Sydney is a city packed with family-friendly entertainment and activities both land- and water-based. Take in the sights and experiences with our round up of memorable things to do in Sydney with kids that will guarantee a family trip with a difference in this iconic city!
Wild animals, an eye-catching skyline, diverse cultures, and adventure around every corner means that you are sure to discover things to do for all ages.
Fun Things to Do in Sydney with Kids
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.
The Australian Museum
While in Sydney, stop by The Australian Museum, the country’s very first museum which combines nature, science and culture.
Adults and kids alike will marvel at the natural history displays, visiting exhibitions, and more than 21 million scientific specimens and cultural objects in the museum collections.
Playground at Darling Quarter
Darling Quarter is a free, bustling wonderland for kids and adults to have fun with activities including public ping pong tables, kids yoga classes, pop up market and exhibition space, as well as the renowned children’s playground.
There are boundless opportunities for kids of all ages to slide down, climb up, run around, scramble over, swing on, find and discover in this vibrant setting. Let kids play with waterworks, explore motion, balance, and simple machines, and learn the workings behind it all. There are enough activities to tire out even the most energetic of children!
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
Explore under the sea where, along the way, you’ll encounter some of the world’s most incredible animals, including the beautiful dugong, huge sharks, massive sawfish, mysterious stingrays, jellyfish, penguins, seahorses, hundreds of tropical fish and much more!
The mesmerising shark tunnel is sure to captivate, while this is the ideal opportunity to see vibrant Tropical Reef fish (like Nemo and Dory!)
Not all the animals are behind glass – little ones will love getting hands on at the rockpool to touch sea stars, shark eggs, shells and more.
Taronga Zoo
Taronga cares for over 5,000 animals from over 350 species, many of which are threatened, including Sumatran Tigers, Asian Elephants, African lions, giraffes, chimpanzees, gorillas, kangaroos, koalas and lots more.
Keeper talks take place daily so you can discover more about animals such as the dingo, koala, giraffes, seals, Asian elephants, and more. And if that’s not enough, you can book to become a Keeper for a Day, try your hand at an animal encounter, or even stay overnight for a truly unique ‘roar and snore’ experience!
Australia National Maritime Museum
If you find yourself in Sydney’s beautiful Darling Harbour, make a stop at the Australian National Maritime Museum for some nautical fun!
Older kids will love exploring the submarine and destroyer ship which are permanently moored outside the museum, while little ones will be enjoy the Mini Mariners play space filled with interactive displays and activities.
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. Even little ones can get involved and are sure to enjoy the splash pads, wave pool and dinosaur lagoon.
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!
Sydney Olympic Park
With 430 hectares of parklands, Sydney Olympic Park offers a huge range of activities and things to do, as well as plenty of open space to enjoy Sydney life.
Numerous parks and playgrounds means there’s plenty of opportunity for running, climbing and exciting fun, while you can also take archery classes, go swimming, follow the cycle paths, walk the mangrove boardwalk, and lots more.
Don’t miss the award-winning Ring Walk around the Brickpit ‘pond’ to discover its history and the evolution of the frog’s habitat. From the soaring circular walkway (18.5 metres high), get a bird’s-eye view without disturbing the tiny residents.
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.
Powerhouse Museum
With more than 250 interactive exhibits spanning a huge range of topics, such as science, design, space, technology, transport and social history, there’s a lot to explore and learn at the Powerhouse Museum of Applied Arts & Science.
Kids will love the high number of buttons waiting to be pushed and the outdoor Cogs’ Playground and can take part in regular workshops and classes at the Museum Discovery Centre.
Don’t Miss…
Travelling with young children (or partners…) can be a challenge – take a look at our sanity-saving family travel tips and get prepared for your next adventure!
Big Bus Sydney
Soak up the sights of Sydney with an open-top hop on, hop off Sydney Big Bus Tour that gives you an informative commentary as you travel. Choose from the city tour or the Bondi tour, seeing all of Sydney’s top attractions – then simply wait for the next bus to come along and rejoin the tour.
From museums and shopping to Bondi beach or seeing the magnificent Sydney Harbour Bridge up close, this is the best way to see as much of the city as possible.
Centennial Parklands
With more than 30 million visits per year, Centennial Parklands is one of the world’s leading public parklands.
The Ian Potter Children’s WILD PLAY Garden, in the heart of Centennial Park, means that families can immerse themselves in an oasis of nature-play and adventure. Children are encouraged to run, jump, play, learn and discover in the dramatic landscape, complete with dry creek beds, an artesian water play area, a bamboo forest, banksia tunnels, turtle mounds and Centennial Park’s first treehouse.
Elsewhere in the parklands, there are opportunities for pony rides, picnics, cycling trails, nature walks, multiple children’s playgrounds, a twice-weekly farmer’s market, and lots of open space to enjoy. Single, tandem or family pedal bikes are available to hire daily.
Madame Tussauds
Since opening in 2012, Madame Tussauds has become a popular destination to visit in Sydney. From superheroes and sporting legends to world leaders, Hollywood stars and musical icons, get up close and personal with these lifelike figures!
Combination tickets can be bought to save money if you plan on visiting multiple Sydney attractions.
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.
Treetops Adventure
With several locations around Sydney, take a thrilling zipline through the tree tops!
Flex your adventurous spirit and test yourself mentally and physically across 100+ aerial obstacles on the Tree Ropes Course, or fly through the air on one of the world’s fastest Zipcoasters!
Cool Off with Ice Cream
After a busy day exploring Sydney, take some time for a revitalising treat!
RivaReno (in Darlinghurst, Barangaroo and Parramatta) is a great choice for traditional Sicilian gelato, while Mapo in Newtown offers a great selection of delicioius vegan-friendly options. Gelato Messina, with multiple locations around the city, is a popular pick and has a creative range of flavours and daily specials.