Sydney, Australia – Travel Guide – Fun Things To Do With Kids

We have shared in earlier post, best things to do in Sydney and we are sharing below with you, if you are travelling to Sydney with family – things must do in Sydney with your kids. Let’s begin!

In Sydney, one of the world’s most beautiful cities, there are always plenty of family-friendly activities. The Darling Harbour area, located near the city centre, offering range of attractions for kids, lists from an aquarium and IMAX theater to thrilling harbour jet boat rides and many more to explore.

Take a ferry to see the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge from different perspective. Also, older kids can climb to the top of the bridge for spectacular harbor views, and kids of all ages can zoom to the top of Sydney Tower, the city’s tallest building.

A short ferry ride from the CBD, kids can come closely with a friendly cast of animals at Taronga Zoo, explore interactive exhibits at world-class museums, and ride a Ferris wheel at a 1930s-style amusement park. Horseback riding, trapeze lessons, “Rapid River” pools, and beaches round out all the fun.

Sharing some Itinerary for you & kids in Sydney

1. A Day at Darling Harbour

For a plethora of family-friendly activities in the city, Darling Harbour is an unbeatable choice. Just a brief 10-minute stroll from the city center, this waterfront area offers not only shops, restaurants, exhibitions, and entertainment venues but also a myriad of kid-friendly attractions.

WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, you can journey through Australia’s different ecosystems, or head to SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium to see the world’s largest collection of Australian marine creatures, including the platypus and dugong. If museums is your thing, you may visit Australian National Maritime Museum. Here, kids can learn about Australia’s seafaring history and board a replica of Captain Cook’s ship, the HMS Endeavor. Madame Tussaud’s is another fun stop for kids and adults alike.

Looking for more things to do with toddlers in Sydney? Make a beeline for Darling Harbour’s Caterpillar Lane interactive play area, with digital displays, climbing equipment, a soft toy play area, and light projection games. Little ones will also love the water park, and the playground with swings, slides, sandpits, and ziplines.

2. Check out Kangaroos at Taronga Zoo

Perched above Sydney Harbour, Taronga Zoo boasts a breathtaking vista. Children are captivated by the array of over 4,000 animals, featuring native Australian wildlife like kangaroos, emus, bilbies, and koalas, alongside exotic species such as lions, tigers, black rhinos, lemurs, Asian elephants, and western lowland gorillas.

When your little explorers need a break from exploring the exhibits, take a breather and treat them to captivating live performances, such as the crowd-pleasing free-flight bird show and seal presentation. For an elevated perspective of the animal habitats, embark on the Sky Safari, or let the kids burn off energy at the Wild Ropes climbing course, featuring suspension bridges and exhilarating ziplines.

Address: Bradleys Head Road, Mosman, New South Wales

3. Ride a Roller Coaster at Luna Park Sydney

Luna Park’s motto is “Just for fun,” and this legendary amusement park, established in the 1930s, lives up to its commitment, offering enjoyment for children and adults alike. The unmistakable entrance, featuring the enormous laughing face of Luna Park on the north shore of Sydney Harbour, holds a special place in the memories of numerous Sydney residents. Several of the park’s older structures are now listed on the State Heritage Register, adding to its historical significance.

There’s something for everyone here. Kids will love attractions like the restored Ferris wheel, the carousel, Freaky Frogs, and the Mirror Maze. Older kids love the Wild Mouse roller coaster, the Rotor, Devil’s Drop, and Tango Train. Coney Island is always a favorite, too.

Luna Park also very fun for parents: Beautiful views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House as you hop between all the rides.

Address: 1 Olympic Drive, Milsons Point, New South Wales

4. Surf at Sydney’s Beaches

Do your kids have a passion for water and adventure? There’s no better way to captivate them than with a surfing lesson. Sydney’s stunning beaches provide surf breaks suitable for all skill levels. Regardless of the weather or wind conditions, you can typically discover a coastal area with surfable waves.

Enrolling in lessons is the ideal approach to get the kids comfortable with surfing. If you’re searching for top-notch surf schools, Manly Surf School is a well-established favourite catering to kids of various ages and expertise levels.

5. Zoom to the Top of the Sydney Tower Eye

Sydney Tower Eye provides kids with the opportunity to ascend to the summit of the city’s tallest structure and enjoy breathtaking 360-degree vistas of the surroundings. Standing at a height of 309 meters, this unique tower with a spire offers sweeping views extending to Blue Mountains National Park. Its presence is prominent above the city center, perched atop the Centrepoint shopping mall.

Ticket admission encompasses a 4D cinematic exploration of the city featuring special effects, coupled with entry to the observation deck. On the deck, children can utilize high-powered binoculars to observe Sydney landmarks and engage with interactive touch-screen panels to gain insights into these iconic attractions.

Address: 100 Market Street, Sydney, New South Wales

6. Cruise by the Sydney Harbour Bridge

A visit to Sydney with children wouldn’t be complete without a firsthand perspective of the Sydney Harbour Bridge from the water. Take a ferry ride from Circular Quay to Manly, Mosman, or Taronga Zoo for a captivating view of the 134-meter-high bridge against the backdrop of the harbor.

This makes for an excellent outing for aspiring photographers. Boarding a ferry from Luna Park or McMahons Point provides a direct passage beneath the bridge, offering up-close views. Alternatively, for a more historical ambiance, consider embarking on an 1850s-style tall ship. Standing at the top overlooking the sparkling harbour is an experience kids will remember forever.

7. Join a Junior Tour of the Opera House

When everyone picture Sydney, the Opera House definitely comes to your mind. Well, experiencing the Sydney Opera House doesn’t have to be only for adults. Guess what, the venue offers an excellent kids program too, featuring performances like Story-time Ballet, children’s musicals, and toddler-friendly shows. Every kid will surely in love and enjoy so much with activities offering!

Do note, here’s offering family activities too, for family members bonding while enjoying historical building and show together to create memories and fun time. Family packages are open during school holidays and include a junior tour, discounted show tickets, and lunch at one of the family-friendly restaurants here.

Address: Bennelong Point, Sydney, New South Wales

8. Enjoy a Picnic at the Royal Botanic Garden

The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney offers a delightful sensory experience for young nature enthusiasts, featuring fragrant frangipanis, wild cockatoos, fountains, and stunning views of Sydney Harbour. With expansive green lawns and picturesque water vistas, it’s an ideal spot for a family picnic.

Children can ignite their senses by experiencing a range of vivid scents, colors, and textures. Take in the fragrant essence of rosemary and sage in the herb garden, sample Australian bush tucker during an Aboriginal heritage tour, enjoy the scent of roses, and touch the delicate fronds of a feathery fern. If young ones become weary, they have the option to embark on the Choo Choo Express for a 25-minute tour around the gardens.

Address: Mrs Macquaries Road, Sydney, New South Wales

9. Horseback Ride at Centennial Parklands

Searching for an enjoyable outing for the budding equestrian in your family? Located approximately 10 minutes from the city center, Centennial Park stands out as one of the few urban parklands globally that offers riding facilities. It’s an excellent destination for a dose of nature and a brief horseback ride within the city.

Within the park, you’ll find 210 stables and five riding schools, each offering lessons tailored to suit your children’s age and skill level. All necessary equipment is supplied, and for those new to riding, pony rides are available to provide a gentle introduction to the experience.

10. Bring Kids to High Tea

Require a rejuvenating break following an extended morning of shopping or exploring with the kids? Opting for high tea provides an ideal opportunity to recharge, and you’ll discover numerous refined venues ready to accommodate your family-friendly indulgence.

A highly sought-after and budget-friendly destination for high tea is The Tea Room located in the Queen Victoria Building, a heritage-listed structure housing boutique shops and restaurants. Your children will experience a regal atmosphere as they sit on plush velvet chairs beneath crystal chandeliers in the Grand Ballroom. The menu features delectable classics such as scones with clotted cream, cucumber finger sandwiches, and a selection of 29 teas. Additionally, there are plenty of charming and dainty sugar-coated treats specifically designed for the kids.

Many Sydney hotels host special children’s high teas. The Langham, Sydney pampers kids with themed high teas during Aussie school holidays, like The Tale of Mr. Rabbit afternoon tea. Feel like dressing up? Head to the Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney for a Kids in the City High Tea, designed by kids for kids.

For breathtaking views of the Sydney Opera House, choose the posh Park Hyatt Sydney, with floor-to-ceiling windows. Kids will love watching the boats and ferries ply the sapphire-blue harbour.

Stay tune, there are many more to share with you. We will be updating and sharing more exciting places to visit and activities shouldn’t missed in Sydney. Enjoy !