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25 Best Things to Do in Sydney with Kids
Whether you’re a Sydneysider, visiting friends or family or simply playing tourist in Australia’s oldest city, there is a treasure trove of fun, adventure and long-lasting memories waiting to be made.
July 2 2024
Melissa Soutar
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Choosing Families with little ones, public transport is a great way to get around, it's not only affordable, but also frequent, and for the most part easy to navigate. However, for visitors we do recommend a transfer from the airport so you're not having to walk the streets with your luggage.
Don't stress if you can't get a car with a child safety seat, you only need this if you're planning on doing trips further out into the suburbs and could be avoided if you book an inclusive tour, or can hitch a ride with family.

Following a recent trip, here’s our top 25 family fun ways to keep the family entertained, connected and energised exploring Sydney’s manmade and natural icons over six days.
1. Splashdown at Raging Waters
Western Sydney | Open Summer
Open in the warmer months, Ragini Waters goes off with the summer heat in full swing, perfect for tweens and teens. Located iin Prospect just a half hour from the aiirport and 40 minutes from the CBD, you'lll fiind a variiety of water activities for all ages. Younger chiildren will enjoy the Beach Wave Pool, Diinosaur Lagoon, Junior Slides and splash pads. Plenty of slide and tube actiion for the big kids with great friendly staff on duty and a variety of tasty food optiions for lunch, this really iis a great day out! Remember to get in early to get the jump on the lines. 
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Blog Image Raging Waters Sydney
Immersive Gamebox – Darling Harbour, Sydney
2. Meet Pig the Dugong
Darling Harbour, Sydney
For an all weather indoor activity, you can't go past a visit to SEA LIFE Sydney. Allow at least 90 minutes for your visit, but with the mesmerising exhibits and the many play areas designed to engage the children in the underwater world and its conservation, you could spend a few hours here if you get your timings right! Highlights include Pig the Dugong, the Penguin Expedition boat ride and exhibit to see and learn about Antarctica as well as the Kiing and Gentoo Penguins. You'll also encounter some of the world's largest sharks as you walk through the aquarium tunnels. We found this easily accessible via Darling Harbour and the CBD, there's plenty to see and do in the surrounds. 
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3. Lunch in Chinatown
Haymarket, Sydney
A visit to Chinatown and Haymarket is bound to offer an exciting and unique cultural experience for children. Think noodles, dumplings, rice and honey chicken, colourful food and decore combined with the sighs and sounds of the marketplace, or even interactive dining such as sim sum. Try lunch or afternoons for walk-ins and quick service with the kids. 
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Blog Image - Sea Life Sydney (2)
4. Shake Your Sillies Out
Darling Harbour, Sydney
At Darlnig Quarter, a short 10 miinute walk or a light raiil stop away from Chinatown is where you'll discover a wonderland of play spaces such as splash pads, slides and the Chinese Garden of Friendship, and much more. Stop by to shake the sillies out but be sure to pack spare clothes.
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5. Sydney Fish Market
Pyrmont, Sydney 
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6. Events & Festivals

Sydney

We timed our trip with the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, however Sydney hosts plenty of events and festivals throughout the year with Sydney Festival in January and Vivid Sydney May through to June offering music, theatre, dance and visual arts. During April you can catch the Sydney Royal Easter Show covering two-weeks of livestock competitions, carnival rides and food stalls. During winter try Bondi Winter Magic with ice-skating, outdoor cinema and other winter activities.Spring time brings Sydney Children’s Festival in October followed by Sculpture by the Sea, an annual outdoor sculpture exhibition held in October and November along the coastal walk from Bondi extending through to Tamarama Beaches.
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Blog Image - Whale Watching Sydney
 
7. Sand, Surf & Sun
Sydney
Visit Australia’s most famous beach — Bondi Beach! 🌊☀️ Beloved by locals and tourists alike (and yes, the stars of Bondi Rescue), this iconic stretch of sand is buzzing with energy and adventure. It’s easy to see why families flock here — soft sand for building castles, gentle waves perfect for paddling or a surf lesson, and a lively promenade for soaking up the scene. If your kids are glued to Bondi Rescue and dream of being mini lifeguards, they’ll love seeing all the action in real life! And when you’re ready to burn off a bit more energy, take a stroll along the breathtaking Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk — it’s the perfect way to end a sun-soaked family day out. 
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8. Retail Therapy + Brunch at QVB
CBD, Sydney
The Queen Victoria Building, or QVB, is  a historic shopping center in the heart of Sydney. It's a stunningly unique building, with an array of unique  shops and cafes to explore. Families can take a leisurely stroll through the shops, browse for souveneirs and then stop for brunch at one of the many cafes. It's a great way to spend a slower paced morning or afternoon with the children. 
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Blog Image - Hyperkarting
 
9. Create + Be Inspired
Darling Harbour, Sydney
An The Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA), is a fantastic place for children to learn about and be inspired by contemporary art. The museum offers a range of programs and activities for families, including free art-making workshops on weekends. Children can explore their creativity, learn about different artists, and engage with art in a hands-on way.
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9. Thrills at Hyper Karting
Moore Park 
With a main track and a mini track for 3 to 8 year olds, Hyper Karting in Moore Park in Sydney's CBD is the perfect activity for high energy children, or those who love a thrill. With electric go-karts that can reach speeds of up to 80km/h, it's an adrenaline fuelled experience that's sure to get hearts racing. The track is designed with safety in mind, so parents can relax while their kids enjoy the ride. 
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11. Nature Play
Centennial Park
The Ian Potter Children's Wild Play Garden in Centennial Park is a must-visit for families with younger children under 9 years. The garden is designed to encourage children to explore, climb, and play in a natural environment. There are tunnels to crawl through, rocks to climb, and even a water play area. It's a great way for kids to connect with nature and burn off some energy.
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12. Get Active in Centennial Park
Centennial Park
Another great activity in Centennial Park is hiring a pedal car. We actually missed out on this but it's on the list for our next visit. Choose from Centennial Park Cycle's range of pedal cars, from two seaters to four-seaters, so the whole family can join in. It's a fun and active way to explore the park and take in the beautiful scenery. 
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13. Australian National Maritime Museum
Darling Harbour
The Australian National Maritime Museum is a fascinating place for families to learn about Australia's maritime history. The museum has a range of permanent exhibits, from historic ships to interactive displays, which are free to discover. Children can explore submarines and climb aboard a tall ship. There's something for everyone at this museum. We spent hour's here and also lucky enough to time it with the Lego Brick Wrecks interactive exhibit. 
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14. Take the Ferry to Manly
Circular Quay to Manly
Taking a ferry to Manly is not only a great way to see the sights of Sydney Harbour, but it's also a fun day out for the whole family. Once in Manly, there are plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants to explore, as well as the beautiful Manly Beach. Children can play iin the sand, swim iin the netted beach, or even try their hand at surfing. The Manly Surf n Slide is also a great option for kids, with water slides and pools for all ages. .
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15. Visit Kirribilly
Kirribilly
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16. Play at One of Sydney's Icons
Milsons Ponit
The architecture and location of Sydney's Luna Park alone offer sights to see. Luna Park and its timeless amusements are a must for family FUN! Discover Coney Island and Sideshow Games plus the modern day thrill rides we're all familiar with. All ages are covered with a selection to suit both fun-lovers and thrill-seekers. The fun doesn't stop with the amusements, you can refuel with nostalgic style classics like dagwood dogs, hot chips, fairy floss, churros, donuts and hot dogs. Milstons
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17. Dine at an Enchanted Eatery
Alexandria
Visit the Grounds of Alexandria for a whimsical treat!  A place abundant with delicious food options with ample outdoor seating for families to eat and allow some freedom for children to play. We love the kid friendly fun here with animals giant sandpit and interactive installations that are often changing.
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18. Up Close with Furry Friends
North Sydney
For those in or planning to visit North Sydney you'll find Golden Ridge Animal Farm a 20 minute drive from Hornsby. A family run business focused on educating and entertaining children thiis was a very warm and friendly day out. They cover off all your favourite farm activities like milking a dairy cow, cuddling baby chicks, feeding the farm animals, pony rides and even egg collecting coop (both additional cost). Our boys loved the Digger Zone which you get access to with your daily pass, and just $5 per digger ride. Bookings are essential.     
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The Wizard of Oz – Movie World on the Gold Coast
19. URBNSURF Sydney: The Perfect Surfing Adventure for Kids
Sydney | Open Now
An awesome playground for aspiring surfers! Surfing is a positive, healthy, and incredibly fun activity for kids. Under the supervision of our Surf Coaches and Lifeguards, URBNSURF Sydney is the perfect place for your little ones (aged 6 and up) to start their surfing journey. No sharks, no jellyfish, and no seaweed—just clear waters and waves for days! If you have a child who’s yet to hit the surf, this is an ideal environment for your primary, tween, or teenager to test the waters.
Open all year round and located in Olympic Park, just 20 minutes from Sydney’s CBD, URBNSURF offers plenty to do. You can relax in the surrounds, play or swim, shop at Rip Curl, stretch out on The Lawns, grab your clips and photos from Flowstate, and dine at Sandy’s or RAFI. There’s lots to see and do at Sydney’s only surf park. Get an all-day Spectator pass for just $10 and explore URBNSURF Sydney at your leisure.
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URBNSURF Sydney: The Perfect Surfing Adventure for Kids
Sydney | Open Now
An awesome playground for aspiring surfers! Surfing is a positive, healthy, and incredibly fun activity for kids. Under the supervision of our Surf Coaches and Lifeguards, URBNSURF Sydney is the perfect place for your little ones (aged 6 and up) to start their surfing journey. No sharks, no jellyfish, and no seaweed—just clear waters and waves for days! If you have a child who’s yet to hit the surf, this is an ideal environment for your primary, tween, or teenager to test the waters.
Open all year round and located in Olympic Park, just 20 minutes from Sydney’s CBD, URBNSURF offers plenty to do. You can relax in the surrounds, play or swim, shop at Rip Curl, stretch out on The Lawns, grab your clips and photos from Flowstate, and dine at Sandy’s or RAFI. There’s lots to see and do at Sydney’s only surf park. Get an all-day Spectator pass for just $10 and explore URBNSURF Sydney at your leisure.
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Which of these party experiences are you most excited to visit with your family? Let us know in the comments!

Remember, the best venue is one that not only entertains but allows for moments of connection to create lasting memories for your child and their guests.
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