This article is absolutely brimming with things to do in Sydney with kids. It has a vast range of attractions both indoor and outdoor that will keep the whole family entertained. With it being such a big destination, we have rounded up the best things to do with kids Sydney, school holidays or term time. It is a great family destination, with plenty of things to do, and almost always perfect weather.
Sydney is one of the most populated cities in Australia, but don’t let that deter you. This fact adds to it’s charm. We think the Sydney weather is pretty spectacular making it a destination that can be enjoyed all year round. We have created an ultimate list for you when searching what do in Sydney for kids. Keep on scrolling to see some of the best kids activities Sydney!
Indigenous history of Sydney
The Gadigal people are the original Aboriginal inhabitants of the City of Sydney local area. The territory of the Gadigal people stretches along the southern side of Port Jackson (Sydney Harbour) from South Head to what is now known as Petersham. The area that now forms the Alexandra canal and Cooks River serves as their southern boundary.
Collectively referred to as the Eora Nation, there are approximately 29 clan groups within the Sydney metropolitan area. The Eora people, meaning “here” or “from this place,” represent the coastal Aboriginal peoples around Sydney. Among the clan groups, the Gadigal clan is an integral part of the Eora Nation.
- Indigenous history of Sydney
- Museums and Galleries in Sydney
- Libraries in Sydney for Kids
- Theatre shows in Sydney for Kids
- Zoo’s and Aquariums in Sydney
- Best Beaches in Sydney for Kids
- Best Kids parks Sydney
- Experience iconic Sydney things to do with kids
- Where to eat in Sydney with kids
- Where to stay in Sydney with kids
- Things to do in Sydney with kids
- Things to do in NSW
Museums and Galleries in Sydney
When thinking of indoor activities Sydney for kids, you can’t look past the fantastic range of museums and galleries. We’ve compiled a list of the best art galleries and museums in Sydney to help you bring fun and education into one great day out!
1. Australian National Maritime Museum
Known as the ‘museum of the sea’, this museum explores the heritage maritime history of Australia. You can experience a range of exhibitions and events, and view board the floating historical vessel collection (one of the largest in the world). The kids will love seeing the replica of Captain Cook’s HMB Endeavor!
Get your discounted tickets here!
Plan your trip to experience a museum of the sea
2. Hyde Park Barracks
This is the perfect educational but super fun family activity. You can learn all about the Australian convicts and about penal settlement. The kids will love wearing the headphones to listen to an audio based activity and guide.
Visit the living legacy of colonial Australia
3. Sydney Observatory
Immerse yourself in the iconic Sydney Observatory. This heritage listed site offers tours of the grounds and the Observatory building, where you will discover the history and significance of this scientific minefield. The entire family will love learning about astronomy and meteorology.
Visit this scientific activity destination
4. Madame Tussauds
We think this is one of the finest Sydney kids attracti ons. Be starstruck as you meet many lifelike famous people, in life-size wax form! This venue isn’t just about looking, it has loads of interactive experiences that the whole family will love.
Get your discount tickets here.
Grab pictures with your favourite celebrities here
5. Sydney Cricket Ground
For those with little sports lovers, a visit to the Sydney Cricket Ground is sure to put smiles on their faces. They will love going behind the scenes at this iconic sports venue. Be sure to check out the on-site museum!
Plan your trip to an iconic sports venue here
6. Australian Museum
This is a must on the Sydney attractions for kids list. They have something for everyone at this museum. Kids will especially love the world of Sharks and Barka: The Forgotton River exhibitions. They offer nights at the museum, kids animal yoga and a range of tours.
Book your tickets to the Australian Museum here
7. Museum of Fire
This is one for the want-to-be mini firefighters! This museum is full of intriguing exhibitons and information. You will find yourself immersed in the world of fire and firefighting. Be sure to check out the fire engine rides every Tuesday and Friday.
Learn about the world of fire and firefighting at his museum
8. Museum of Contemporary Art
We love this location for a Sydney museum for kids. Entry is free! The whole family will enjoy basking in the world-class art. They run a variety of workshops and classes, for a fee.
Visit the Modern of Contemporary Art here
9. Art Gallery of New South Wales
For the little artists among us. A visit to the Art Gallery of New South Wales will have you feast your eyes upon a huge range of art and exhibitions. They offer personal guided tours, free scheduled tours, in-depth art experiences and more.
Get in touch with your creative side at the Art Gallery of NSW
10. Susannah Place Musuem
This museum is a hit as its contents is about the ordinary lives of Australia’s oldest suburb, making it very relatable for those who walk through its doors. They offer guided tours only, with kids under five being free.
Visit this historic terrace of four tiny houses
11. Powerhouse Museum
The Powerhouse Museum is a fantastic family experience. With regular and visiting exhibitions, there is plenty for the kids to enjoy. Including a permanent Wiggles exhibition, a Little Wheels matchbox car display and old trains and planes. It is spread across four levels allowing plenty of room for visitors.
Find more information on The Powerhouse Museum here
Libraries in Sydney for Kids
Searching what to do in Sydney kids? We think a visit to the library is always a winner! A lovely outing to add some calm to the chaos of a family holiday.
12. Darling Square Library
This library has a dedicated children’s area and special makerspace classes for those with children who like to be creative, are inventors or just tinker around. Check out Darling Square Library here.
There are a number of other library venues around Sydney, read more about them below!
- 14. Customs House Library
- 15. Glebe Library
- 16. Green Square Library
- 17. Kings Cross Library
- 18. Newton Library
- 19. Pyrmont Link
- 20. Surry Hills Library
- 21. Town Hall Library Express
- 22. Ultimo Library
- 23. Waterloo Library
Theatre shows in Sydney for Kids
Sydney is an absolute entertainment hub. There are plenty of family shows Sydney and kids shows Sydney too! We have linked below to some popular theatres to check out what Sydney kids entertainment is showing in season at the time of your visit. What’s on Sydney for kids? Click through the various venues below to find out!
- 24. Sydney Opera House | Sydney
- 25. Capitol Theatre | Haymarket
- 26. Puppeteria Theatre | Castel Cove
- 27. Roslyn Packer Theatre | Walsh Bay
- 28. Sydney Lyric | Pyrmont
- 29. Concourse Concert Hall | Chatswood
- 30. ARA Darling Quarter Theatre | Sydney
- 31. Glen Street Theatre | Belrose
- 32. Seymour Centre | Chippendale
Zoo’s and Aquariums in Sydney
Sydney with kids is such a treat with so many amazing animal experiences on offer. When searching whats on in Sydney for kids, these zoo’s and aquariums are always ready for your little ones to experience.
33. WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
When it comes to Sydney Kids entertainment, a visit to WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo should definitely be on the cards. You can sight and experience the best of Australia’s wildlife at this venue. It has Tasmanian Devils, Kangaroos, Koalas and Wombats just to name a few.
Get your discounted tickets here!
Book breakfast with a koala here!
Experience the best of Australia’s wildlife
34. Taronga Zoo
Sydney kids are spoilt with an award-winning Zoo right in their backyard! This is a must visit with over four thousand animals to see! The whole family will love touring the grounds and watching the many shows on offer.
Get your discount tickets to Taronga Zoo here!
Plan your visit to Taronga Zoo here
35. Sydney Zoo
If you are in Western Sydney, be sure to check out Sydney Zoo. It is home to over four thousand animals, with animals from Africa, to South-East Asia and our local Australian animals too. It is the only combined zoo and aquarium in New South Wales. This makes it a great venue to see all types of animals!
Find more information on Sydney Zoo here
36. SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
One of the best venues in Darling Harbour for kids! All the best marine animals are on show at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, think Sharks, Turtles, Dugongs, Penguins, Fish and more. Over four thousand marine creatures more actually! Kids of all ages will enjoy this magical marine experience.
You can book a shark dive here!
Visit this magical underwater world
37. Featherdale Wildlife Park
When searching what do in Sydney kids, you can’t look past Featherdale Wildlife Park. It is home to an abundance of Australia’s unique wildlife. It is the perfect place to experience our very own furry friends.
You can book a penguin encounter here, a quokka encounter here, and a koala encounter here.
Plan your visit to see Australia’s unqiue wildlife here
38. Symbio Wildlife Park
Symbio Wildlife Park is a fantastic attraction for kids if you are wanting to experience animals from all over the world. It has everything from koalas, to cheetahs, to monkeys! It’s set amongst 16 acres of beautiful gardens and its just been kitted out with a big splash park too!
Get your discounted tickets here!
Visit this family owned and operated zoo
Best Beaches in Sydney for Kids
We think one of the super fun things to do in Sydney with kids is to go to one of the many beautiful beaches! We have listed below some of our favourite swimming spots, a great option when searching what’s on in Sydney today for kids! Beaches are always on, providing year-round fun. These are separated into the various areas of Sydney.
West of the Harbour
- 39. Greenwhich Baths
- 40. Dawn Fraser Baths
North Shore of the Harbour
- 41. Clifton Gardens
- 42. Northbridge Baths
- 43. Clontarf Beach
- 44. Chinamans Beach
- 45. Balmoral Beach
- 46. Manly West Beach
- 47. Little Manly Beach
Eastern Suburbs
- 48. Parsley Bay Reserve
- 49. Watson Bay Baths
- 50. Camp Cove Beach
- 51. Shark Beach
Eastern Suburbs Ocean Beaches
- 52. Gordons Bay
- 53. Little Bay
- 54. Bondi Beach and Pools
- 55. Clovelly Beach and Pool
- 56. Coogee Beach
- 57. Bronte Beach and Baths
Northern Beaches
- 58. South Curl Curl Beach
- 59. North Curl Curl Beach
- 60. Dee Why Beach
- 61. Avalon Beach
- 62. Freshwater Beach
- 63. Palm Beach
- 64. North Narrabeen Beach
- 65. Whale Beach
- 66. Fairy Bower Rock Pool
Southern Sydney
- 67. Shelley Beach
- 68. Kyeemagh Beach
RELATED: Looking for dog friendly beaches in Sydney? Click here.
Best Kids parks Sydney
There are so many amazing parks in Sydney for kids. With lots of options for all ages and ability levels. Read below to see some of the best parks in Sydney for kids!
69. Fairfield Adventure Park
The best playground to take the older kids! Imagine huge slides, tall climbing nets and a sky bridge all with soft landings. We love the 33-metre long double flying fox and we know you will too!
70. Blaxland Riverside Park
Think a 12-metre high treehouse, rock-climbing walls, a huge climbing net, flying foxes and swings. We love that it is spread over 300 metres, meaning lots of space to run and play.
71. Casula Parklands Playground
Nestled on the banks of the Georges River is this incredible playground. It has futuristic looking slides, an exercise zone where you can practice your obstacle course skills and a sky walk. The toddlers are not forgotten here either, with bridges, slides and ropes they will love.
72. Wulaba Park
This rainbow playground is guaranteed to make you smile with the colours alone. It has tunnels, towers, slides, nets and swings.
73. Deerbush Park Playground
This is an all-abilities playground! Perfect for those with wheelchairs as there are accessible swings, a carousel and a ground level trampoline.
74. Darling Harbour Children’s Playground
We love this playground for a hot day! It has water pumps, jets, streams and water buckets, a perfect water play location. You can enjoy the flying foxes, ropes and huge slides on days where you opt to stay dry.
RELATED: Looking for the best water parks in Sydney? Click here.
75. Sydney Park Playground
This playground is boasting of fun for the kids. It has a sandpit, slides, climbing nets and bridges. The kids will love the water play area in the warmer months.
76. Bungarribee Park
If a jaw-dropping sandpit is what you desire, look no further than this park. It also has a climbing tower, slides, nets, a flying fox, balancing beams and swings. We love the barbeque and picnic shelters available for families to use .
77. Paramatta Park
This park boasts of three incredible playgrounds. The Pavillion Flat playground is perfect for younger children and is accessible via the George Street Gatehouse. The Domain Creek playground is nature-based and accessible via the Westmead side. The Paperbark playground is new and can be accessed via the George Street Gatehouse in the historic Gardens Precinct. We love that there are three playgrounds in one vicinity, giving a whole day’s full of fun.
78. Pirrama Park
We love this park! It has all the facilities including cafes, barbeques, toilets and covered eating areas. The kids will love the huge sandpit, the water fountains, slides, swings and the giant net.
Experience iconic Sydney things to do with kids
There is an absolute abundance of cool places in Sydney. With so many iconic Australian landmarks to be experienced! Read below for some ideas on what do in Sydney with kids.
79. Royal Botanic Garden
For those who love to walk and explore, you must wander the Royal Botanic Garden. This is one of the amazing free things to do in Sydney with kids. You will love watching your children investigating the multitude of flora and fauna. We think this is the perfect spot to enjoy a picnic lunch, or you can visit the kiosk or café if you have the time and budget.
Visit the Royal Botanic Garden
RELATED: Looking for the best cat cafes in Sydney? Click here.
80. Luna Park
We think this is one of the top fun things to do in Sydney for kids. This amusement park is brimming with all the fun rides like merry go rounds, dodgem cars, ferris wheels and more! There are rides for all ages, making this a great option for your where to take kids today list. When thinking what’s on Sydney kids, Luna Park is always on and ready for your visit!
Book tickets to the iconic smiling face gates
RELATED: See all the best theme parks in Australia. Click here.
81. Sydney Harbour Bridge
Is the Sydney Harbour Bridge for kids? Absolutely! There are many ways you can enjoy this iconic landmark. You can enjoy a walk across the bridge, soaking in the lovely views. If room in the budget, for a small fee you can climb up the pylon where you view an exhibition about the bridge.
They will be loving learning Sydney facts for kids during this experience. For the ultimate experience, you can climb to the very top! This is for those who can afford this special experience, as it is quite expensive. We recommend this activity for those families with little ones aged 8 and over.
Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge
82. Sydney Opera House and Circular Quay
A wander along Circular Quay is one of the special things to do in Sydney for kids. The whole family can soak up the Sydney experience, visiting the many cafes, restaurants, museums and exhibitions along the way. This wander will also lead you to the Sydney Opera House kids! An absolute must see on the list of places to go with kids Sydney. Tick this off the bucket list – walking around and up the massive flight of stairs at the Opera House.
Book a Sydney Harbour jet boat ride here.
Find more information on this iconic Australian landmark here
Where to eat in Sydney with kids
There are so many amazing restaurants in Sydney and we’re giving you our top 3 below! You can see the kid friendly pubs in Sydney here.
83. Coogee Pavilion
We all know that the Coogee Pavilion is kid friendly. It’s a wonderful place for your children to have a great time and enjoy the marvellous food. The ground floor is perfect for family get-togethers and casual dining. When we visited the kids loved playing table tennis at one of the tables. There is also a toddler play area and kids cinema room which we just found amazing!
The menu offers amazing food, and the games arena offers giant magnetic Scrabble, ping pong and much more! This is one of our favourite family friendly pubs in Sydney!
Address: 169 Dolphin Street, Coogee
Ph: (02) 9114 7321
Website: Coogee Pavillion
84. Greystanes Hotel
Our writers have deemed this as THE BEST kid friendly pub in Sydney! Definitely not one to miss!
The Greystanes has two MASSIVE fenced off playgrounds and a awesome five-storey maze! Next door, there is a paddock of gum trees and a fantastic flying fox that offers a 10 metre flight! On the weekends, there is a jumping castle (weather permitting), and so much more!
Address: 701 Merrylands Rd, Greystanes
Ph: (02) 9631 2266
Website: Greystanes Hotel
85. Ettamogha Hotel
How many pubs do you know that feature a rock climbing wall? now, it’s at least one! An arcade room is full of machines from basketball hoop challenges to a Pokemon style game. At the Ettamogha Pub, they operate on a system of tokens, witch you can buy from machines, (fifteen minutes on the rock climbing wall is five tokens).
Address: Cnr Merriville & Windsor Rds, Kellyville Ridge
Ph: 9629 1130
Website: Ettamogha Hotel
Where to stay in Sydney with kids
There are so many unique accommodation options in Sydney! Here are our top picks
YHA Sydney Harbour – BUDGET
With its breathtaking rooftop views of the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and Sydney Harbour, the Sydney Harbour YHA stands as an award-winning hostel. Conveniently located within a 10-minute walk of Wynyard Station and the Bridge St stop for light rail travelers, the hostel offers a variety of private and dormitory rooms. Additionally, guests can enjoy amenities such as a TV lounge, billiards, and a fully equipped communal kitchen.
Book your room at YHA Sydney Harbour here.
Holiday Inn Potts Point – MID RANGE
If you are heading to Sydney and looking for a very well located and affordable hotel suitable for families just a stones throw for all the best Sydney attractions, then check out the Holiday Inn Potts Point. With large rooms, an onsite restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as in-room dining, we loved our recent stay.
Read our full review of Holiday Inn Potts Point here.
Book your room at the Holiday Inn Potts Point here.
The Fullerton Hotel – LUXURY
The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, situated in the heart of Sydney’s CBD (Central Business District) near the vibrant Martin Place, offers an à la carte restaurant, a bar, and access to a fitness centre. It showcases luxurious rooms with distinctive decor and a flat-screen TV, with certain rooms providing breathtaking city views. Guests can take advantage of complimentary WiFi in public areas.
Book your room at the Fullerton Hotel here.
Things to do in Sydney with kids
We hope you won’t have to wonder what do in Sydney with kids now! There are so many things to do in Sydney kids. With a huge list of Sydney kids events, zoo’s, aquariums, museums, galleries, parks and experience – we promise you won’t be bored. This iconic Australian destination is home to so many amazing experiences. We just know that you will make amazing family holiday memories.
Let us know where you think the best places to visit in Sydney with kids are!
Things to do in NSW
Looking for more things to do in New South Wales with kids? Check out our other articles! We’ve been everywhere!
