Do you think you know all the BEST things to do with kids in Sydney? We’re here to shake up the way you explore the New South Wales capital with 32 incredible highlights. Sydney family holidays have never been so much fun!
Sydney's best zoos and wildlife encounters
1. WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo - Darling Harbour
Get up close to iconic Australian animals at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, including kangaroos, wallabies, quokkas, platypus, numbats, wombats and Tasmanian devils, at this popular attraction in the heart of Darling Harbour. Kids will also love the snakes and spiders, as well as the saltwater crocodile Rocky (originally from Rockhampton in Northern Queensland). You can also have your photo taken with a koala, and grab a bite to eat at the Koala Rooftop Café.
2. SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium - Darling Harbour
Next door to WILD LIFE Sydney, see penguins, sharks, dugongs and other marine creatures at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium. The Day and Night on the Reef exhibit recreates life on the Great Barrier Reef with a 1.7 million litre display of over 500 sea creatures, including tropical fish, jellyfish and turtles. Littlies can also touch sea stars, shark eggs, shells and sea urchins at the Discovery Rockpool.
3. Taronga Zoo Sydney - Mosman
Taking a Sydney Harbour ferry ride to the iconic Taronga Zoo is one of the city’s must-do experiences for visiting families. Located at Mosman, on Sydney’s lower north shore. the zoo is home to more than 5000 animals from over 350 species, many of which are threatened. See Sumatran tigers, gorillas, Asian elephants, chimpanzees, giraffes, sun bears, meerkats, kangaroos, koalas and lots more.
Kids aged eight and up, who are at least 140cm tall, can also tackle the high ropes course, navigating suspension bridges, climbing walls and flying foxes. Families can even stay overnight at the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga for a unique animal experience you’ll never forget.
4. Sydney Zoo - Western Sydney
With clever habitat design, the Sydney Zoo in the city’s west aims to provide an experience that is more immersive and engaging than traditional zoos. Located on the Great Western Highway near Eastern Creek, it is home to more than 4,000 animals from over 1,000 species, and has Australia’s largest Reptile and Nocturnal House and an aquarium. It offers encounters in which you can feed camels, meerkats, capybaras and lions, while the Mini Zookeeper for a Day program allows kids aged 8 to 12-years-old to go behind-the-scenes to experience life as an employee.
5. Featherdale Wildlife Park - Doonside
Help feed kangaroos, koalas and Little Penguins during an animal encounter at this Doonside sanctuary in Sydney’s west. Featherdale Wildlife Park is home to the largest collection of Australian native animals – over 2,000 from more than 260 different species – and gives you the chance to get up close and personal with everyone’s Aussie favourite furry friends.
Visitors can learn about the park’s breeding programs for threatened species such as the yellow footed rock wallabies, quolls, and Tasmanian devils. You can also walk through the lorikeet aviary, and even take a selfie with a quokka.
6. Calmsley Hill City Farm - Abbotsbury
Once known as Fairfield City Farm, Calmsley Hill is not your average petting zoo – it’s actually a real 400 acre farm with 360 sheep, tractor rides and working dog shows. Kids can meet all their favourite farmyard animals, including horses, cows, pigs, chickens, goats, rabbits, a camel and a donkey.
One of the most popular attractions is the chance to ride Calmsley Hill City Farm’s iconic red tractor. The tour takes visitors across the paddocks as a guide explains how the farm works and what it takes to care for the animals. Be quick, though – this experience can’t be pre-booked and sells out fast!
7. Whale watching cruise - Sydney Harbour
You don’t have to travel interstate to go whale watching – in fact, one of the best places to spot them is just out of Sydney Harbour. When you book a whale watching experience with Captain Cook Cruises, they’re so confident you’ll spot one, they actually guarantee it!
As well as a chance of seeing majestic breaching humpbacks, the region is home to seals, orcas, southern right whales, minke whales and dolphins. As a bonus, you can take in the best views of Sydney’s most iconic tourist attraction as the boat glides under the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Tours operate from Circular Quay between May and September each year.
Sydney's best museums to visit with kids
8. Museum of Fire - Penrith
Marvel at hand drawn, horse drawn and motorised fire engines dating from the late 18th century up to the 21st century at the Museum of Fire, a not-for-profit and charitable organisation largely run by current and retired firefighters. Younger kids can play computer games, puzzles and dress ups in the Junior Firefighters Zone and take command of a fire engine in the simulator.
On certain days you can even ride on a vintage fire engine. Call before your visit to make sure the volunteer drivers are working that day — then make a day of it with these 10 more fun things to do in Penrith with kids.
9. The Australian Museum - Sydney CBD
Walk amongst real dinosaur skeletons and life-size models at The Australian Museum in the city centre, opposite Hyde Park. Its collections include scientific specimens of animals, fossils and minerals, as well as cultural objects such as Egyptian sculptures, ghost net art by Indigenous artists, and the Hawaiian Feather Cape presented to Captain Cook in 1778. Admission is free to permanent exhibitions.
10. Australian National Maritime Museum - Darling Harbour
Jump aboard tall ships, navy vessels, a cold war submarine and restored historic boats at the Australian National Maritime Museum in Darling Harbour. Its galleries also showcase historical artefacts that bring Australia’s deep connection to the sea alive.
11. Powerhouse Museum - Ultimo & Castle Hill
Located in the Ultimo Power Station, the Powerhouse Museum’s collections span science, technology, design and decorative arts, engineering, architecture, health and medicine, fashion and contemporary culture. It has both permanent exhibitions and changing temporary exhibitions and displays.
Note: The Powerhouse Museum in Ultimo is temporarily closed for heritage works, but public programs are still operating at the Sydney Observatory and Castle Hill locations.
12. Madame Tussauds Sydney - Darling Harbour
Meet and greet the stars at Madame Tussauds, Darling Harbour. Explore the meandering corridors and snap selfies with a host of favourites from local stars Kylie, Greg Inglis and Robert Irwin, to global celebs such as Taylor Swift, Pink and Harry Styles.
For extra value, you can buy a multi-venue Sydney Attractions Pass from the owners (Merlin Entertainment) which gives you access to sister attractions Sydney WildLIFE Zoo, Sydney SeaLIFE Aquarium, SeaLIFE Manly and Sydney Tower Eye.
Sydney's most iconic family attractions
13. Sydney Tower Eye
Take in 360-degree views of Sydney from the top of its tallest building, the Sydney Tower Eye, 250m above street level. On a clear days you can see as far as the Blue Mountains, 80km away! Feel like you are walking on air on the highest outdoor viewpoint as guides point out iconic landmarks and share the city’s stories during the one-hour SKYWALK tour, with access to the indoor Observation Deck before and after.
14. Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge
Families with children aged eight and over, who are more than 1.2m tall, can climb along the arch of the Sydney Harbour Bridge to the summit for magnificent views over the city. BridgeClimb has several options to choose from, depending on confidence levels.
Book the Burrawa climb with an Indigenous storyteller, in which you learn the origins of place names along the water’s edge, such as Bennelong Point and Barangaroo, or the Ultimate Climb which covers the entire bridge from north to south and back again.
15. Luna Park Sydney
Ride the ferris wheel, brave the rollercoasters and challenge yourself in the mirror maze at Luna Park, on the shore of Sydney Harbour at Milsons Point. The park is packed with rides for all ages, including the Boomerang family rollercoaster, the Sledgehammer 360° swing, and the thrilling Big Dipper Rollercoaster.
Dream Circus, an immersive multimedia show, and Sonic Neon, a ‘fantasy palace’ full of dazzling light and sound experiences, add even more spectacle to Sydney’s best-loved day out. Annual pass holders get exclusive perks, including 10% off food, beverage and merchandise purchases (like toys, show bags and other memorabilia).
16. Sydney Opera House
With its unique architecture, enviable harbourside position and its varied repertoire of performances, it’s no wonder The Sydney Opera House is a much-visit favourite for anyone visiting Sydney. Just a short walk from the Ferry terminal at Circular Quay, it sits at Bennelong Point, a historic Aboriginal site later developed by European settlers as both a fort and tram shed.
Tourists and local families alike love the Opera House’s schedule of kid-friendly shows and school holiday workshops, including Aussie and and international acts. To see the inner workings of the famous performance space, take a guided tour for a peek behind the scenes.
Sydney's best outdoor activities for kids
17. Treetops Adventure Park - St Ives
The Treetops Adventure at St Ives, on Sydney’s north shore, caters to all ages and physical abilities. It includes 15 ziplines, 95 aerial obstacles, tight ropes and nets, as well as specially designed activities for visitors from three to seven-years-old. The attraction is part of the multi-million-dollar St Ives Showground redevelopment, transforming the area into an environmental hub, with walking tracks, community gardens, a café, playground and workshops to educate visitors on environmental issues.
18. Sailing on Sydney Harbour
It may seem like a pursuit just for the rich and famous, but a day boating on Sydney Harbour doesn’t have to be! Get a group of friends and family together and charter a boat to spend a day exploring the Harbour’s hidden coves.
Karisma Cruises is particularly fun for kids, with a selection of inflatables to play on, including an island raft, a lily pad, and a floating dock. Sydney Harbour Luxe Charters also has a range of water toys and can tailor a day out to suit the family’s brief.
For a more lowkey day on the water, Sydney Harbour Kayaks at Spit Bridge family canoes, allowing watery explorations of the greener side of the harbour for children three and over.
19. Explore the Royal National Park
Australia’s oldest national park is accessible by train, ferry and car, and less than 40km from the CBD. Stretching along a stunning coastline, there’s something for everyone in the Royal National Park. It’s also the first stop on the famous scenic Grand Pacific Drive road trip running along the South Coast to Kiama and the Shoalhaven.
If the two-day Royal Coast Track isn’t your cup of tea, make it a day trip with one of the park’s shorter walking trails. The Forest Path is a 4.4km bushwalk that’s ideal for kids and includes two spots to stop for a creekside picnic. Make it a longer day hike by connecting to the 5.1km Couranga walking track which is surrounded by wildflowers in spring.
20. Sydney Olympic Park - Homebush
Venture out to the family-friendly sport and activity precinct of Sydney Olympic Park in Homebush. Packed with parklands, sporting venues and entertainment centres, it combines the best of nature with adventurous activities and is perfect for getting the kids active in the fresh air. The bikeways are safe for children and connect to the Bicentennial Park cycleways.
Splashers Water Playground is a great water play area located at the Aquatic Centre. For a small pool entrance fee, there are pools, spray jets, waterslides and rapids for kids to enjoy.
21. Day trip to Pittwater - Sydney North
Pittwater is a playground of boats, beaches and bush, 40km north of the city. The drive is worth it for the expansive views from West Head alone, without mentioning the walks to see Indigenous rock art and secluded beaches. Keep going to Palm Beach to surf, plonk or play, or climb the steps to the 140-year-old Barrenjoey Lighthouse for fantastic views over Pittwater and the coast. Ferries run to the famous Basin campsite in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, as well as to Patonga for visits to the pub and pelicans, or walks onward to Pearl Beach.
22. Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park - North Shore
Families can learn about Aboriginal history and native wildlife at Kalkari Discovery Centre, which features a fun nature trail. It also hosts educational activities where kids can make a model wombat and burrow or play traditional games (bookings required). Nearby Bobbin Head picnic area has a fantastic playground and plenty of picnic tables. If you don’t want to bring your own lunch, there are several restaurants and cafes to choose from, like the scenic Waterside Bistro.
23. Barangaroo Reserve - Sydney CBD
Just a short walk from Darling Harbour, Barangaroo Reserve is a Harbourside park with incredible views of the harbour and The Anzac Bridge. Bring scooters, bikes or skateboards and explore the walkways and cycleways around the park following the Wulugul Walk, the original shoreline before European settlement.
24. Royal Botanic Gardens - Sydney CBD
Explore the Royal Botanic Gardens just a short walk from Circular Quay and the Sydney Opera House. Open daily from 7 am to sunset, it’s a lovely place for a walk and a picnic lunch in the grass – be sure to see the wildflower meadow and the succulent garden.
Littlies will love the sensory fountain in the herb garden and the Cadi Jam Ora – First Encounters Garden, an immersive journey into Australia’s history. For more fun in the gardens, there’s a great program of activities and events including Indigenous bush tucker tours and eco-friendly workshops especially for kids.
25. Visit Sydney's swimming baths
A tidal netted saltwater pool in Sydney’s Inner West? You better believe it. Dawn Fraser Baths in Balmain is a much-loved local swimming spot, open exclusively during the warmer months. Kids can even build sandcastles on the beach at low tide.
Greenwich Baths on the Harbour is another one of Sydney’s best kept secrets. There’s a café by a netted harbour pool, plenty of clean sand for kids to dig about in, plus sun lounges and loads of beach toys for visitors to use. Make the outing even more fun by getting there on a Sydney Ferry – the Woolwich/Balmain route docks at Greenwich Point just metres from the baths.
26. Pirate ship cruise on Sydney Harbour
Dress up like a pirate and set sail on the Sydney Harbour Tall Ships Southern Swan for a Pirate Cruise Experience on Sydney Harbour. Hoist the sails, climb the mast and be a pirate on-board for an immersive 90-minute cruise packed with fun.
Sydney's best historic sites to visit
27. Wareamah / Cockatoo Island - Sydney Harbour
Explore the largest island in Sydney Harbour, formerly a convict penal establishment and naval shipyard, on a guided historical tour – or a ghost tour if you dare. If you want to stay overnight, there’s a range of accommodation options including tents at the waterfront campground, heritage cottages, and even a converted fire station. Wareamah/Cockatoo Island is easily accessible by ferry from Circular Quay, Barangaroo, and wharves along the Parramatta River.
28. Headland Park - Mosman
Did you know Mosman has a bevy of underground tunnels dating back to 1870? The Gunners and Tunnels Tour is an intricate weave through the tunnel systems and military emplacements that were used during WWII. Guests will learn about the important role Headland Park played in the defense of Sydney as well as enjoy the beautiful flora and fauna of the area.
29. North Head Sanctuary - Manly
North Fort, located in Manly’s North Head Sanctuary, is part of a 300km coastal defense system. With over 200 meters of complex underground tunneling, a newly restored magazine and shell store and Engine Room, the Defence of Sydney Tour explores the fascinating role North Head played in WWII.
Even more things to do in Sydney with kids
30. Sydney's best escape rooms
The popularity of escape rooms means they’re popping up all over. Our favourites in Sydney include PaniqRoom, where teens and parents can choose between environments like a Military Bunker or Magician’s House, or Escape Hunt, which offers three rooms of varying difficulty which you can tackle in costume. There is also the Mission Real Life.
Discover more of kid-friendly Sydney
Planning the ultimate city getaway or school holiday staycation? Don’t miss these handy guides:
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🤑 Keep your wallet happy with Sydney’s best free family activities
Main image: SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium at Darling Harbour. © Destination NSW
Content contributors: Elisa Elwin, Megan Holbeck
