37 Fun Things To Do In Sydney With Kids In 2024

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There are so many fun things to do in Sydney with kids, making Sydney a wonderful option for a family vacation. As one of the biggest cities in Australia, you’re going to have no trouble finding Sydney activities for families!

From the world-famous Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House to iconic beaches and cultural experiences, there’s definitely plenty of family fun to be had.

This guide will help you plan the best Sydney attractions for families and create your own perfect Sydney itinerary, no matter if you’re visiting Sydney for 1 day or for many!

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man and two children facing the Sydney harbour and sydney harbour bridge.

Sydney With Kids: The Ultimate Guide To Family Activities In Sydney

When it comes to finding things to do in Sydney with kids, you don’t have to look too hard thankfully!

From unique attractions like the Taronga Zoo to classic experiences such as taking a harbour cruise around the city, there are plenty of options for parents and kids alike.

We have included the best Sydney attractions plus some super fun day trips to go beyond the city and explore more of New South Wales.

After all, some of our favourite scenic spots are in the Greater Sydney region.

According to our 8-year-old, the best things to do in Sydney with kids are seeing the Sydney Opera House and taking a boat ride under the Sydney Harbour Bridge – she was pretty easy to please!

Fun Things To Do In Sydney With Kids

When visiting Sydney, you’ve got to make time for at least a few of the things on this list and thankfully, many of them are close together so that even with one full day to explore Sydney city, you will still be able to fit a few of them into your stay.

1. Ride The Ferry From Circular Quay

young girl with wind blowing her hair on a ferry with sydney harbour bridge in the background.

Cruising on a ferry from Circular Quay is a must-do family activity that is both fun and scenic!

Your kids will love taking in the harbour views, spotting iconic Sydney attractions like The Rocks and the Opera House on the way and stopping to explore new places.

It is an amazing place with a ferry leaving every few minutes to different parts of the Harbour, including Taronga Zoo, Manly Beach and Watsons Bay.

In addition to being a mode of transportation, it is also a fun experience that won’t break the bank.

  • Location: Circular Quay, Sydney
  • Opening Hours: Always open
  • Price: Varies

Travel Tip: The Sydney ferry terminals are all equipped with tap-and-go scanners that allow you to use your credit card at each end. This way you don’t have to worry about getting a ticket at a booth before riding the ferries.

2. Explore Darling Harbour

If you are looking for things to do in Sydney, exploring Darling Harbour is hard to beat. It is a bustling waterfront area surrounded by family-friendly activities and dining.

There is always something happening around Darling Harbour.

It’s here that you will find some of the most popular kids activities in Sydney, such as the SEALIFE Aquarium, Madame Tussauds and the Australian National Maritime Museum.

  • Location: Darling Harbour, Sydney
  • Opening Hours: Always open
  • Price: Free

3. Tumbalong Park Playground

Adventure playground at Tumbalong Park Playground in Darling Harbour at dusk.

While you’re wandering around Darling Harbour, why not give the kids a chance to run around at the city’s very own playground?

Tumbalong Park Playground is fantastic. We spent a couple of hours here on our most recent Sydney visit with kids and they had a blast!

There are swings, a wide slide that several kids can go down at once, climbing zones, a splash park and plenty of other play equipment.

Plus it’s right near restaurants and cafes too. You really can’t go wrong with a playground when it comes to entertaining younger kids!

  • Location: Darling Harbour, Sydney
  • Opening Hours: Always open
  • Price: Free

4. Climb The Sydney Harbour Bridge

view of the Sydney Harbour bridge just before sunset from the water.

One of the most iconic things to do in Sydney is climbing up one of the world’s most iconic bridges – the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb.

We haven’t had the chance to do this, but we have climbed the Brisbane Story Bridge so we can only imagine the views are even more spectacular.

It’s an amazing experience to take in the view from atop the bridge as you look out towards the Sydney Opera House and beyond.

Best of all, they often have great deals for kids to climb at a discount during school holidays.

Kids from ages 8 and up can do the Harbour Bridge climb experience.

  • Location: 3 Cumberland St, The Rocks
  • Opening Hours: Check the website for climb times
  • Price: From $249 for adults and $149 for kids (family package deals available)

5. Royal Botanic Gardens

Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens with your family to see the beauty of nature.

The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney is home to over 7,500 species of exotic plants and animals, with views of the harbour.

It is also Australia’s oldest botanic garden!

You can take a guided tour or just wander around the gardens at your leisure. The kids will love exploring the many paths and discovering all kinds of flora and fauna.

The Royal Botanic Gardens often offer free school holiday activities for the kids with outdoor activities, with regular events all year round. It is a calm escape right in the middle of the city.

  • Location: Mrs Macquaries Road, Sydney
  • Opening Hours: 7:00 AM to 6 PM daily
  • Price: Free

6. The Grounds Of Alexandria

woman and two children sitting in front of a giant doughnut at The Grounds of Alexandria.

While you might be wondering why a cafe and restaurant makes it onto the list, The Grounds of Alexandria is not just a cafe!

Yes, you will get amazing food here. Indulgent cakes and treats galore and easily the best smashed avo breakfast I’ve ever had!

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 dine at either the cafe or restaurant to visit the installation)

7. Taronga Zoo

Taronga Zoo is one of the most well-known zoological parks in Australia.

Part of this reason is the fantastic location right alongside Sydney Harbour, making it super easy to visit while you’re staying in Sydney with kids – just catch the ferry across!

The zoo includes interactive displays, animal encounters, and views of the stunning Sydney Harbour.

It is home to over 4,000 animals from around the world, including Australian native wildlife like Kangaroos and Koalas. Experience reptile shows, animal talks and unique wildlife encounters.

There is also a big space playground for older kids, plus a wet play area.

  • Location: Bradley’s Head Road, Mossman
  • Opening Hours: 9:30 am to 4:30 pm daily
  • Price: From $45.90 per adult | $27 per child (4-15) | under 4s are free (family passes available)

8. Powerhouse Museum

The Powerhouse Museum is perfect for curious young minds.

Also known as the Powerhouse Ultimo, this is a contemporary museum right in the city centre of Sydney with a focus on science, arts, innovation and design.

The building itself is a converted electric tram power station, having opened as a museum back in 1988.

The Powerhouse Museum has many interactive exhibits where your kids can explore and learn, with regular changing exhibits and school holiday programs.

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

9. Sea Life Sydney Aquarium

View of sealife sydney aquarium, madame tussands and sydney wild life zoo at darling harbour on a cloudy day.

The Sea Life Sydney Aquarium is one of the most popular Sydney attractions for kids.

At Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, you can explore the ocean without getting wet. It is perfect for children of all ages since it is both exciting and educational.

This is a great option if you’re looking for rainy-day activities in Sydney.

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.

There are combo tickets available to visit some of the other popular attractions in Sydney too, including Wildlife Sydney, Madame Tussauds and the Sydney Tower Eye.

  • 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

10. Australian Museum

Explore Australia’s rich natural history and cultural heritage at the Australian Museum.

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

It’s also the 5th oldest natural history museum in the world so that alone makes it a pretty cool place to visit.

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.

It’s recommended to allow at least 2 hours to fully explore the museum, especially if you are planning to visit any of the special touring ticketed exhibits. General entry is free though.

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

11. Wild Life Sydney Zoo

Right next to Sea Life, you will find Wild Life Sydney Zoo located in Darling Harbour.

If you thought Taronga Zoo was conveniently close to the city, this is even closer and a quicker experience if you’re short on time and don’t have a full day to dedicate to a zoo trip.

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

If you’re only in Sydney for a short time and want to see some native animals, this is a good option.

  • 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

12. Madame Tussauds Wax Museum

Visit Madame Tussauds Wax Museum 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 so many fun photo opportunities such as riding a bike with ET in the basket or hanging out with Spider-Man.

  • 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

13. Australian National Maritime Museum

Front entrance of sydney maritime nautical museum building

The Australian National Maritime Museum located in the harbour city of Sydney is one of the largest maritime museums in the world.

It features a variety of interactive exhibits and activities for kids to explore, including hands-on workshops, art classes, special events and exhibitions.

The museum offers an insight into Australia’s maritime history and its impact on the nation’s culture and economy.

It also houses a wide range of vessels and marine artefacts to explore, so even younger kids will enjoy their visit.

  • 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

14. Sydney Observatory

The Sydney Observatory is a great place to visit if your kids love astronomy and science. The observatory is part of the Powerhouse Museum collection.

Here you can explore interactive educational exhibits about astronomy, look through telescopes, witness star shows and more.

The Observatory also has an immersive family tour to take kids on a journey into space with all sorts of astronomical knowledge. This tour is suited for ages 6 and up on Friday and Saturday.

They have night tours from Wednesday through to Saturday.

It is a great idea for fun things to do in Sydney for kids if you want a different museum experience. Bookings are essential!

  • Location: 1003 Upper Fort St, Millers Point
  • Opening Hours: Open for pre-booked tours (bookings essential)
  • Price: From $7.50 for adults and $5.40 for kids over 3.

15. Prince Alfred Park Pool

If you’re looking for fun things to do with kids in Sydney during summer, why not cool off at Prince Alfred Park Pool?

Here you will find a 50-metre lap pool but also a splash pad and shaded lounging area for a family day at the pool.

When it reopens in 2024, you will also be able to visit the North Sydney Olympic Pool next to Luna Park for another swimming option.

  • Location: 105 Chalmers St, Surry Hills
  • Opening Hours: Open for pre-booked tours (bookings essential)
  • Price: From $7.50 for adults and $5.40 for kids over 3.

16. IMax Theatre

Treat your whole family to a cinematic experience as you enjoy blockbuster movies, and documentaries in an immersive setting with a large screen and cutting-edge audio.

We haven’t been to the Sydney IMax for many years now and it has since had a complete renovation, however, it was a fantastic experience even back with the original theatre.

This is one of the world’s biggest IMax screen!

With a 693-square metre screen, it has 430 luxury seats and a 12-channel sound system. The ultimate cinematic experience!

  • Location: Darling Harbour, Sydney
  • Opening Hours: 9:30 am – 5 am Daily
  • Price: Check website

17. Sydney Olympic Park

A wide variety of sporting and entertainment events are held at Sydney Olympic Park every year which can be fun to attend in Sydney with kids.

The park offers a range of activities for kids, including bike riding tracks, learning and discovery days, such as the mini park rangers, tours and art galleries.

There is also the Aquatic Centre – the pool where many medals were won during the Sydney Olympics.

Plus there are indoor and outdoor sports activities galore and fun programs for kids over the school holidays.

It’s pretty much guaranteed you will find something entertaining to do here with kids in Sydney.

  • Location: Paramatta, Sydney
  • Opening Hours: Check the website for details
  • Price: Free to various

18. Art Gallery Of NSW

An Art Gallery is a perfect indoor activity in Sydney for those rainy days, especially if you have older kids who appreciate fine art.

The Art Gallery of NSW houses an impressive array of colonial, modern and contemporary Australian art, as well as international works and touring exhibitions.

There are interactive displays and activities for children throughout the gallery which makes it more enjoyable for them too.

It is a great place if you want to visit Sydney during the school holidays. It has various types of family programs and workshops that make art fun for kids.

  • Location: Art Gallery Road, The Domain, Sydney
  • Opening Hours: Open daily, 10 am – 5 pm l Until 10 pm Wednesdays
  • Price: Free

19. Sydney Tower Eye

westfield tower eye in sydney from below.

If you want to see a 360-degree view of Sydney then Sydney Tower Eye is the place to visit!

Ride up to the top of the observation deck and take in the sights from 250 metres above ground.

The observatory deck has interactive displays, a telescope and informative guides that explain what you’re seeing.

It’s one of the most iconic things to do with kids in Sydney as it gives them an amazing view of the city and a whole new way of experiencing it.

If you’re really daring, and visiting with older kids who are a little daring, try the Skywalk experience around the outside of the Sydney Tower Eye.

I first visited back when I was in school myself during a school camp, back when it was called Sydney Centerpoint Tower.

  • Location: Westfield Centre, 108 Market St, Sydney
  • Opening Hours: Daily 10 am to 6 pm
  • Price: From $27 per person.

20. Visit The Sydney Opera House

woman and two children walking towards the stairs at the front of the sydney opera house.

When in Sydney, you’ve got to get up close to the Sydney Opera House, whether by cruising by on the harbour or taking a walk up the stairs for a closer look.

Better still though, why not take in a performance at the famous Sydney Opera House?

There are different events running all year round, so check the website to see what’s coming up during your stay.

You can also take a tour of the Opera House to learn the history of this unique building and how it came to be.

We didn’t have time to do this when we were in Sydney with kids, but we did spend some time at the Opera Bar, watching the sun lowering over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and enjoying a drink and a snack.

  • Location: Bennelong Point, Sydney
  • Opening Hours: Check website for opening times
  • Price: Various

21. Sydney Tall Ship Cruise

tall ship docked at Darling Harbour in Sydney in the late afternoon.

Take a cruise on a tall ship in Sydney Harbour for a unique cruising experience. The kids will feel like they’re part of Captain Jack Sparrow’s crew in Pirates of the Caribbean!

Sail with a crew of passionate navigators, explore the natural beauty of the harbour and learn about its history.

Many of the cruises include lunch or you can do a twilight dinner cruise. There. are also cruises that stop at some of the unique harbour city attractions, such as historic Goat Island in Sydney Harbour National Park.

Depending on the time of year, they also offer tall ship whale-watching cruises in Sydney.

It’s an unforgettable experience for the whole family!

  • Location: Tours depart from Campbell’s Covey Wharf at The Rocks
  • Opening Hours: Tours depart at different times each day
  • Price: From $69 per adult | $39 per child | $177 Family of 4 (under 4 cruise free)

22. Hyde Park Barracks

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

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

Kids will enjoy trying on leg irons, swinging in the convict’s hammock, and learning about their ancestry.

They have a kids’ trail available that involves listening to stories, 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

23. Luna Park

view of luna park sydney entrance in the afternoon.

One of the greatest Sydney family activities is a day at heritage-listed amusement park Luna Park Sydney.

It has been a favourite among locals and visitors alike since it opened in 1935.

Although not as old as its Melbourne counterpart in St Kilda which opened in 1912, the two parks are quite similar, right down to the iconic smiling face entrance.

A fun-filled day out for the whole family awaits with roller coasters, a Ferris wheel, carousels, bumper cars, sideshow attractions and more!

The Sydney theme park sits along the edge of the harbour making it easy to access by ferry.

  • Location: 1 Olympic Drive, Milson’s Point
  • Opening Hours: Opening days and times are different depending on the season & school holidays. Check the website for details.
  • Price: Prices start from $44 per adult and $34 for children for a day pass

24. Sydney Zoo

This zoo provides an amazing opportunity to see wildlife of land and sea with the only combined zoo and aquarium in New South Wales.

It also has the largest reptile and nocturnal house in the world.

It has a variety of species that can be seen up close, with precincts for Africa, Asia, and Australia too.

  • Location: 700 Great Western Highway, Eastern Creek
  • Opening Hours: 9 am-5 pm daily
  • Price: From Child (3-15 years) $19.99 – Adult (16+ years) $44.99

25. Museum of Contemporary Art

sydney 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 and participating in creative workshops.

Kids have the chance to let their imaginations and creativity run wild.

Although, the best time to visit the art gallery with kids is during the NSW school break since they have a holiday program to keep the kids occupied.

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

26. Centennial Parklands

Centennial Parklands encompasses 3 of Sydney’s urban parks – Centennial Park, Moore Park and Queens Park.

Centennial Park is one of the biggest parks in Sydney with more than 189 hectares of open spaces, located just 4km from the Sydney CBD.

Here you will find gardens, wetlands, sports fields and cycling tracks to enjoy the great outdoors.

Moore Park is 115 hectares and here you will find a lake, sports grounds, and an equestrian centre for horseriding.

Queens Park is 26 hectares, with sports fields, playgrounds, free BBQ facilities and great views of Sydney.

There are also playgrounds for the kids in each of them, including Centennial Homestead Playground, Paddington Gates Playground and nearby Moore Park Rotunda Playground to name just a few of the play spaces.

  • Location: Centennial Parklands Sydney
  • Opening Hours: Always open
  • Price: Free

27. Rocks Discovery Museum

The Rocks Discovery Museum is a small but great museum in Sydney, housed in a restored 1850s sandstone warehouse.

This is a good option for older kids who have an interest in the local history as it tells the story of The Rocks from their pre-European days to the present time.

You may see a variety of artifacts from many centuries ago and also learn about the local and traditional custodians of the area.

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

28. Whale Watching Cruise

Sydney is blessed with an amazing migration of humpback whales each year, as they make their way from Antarctica to the warmer Pacific Ocean waters.

The Sydney whale watching season is typically between May and November each year, although the winter months of June and July are usually the best time for whale sightings.

Whale watching is a perfect Sydney family activity to witness these magnificent creatures up close on a comfortable vessel.

If you’re not keen on a cruise, there are a few great whale vantage points around Sydney too, where you may just be lucky enough to spot one of the giant creatures from the shore.

Check out Cape Solander in Kamay Botany Bay National Park or try the cliff-top walking trails from Bondi to Cogree and Federation Cliff Walk from Dover Heights to Watsons Bay.

  • Location: Departing from Circular Quay
  • Opening Hours: Check operator websites for details
  • Price: Differs per cruise operator

29. Cockatoo Island

aerial view of cockatoo island in sydney harbour.

Wareamah Cockatoo Island is a World Heritage site and the largest island in Sydney Harbour.

Jump on the ferry at Circular Quay, since it can only be reached by boat! It’s a great place for families to explore, with lots of interactive activities and interesting attractions.

You can do a self-guided audio tour that can be purchased for a few dollars at the visitor centre.

This will take you to the different precincts, including the popular convict precinct that will be most interesting for the kids.

Kids will love exploring the tunnels, and ruins, taking in the views from the coastal walk and playing in the open spaces.

They also have regular family activities such as guided tours, outdoor cinema

For a really unique experience, you can also spend a night glamping on Cockatoo Island.

They have tents set up and ready for your stay, so you don’t need to worry about anything except showing up. Or bring your own sleeping gear to make it even cheaper!

Or if camping and glamping aren’t your scene, there are also holiday apartments too.

  • Location: Cockatoo Island, Sydney Harbour, Sydney
  • Opening Hours: Visitor centre is open 10 am- 4 pm daily
  • Price: Free (+ cost of water transport)

30. Watson Bay

Watson Bay is less than a 30-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay.

This is one of our favourite half-day trips from Sydney when you don’t have a lot of spare time but still want to get out on the water and visit somewhere nearby.

You can actually stay an entire day since it has quite a lot of things to do here.

One of the best things to do in Watson Bay is visit Robertson Park. The park has a playground that is perfect to burn your little ones’ energy.

There’s also loads of space to kick a football or throw a frisbee, and of course, have a picnic under a shady tree. Or take a dip in the small beach area.

There is a waterfront bar and restaurant here but it is on the pricy side! The Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel has a takeaway menu with fish and chips and pizza, as well as a bistro and fine dining options.

The location is fab for an arvo beverage though.

This is a great spot to enjoy part of the South Head Heritage Trail with the Watsons Bay Walk that takes you along the cliff edge. Epic views!

You also get some great views of the Sydney skyline from Watsons Bay on a clear day.

  • Location: Watsons Bay, Eastern Sydney
  • Opening Hours: Check the hotel website for restaurant opening times
  • Price: Free

31. Treetops Advenuture Park

For families looking for an outdoor adventure, Treetops Adventure Park is one that will challenge each of you in Sydney’s west.

This park usually features treetop obstacle courses and ziplines, with courses suitable for 3 years and up.

There are 4 junior courses here, 4 tree tropes courses, a zip coaster, 23 ziplines plus over 100 aerial challenges so you can easily fill a couple of hours of fun!

  • Location: Plough & Harrow East, Western Sydney Parklands
  • Opening Hours: 10 am to 5 pm Monday-Friday and from 9 am on weekends
  • Price: Adults $59 l Kids ages 8-15yrs old $49 l kids ages 3-7yrs old $32.

Best Beaches In Sydney For Families

A day at the beach is always a great way to enjoy the sunshine and spend time with family. Here are some of the best beaches for families in Sydney.

32. Bronte Beach

Wondering and thinking about where to take your kids for a fun beach day? Sydney is famous for its beautiful beaches and Bronte Beach is made for families.

This is a popular spot all year round, with walking trails, a great adventure playground for the kids and heaps of covered picnic tables.

Our kids spent an hour playing here and it was hard to get them to leave!

There is also an ocean pool for swimming, which is great for kids who are a little cautious about swimming in the waves.

33. Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach is easily the most iconic beach in all of Australia!

Tourists flock here from around the world to swim at the famous Bondi Beach!

In fact, there’s even a reality TV show based around this popular Sydney beach – Bondi Rescue, following some of the rescues and unusual situations the lifeguards of Bondi encounter.

It is known for its golden sands and iconic surf industry.

The beachfront is also lined with cafes and restaurants, which makes it easy for you and your kids to find something to eat.

There is also a playground, a skate park and street art to admire. We were lucky enough to see one of the local artists working on her piece during our last visit.

34. Manly Beach

Manly Beach is a family-friendly place that is just a short ferry ride away from the city.

Manly Beach is Simon’s favourite of the Sydney beaches, having visited a few times over the years. It’s a lot more relaxed than the popular and busy Bondi Beach.

There is plenty of space for kids to build sandcastles and play in the waves.

It’s a great place to spend a day at the beach since it has plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Get there by ferry and arrive at heritage-listed Manly Wharf along the West Esplanade.

Check out more of the best beaches in New South Wales.

Sydney Day Trips With Kids

If you’ve got a few days to spend in Sydney and want to get beyond the city for a day or two, there are some downright epic day trips from Sydney or weekend getaways in the Greater Sydney region.

35. Blue Mountains Day Trip

view from above of the scenic world scenic railway train.

Take a day trip to the Blue Mountains to see the famous Australian mountain landscape.

You can easily do a self-drive visit to the Blue Mountains if you have your own car. It takes around an hour to get there.

We highly recommend a visit to Scenic World Blue Mountains. This is one of the most popular attractions in the region and it’s well worth the admission entry.

Here you can ride the world’s steepest passenger rail, the steepest cableway in the Southern Hemisphere and ride the cable car between the mountains. And you can ride each of them as many times as you like during your visit.

There are also heaps of walking trails to explore. Our favourite was the Gruffalo Trail which is an interactive trail for kids.

They give you activity books at check-in and there is an App to download that you can scan for a virtual reality experience. It has you doing some hilarious things so if you hear people shouting and jumping, that’s what’s going on!

The Three Sisters is another must-see in the Blue Mountains, which you can view from Echo Point Lookout or go a little further down the track to see the first sister up close.

There are day trips by coach from Sydney as well or consider staying for a night or two so you can explore a little deeper.

There is plenty of great Blue Mountains family accommodation.

36. Southern Highlands Day Trip

a family of four standing in front of fitzroy falls from a lookout point in winter gear.

Take a day trip to the scenic Southern Highlands, for the ultimate day out in nature (well, aside from the Blue Mountains).

We absolutely loved spending a day in the Southern Highlands region, which is around 1.5 hours from Sydney. This is definitely a day trip that you need your own car for.

Here you can see some of the most stunning waterfalls in New South Wales. Our favourite was Fitzroy Falls, but don’t miss Carrington Falls and Belmore Falls too.

There is the Bradman Museum for cricket fanatics and the Southern Highlands pie trail if you love a good meat pie.

This is definitely a perfect day trip for nature lovers!

37. Sea Cliff Bridge & Wollongong

three young girls walking along the sea cliff bridge walking path.

Around an hour and 15 minutes from Sydney, you will find the closest thing to the Great Ocean Road in NSW – the Sea Cliff Bridge.

Sure, you can just drive over the bridge on your way to Wollongong for a day at the beach, but it’s well worth parking your car and doing the Sea Cliff Bridge walk.

There is also a track that leads under the bridge where you will find people fishing off the rocks. It’s pretty cool to see the view from below.

For lunch with a view, check out The Imperial at Clifton. This is a very popular restaurant since it sits on the water. It’s not cheap but the food is pretty good.

Best Family-Friendly Accommodation In Sydney

Find the best Sydney hotels for visiting Sydney with kids, including central-located accommodation to easily visit all the places you have on your New South Wales itinerary:

How To Get Around Sydney

Sydney is an easy city to get around, with heaps of different transport options for families.

The easiest way to get around is by public transport, including trains, buses, light rail (trams) and ferries.

You can also hire a car if you want more freedom and flexibility during your trip.

There are plenty of car rental options at Sydney Airport. Traffic can be chaotic but this makes it easier to get beyond the city if you are doing a New South Wales road trip or day trips.

Conclusion: Sydney Attractions For Families

There are so many great things to do in Sydney with kids when you are spending time in the New South Wales capital. Sydney is a family-friendly city with a wide variety of attractions and activities for kids and adults of all ages.

FAQs: Family Activities In Sydney

Is Sydney Australia kid friendly?

Sydney is the largest city in Australia and it has plenty of family activities, including both indoor and outdoor activities to suit kids and families.

Are there theme parks in Sydney?

Yes, there are several theme parks in the greater Sydney region. The two most popular ones are Luna Park and Wet’n’Wild Sydney – both of which offer a fun day out for kids and adults alike.

How much time should I plan for visiting Sydney with kids?

This really depends on how much you want to see and do. Generally, a few days in Sydney is enough to explore the attractions, but you could easily spend longer if you wanted to do a few day trips.

Are there beaches near Sydney suitable for children?

Yes, there are several family-friendly beaches located within easy reach of the city centre. These include Manly Beach, Bondi Beach and Bronte Beach. These beaches have lifeguards on duty during peak seasons.