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 great things to do with kids 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. Let’s go!
The best things to do with kids in Sydney
Whatever the weather, you’re sure of a grand day out with these kid-friendly activities, pitched at everyone from toddlers to teenagers.
1. Be dazzled by Luna Park’s stunning Lite Brite experience
Lite-Brite: Worlds of Wonder takes the classic toy and reimagines it as an immersive experience, and it recently opened at Luna Park. Kids of all ages will be spellbound by the stunning projections, which bring imagined worlds to life in a riot of colour. Meanwhile, adults and teenagers will appreciate the opportunity for fill their social media feeds, making it a great all-round option. You can find tickets here.
2. Plot a day out at an award-winning playground
Sydney isn’t short of playgrounds, but if your young ones are the discerning type, it’s hard to argue with the award-winning Wadanggari Park Playground in St Leonards. Wadanggari Park was recently voted NSW’s 2024 Park of the Year, and this innovative playground, which is designed around the concept of a banksia flower, is no doubt a large part of its success.
3. 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.
4. Go on a nostalgic steam train ride
Take a step back in time and enjoy a steam train ride courtesy of the NSW Rail Museum. This fun activity is held every weekend on the historic loop line and guests can also enjoy wholesome snacks and drinks from the kiosk on site. Book your tickets here.
5. Explore new worlds at a spectacular VR adventure
Horizon of Khufu, which opens on September 5, 2024, hits that sweet spot for parents in that it’s both entertaining and educational. Using painstaking historical research from renowned Egyptologists, and making use of some truly impressive VR technology, the experience takes you on a journey through ancient lands populated with gods and pharaohs. You can book a visit here.
6. Go whale-watching around Sydney
Whale-watching season is here and Sydney offers plenty of excellent vantage points to see the majestic creatures up close in the cooler months. From Bondi to Palm Beach and more, check out the full list here.
7. 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.
8. Visit one of Sydney’s quirkiest museums
Sydney is home to many traditional art galleries and museums but it also has a number of cultural spaces for those with more niche interests. From a museum dedicated to human disease to one that is all about secret ancient societies, have a fun day out with the kids at one of these wonderful and weird museums.
9. 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.
10. Discover Luna Park’s Dream Circus
Luna Park’s Dream Circus will whisk you away to another land with magical projections and immersive displays. The interactive experience is a world-first attraction that blends digital technology and creativity to present an unforgettable experience for kids and adults. Sessions are available every day, get your tickets here.
11. Splash around at Raging Waters
NSW’s largest water park is right here in Sydney and it’s a super fun day out with thrilling rides, water attractions and plenty of food and drink options on site. There’s even a dedicated dinosaur lagoon you can float around in. Read all about it here.
12. Make your way to Sea Life Aquarium
Sea Life presents the ideal underwater escape in the heart of the city. Its many diverse offerings include an immersive game box experience, penguin encounters, private dining and more. You can also dive with grey nurse sharks if you dare. Get your tickets here.
13. Unleash your inner artist at Neon Brush
A special painting workshop has come to town and it’s all about neon lights and vibey fluorescent decor. The grown-ups can take their drinks along and the kids can get messy in this fun-for-all activity. Book your tickets here.
14. 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 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.
15. Experience an enchanting Candlelight concert
Kids are never too young to start appreciating good music. With that in mind, the Candlelight series is a unique way to show your little ones (8 years or older) how powerful a great melody can be. Find your seats inside a breathtaking venue in the city, from famous landmarks to historic churches, and listen to new takes on songs by the likes of Taylor Swift, renditions inspired by famous family movies, and more.
16. Head to Sydney’s largest indoor bike park
Sydney is home to so many cool attractions, that it’s easy for some to fly under the radar. One to check out is the Big Air Bike Park in Brookvale which is perfect for kids. Featuring pump tracks, berm corners and airbags, this is the largest indoor bike park in NSW so there’s more than enough space to accommodate the usual school holiday rush. Book your spot here.
17. 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.
18. Splash around the pools at Campbelltown Billabong Parklands
The long-awaited Campbelltown Billabong Parklands is home to pools, parkland, and a splash play area filled with rockpools and fountains that’s proving popular with little ones. Inspired by Dharawal National Park and Georges River, the park has seasonal opening hours; the splash park is open year round, whilst the Billabong pool closes for winter. From August 31, however, the pools are opening on weekends ahead of the summer season. Toilets and changing rooms are available on site, and whilst it’s free to visit, you’re advised to book online in advance.
19. 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.
20. 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 or have a young one dreaming of the stage, there are more than a few titles for you to choose from that are suitable for the whole family. Find more musicals and operas in Sydney here.
21. Go camping at Cockatoo Island
Cockatoo Island offers an excellent time not too far from Sydney. You can spend the day walking around the UNESCO World Heritage Site and learning more about its history or sign up for a ghost tour if you fancy. Their waterfront campground is the ideal camping experience for the family with lovely harbour views all around. Head here for details.
22. Discover Australia’s biggest botanic garden
Did you know Australia’s biggest botanic garden is right here in NSW? It’s a short hour-long drive from Sydney and free to visit, making it the ideal day trip for the whole family. At this sprawling 416 hectares of garden space, visitors will find picturesque lawns, lakes and gardens, vibrant flowers and walkable trails. Start planning your visit and read all about it here.
23. Visit an Urban Night Sky Place in Sydney
NSW is home to Australia’s first-ever Dark Sky Park but now it can also lay claim to having the first and only Urban Night Sky Place and it’s right here in Sydney. Palm Beach Headland has recently received the honours and this is the perfect adventure if you’ve got an astronomy lover in the house. Read all about it here.
24. Tackle the BridgeClimb
BridgeClimb is a good option all-year round, but their school holiday events help make it a real winner for kids. Check the BridgeClimb website for the latest info, but you can expect the likes of scavenger hunts, special offers, and more for the whole family to enjoy.
The best day trips with kids to take from Sydney
If you don’t mind a little while spent in the car or on public transport, these day trips with kids can provide the ideal weekend or school holiday activity!
25. Ride the world’s steepest railway
There are so many cool things to see and do in the Blue Mountains but did you know you could also ride the world’s steepest railway at the world heritage listed site? Make your way to Scenic World and enjoy sweeping views of the bush and the mountains on the Scenic Railway which offers a 52-degree incline making it the steepest in the world. Read all about it here.
26. Drive out to see one of the tallest waterfalls in Australia
If you don’t mind a long drive out of town, one of NSW’s best waterfalls offers the perfect family adventure. The spectacular Ellenborough Falls is among the tallest in the southern hemisphere and it’s a sight to behold after a day of rain. Conveniently, it comes with four different lookouts and plenty of walking tracks if you want to make a day of it.
27. Discover a marine park in a glass-bottom kayak
If you and your family love the outdoors, there’s a fun family adventure awaiting you at Batemans Bay and it’s worth planning a trip from Sydney. Kick back and explore the Batemans Bay Marine Park in a transparent, glass-bottom kayak. You can spot sea creatures like stingrays and octopus and more on these exclusive 2-hour tours. Get the details here.
28. Have a leafy adventure at Treetops
Treetops in the Central Coast offers an action-packed day of adventure with obstacle courses high up in the tree canopies and a 500m long zipcoaster making its way through the treetops. It’s located a short 1 hour drive from Sydney making it an ideal daytime adventure during the school holidays, or for a family weekend adventure. Learn more here.
29. Discover some of the oldest caves in the world
There are plenty of magnificent ancient caves to explore around NSW and it’s the perfect family trip if you’re looking to get out into nature. From the world’s oldest caves to the newly restored Wombeyan Caves and the picture-perfect Yarrangobilly caves, choose your own adventure here.
30. Climb aboard for a steam train ride
A pleasant throwback to the golden age of steam, these heritage railways in NSW offer a memorable day out for kids, as well as respite for adults scarred by throwing elbows on the morning commute. Pack a picnic and settle in to watch the gorgeous scenery of New South Wales roll by!
31. Explore a natural wonder in NSW
There’s no better way to make the most of the cooler temps than being out and about in nature. NSW is home to plenty of magnificent natural wonders; fortunately, many are right on our doorstep. From the second-largest canyon in the world to bioluminescent beaches, there’s much to explore in our backyard. Find the full list here.
32. Head out for a road trip to a quaint NSW town
There are plenty of small towns around Sydney, but some of our favourites include Berry, Bowral in the Southern Highlands and Katoomba in the Blue Mountains. Take your pick!