Unforgettable Kids Activities: Top Fun Things to Do with Children in Sydney
Last updated on Wednesday, May 10, 2023 | By Jon Baxter
Sydney, Australia's largest city, is a true haven for families seeking adventure and unforgettable memories. With its beautiful landscapes, iconic landmarks, and countless kids activities, Sydney offers something for everyone. This blog will guide you through some of the best kids activities and things to do with children, ensuring that your family vacation is nothing short of spectacular.
Start your adventure by visiting Taronga Zoo, home to over 4,000 animals from around the world. This beautifully designed zoo offers breathtaking views of the city and the harbor, making it a perfect spot for a family day out. Children will love the up-close encounters with animals, while daily shows and keeper talks provide fun and educational kids activities. Don't miss the Sky Safari cable car for a bird's-eye view of the zoo!
Dive into the underwater world at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, where you'll discover a variety of marine life, including sharks, dugongs, and vibrant coral reefs. This interactive aquarium offers hands-on kids activities, such as touch pools and behind-the-scenes tours, making it an ideal destination for curious children. The aquarium's dedication to conservation and education ensures that your visit will be both fun and informative.
Escape the city's hustle and bustle by visiting the tranquil Royal Botanic Garden. Spread across 30 hectares, the garden is home to a diverse range of plants and offers stunning views of the harbor. Families can enjoy a leisurely stroll, participate in a guided tour, or engage in interactive kids activities such as workshops and scavenger hunts designed for children. The garden's lush lawns provide the perfect setting for a relaxing family picnic.
Step back in time at the Australian Museum, where you can explore Australia's natural and cultural history. With exhibits ranging from dinosaurs to Indigenous art, there's something for every interest. The museum offers several interactive kids activities, including displays and educational programs, ensuring that children remain engaged and entertained. Check their calendar for special events and temporary exhibitions.
Ignite your child's imagination at the Powerhouse Museum, an interactive space dedicated to science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. With hands-on kids activities like the Experimentations area and the Zero Gravity Space Lab, children will be inspired to learn through play. The museum also offers a variety of workshops and special programs tailored for kids, making it a must-visit destination for families.
For a thrilling day of amusement, head to Luna Park Sydney, an iconic amusement park located at the foot of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. With a range of rides and attractions suitable for all ages, Luna Park guarantees a day of excitement for the whole family. Don't forget to take a ride on the famous Ferris wheel for stunning views of the harbor and city skyline!
Photo by Paula-Jorunn Naes on Unsplash
No visit to Sydney would be complete without a trip to the world-famous Bondi Beach. With its golden sands and sparkling waters, Bondi offers a plethora of family-friendly kids activities, such as swimming in the calm waters of the North Bondi Rockpool or building sandcastles along the shoreline. For a more adventurous experience, enroll in a surf lesson and ride the waves together.
Fancy a different type of activity in Bondi Beach? Check out our Bondi providers here.
Hop on a ferry and take a scenic ride from Circular Quay to Manly, where you'll be greeted by beautiful beaches, parks, and playgrounds. The ferry ride offers a unique perspective of Sydney's stunning harbor, making it an enjoyable journey for both kids and adults. Once in Manly, spend the day exploring the picturesque beaches, enjoying kids activities like a family bike ride along the coast, or visiting the Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary for more marine adventures.
Fancy a different type of activity in Manly? Check out our Manly providers here.
End an action-packed day by watching a movie at the IMAX Theatre in Darling Harbour, home to the world's largest IMAX screen. With a selection of family-friendly films, including breathtaking documentaries and blockbuster hits, there's something to suit every taste. The immersive experience of IMAX will leave your children in awe, creating lasting memories of your time in Sydney.
Sydney boasts an array of fantastic playgrounds and parks, perfect for families looking to spend quality time outdoors. Visit Centennial Parklands for its vast open spaces, dedicated children's play areas, and family-friendly events. Bicentennial Park, on the other hand, offers a sprawling adventure playground, complete with flying foxes, swings, and climbing structures. For a fun day by the water, Blaxland Riverside Park features a large water play area and interactive kids activities for children to explore.
Encourage your child's creativity by attending family-friendly events at some of Sydney's cultural institutions. The iconic Sydney Opera House hosts a variety of kids activities, including children's shows and workshops throughout the year. The Art Gallery of New South Wales and the Museum of Contemporary Art both offer engaging activities and exhibitions tailored for young visitors, ensuring a fun and educational outing for the entire family.
Treat your family to Sydney's delicious and diverse food scene, complete with kid-friendly dining options. Many restaurants and cafes offer children's menus, play areas, or themed dining experiences, ensuring that everyone's taste buds are satisfied. For a sweet treat, head to one of Sydney's ice cream parlors or dessert cafes, where the whole family can indulge in a variety of mouthwatering delights.
Photo by Srikant Sahoo on Unsplash
Throughout the year, Sydney comes alive with an array of events and festivals perfect for families. The Sydney Festival offers a program packed with family-friendly performances and kids activities. Vivid Sydney, the city's annual festival of light, music, and ideas, delights visitors of all ages with its mesmerizing light installations. And don't miss the Royal Easter Show, an iconic event featuring carnival rides, animal exhibits, and live entertainment.
Keep your family active and entertained with a variety of sports and kids activities in Sydney. Indoor trampolining centers, rock climbing facilities, and skate parks cater to children's energy and enthusiasm. For a more relaxed outing, visit the Sydney Olympic Park, which offers an array of family-friendly activities, such as cycling, swimming, and archery.
Discover the beauty of Sydney's natural surroundings by embarking on a family bushwalk in the nearby Blue Mountains, or take a whale watching tour for an unforgettable experience. Wildlife sanctuaries and nature reserves, such as the Featherdale Wildlife Park and the Australian Reptile Park, offer up-close encounters with native Australian animals, providing educational and enjoyable kids activities for the whole family.
Explore Sydney's rich history and heritage by visiting landmarks and attractions like The Rocks, a historic area featuring cobbled streets and colonial-era buildings. For a unique experience, take a guided tour of Fort Denison, a former penal site and defensive facility located in Sydney Harbour. Finally, the Sydney Observatory offers an engaging and educational experience for stargazers of all ages, with astronomy workshops and night-time telescope viewings.
From exciting kids activities to educational outings, Sydney offers a wide array of fun things to do with children. By visiting these attractions and engaging in these memorable experiences, you'll create lasting memories and strengthen family bonds. So pack your bags, grab your little ones, and embark on an unforgettable journey through Sydney's vibrant landscape. The city awaits, eager to provide you and your family with the adventure of a lifetime. Whether you're exploring Sydney's iconic landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or indulging in the city's culinary delights, you'll find plenty of kids activities to keep everyone entertained and inspired.
Visit Taronga Zoo
Start your adventure by visiting Taronga Zoo, home to over 4,000 animals from around the world. This beautifully designed zoo offers breathtaking views of the city and the harbor, making it a perfect spot for a family day out. Children will love the up-close encounters with animals, while daily shows and keeper talks provide fun and educational kids activities. Don't miss the Sky Safari cable car for a bird's-eye view of the zoo!
Explore SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
Dive into the underwater world at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, where you'll discover a variety of marine life, including sharks, dugongs, and vibrant coral reefs. This interactive aquarium offers hands-on kids activities, such as touch pools and behind-the-scenes tours, making it an ideal destination for curious children. The aquarium's dedication to conservation and education ensures that your visit will be both fun and informative.
Enjoy the Royal Botanic Garden
Escape the city's hustle and bustle by visiting the tranquil Royal Botanic Garden. Spread across 30 hectares, the garden is home to a diverse range of plants and offers stunning views of the harbor. Families can enjoy a leisurely stroll, participate in a guided tour, or engage in interactive kids activities such as workshops and scavenger hunts designed for children. The garden's lush lawns provide the perfect setting for a relaxing family picnic.
Discover the Australian Museum
Step back in time at the Australian Museum, where you can explore Australia's natural and cultural history. With exhibits ranging from dinosaurs to Indigenous art, there's something for every interest. The museum offers several interactive kids activities, including displays and educational programs, ensuring that children remain engaged and entertained. Check their calendar for special events and temporary exhibitions.
Play and Learn at the Powerhouse Museum
Ignite your child's imagination at the Powerhouse Museum, an interactive space dedicated to science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. With hands-on kids activities like the Experimentations area and the Zero Gravity Space Lab, children will be inspired to learn through play. The museum also offers a variety of workshops and special programs tailored for kids, making it a must-visit destination for families.
Adventure at Luna Park Sydney
For a thrilling day of amusement, head to Luna Park Sydney, an iconic amusement park located at the foot of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. With a range of rides and attractions suitable for all ages, Luna Park guarantees a day of excitement for the whole family. Don't forget to take a ride on the famous Ferris wheel for stunning views of the harbor and city skyline!
Photo by Paula-Jorunn Naes on Unsplash
Relax at Bondi Beach
No visit to Sydney would be complete without a trip to the world-famous Bondi Beach. With its golden sands and sparkling waters, Bondi offers a plethora of family-friendly kids activities, such as swimming in the calm waters of the North Bondi Rockpool or building sandcastles along the shoreline. For a more adventurous experience, enroll in a surf lesson and ride the waves together.
Fancy a different type of activity in Bondi Beach? Check out our Bondi providers here.
Take a Ferry Ride to Manly
Hop on a ferry and take a scenic ride from Circular Quay to Manly, where you'll be greeted by beautiful beaches, parks, and playgrounds. The ferry ride offers a unique perspective of Sydney's stunning harbor, making it an enjoyable journey for both kids and adults. Once in Manly, spend the day exploring the picturesque beaches, enjoying kids activities like a family bike ride along the coast, or visiting the Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary for more marine adventures.
Fancy a different type of activity in Manly? Check out our Manly providers here.
Experience the IMAX Theatre at Darling Harbour
End an action-packed day by watching a movie at the IMAX Theatre in Darling Harbour, home to the world's largest IMAX screen. With a selection of family-friendly films, including breathtaking documentaries and blockbuster hits, there's something to suit every taste. The immersive experience of IMAX will leave your children in awe, creating lasting memories of your time in Sydney.
Other kids activities you may want to consider
Outdoor Playgrounds and Parks
Sydney boasts an array of fantastic playgrounds and parks, perfect for families looking to spend quality time outdoors. Visit Centennial Parklands for its vast open spaces, dedicated children's play areas, and family-friendly events. Bicentennial Park, on the other hand, offers a sprawling adventure playground, complete with flying foxes, swings, and climbing structures. For a fun day by the water, Blaxland Riverside Park features a large water play area and interactive kids activities for children to explore.
Cultural and Artistic Experiences
Encourage your child's creativity by attending family-friendly events at some of Sydney's cultural institutions. The iconic Sydney Opera House hosts a variety of kids activities, including children's shows and workshops throughout the year. The Art Gallery of New South Wales and the Museum of Contemporary Art both offer engaging activities and exhibitions tailored for young visitors, ensuring a fun and educational outing for the entire family.
Sydney's Kid-Friendly Food Scene
Treat your family to Sydney's delicious and diverse food scene, complete with kid-friendly dining options. Many restaurants and cafes offer children's menus, play areas, or themed dining experiences, ensuring that everyone's taste buds are satisfied. For a sweet treat, head to one of Sydney's ice cream parlors or dessert cafes, where the whole family can indulge in a variety of mouthwatering delights.
Photo by Srikant Sahoo on Unsplash
Seasonal Events and Festivals
Throughout the year, Sydney comes alive with an array of events and festivals perfect for families. The Sydney Festival offers a program packed with family-friendly performances and kids activities. Vivid Sydney, the city's annual festival of light, music, and ideas, delights visitors of all ages with its mesmerizing light installations. And don't miss the Royal Easter Show, an iconic event featuring carnival rides, animal exhibits, and live entertainment.
Sports and Active Adventures
Keep your family active and entertained with a variety of sports and kids activities in Sydney. Indoor trampolining centers, rock climbing facilities, and skate parks cater to children's energy and enthusiasm. For a more relaxed outing, visit the Sydney Olympic Park, which offers an array of family-friendly activities, such as cycling, swimming, and archery.
Nature Escapes and Wildlife Encounters
Discover the beauty of Sydney's natural surroundings by embarking on a family bushwalk in the nearby Blue Mountains, or take a whale watching tour for an unforgettable experience. Wildlife sanctuaries and nature reserves, such as the Featherdale Wildlife Park and the Australian Reptile Park, offer up-close encounters with native Australian animals, providing educational and enjoyable kids activities for the whole family.
Historical Sites and Educational Attractions
Explore Sydney's rich history and heritage by visiting landmarks and attractions like The Rocks, a historic area featuring cobbled streets and colonial-era buildings. For a unique experience, take a guided tour of Fort Denison, a former penal site and defensive facility located in Sydney Harbour. Finally, the Sydney Observatory offers an engaging and educational experience for stargazers of all ages, with astronomy workshops and night-time telescope viewings.
From exciting kids activities to educational outings, Sydney offers a wide array of fun things to do with children. By visiting these attractions and engaging in these memorable experiences, you'll create lasting memories and strengthen family bonds. So pack your bags, grab your little ones, and embark on an unforgettable journey through Sydney's vibrant landscape. The city awaits, eager to provide you and your family with the adventure of a lifetime. Whether you're exploring Sydney's iconic landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or indulging in the city's culinary delights, you'll find plenty of kids activities to keep everyone entertained and inspired.
