the city. It's an oasis with formal gardens, ponds, and walking paths. We often visit the Ian Potter Children's Wild Play Garden, but be sure to check its opening days as it closes for winter. The park is free to visit all year round.

The Art Gallery of New South Wales in The Domain is another favorite. As a child of an artist mom, I grew up spending time at art galleries and now take my kids there too. They particularly enjoy the children's art library with cubby houses for reading. The gallery also offers hands-on activities for kids. For lunch, I recommend setting up a waterside picnic in the beautiful Royal Botanic Garden of Sydney, which is free to enter, but there are fees for tours, special events, and exhibits inside The Calyx.

Lastly, taking a ferry to Cockatoo Island is a must. This former convict gaol and shipyard offers plenty of space for kids to run, explore, and learn about Australia's history. The views on the ferry ride are unbeatable, providing a stunning backdrop of the Sydney Opera House and the Harbor Bridge. The island is free to visit, and you only need to pay for the return ferry trip.