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 autumn school holidays upon us, check out some of the best things to do with kids in Sydney below.
1. Have a blast at Luna Park’s Sonic Neon
Luna Park is not just for kids but a great time for adults too. Sydney’s popular amusement park is hosting an immersive event called Sonic Neon which is tailor-made for families. Walk through eight-themed rooms and get lost in 26,000 lights including neon, UV lights and interactive sculptures in this exclusive light and sound experience. Tickets are now on sale, get them here.
2. 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.
3. Head to the Blue Mountains for a new light festival
Nocturnal is a brand new light festival taking over the Blue Mountains from April 5 to May 4 and it promises wholesome fun for the whole fam. Expect stunning light displays and holograms and take an enchanting light walk surrounded by stunning mountain vistas. As part of the event, you can even ride the world’s steepest railway after dark. Get more information here.
4. Check out this huge Princess Diana exhibition
An extensive Princess Diana exhibition has just opened in Sydney. See intimate photographs of Diana and her family, explore art installations and murals and get an insight into her life like never before. Tickets are now on sale, get yours here.
5. Take a trip to Victoria for the enchanting Harry Potter™: A Forbidden Forest Experience
The verdict on Australia’s own Forbidden Forest are in, and the verdict is: it’s well worth travelling for! Plan a getaway to Mornington Peninsula these school holidays and you’ll find Hippogriffs, Nifflers, and other magical creatures on this spectacular light trail, which brings the magic of the Harry Potter™ films to life. It’s an unforgettable adventure for kids and adults alike, especially for anyone still waiting for their Hogwarts letter… Find your tickets here.
6. 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.
7. 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 school holiday activity for the whole family. From the world’s oldest caves to the newly restored Wombeyan Caves and the picture-perfect Yarrangobilly caves, choose your own adventure here.
8. 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.
9. Attend this huge Egyptian exhibition
The hugely popular Ramses & The Gold of the Pharaohs exhibition has sold over 350,000 tickets since it opened last year. The exhibition wraps up its Sydney run on May 19 so there’s still some time left to explore it. To give you an extra incentive during the school holidays, the museum will stay open until 9pm every day from April 13 to May 19 so don’t miss out. Get your tickets here.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. 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 discount of 15% from April 13 to 28. Get more details and ticket info here.
13. Find a family-friendly beach
There are plenty of excellent swimming spots around NSW, some with gentle bays, peaceful ocean baths and less surf, making it ideal for a family day out. Parsley Bay Reserve is one of the most picturesque swimming spots in Sydney and excellent for kids with shark netting and calm waters. Another spot we love is Collins Flat beach near Manly which has its own waterfall and natural rock pools.
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. Enjoy a lifesize game of chess in Chatswood
A life-size chess board will take over Chatswood from April 22 to May 19 along with a bunch of fun and free activities that include art installations, workshops and more. Read all about it here.
16. Get tickets for the mega Banksy exhibition
A huge Banksy exhibition is currently being held at Sydney Town Hall with over 160 of the elusive artist’s artworks on display. The exhibition runs throughout April but tickets are selling out fast. Get yours here.
17. Watch a free movie in Parramatta
Parramatta will host free outdoor movie screenings throughout a number of suburbs along with roving entertainment, live music, food trucks and garden games, making it the perfect day out for the whole family. See the full program and find your nearest location here.
18. Attend a show at Riverside Theatres
Find a variety of exciting shows at Riverside Theatres including circus from Australia’s finest youth performers and world-record-holding athletes taking to the stage for a thrilling performance. Shows include Tempo — featuring an ensemble of young performers who will awe with acrobats, juggling and more and 360 Allstars, an exciting blend of beatboxing, breakdancing, boxing and more. Get your tickets here.
19. 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.
20. 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.
21. 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.
22. 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 shows include the dazzling West Side Story on Sydney Harbour and Grease at the Capitol Theatre. Find more musicals and opera in Sydney here.
23. Head out for an autumn road trip
Autumn is the perfect time to plan a day trip or a longer weekend trip from the city. There are plenty of small towns around Sydney but some of our favourites include Berry and Bowral in the Southern Highlands. Take your pick of lovely autumn towns to visit here.
24. 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.
25. Head to Darling Harbour for free school holiday activities
To keep the kids entertained and the parents sane, Darling Harbour is hosting a bunch of fun and free activities these school holidays. Find everything from a kids yoga and drumming workshop to dance jams for kids, holiday disco and much more. Find more here.
26. 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.
27. Plan a trip to Australia’s first dark sky park
If you like planning adventures with your kids, NSW is the perfect place to be with a never-ending list of places to explore at our disposal. One such offering is Australia’s first-ever dark sky park, the Warrumbungle National Park which promises a stargazing experience for the books. Read all about it here.
28. 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. 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.