Sydney is great fun not just for adults but for little people too. From world-famous attractions to museums, family-friendly adventures and outdoor activities, there’s tons of fun to be had in the harbour city. There are amusement parks to explore, furry animals to play with, famous landmarks and a variety of green spaces to explore if the weather permits. With the spring holidays upon us, check out some of the best things to do with kids in Sydney below.
1. Go on a whale-watching cruise
May to November is the prime time to catch a glimpse of humpback and southern right whales making their way along Sydney’s coastline. Over 40,000 of these magnificent creatures migrate from Antarctica to the Pacific annually so you’ve got a pretty good chance to see one if you know where to look. If you want to make a day of it, choose a whale-watching cruise and spend a day on the water. Find the perfect cruise for you and your kids here.
2. Make your way out of a challenge room hotel
Did you know the world’s first-ever challenge room hotel is right here in Sydney? It’s dubbed Hijinx Hotel and it’s an immersive space filled with 15 wacky escape rooms, a faux hotel reception and a golf course. Find Instagrammable themed rooms like the Cereal Ball Room and the Titanic Room at the venue and so much more. Read all about Hijinx Hotel.
3. Have heaps of fun at Luna Park
Luna Park is not just for kids but a great time for adults too. Get your thrills on rides like The Dipper and Sledgehammer or check out classic carnival attractions such as the Ferris Wheel and Volare. At Sydney’s very own amusement park, you will be spoilt for choice with fun things to do, eat and see and an infectious atmosphere all year round. Luna Park will be open every day of the school holidays. Get more info here.
Looking for some adult-only fun at Luna Park? Halloscream is returning just in time for Halloween.
4. Have Breakfast with the Koalas
This special dining experience at Wild Life Sydney Zoo is perfect for kids. Breakfast surrounded by cute koalas and other Aussie animals is bound to impress the kids. There are also photo opportunities and a guided highlights tour of the zoo which will bring you up close to cassowaries, Tasmanian devils, kangaroos, wallabies and more. Get your tickets.
5. Discover Dinosaur Valley in the Blue Mountains
Dinosaur Valley has roared back into Scenic World just in time for the school holidays and it’s the perfect day out near Sydney with the kids. See over 50 life-size dinosaurs, learn surprising dino facts from the experts and enjoy unlimited rides in this all-day adventure that promises to be an unforgettable one for kids. Get tickets and more information here.
6. Splash around in Parramatta’s new Aquatic Centre
A cool new Aquatic Centre has just opened in Western Sydney to help you combat the incoming Sydney heat. Parramatta’s long-awaited fitness and wellness hub comes with indoor and outdoor pools, a dedicated learn-to-swim pool for kids, sauna facilities and an on-site cafe. Read all about it here.
7. Climb the Harbour Bridge for cheap
The Harbour Bridge Climb is a bucket list experience for locals and tourists alike. To make it extra special these school holidays BridgeClimb is slinging a special All Kids Climb offer. Children as young as eight can climb the iconic structure, learn more about its history and take memorable photos at a discount of 48%, bringing the price to $99. Get more details and ticket info here.
8. Go on a heritage train ride 
The NSW Rail Museum is running heritage steam trains and railmotor rides every day during these school holidays. It’s the perfect day to spend a day with the kids and take a step back in time with sandwiches, teas and more on offer on weekends and during the school holidays. Get more information and ticket details here.
9. Spend the day at Taronga Zoo
Love animals? There are over 4000 for the kids to marvel at in Sydney’s beloved Taronga Zoo. The zoo is filled with creatures like koalas, red kangaroos, Sumatran tigers, Asian elephants, giraffes and many more. There are nine different trails at the zoo such as the Australian Walkabout and the African Safari and you’ll be surrounded by harbour views throughout as you explore. Get your tickets.
10. Explore Australia’s oldest surviving building
Got a child with a penchant for history and storytelling? There’s so much to explore in our own backyard. In fact, Australia’s oldest surviving building which dates back to 1793 is located right here in the heart of Parramatta. Elizabeth Farm is a cosy three-bedroom English-style cottage which has now been turned into a museum by Museums of History NSW that you can explore for a small fee. Read all about it and find ticket information here.
11. Catch a free movie at Laneway Cinema
If the weather is cooperating, a movie under the stars is the ideal spring or summertime activity with kids. Even better if the movie is free which is just what Laneway Cinema at The Rocks is offering this season. Check out the full program here.
12. Discover a secret garden
Sydney is filled with hidden gems from secluded beaches to underwater nature trails and so much more. For a fun day out with the kids, pack a picnic and head to Wendy’s Secret Garden where you are more than likely to stumble upon artefacts, sculptures and even a hidden fairy house or two. Read all about it here.
13. Get competitive at Fortress
Fortress Sydney in Chippendale is filled with heaps of exciting activities for kids and adults. Expect an esports games arena, PC gaming zone, arcades and so more along with themed bars for the grown-ups in this excellent indoor activity in Sydney. Get more information here.
14. Jump around at an indoor trampoline park
Another indoor attraction that’s bound to be a hit with the kids is Bounce, an adventure playground in Homebush filled with fun and bouncy activities for one and all. Think trampolines, dodgeball, wall climbing, cliff jumping, wall running and so much more. Read all about it here.
15. See a kid-friendly musical in the city
The live theatre scene in Sydney is brimming with classic and modern productions and if you’re looking to get your kids interested in the arts, there are more than a few titles for you to choose from. Current kid-friendly shows include the dazzling Beauty and the Beast Musical and Wicked.