Soaring heights, underwater adventures, haunted sightings, and thrilling rides…there is definitely nothing boring about these brilliant things to do in Sydney with teens and tweens!
When your tween is past the playground stage or your teen is fed up looking at their phone and wants to do something different, this list of fun things to do in Sydney will come in incredibly useful.
Sydney is a top tourist destination for all ages, but it’s good to have some teen-specific ideas in mind when planning your family trip. These thrilling things to do in Sydney are fun, unique, and totally Insta-worthy!
Fun Things to Do in Sydney with Teens and Older Kids
BridgeClimb Sydney
Experience the breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of Sydney and make once-in-a-lifetime memories as you climb the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge!
Feel on top of the world as you journey along the upper arch to the peak of an Australian icon, soaking in the stories from your expert Climb Leader and the sights of the Harbour and the City skyline that surround you.
You will ascend 1,332 stairs along the upper arch and stand 134m in the air with 360-degree views of Sydney Harbour once you reach the top. Better still, you can opt for dawn, day, twilight or night climbs to experience all that the city has to offer and making this one of the best things to do in Sydney with teens and older kids.
Sydney Tower Eye
Located 250m above the Sydney streets, you can enjoy unrivalled 360-degree views of the city and beyond from the observation deck of Sydney’s tallest building. Spot iconic landmarks and hidden gems of this beautiful harbour city, plus on a clear day, you can even see the Blue Mountains, located 80km away!
If that’s not enough, step out into the open air for a breathtaking 60-minute SKYWALK tour at the highest outdoor viewpoint (268m) in the city.
Bondi Beach
Visit the iconic Bondi Beach for a fun day of splashing, making the most of the sunshine at one of the world’s most stunning beaches.
Bring a picnic or pick up some fish and chips to enjoy while you watch the skilled surfers near the beach’s southern end. Want to give it a try yourself? Even complete novices can learn to surf at one of the accredited surf schools!
Bondi Icebergs Pool
If you want to try a swim in the unique (and Insta-famous) Bondi Icebergs pool, plan on getting there early. It’s popularity means that it gets busy on a daily basis.
This massive saltwater pool is made even more iconic by the splashing of the waves from the nearby ocean. As you swim, you might even feel the wave hit you as you come up for air. This is part of the appeal of the iconic pool and is also responsible for its gorgeous blue-green hue.
Cockatoo Island
Cockatoo Island is a former convict penal establishment and naval shipyard, located in the heart of Sydney Harbour. Cockatoo Island is a source of intrigue and inspiration for visitors owing to its heritage buildings, distinctive terrain and panoramic views.
Tours cater for different ages and interests – from history buffs and ghost seekers through to families and seniors’ clubs. They’re also a great opportunity to discover iconic landmarks, including heritage buildings rarely opened to the general public.
Indoor Skydiving
iFLY Downunder, located in Penrith in Sydney’s west, was the first indoor skydiving facility in Australia. It is also the largest and most powerful indoor skydiving facility in the Southern Hemisphere!
Indoor skydiving is a thrilling experience, but if you’re not a fan of flying, the 365-degree glass tunnel allows spectators to watch and cheer on friends and family.
Cables Wake Park
Whether you are a complete beginner or a seasoned pro that wants a new challenge, head to Cables Wake Park for some water-based fun!
Learn to wakeboard or progress your skills on the linear cable system with some expert coaching. Your coach can teach you all the basics and, if you’re ready, more technical tricks too.
Whale Watching Boat Tours
Each year from May to November, more than 40,000 humpback and southern right whales make their way along Sydney’s coastline in their annual migration from Antarctica to the warmer waters of the Pacific.
There are lots of great vantage points along the New South Wales coastline to do some whale-spotting, or you may choose to head out on a whale-watching tour to see if you can spot one of these majestic creatures.
Circus Arts Sydney
Fancy joining the circus? Take to the high wires with a flying trapeze class at Circus Arts Sydney.
Circus Arts’ experienced fly coaches will take you through all the steps and teach you the correct technique to perform various tricks.
The Rocks Ghost Tour
Do you believe in ghosts? For a unique night out in Sydney, try The Rocks Haunted Ghost Tour, a walking tour where you will learn about some of the dark and spooky history of The Rocks.
The guides and researchers are all historians, and the tours are based on historical documentation and information that has been handed down through generations of local residents.
Luna Park
With classic family rides, rollercoasters and adrenaline-boosting rides, all on the shores of Sydney Harbour, Luna Park is a great day out for thrill-seekers and fun-lowers of all ages.
When the thrills reach fever pitch, take a break for some fairground games including ring toss, knock ’ems, and a test of strength.
Underwater Scooter Tours
Sydney Underwater Scooter Tours give you the opportunity to experience the unique underwater world with a fun and easy to use water scooter. During a 90 minute guided underwater scooter tour in the beautiful Gordon’s Bay marine reserve, you’ll experience Sydney’s only underwater nature trail.
The secluded bay is Sydney’s most popular snorkelling spot, protected by an offshore reef, and home to many schools of fish, the famous Eastern sea blue groper, cuttlefish. octopus and more.
Raging Waters
Lap up the fun at Raging Waters, with relaxing pools, adventurous slides and thrilling water rides!
There’s something for all ages, with height requirements in place for most attractions. Older children and the more adventurous can move on to moderate and intense rides, such as the Tropical Cyclone, the Typhoon, the Tantrum or the Bombora Water Slide!
Manly Bike Tours
Just 30 minutes by ferry or car from the city centre, Manly is Sydney’s premier beachside destination, featuring more than ten beaches and spectacular coastline views.
Explore the area and make the most of the fabulous sea air with bike rentals. Manly Bikes has road, mountain, tandem, kids, hybrid and e-bikes all available for hire.