10 Things to Do With Kids in Sydney

Adventure City Family

Very few big cities are as kid-friendly as stunning Sydney. The New South Wales capital is home to dozens of fun attractions and experiences that will keep children big and small entertained for a week or a weekend.

From outdoor fun by the beach and meeting new animal friends, to getting an adrenaline rush climbing the iconic Harbour Bridge or swimming with sharks, there’s no shortage of options for fun family activities in Sydney.

Here are our 10 favourite things to do with kids in Sydney.

1. Meet local wildlife at Taronga Zoo

A magical zoo with harbourside views? That’s Taronga Zoo. Round up the kids and meet more than 4,000 animals at this award-winning, not-for-profit zoo. Expect to make friends with koalas and kangaroos, and meet exotic, rare and endangered species including giraffes and elephants.

Take a quick, 12-minute ferry here from the CBD and leave enough time to explore the enclosures and attend daily keeper talks, including the seal show and free-flight bird show. Kids above 8 years old can experience being keepers for a day and get a behind the scenes look. If that’s not enough, add a stop at Wild Ropes, a high-ropes obstacle course that includes stunning views over the water.

When searching for things to do with kids in Sydney, visiting Taronga Zoo should definitely be right at the top of your list. For a more unique experience, consider staying overnight in one of the cabins and accommodation options within the park!

2. Climb the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge

If you have a thrill-seeker for a son or daughter, take on an exhilarating climb across the world’s largest steel arch. Anyone who is at least eight years old and more than 1.2m tall can take on the BridgeClimb Sydney challenge. From the top, your family will enjoy incredible 360-views over the city and a few celebratory high-fives!

It usually takes around three and a half hours, and there are different types of climbing to choose from: Day Climb, Twilight Climb or Night Climb. It all depends on what kind of experience you want.

From the top, your family will enjoy incredible 360-views over the city and a few celebratory high-fives!

3.Bondi to Coogee Coastal walk

There are no better Sydney hotspots to visit with your kids than those that keep them active every day. Get your little rugrats moving in the morning with a magnificent coastal walk.

While the whole walk between Bondi to Coogee stretches for 6km and lasts two to three hours, there are beaches along the way to stop for a dip. Of course, you could always walk until the kids have had enough and call it a day.

Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and pack some snacks for the walk. Also, if you are visiting between October and November, don’t miss out the annual outdoor exhibition, Sculpture by the Sea. It’ll make the walk more fun and interesting for everyone!

4. Get artsy at the Art Gallery of NSW

Every trip to Sydney needs a dose of culture. Take the kids to the much-loved institution to catch big-name international exhibitions, or family-friendly workshops or events. With almost 40 exhibitions passing through each year, the Art Gallery of NSW always has something great happening.

Explore the permanent collection’s 19th-century European and Australian art, venture down to the basement to find an excellent contemporary Indigenous gallery, and look for familiar names in the 20th century Australian art gallery.

It will be the perfect family activity in Sydney on a rainy day!

5. Swim with sharks at Sea Life

Brave enough to swim with sharks? Sea Life offers a cageless shark diving experience that will throw you into the tank with grey nurse sharks. Anyone aged 14 or older can dive in and spend 30 minutes with these beauties that range from one to three metres long.

Sea Life is one of the world’s largest aquariums and is home to more than 700 species and 13,000 animals. It is one of the best places where you can take your kids in Sydney as you'll see the world’s biggest variety of sharks and rays, plus meet dugongs, colonies of king and gentoo penguins, and thousands of tropical reef fish.

6. Explore the Royal Botanic Gardens

Take a picnic rug and sprawl out on the lawns of the Royal Botanic Gardens, a 30-hectare oasis in the heart of Sydney. Set right next to the Opera House with grass rolling down to the waterfront, this garden is one of the city’s most spectacular spots to kick off your shoes and enjoy nature.

Since 1816, the Botanic Gardens have been growing plants from Australia and overseas. Explore a rich collection of rare and threatened flora, a rose garden, and themed areas. There are plenty of interactive areas where children can explore, run around, and depending on the time of the year, participate in educational workshops. You can also join a bush tucker or Aboriginal heritage tour with a First Nations guide and see the gardens through the lens of the Gadigal people.

7. Ride the Ferris wheel at Luna Park

Earn serious parent brownie points when you venture through the toothy grin of Luna Park. Sydney’s oldest theme park has been bringing smiles to the young and old for more than 80 years.

Expect old-timey rides alongside new attractions – the park added nine new rides in 2021, so she’s in good shape for her age! Soar 40 metres into the air with the ferris wheel and take in a great view of Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and more.

There are rides for everyone, making it one of the best things to do with kids in Sydney. Be sure to include it in your family holiday itinerary but remember to check the weather in advance since it’s an outdoor park!

8. Learn to surf at Bondi Beach

Release your little grommets at Sydney’s famous Bondi Beach. Mum and dad can kick back on the sand while your young ones can hit the waves with Let’s Go Surfing. Qualified surf instructors will teach your kids how to read the surf, ride waves and have fun at the same time.

Maybe you’ll be curious enough to join them in the surf yourself? It’s never too late to learn something new. It is definitely a fun family activity to do in Sydney and something you'll always remember. How many people can say they've surfed at one the best beaches in the world?

9. Find Aussie mates at Wild Life Sydney Zoo

Meet cute and cuddly koalas, say hello to Ringo the wombat, hop over to Kangaroo Walk-About, patiently wait for Jackie the platypus to poke her head out, and greet a huge saltwater crocodile. Wild Life Sydney Zoo is home to all your Australian animal favourites and is located in the heart of the city at Darling Harbour.

The park is divided into different themed areas that represent different Australian ecosystems. There are interactive activities, such as feeding experiences or touch pools, where children can have a wonderful time. It’s a great way for them to have fun while learning about Australia’s most famous animals.

10. Take the ferry to Manly

Board one of the city ferries heading for Manly and enjoy a brilliant ride across the harbour. Sit on the outer deck and watch as you pass the bridge, the Opera House, Taronga Zoo and plenty of harbourside beaches. Manly is a great half-day or full-day trip from the city centre, and here you can learn to surf, take a swim in the ocean, walk the foreshore or enjoy fish and chips by the beach. The ferry ride itself feels like an exciting family activity in Sydney due to the incredible views.

Manly is a great half-day or full-day trip from the city centre, and here you can learn to surf, take a swim in the ocean, walk the foreshore, enjoy fish and chips by the beach, or relax at one of the many nearby cafes!

Start planning your Sydney family holiday, there are even more adventures to experience with kids once you’re there! Write down all the places where you can take your kids in Sydney and make the most of your trip!

That’s plenty to get you started – but you’ll find even more adventures to experience with the kids once you get out and start exploring Sydney!

Familiar Sydney Activities FAQs

Is Taronga Zoo wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Taronga Zoo is wheelchair accessible and stroller friendly. It offers free wheelchair and stroller hire for visitors, even though you can bring your own. Moreover, the paths are wide and paved, making it easy to navigate with strollers or wheelchairs. There are also accessible toilets and parking spaces. Just be sure to check the zoo’s website for any updates on availability.

Is Luna Park suitable for younger children?

Yes, the park is suitable for all ages, the tickets are prices adjusted accordingly. Younger children will enjoy gentle rides such as the Ferris Wheel and the carousel, while older kids and teenagers will love the more thrilling attractions like the Hair Raiser and arcade games.

It is such a great fun family activity to do in Sydney. Not only the kids will enjoy this park, but parents will have a great time thanks to the fun atmosphere and nostalgic charm.

Are there any free activities for kids in Sydney?

Yes, there are plenty of free things to do with kids in Sydney. From going on a coastal walk and snorkelling in Gordons Bay to spotting animals at Wendy’s Secret Garden or exploring the permanent collections at the Australian National Maritime Museum, there’s something for everyone.

Children will also love running around Darling Harbour Playground or visiting The Rocks to learn about Sydney’s history. Not all fun activities have to cost a fortune!

What can you do in Sydney with kids if it rains?

Sydney can still be great fun for kids, even when it rains. Museums, such as the Art Gallery of NSW, are always a great option, offering plenty of space to explore and immersive experiences to keep them entertained and interested.

You can also visit Entertainment Park, which includes bowling, karting, and racing car simulators. Another fun indoor activity is ice skating at Macquarie Ice Rink. However, heavy downpours are rare in Sydney, so even if it rains, you’ll be able to still walk around with an umbrella and explore the city during your family holiday in Sydney!

Is it safe for children to swim at Sydney beaches?

Yes, swimming at Sydney’s most famous beaches is generally safe for children, but they should always stay within lifeguarded areas, which are marked with red and yellow flags. This applies to beaches like Bondi, Manly and Coogee. However, beaches like Bondi or Bronti can have strong currents and waves, so for calmer waters, head to Shelly Beach or Clovelly, especially if you are travelling with younger children. Just to be extra cautious, check the local conditions before heading to the beach and never leave your child unattended. Always keep a close eye on them!

How can I get around Sydney with children?

During your Sydney family holiday, you’ll find the city’s excellent public transport system very family friendly. Trains, buses, ferries and light rail connecting the main attractions of the city. Children under four years old travel for free and discounts may apply for older kids. Strollers are allowed on board, but you’ll need to fold them during rush hours to ensure safety and comfort for everyone.

One of the things that you can do with kids in Sydney is renting a bike at Centennial Park, where they even provide child seat. Both children and adults can enjoy a wonderful time exploring the green parts of the city.

What are the best areas to stay in Sydney during a family holiday?

When planning a family holiday in the Harbour City, the best areas to stay are those close to attractions you want to visit with your children in Sydney. Choosing accommodation near Darling Harbour will simplify your itinerary. A great option is one of our hotels situated right in the Pyrmont area, like Oaks Sydney Goldsbough Suites. Our serviced apartments are the perfect starting point for your vacation, as is Oaks Sydney Castlereagh Suites, located in the heart of the city, near Chinatown and next to Sydney’s Central Station.

Each part of the city offers a unique experience, but staying in the city centre will save you time and keep you close to the best family activities in Sydney.

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