32 Best Indoor Activities In Sydney For Rainy Days

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It’s a rainy day and you’re looking for fun indoor activities in Sydney. Look no further! Sydney is known for its beautiful beaches, iconic harbour attractions, and exciting outdoor activities, but you can’t always avoid the bad weather.

What you can do is plan how to spend your rainy day in Sydney without letting it ruin your fun.

Sydney is a city filled with indoor fun offering shelter from the rain, with some of the best Sydney attractions being perfect for time indoors.

So, let us take a stroll through Sydney’s indoor attractions, and discover a wide range of activities that are suitable for all ages. We’ve even included a few ideas for braving the rain!

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The Best Things To Do In Sydney On A Rainy Day

There’s no reason to let rain ruin your visit to Sydney New South Wales.

Sydney’s ability to switch from outside adventures to inside activities quite easily makes it a great family destination all year round.

From cultural activities to wildlife encounters and an array of hidden gems, here are some of the best activities in Sydney on a rainy day.

To help you plan your Sydney itinerary, we’ve listed things to do in Sydney with kids, toddlers or adults, as well as a list of outdoor activities you can do when it’s raining.

Indoor Activities In Sydney For Kids & Families

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Sydney with kids and activities you can do as a family, there are plenty of options that all ages will love.

1. SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

Experience the undersea world up close without getting wet or leaving the city centre. The Sea Life Sydney Aquarium is one of the most popular Sydney attractions for families.

A perfect indoor activity for children of all ages since it is both exciting and educational.

They also have a range of ticket upgrades, with behind-the-scenes tours, VIP experiences and an aquarium dining experience if you want to do something a little extra special.

• Location: Aquarium Wharf, Darling Harbour
• Opening Hours: Daily 10 am to 4 pm | school holidays 9:30 am to 5 pm
• Price: $49 per adult | $28.80 per child (3-15) | Under 3s are free

3. Sydney Tower Eye

The Sydney Tower Eye experience is perfect for young ones who are fascinated by heights and can appreciate seeing the city from a different perspective.

This observation deck sits 250 metres into the sky, offering 360-degree views of Sydney city.

While the views won’t be as spectacular on a rainy day, if you time your tower visit between showers, you will still get some pretty cool views.

Or better still, dine in the unique rotating Skyfeast restaurant up the top of Sydney Tower.

• Location: Westfield Sydney Centrepoint, 100 Market Street, Sydney
• Opening Hours: 9 am to 10 pm daily
• Price: From $27 for adults and $16 for children

4. Powerhouse Museum

The Sydney Powerhouse Museum provides an ideal place for rainy day activities in Sydney.

This interactive museum, also known as Powerhouse Ultimo, is filled with exciting exhibitions, educational experiences and activities for kids of all ages.

If you’re looking for a fun-filled family day out for the whole family, this museum offers the perfect backdrop to explore the history of science, technology and Australian culture.

• Location: 500 Harris Street, Ultimo
• Opening Hours: Daily 10 am to 5 pm and until 9 pm Thursdays
• Price: Free

5. Wild Life Sydney Zoo

Located next to Sea Life on Darling Harbour, Wild Life Sydney Zoo is a central place to meet some native wildlife.

You may find various types of native Australian animals here in the 10 interactive zones, including koalas, Tasmanian devils, platypus, wombats and kangaroos.

You can also combine your visit with a combo pass that gives you entry to Madame Tussauds, Sea Life Aquarium and Sydney Tower Eye.

• Location: Aquarium Wharf, 1-5 Wheat Rd, Darling Harbour
• Opening Hours: Daily 10 am to 4 pm | school holidays 9:30 am to 5 pm
• Price: $46 per adult | $27.20 per child (3-15) | Under 3s are free

6. Hijinx Hotel

One of the newest attractions popping up around Australia is the Hijinx Hotel experience.

These are pretty much the next level of escape rooms with an interactive game experience all housed within a New York style hotel.

Except you don’t need to try and escape. You instead need to try and score as many points as you can on each challenge.

Each hotel wing is home to fun game rooms that you need to work together to solve.

This is one of the best rainy day activities in Sydney since it’s a group attraction and suitable for anyone from 5 years and up. Perfect for the whole family to join in!

• Location: 75 O’Riordan St, Alexandria,
• Opening Hours: Open daily from midday until 10 pm and extended hours on weekends
• Price: Check the website

7. The Grounds Of Alexandria

The Grounds of Alexandria is more than just a great cafe and restaurant precinct. This is also an Instagram dream!

The food is fantastic, but what makes it extra fun is the themed art installations that you will find here.

Every few months the theme will change and the alleyways will be transformed with a new magical theme. This is definitely an Instagrammer’s dream, but it’s fun for everyone.

They had a Disney 100 theme to coincide with the 100-year Disney anniversary, followed by Candyland (which was the installation we visited in mid-2023).

It does get crazy busy but the food alone is worth the visit and the fun photo opportunities make it an exciting dining experience for the whole family.

• Location: 2 Huntley Street, Alexandria,
• Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 7:30 am-4 pm and Sat-Sun: 7:30 am-4:30 pm
• Price: Free (but you do need to be a customer to visit)

8. Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq

For a unique day out and a whole lot of retro fun, head to Archie Bros. It’s a circus-themed arcade with bowling, laser tag and rides.

It’s a great place for the whole family to let off some steam and have some fun.

There is also a range of delicious food options available from the cafe or restaurant such as milkshakes, pizzas, burgers and hot dogs.

After 8pm, when it becomes an 18+ venue, you can enjoy the cocktail bar and fun nightlife vibe!

• Location: Alexandria and Penrith
• Opening Hours: Open daily from midday until 10 pm and extended hours on weekends
• Price: Varies

9. Flip out

On a rainy day in Sydney, let your kids get their energy out at Flip Out.

This trampoline and climbing centre offers a range of activities. From obstacle courses to foam pits, running walls and parkour arenas, the possibilities are endless.

It’s not only fun for kids but it can help them develop their coordination skills too!

Don’t let the kids have all the fun – let your inner child loose and join in with their ninja warrior courses and trampoline foam pit fun.

• Location: There are multiple locations around Greater Sydney
• Opening Hours: Open daily
• Price: Check the website for details

10. Australian Museum

If you are looking for a fun activity during a rainy day, exploring a museum like the Australian Museum is both informative and entertaining.

This heritage-listed museum is the oldest museum in Australia!

It’s also the 5th oldest natural history museum in the world.

Here you will find educational fun displays related to natural history and anthropology. The museum also hosts exhibits featuring indigenous artwork and cultural events that showcase various cultures worldwide.

This museum experience will easily help you pass a couple of hours together, learning new things.

• Location: 1 William Street Sydney
• Opening Hours: 10 am-5 pm Mon-Sun/ 10 am-9 pm Wed
• Price: Free

11. Escape Rooms

For older kids (or adults looking for fun activities) an escape room experience is the perfect way to spend a rainy day.

The goal of an escape room game is to solve puzzles and other challenges in order to find hidden objects or clues that will help you eventually unlock the door and ‘escape’!

You can pick from various themes, such as medieval dungeons, haunted houses, secret spy agencies, pirate ships and more.

Explore challenging riddles and puzzles that call for collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

Some escape rooms are 18 plus but most will have a family-friendly escape challenge too.

12. Indoor Skydiving at iFly Downunder

If you’re keen on a unique experience, why not try indoor skydiving?

iFly Downunder in Penrith is a great way to experience the thrill of skydiving without having to jump out of an airplane – perfect for a family day out!

You’ll be kitted out with flight suits, helmets and goggles before being guided through a brief safety briefing by experienced instructors.

The vertical wind tunnel simulates the feeling of free-falling in the sky, and you’ll be able to fly up to 10 metres off the ground!

• Location: 123 Mulgoa Road, Penrith
• Opening Hours: 9 am to 9 pm daily
• Price: From $119 per person

13. The Rocks Discovery Museum

A family-friendly museum that provides unique activities that will capture the interest of your family.

There are 4 permanent exhibition areas, some best suited to older kids and others that will interest younger kids from 5 and up.

They also have free hands-on school holiday programs during the NSW school break.

• Location: 2 Kendall Lane, The Rocks
• Opening Hours: Daily 10 am to 5 pm.
• Price: Free

14. Build a Bear Workshop

Build-A-Bear is the ideal indoor activity in Sydney when it’s raining and you’re looking for something the kids will love to do.

At a Build-A-Bear Workshop, kids can pick out their own furry friend and build it from scratch.

The store offers a range of plush toys to choose from, including bears, cats, dogs and more.

Kids will also be able to add accessories and clothing for their new friends!

• Location: Westfield Penrith, 150A/585 High St, Penrith
• Opening Hours: 9:30 am – 5 pm (later on Thursday nights)
• Price: From $19

15. Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre

At the Sydney Aquatic Centre, you can still have some fun in the water even on rainy days when the beaches might not be so appealing.

They have a water play area for the kids called Splasher’s Playground.

It is heated, making it a great option for Sydney’s chilly days. So even when the weather isn’t kind, you can still make a splash and enjoy yourself with the family in a friendly and comfortable aquatic setting.

• Location: 9 Olympic Blvd, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127
• Opening Hours: 5 am -8 pm
• Price: Adult $9.30 – Kids $7

16. Indoor Ice Skating

No matter the weather outside, indoor ice skating is a family activity that can be enjoyed any time and there are a few options for ice skating in Sydney.

ICE ZOO Sydney is just 15 minutes from the CBD and is open 7 days a week.

There’s also a snow play area here for the kids to build snowmen and have snowball fights.

You can also check out Macquarie Ice Rink in North Ryde and Liverpool Catholic Club Ice Rink in Prestons.

• Location: 689 Gardeners Rd, Alexandria
• Opening Hours: Times vary, open 7 days
• Price: From $17 for toddlers to $27 for adults with family passes available

17. National Maritime Museum

The National Maritime Museum is an incredible place to explore the maritime history of Australia.

It contains numerous educational and interactive displays, so it’s perfect for kids who love learning about boats and nautical history.

Here visitors can learn all about shipbuilding techniques as well as contemporary navigation technology and the roles of women in maritime life.

The museum also offers a wide range of activities including tours, talks, special exhibits and more.

• Location: 2 Murray Street, Darling Harbour
• Opening Hours: 9:30 am – 5 pm Daily
• Price: $25 per adult | $15 per child (4-15) | $70 per family (2A+2C) | Under 4s are free

18. Sydney Trapeze School

For your energetic family members, Sydney Trapeze School offers a unique experience that will make your rainy day exciting – at an indoor circus school.

Fly through the air with the greatest of ease and take on a thrilling adventure as you swing, flip, twist and soar above the ground.

With experienced instructors guiding you all the way, it’s the perfect activity for adrenaline junkies – young or old!

• Location: 1/7 Unwins Bridge Rd, St Peters
• Opening Hours: Check the website for class times
• Price: Prices start from $45 for a one-off kids class

19. Madame Tussauds Wax Museum

Visit Madame Tussauds Sydney for a celebrity-filled adventure.

You and your kids can interact with lifelike wax replicas of your favourite celebrities, sports legends, and historical icons.

There are loads of fun photo opportunities to be had with your favourite wax replicas.

• Location: Aquarium Wharf, 1-5 Wheat Rd, Darling Harbour
• Opening Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Daily
• Price: $50 per adult | $38.40 per child (3-15) | Under 3s are free General Admission

20. Play Indoor Mini Golf

Indoor Mini golf is the ideal indoor entertainment option for both kids and adults during a rainy day.

While mini golf is frequently an outdoor pastime, Sydney has several great indoor mini golf facilities. One of the most popular of these is Holey Moley.

Holey Moley, features 18 themed holes across two different courses.

There is also food and a cocktail bar making this a fun place for adults after dark too.

Don’t just go for the fun putt putt golf experience though – each of the NSW Holey Moley venues offers up extra activities too such as darts, karaoke, bowling or an escape room.

• Location: 82-94 Darlinghurst Rd, Potts Point or 387 King St, Newtown
• Opening Hours: 5 AM- 11 PM
• Price: Various

21. Ten Pin Bowling

A family favourite, ten-pin bowling is the perfect indoor activity for a rainy day in Sydney.

Strike bowling alleys provide an enjoyable and exciting atmosphere with its trendy design and music that will keep you entertained.

They have locations in both the Moore Park Entertainment Quarter, Chatswood and in Darling Harbour.

There is also the Manhatten Superbowl in Mascot and Kingpin Bowling in North Strathfield.

• Location: 207/122 Lang Rd, Sydney
• Opening Hours: 11 AM- 10 PM (extended hours on Friday & Saturday)
• Price: Various

22. Hyde Park Barracks

Step back in time and visit the Hyde Park Barracks, a World Heritage site listed by UNESCO that provides insight into Sydney’s colonial history.

This former convict accommodation, hospital, courthouse and barracks is now a museum and cafe and a mostly indoor attraction.

They have a kids’ trail available that involves listening to stories, solving clues and completing fun activities as you explore the museum. This makes the experience much more suited to younger visitors.

• Location: Queens Square, Macquarie Street.
• Opening Hours: Thursday – Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm
• Price: Entry is free however online bookings are required to manage capacity

Rainy Day Activities In Sydney For Toddlers

Keeping your smallest family members can be challenging when a visit to the local park or playground isn’t an option.

Thankfully there are many fun things to do in Sydney with toddlers, including quite a few free activities:

23. City of Sydney Library

A visit to a local Library is a great way to spend a rainy day in Sydney for toddlers.

With 9 various locations across the city, you can find storytime activities and interactive play spaces designed for young children.

City of Sydney Library frequently places a priority on inclusivity for kids of all ages and sometimes the simple change of scenery is enough to keep your restless toddler content for a while.

• Location: There are 9 different library locations
• Opening Hours: 10 AM – 6 PM
• Price: Free

24. Chipmunks Playland and Cafe

Chipmunk Playland and Cafe is an indoor play centre that is the perfect way to occupy toddlers (and bigger kids) for several hours, providing a safe and exciting environment for them to play and explore.

Families with toddlers will find this indoor playground great place to spend a wet day since it has soft play areas, slides, ball pits, and even a cafe where parents can relax while the kids play.

• Location: 1 Rowood Road, Prospect
• Opening Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM
• Price: $13.90 for children 1-2 years old, and $16.90 for 3 and up

25. Lollipops Playland

This indoor playground features exciting and colourful amenities that keep kids occupied.

It has a dedicated toddler area within the large indoor space playground.

It also has a cozy cafe that offers great coffee, a selection of delectable food options, and relaxation as your little ones have a blast.

• Location: 18 Mcilwraith St, Wetherill Park
• Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – 5 PM
• Price: Ages 2 & over 12.50, $16.00

Indoor Activities For Adults In Sydney

If you’re visiting Sydney solo, with friends or with your partner, there are loads of great indoor activities in Sydney for adults.

Some of these are quite daring ways to pass the bad weather outdoors, while others are more relaxed.

26. Museum of Contemporary Art

At the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, foster a passion for modern art.

Discover the newest trends in the art world while perusing cutting-edge pieces of art as you stroll amongst the gallery displays.

• Location: 140 George St, The Rocks
• Opening Hours: 10 am – 5 pm every day except Tuesday
• Price: Free

27. Sydney Aquarium Shark Dive

Imagine the excitement of swimming with these amazing animals when diving into shark aquariums.

Throughout the diving encounter, knowledgeable guides assist you and assure your safety.

You need to be at least 14 years old to participate in Shark Dive Xtreme, with a 90-minute introduction and 30-minute dive experience with sharks and rays.

That’s taking your rainy day in Sydney to the extreme! Not sure I’d be keen…

• Location: Aquarium Wharf, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
• Opening Hours: 10 AM- 6 PM
• Price: Shark Dive Xtreme starts at $239

28. Do a Pottery Class

Take pottery classes like Class Bento with experienced instructors who will assist you in developing your artistic vision.

A fun way to pass the rainy weather, and you get to take home something handcrafted at the end.

They also have perfume-making, a dumpling and cocktail-making class and loads of other creative art classes to try.

• Location: 146 Victoria Rd, Marrickville
• Opening Hours: Check the website for class times
• Price: Varies per class

29. B. Lucky & Sons Sydney – Retro Arcade & Game Bar

The best location to go during a rainy day or night in Sydney is B. Lucky & Sons Gaming Arcade, in the Moore Park Entertainment Quarter.

From classic arcade games, ten-pin bowling, laser tag and karaoke, you’re sure to make a fun day or night of it.

Some of these activities are kid-friendly during the day, but at night, this is a fun place to let loose when it’s adults only.

• Location: 207/122 Lang Road, Moore Park
• Opening Hours: Opening times differ each day. Check the website
• Price: Free entry but cost per activity

30. Try A Cooking Class

A cooking class is a great way to pick up useful culinary skills that you can use for the rest of your life, whether you’re a professional chef or a complete rookie in the kitchen.

Sydney’s rainy days are the ideal time to expand your cooking skills and go on a gourmet journey.

Join a cooking class and let professional chefs teach you the finer points of creating mouthwatering meals.

It’s a hands-on experience that promises to leave you with a valuable set of skills and a satisfied palette, from learning new methods to discovering various cuisines.

31. Art Gallery of NSW

The Art Gallery of New South Wales is not only filled with a stunning collection of art but also serves as a key cultural and educational hub for the city.

Take a tour of the museum’s stunning collection, which includes works from Australian Indigenous and non-Indigenous art to Asian and European art.

It also hosts regular events and activities for families.

• Location: Art Gallery Rd, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
• Opening Hours: 10 AM- 5 PM
• Price: free

32. Indoor Rock Climbing

Indoor rock climbing is a great way to challenge yourself physically, while still staying dry indoors.

There are several indoor rock climbing centres located throughout Sydney, where you can learn the basics of rock climbing.

If you’re up for a challenge try some outdoor sports in an indoor environment – from bouldering to lead climbing, there’s something for everyone!

Brave The Rain Outdoor Activities In Sydney

Let’s face it, a little drizzle shouldn’t ruin your plans. There are plenty of great things you can do in Sydney in the rain. Of course, we mean when it’s raining… not when there’s a chaotic storm happening.

Here are some ways you can brave the rain outdoors in Sydney:

Jetboating

For a wet and wild outdoor experience that doesn’t really matter too much if the weather is gloomy, why not go jetboating in Sydney?

You’ll get wet, that’s for sure, but it doesn’t stop you from having a blast.

Depending on the weather conditions and location, jet boating can take place in several locations around Sydney.

There are plenty of great options you can book. Check out Oz Jet Boating, Jet Boat Sydney, Thunder Jet Boat Sydney and Harbour Jet.

Bondi Beach Surf Lesson

Head to famous Bondi Beach and weather permitting, what’s a little more moisture when you’re catching waves?

They have surfing lessons at Bondi Beach so you can learn the basic skills you need to get started.

Kings Cross Pubs and History Tours

For individuals who value history and enjoy the cozy atmosphere of pubs, and is complete with rum tasting.

This informative walking tour of The Rocks will take you to some of the city’s most intriguing spots and tell you compelling stories about the occasions that have shaped this recognizable city throughout the years.

It’s an enjoyable mix of historical knowledge and pub hopping, providing a special way to explore Sydney’s past while tasting its contemporary flavors.

• Location: Fitzroy Gardens, Macleay Street, Potts Point / Kings Cross
• Tour Length: 2.5 hours
• Price: Public tours: From $52 p.p

Conclusion: Indoor Activities Sydney

These fun indoor activities in Sydney will keep you out of the rain (mostly) and ensure the whole family has something entertaining to do, whether it’s during the day or if you’re looking for things to do on a rainy date night in Sydney too.

For even more ideas, check out these ideas for Sydney activities for kids.