The Northern Beaches is a single large council area stretching from Manly to Palm Beach, and Northern Beaches Council runs a surprisingly active children's events program across its library network. Add the beaches, national park, and lagoons — all free — and families here have more to do on a budget than almost anywhere in Sydney.
Northern Beaches Council Libraries
Northern Beaches Council operates ten library branches across the peninsula, each running its own children's program. The result is impressive geographic coverage — wherever you live on the beaches, there's a library program within a reasonable drive.
What runs across the network
- Storytime (ages 2–5): Weekly sessions at most branches. Drop-in, no booking required. The Dee Why and Mona Vale branches run the highest frequency.
- Baby Bounce / Rhymetime (ages 0–2): Songs, rhymes, and props for babies and toddlers. Very well suited to newborns through to walking age.
- Book Buddies (ages 0–2): A gentler lap-sit format available at selected branches. Smaller groups, quieter pace — good for more reserved children.
- STEM sessions (ages 6–12): Robotics and coding workshops at Mona Vale and Dee Why libraries. These require booking.
- School holiday programs: Northern Beaches runs a full holiday program each term — workshops, performances, and special events across multiple branches. These fill quickly; book as soon as the program is published.
Library highlights by location
Dee Why Library — The busiest branch for children's programs. Central location on the peninsula, high session frequency. Good for families in Dee Why, Cromer, and Narraweena.
Mona Vale Library — Strong STEM program alongside standard children's sessions. Covers Mona Vale, Bayview, Church Point, and the upper northern beaches.
Manly Library — Well-placed for families in Manly, Fairlight, and Balgowlah. Runs Storytime and Baby Bounce with a harbour suburb vibe — less crowded than Dee Why.
Pittwater Library (Avalon) — Covers the upper peninsula: Avalon, Bilgola, Whale Beach. Quieter programs, more intimate setting.
Warringah Library (Brookvale) — Covers Brookvale, Curl Curl, Freshwater. Good alternative to Dee Why for families in the middle beaches area.
Browse all Northern Beaches kids' activities →
Free Outdoor Activities
The Northern Beaches adds a dimension most Sydney councils can't offer: free ocean and bush access that functions as a genuine activity, not just a backdrop.
The Lagoons
Narrabeen Lagoon — A large saltwater lagoon with flat, calm water ideal for young children to explore. Walking track around the lagoon. Free kayak and paddleboard spots at certain points.
Manly Lagoon (Queenscliff) — Enclosed tidal lagoon at the southern end of Queenscliff Beach. Very shallow at low tide, popular with toddlers.
Ocean Pools
The Northern Beaches has more ocean pools per kilometre than any stretch of Australian coastline. Key ones for families:
- Rockpool, Mona Vale — Large, calm, and well-maintained
- Queenscliff Rock Pool — Calm, popular with young children
- Freshwater Rock Pool — Iconic, family-friendly depth
All are free. Rock pools are lifeguarded during summer months.
Garigal National Park
Free entry. Walking trails from Terry Hills, St Ives, and Belrose. Suitable for children from about age 4 who can manage uneven terrain. The Davidson Park picnic area has barbecues and basic facilities.
Tips for Northern Beaches Families
- Book holiday programs early. Northern Beaches Council promotes holiday programs well in advance and they fill — particularly the Dee Why and Mona Vale programs.
- Beach programs are weather-dependent. Council-run beach or outdoor sessions may be moved indoors on wet days. Check the listing on the day.
- Distance on the peninsula adds up. Avalon to Manly is 40 minutes. Know which branch covers your suburb and default to that one for regular sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What library programs run on the Northern Beaches?
Northern Beaches Council libraries run Storytime (2–5), Baby Bounce (0–2), Book Buddies (0–2), and STEM workshops across ten branches. Most weekly sessions are free and drop-in.
What are the best free toddler activities on the Northern Beaches?
Narrabeen Lagoon and Manly Lagoon are ideal for toddlers on a fine day — calm, shallow water and flat ground. Baby Bounce and Rhymetime run weekly at most library branches across the peninsula.
Are there free school holiday activities on the Northern Beaches?
Yes. Northern Beaches Council runs a structured school holiday program every term across multiple library branches. Programs are free or very low cost. Book as soon as the program opens — they fill quickly.
What's the best beach for young kids on the Northern Beaches?
Shelly Beach (Manly) and Mona Vale Beach (southern end near the lagoon) are the calmest and most suitable for young children. Queenscliff has the enclosed rock pool.
See All Northern Beaches Events
Little Rascal lists free and paid kids' activities across Manly, Dee Why, Narrabeen, Mona Vale and the Northern Beaches — updated daily.