20+ Things To Do in Sydney With Kids 2023
Looking for the best things to do in Sydney with Kids? From the best Sydney attractions, to wildlife, theme parks, museums, beaches and the best kids activities Sydney has to offer, here is a round up of the best things to do in Sydney for families with Kids.
Kids Activities Sydney
Looking to get out and about with the kids and see what Sydney has to offer? There’s so much fun to be had both in the great outdoors and with the numerous entertainment places scattered around.
Whether you are visiting Sydney with kids, or you are a local family looking for kids activities in Sydney we have a range of fun options to suit everyone!
Things to do in Sydney with Kids
Here’s your ultimate guide to Sydney with kids for planning some family-friendly fun that everyone can enjoy!
1. Taronga Zoo
If you’re keen to jump on a ferry, why not make your way to Taronga Zoo for a day of animal-filled fun. If you’re coming by ferry, you can jump on the cable car at the bottom for a ride to the top over the animals and with some incredible sights of the harbour to look out onto.
Plan your day around the bird show and seal show, which are both worth the visit. There’s even a great water play space in the zoo, where kids can let off a little steam and also cool down in the process.
Taronga cares for more than 5,000 animals, so expect a very busy day. There’s lots of hills and stairs too, so pop on those walking shoes and be prepared.
- Address: Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman NSW 2088
- Website
2. Reptile Park
This is one of our favourite things to do with kids in Sydney especially if you have little ones. It’s really hands-on with kangaroos hopping around in the open, where you can even hold out your hands and feed them.
Join the reptile show, where you can pat some of the creatures, or you can even snap a photo holding one (for an additional price!).
There’s koalas, crocodiles, platypuses, dingoes and so much more for the kids to discover.
What’s even better, the Park also does lots of lifesaving work through its antivenom program, which they teach kids (and adults) all about as you tour around.
- Address: Pacific Highway, Somersby, NSW, 2250
- Website
3. National Maritime Museum
Museums are a great choice when it comes to finding the best kids activities in Sydney. We are spoilt for choice when it comes to incredible museums to visit in Sydney and the Maritime Museum is one of the best to visit in Sydney with kids.
Better yet, throughout the year many of them hold different exhibitions for kids to enjoy some hands-on fun.
You can even check out the boats outside, which you can actually climb aboard!
- Address: 2 Murray St, Sydney
- Website
- Read full Review here>>>>
4. Sealife Sydney Aquarium
Another popular things to do in Sydney with kids is to visit the Sealife Aquarium. It is such a great day out for the whole family as it suits any age.
You can get up close to a range of fish and marine life including penguins, jellyfish, sharks and stingrays. Each school holidays they have different events on too so look out for those.
- Address: 1-5 Wheat Rd, Sydney
- Website
Read full review here>>>>
6. Sydney Tower Eye
Sydney Tower Eye is the place to see views of the city and is one of the most popular attractions in Sydney with kids. Towering over Sydney’s CBD is the fully enclosed viewing platform with 360 degree views of the city.
The kids will love spotting out the other attractions from the viewing eyes. For those a little more adventurous there is The Skywalk which takes you outside of the Tower Eye onto an external, glass floor viewing platform. It is fully guided and all safety clothing and equipment is provided.
- Address: Westfield Sydney, Level 5/108 Market St, Sydney
- Website
- Read our full review here>>>
6. See a show at Opera House
On the hunt for great indoor activities in Sydney with kids? You can plan the perfect day out in the city with a trip to Sydney Opera House.
Take a stroll around Circular Quay and even grab an ice-cream while you’re there. Sit back and watch the ferries as they depart and arrive, then catch a show at Sydney Opera House for the full experience.
It’s the best way to see inside this magnificent landmark, and they have so many great shows for kids all year round.
From children’s concerts, to plays like The Twits and The Hungry Caterpillar, just keep an eye out on their What’s On section and plan a trip around it. They tend to focus on the school holiday period, but with so much choice, you can’t go wrong.
- Address: Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000
- Website
7. Ferry to Manly Beach
There’s no better way to explore Sydney with kids than on a ferry! If you feel like a full day out with the kids in Sydney, you can take this on after a show at Sydney Opera House (above), since you’re in Circular Quay already.
Or simply plan another great day out. Catch a ferry from Circular Quay and enjoy some views of the Harbour Bridge from the water as you float past.
Jump off at Manly ready for a day at the beach with the kids. Walk through the promenade and grab a snack or two (ice-cream please), before settling onto the beach for a sun-filled day in the water.
Manly is made up of a number of different beaches, with Manly Cove where you will find netted swimming baths, North Steyne for surf lessons, Shelly Beach, Fairy Bower Beach and Little Manly Beach. You’re spoilt for choice!
8. Raging Waters
Looking for the best things to do with kids in Sydney to cool off on a hot day? Raging Waters is the place to be (but be warned, it will be busy!).
It has more than 30 slides for you and the kids to race your way down, along with an entire section dedicated to young kids. With a Dinosaur Lagoon to float your way around and a Wave Pool to make a splash, it’s a fun-filled day that will exhaust the kids.
Be prepared to spend a full day there and turn up nice and early. Hiring a cabana is a great idea if you want somewhere to base yourselves, otherwise you need to nab a spot at the beginning of the day that you can come back to.
- Address: 427 Reservoir Rd, Prospect NSW 2148
- See our full review here>>>
- Website
9. Animal Farm
There’s nothing better than a ‘real’ farm experience and we have plenty to choose from around Sydney that make a great day out for families.
Pop on those gumboots, roll up your sleeves and take your kids out and about to experience the real thing. They will love getting up close to the animals, petting and feeding them. One of the best things to do in Sydney with kids who love animals.
10. Mountain Bike Riding
Head down to the North of Sydney and you will find one of the best mountain bike tracks there is. Jube Mountain Bike Park is hidden away in the leafy Wahroonga, nestled behind a playground at the back of an oval.
This bike track is an adventurous child’s dream come true. There’s bumps for them to speed over and whole tracks for them to race down.
There’s even a separate skills section for the older kids to take their bikes onto bars and see just how well they can ride!
If you’re looking for something a little more laid back, take the younger kids up to the oval where there’s a bike track that goes around.
11. Sydney Parks
There are some seriously great playgrounds scattered around Sydney that will delight and entertain the kids while you settle back for some much-deserved peace.
Start off at Darling Harbour Playground in the city centre, which has some incredible climbing structures and slides, with a water park right next door to cool off on the hot days.
Another favourite is Pirrama Park in Pyrmont, which offers up 1.8 hectares of Sydney harbourside space for you to host your next picnic.
There’s a fabulous children’s playground here with water play fun, along with plenty of shade and grassed areas to enjoy a picnic.
12. Swim in a rockpool
If your kids love the beach, but aren’t too sure about the waves, then a rockpool is the perfect option.
Sheltered from the bigger waves, kids will love making their wave over the rocks, collecting shells, and swimming in the calmer waters.
Wondering where to head? We have a number of great options around.
Check out Queenscliff Beach and Rockpool in Manly, head to North Narrabeen where the kids will love exploring the rocks for sea creatures, or make a splash at Mona Vale Rockpool where you will find two ocean pools.
13. Picnic at the Royal Botanic Gardens
There’s no better place to pack up a picnic and enjoy a relaxed afternoon than at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney.
Be sure to make your way to the Palace Rose Garden, or even take a tour for the full experience.
Of course, with kids, it’s easier to bring their scooters and take a trip around the gardens taking in the sights.
If you can plan it, check out What’s On throughout the year. There’s often outdoor shows run by Shakespeare Australia and even school holiday activities.
- Address: Mrs Macquaries Rd, Sydney NSW 2000
- Website
14. Sydney Zoo
If you’re after a nice, flat zoo that the kids can easily make their way around, Sydney Zoo should be your go-to. It is such a fun thing to do in Sydney with kids of all ages.
You’ll find all your favourite animals, with a good mix of lions, tigers, zebras, meerkats, hyenas, monkeys and even a rhino! There’s a Ferris Wheel in the middle, where you can enjoy a bird’s eye view of all the enclosures. They sometimes even have a Koala Breakfast!
Make sure you purchase tickets online before you go, as it’s cheaper and saves you a wait in line when you arrive. Also plan to get there as early as possible to beat the crowds, and the heat of the day. It can get very warm. Pack your hat, sunscreen and sunglasses too.
- Address: 700 Great Western Hwy, Bungarribee NSW 2767
- Read Full Review Here>>>
- Website
15. Go rollerskating
This is one of the best kids activities in Sydney that’s sure to take you straight back to your own youth! Tie up those laces and get balancing at one of these fabulous spots.
- St Ives Skate Park
- Rollerskating Sydney Skate School, Kirribilli
- Liberté Skate, Avalon
- Centennial Park
- RollerFit, Tempe
- Maximum Skating, Smeaton Grange
- Penrith Skatel, Emu Plains
- Central Coast Roller Derby United
From outdoor skate parks where you can hit the slopes and test your skills, to indoor venues where you can enjoy the luxury of lessons as you find your feet, there are a number of places around Sydney for you to check out.
Of course, if you have skates of your own you can simply head to the nearest netball courts for some smooth, gliding fun.
16. See the jacaranda trees
When Spring is in full bloom, the jacaranda trees are out and waiting for you to come and explore. The best thing about this activity in Sydney: it’s free!
The best spot for optimal viewing is on McDougall Street in Kirribilli. It’s where the crowds flock from about late October until the end of November to take in the impressive sea of purple. Park down one end of the street, hop out and walk your way down for some great photo opportunities.
Looking for less crowded places? Check out Lavender Bay in North Sydney, or even head to the Royal Botanic Garden.
17. Go Fruit Picking
One of the best activities in Sydney for kids, fruit picking offers year-round fun, while also developing a love of fruit. There are plenty of farms within a short drive of Sydney, where you will find apples, pears, peaches, nectarines, oranges, mandarins and so much more.
In Autumn and Winter, hit up Glenbernie Orchard (apples, peaches, nectarines and persimmons), Watkins Orchard (mandarins) and Kathleen Groves Farm (oranges, lemons, limes and mandarins).
All year round you can head to Canoelands Orchard for tomatoes, nectarines, peaches, plums, passionfruit and blueberries.It’s a great family activity!
18. Check out the Grounds in Alexandria
Couldn’t miss this one on our list of the best things to do in Sydney with kids!
This cafe is well worth the visit with the kids, but it all comes down to planning the right time.
Throughout the year the place is transformed on numerous occasions, turning into a Winter Wonderland, a Secret Garden and more, making for an Instagrammable experience (that’s also wow-worthy for the kids).
Throughout the holidays they run plenty of workshops and shows, such as Kids Honey, an interactive bubble show and balloon twisting. Of course, you can simply relax back and enjoy a coffee and pastry at their delicious cafe!
19. Sydney Beaches
If there is one thing Sydney is known for it’s the abundance of pristine sandy beaches where you can settle back, soak up the rays and listen as the waves crash against the shore.
If you are on the hunt for a fabulous beach to spend your summer days check out our round-up of the best beaches in Sydney for families.
Read More: Best Beaches Sydney
20. Indoor Playcentres
Sydney has some fantastic indoor playcentres if you are heading out on a rainy day, or just want to relax and let the kids burn off some energy. Check out our list to find one in your area.
Best Kids Activities Sydney
If you’re on the hunt for things to do in Sydney with kids then you’re spoilt for choice. There’s so many great indoor and outdoor kids activities in Sydney and the surrounding areas, along with paid and free activities that are sure to delight. Now, which one will you pick first?
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