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40 Best Things To Do In Sydney With Kids 2024 Guide

Are you looking for fun things to do in Sydney with kids because you’re sick of going to the same playgrounds or doing the same kids activities every single weekend?

Or, maybe you’re looking for indoor kids activities in Sydney when it’s raining or when it’s unbelievably hot, which doesn’t involve walking around a museum trying to keep everyone entertained. Or, maybe it’s the school holidays, you just need some self-care and want to send them off to awesome kids activities in Sydney they’ll love!

Fear not! We’ve asked our readers what their favourite things to do with kids in Sydney are, and we combined them with own experience to bring you this unique and fun post for locals and family things to do in Sydney. If you’re visiting Sydney on holiday, then we’ll include some tourist Sydney attractions too.


Table of Contents

1. Super Kids Sushi Class In Sydney

If you’re looking for things to do in the rain in Sydney with kids then pre-book this popular kids sushi-making class in Chatswood!

In this two-hour class, you’ll be taught by a professional chef and you’ll be able to get stuck into learning new cooking techniques with your kids.

Kids love learning new “adult” skills and it’s something the whole family can enjoy. Plus, sushi is super healthy and apparently Japanese children have the world’s healthiest diet so this isn’t only an exciting kids workshop, but it’s educational fun too! Basically, it’s a win all around.


2. Climb Sydney Harbour Bridge

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Think Sydney Harbour Bridge climb is only for adults? Think again!

Grab a family package for you and your older kids (ages 8-15) and climb one of the world’s most famous bridges. It is completely safe to do, everyone is harnessed and secure to a walkway on the bridge, plus it’s an adventure!

Once at the top you will get the best view of the Sydney Opera House, City centre and even out to the Blue Mountains National Parks. Let’s be honest, kids are climbing everything they can in the park so why not join them at a bucket list sight?


3. Amazing Race Style Game At The Botanic Gardens

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If your family love the idea of going on a bit of an amazing race style game, then you must book a super cheap Bloomin Botanical trail – a treasure hunt with Adventure Clues, which is also one of the best things to do in the city with kids.

You just need to download the game to crack the cryptic clues which will take you to loads of hidden spots you never new existed within The Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney.

There’s also a leaderboard on their website so you’re competing against everyone else who’s ever taken part. Will you win?


4. Unicorn Craft Class For Kids

If you have a child who is obsessed with unicorns then look no further for this amazing kids birthday idea in Sydney. Pre-Book this unicorn craft class for kids – based in St Leonards – is a brilliant way to spend 2 hours painting their own unicorn money bank as well as having a unicorn-themed party.

You just need to make sure you have 10 kids interested to book this fun kids birthday idea in Sydney. They recommend kids between 4-6 years best suit this class.


5. Go for a swim at North Sydney Olympic Pool

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Arguably, the best swimming view in Sydney. The North Sydney Olympic Pool is awesome for practising technique or just to splash around and cool down on a hot New South Wales day.

Based next to Luna Park and Lavender bay, the North Sydney Olympic pool has uninterrupted views of the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge towering over. With a shallow kids pool, full 50-mete Olympic pool, sun lounges and cafe, you could spend a whole afternoon here entertaining both little kids and big kids.


6. Terrarium Workshop For Kids In Sydney

You know what’s awesome about having your very own DIY terrarium? It’s that it’s super easy to look after and only needs watering once a week. Take your kids to design and make their own little jungle at this awesome tweens and teens terrarium class in Alexandria.

By creating their own terrarium, your kids will gain a sense of responsibility to look after and nourish something they have created themselves. It also makes a great gift idea if they’re looking to give a birthday present to a friend or loved one.

Let’s be honest, Sydney is an exciting city and this definitely makes it onto the list of unique things to do in Sydney with kids!


7. Head Over To Darling Harbour

@havekidswilltravel_downunder moved to Sydney recently and made a beeline to Darling Harbour because it’s so child friendly. If you’re looking for family activities in Sydney or free things to do in Sydney with kids, then Darling Harbour is the best place to start.

If you’re new to Sydney then make sure you check out the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, Sydney Wild life Sydney Zoo, the incredible Darling Quarter playground (which I’m sure most of you have been there a million times already) and of course the Chinese Gardens of Friendship – which is dirt cheap and absolutely beautiful! The Sea life Sydney aquarium is an excellent option when looking for things to do in the rain in Sydney with kids!

@staceyrolfephotography also mentioned kids under 12 eat free at Fratelli Fresh! This offer is open all day everyday and there’s one in Darling Harbour too!


8. Kids Chocolate Making Class

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If you’re looking for more kids birthday party ideas in Sydney, then you can’t go wrong with a chocolate making class at a real life chocolate making factory in Lilyfield!

You’ll need 10 kids or more to book a class which makes for a fab birthday idea. Sydney kids will have the opportunity to choose from various moulds to make their own chocolates and they’ll be able to decorate marshmallows as well!

Whether you’re looking to entertain Sydney kids during the school holidays or have a celebration in mind, this class is a great shout for both younger and older kids.


9. Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens

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The Royal Botanic Gardens is a must-see for both Sydney kids and adults. Situated right next to Sydney CBD city streets and spreading all the way down to Sydney Opera House and Sydney harbour, the Royal Botanic Garden is a beautiful place to stroll in nature.

Check out their Aboriginal experiences, guided tour and learning talks and school holidays vacation care groups to make the most of your Royal Botanic Gardens experience.


10. Find The Secret Gardens In Sydney

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There are four awesome secret gardens in Sydney’s Lower North Shore you need to know about! The best one for kids is Wendy’s Secret Garden as there are loads of paths so the kids can go exploring without running off. It’s a great option for a hot day with plenty of shade to hide in.

If you’re looking for free school holiday activities then bring a picnic and enjoy the tranquillity right in the middle of Sydney. Bliss!

Watch our gardens in Sydney video below!


11. Teach Your Expat Kids All About Aboriginal Culture

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If your family are new to Australia, and your unsure about the Aboriginal History & Culture, check out our guide to help the whole family gain a good understanding of it, written by Museum Educator, Tamsin Birch. You’ll find a wealth of resources, museums and sights all across Sydney to take your kids to. Read Our Guide For Aboriginal History & Culture: How To Educate Expat Kids About Aboriginal History & Culture


12. Climb up to Sydney’s Tallest Building: Sydney Tower Eye

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Blow your kid’s minds by taking them up 309 metres in Sydney’s tallest building; Sydney Tower Eye.

With completely uninterrupted views of Sydney, you could have hours of fun challenging them to be the first to see the famous Sydney attractions – Bondi beach, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Cockatoo Island, Luna Park etc. From the Sydney Tower Eye, you can see out to rural New South Wales and it is one of the best sunset spots in Sydney.

Sydney Tower Eye offers ticket deals with other attractions like Sea life Sydney aquarium and Wild life Sydney zoo so save money too when looking for things to do in Sydney with kids.


13. Day trip to Sydney Taronga Zoo

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You can’t experience Sydney with kids without heading to the awesome Taronga zoo!

A unique zoo on the shores of Sydney Harbour with a view of Sydney city, Taronga zoo is a full day out of fun with kids. Experience native animals, reptile shows, feeding time and learning talks and be amazed by the wildlife.

If that isn’t enough to get you to book tickets, then let me tell you how you get there! It is a short ferry ride from Circular quay and then a sky safari ride to the Taronga zoo entrance. How cool is that for an entrance? Definitely a day out in Sydney with kids the whole family can enjoy, whether it’s school holidays or just a random Saturday.


14. Brunch At Grounds Of Alexandria

If you’ve not been to The Grounds Of Alexandria yet, get the whole family over there as it’s more than just somewhere to eat. This foodies theme park includes market stalls and a mini farm which is incredibly popular with families. Get there early as it gets busy here at weekends.


15. Unlimited Rides At Luna Park

Luna Park is a classic day (or days) out in Sydney with children and they do an unlimited annual pass!

It’s awesome to get little kids and older kids play in one place at the same time. With rollercoasters big and small, dodgems, ferris wheel, slides and old school amusements, Luna Park is a must when you need hours of entertainment.

Either pack a picnic and sit overlooking Sydney harbour or grab food from one of there food stalls!


16. Visit the amazing art galleries in Sydney

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An art gallery is a perfect place for the whole family to appreciate creativity, culture and history. With over 14 to choose from, Sydney has an art gallery to please everyone. Make sure you check out our 18 Best Art Galleries In Sydney Guide!

Here’s some of our top picks:

  • Art gallery of New South Wales
  • Museum of Contemporary Art Gallery
  • White Rabbit Art Gallery
  • Powerhouse Museum
  • Aboriginal Art Gallery Sydney

17. Take the kids on a real-life pirate ship in Sydney Harbour!

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Kids love tall ships and acting like pirates right? So why not take them on this mighty tall ship cruise around Sydney Harbour?

Ride the smooth Harbour “waves” on a historic wooden tall ship for 90 minutes as you go past the modern-day Sydney ferry, see the Opera house and Sydney harbour bridge! You can even add on a mast climb for your adventurous pirate kids!

A day of nautical nonsense? Sign me up!


18. Visit Sea Life Sydney Aquarium

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See over 13,000 animals from over 700 species at Sydney Aquarium right in Darling Harbour!

There’s no doubt that Sydney and New South Wales is famous for its beautiful waters and access to marine life. Well at Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, you can safely bring marine life to your kids. Be amazed by sharks, turtles, platypus, stingrays, penguins and so much more at this awesome fun day out with kids.

Have a “finding nemo” family competition to see who can spot Nemo and Dory first!

Sea Life Sydney Aquarium is the perfect thing to do to escape the rain with kids too.


19. Fairy Craft Class For Kids

The most perfect birthday treat for any fairy-loving child in Sydney is here! Based in Surry Hills, this 2-hour fairy craft class allows your kids to bring out their creativeness whilst they decorate their own fairy wings and masks. There’s also cake as well which make it one of the most unique kids birthday ideas in Sydney.


20. Check Out The New Oatley Park Adventure Playground

I remember visiting my best friend a while ago when the awesome new Oatley Adventure Playground was being built. It looked amazing but I’ll tell you what, this beautiful place is worth a visit, even if you don’t live in South Sydney.

This eco friendly playground has been built from using natural materials from the bush and is situated right in the middle of this little pocket of Oatley, New South Wales.

There’s a flying fox and a stationary train on site so you could technically make a whole day of it here.


21. Pizza Making Class For Kids

Kids from 10-16 years old can take part in a fun pizza making class in Sydney based in Sydney’s west, Parramatta at the Sicilian Parramatta restaurant. Here the kids will learn how to make their favourite pizza with a pizza chef and they’ll get to eat it at the end with ice cream for dessert.

This pizza-making class makes a brilliant birthday party for kids in Sydney as you’ll need at least 10 kids to book.


22. Superhero Class In Sydney

If you’ve got creative kids who have a sense of adventure and a love for superheroes, then a Superhero Craft Class in Sydney based in Cammeray could be an awesome option to keep every child happy!

They’ll be making capes, masks and much more as well as eating lots of cake in this fun kids workshop in Sydney. It’s a private class, so you’ll need 10 kids or more to book this class – perfect for a kids party in Sydney.


23. Ian Potter wild play garden at centennial park

Image via centennialparklands.com.au

Thanks to @staceyrolfephotography for telling us about the awesome Ian Potter’s Wild Play Garden in Centennial Parklands. It’s been specifically designed for kids between 2-12 years and offers up a variety of activities all within one space including: a slide, water jets, rope bridges, a tower to climb and much more.


24. Blaxland Riverside Park and Playground

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Image via Sydneyolympicparkcomau

There’s an amazing playground at Sydney Olympic Park called Blaxland Riverside Park which is known to be one of the best playgrounds in Sydney.

Expect hidden slides, flying foxes and a massive water play area as well as climbing frames and much more to discover. You could literally spend an entire day here and your kids won’t get bored.


25. Skateboarding Classes For Kids

Do you have any kids aged between 5-15 years who love skateboarding but want to improve their skills? Or maybe they’ve never skated before and want to learn. Good news is, you’ll be able to book an awesome skateboarding class in Manly with a pro skater. You can book a one on one class for just $40 – money well spent!

Sydney is dotted with skateboards too, including the iconic beach; Bondi beach so once they are confident it could provide hours of future fun!


26. Kids Surfing Lessons In Manly

Our other thing to do in Manly for kids is to take kids surfing lessons. If your child wants to improve their surfing skills or if you’re visiting Sydney and your children have never surfed, then make sure you check out these popular surfing lessons in Sydney. It’s for kids aged 7 years+.


27. Ceramic Painting Class For Kids

Bring out your children’s creative side in a ceramic painting class for kids in Sydney based in St Leonards. Your kids will learn the basic techniques of ceramics before making their own piece of art to take home. This two hour class is a the perfect school holidays kids activity in Sydney.


28. Kids Drumming Workshop

If you’re looking for fun kids party ideas in Sydney, then check out a kids drumming workshop for 3-16 years. Taught by a professional drummer, your kids will have a brilliant time as they learn how to drum and learn basic rhythms from the experts!


29. Family Friendly Beaches In Sydney

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Looking for some of the best family friendly beaches in Sydney? Check out our popular post, 20 Best Family Friendly Beachesto find out where to take your kids swimming in Sydney.

@mia.oh.my told us she loves to take her kids to the tidal pool at Curl Curl, as well as going for a paddle around Manly Dam.

Other family favourites include Bondi Beach, Balmoral Beach and Clontarf Beach.


30. Kayaking in Sydney

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Kayaking in Sydney is excellent for kids due to our calm waters, tandem kayaks and cool wildlife to spot! Try out kayaking in Pittwater New South Wales for an awesome full family day out. Or for closer to home, try out kayaking from Rose Bay to Shark Island, The Royal National Parks, Balmoral Beach or rent from a breakfast boatshed in Woronora!

We put together a list of 17 best places to kayak in Sydney and New South Wales and it definitely deserves a place of this things to do in Sydney with kids article.


31. Cinemas in Sydney

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Cinemas in Sydney are not just a rainy day activity! Sydney is homey to some of the most awesome and unique Cinemas of any city.

Watch the sun go down over Sydney harbour before settling down to watch a movie under the stars. Or maybe you want your kids to experience a historic organ opening the movie? Or, maybe the family would enjoy a tasty buffet before snuggling into a comfy bed for movie night?

Whatever your needs, Sydney has a cinema for all kids! Check out our 23 top cinemas in Sydney!


32. Have fun at the Australian National Maritime Museum

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The National Maritime Museum is an exceptional place to visit with the family. With its vast collection that spans maritime history, there is something for everyone! The Museum offers a range of activities and interactive exhibits as well as displays on Australia’s rich naval heritage. Families can explore the wide array of artifacts and stories throughout the museum’s galleries.

Children will love to take part in hands-on activities such as exploring interactive models, navigating a virtual boat or trying on uniforms from different eras. The museum also offers guided tours suitable for all ages, which offer fantastic insight into the maritime history of Sydney and beyond.


33. Spend the day at the Australian Museum

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australian museum things to do with kid in sydney

The Australian Museum has long been dedicated to preserving and protecting the world’s diverse cultural heritage. Its collections span centuries of Indigenous and non-Indigenous culture, showcasing its rich history.

The museum also offers conservation programs that preserve endangered species such as Tasmanian devils and platypuses, highlighting the importance of taking action against climate change and other environmental threats.

Aside from its array of educational opportunities, theAustralian Museum also offers fun activities for families to enjoy together. Special events such as kids’ workshops offer interactive learning experiences through hands-on activities.

The museum also hosts exhibitions featuring artworks by indigenous artists and cultural performances that highlight different cultures around the globe – giving families a chance to explore the world from within Australia.


34. And check out the Powerhouse Museum

The Powerhouse Museum in Sydney is an exciting, educational and entertaining experience for the family. Located in the historic Darling Harbour precinct, it is a museum of science and history that houses over 400,000 artifacts from around the world. It offers interactive exhibits and hands-on experiences that are sure to provide hours of entertainment and learning for families of all sizes.

One of the main attractions at the Powerhouse Museum is its unique collection of science and technology displays. Visitors can explore static models depicting how different technologies have evolved over time, watch demonstrations about early Australian inventions, or investigate everyday items like cars or kitchen appliances up close.


35. Take a ferry over to Cockatoo Island

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Cockatoo Island is an ideal destination for families looking to explore and experience the beauty of Sydney, Australia. Located in the middle of Sydney Harbour, Cockatoo Island offers a unique adventure that will keep everyone in the family entertained. From its stunning natural landscapes to its rich cultural history and fascinating activities, Cockatoo Island provides something special for every member of the family.

For nature-lovers, there are plenty of opportunities to take in the stunning views and wildlife around Cockatoo Island. With hiking trails winding through lush forests full of native birds and animals, and spectacular lookout points scattered on various parts of the island, you can be sure that both parents and children alike will have plenty to discover here.


37. Spend the day at Prince Alfred Park

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Prince Alfred Park in Sydney CBD is a wonderful destination for families to enjoy a fun day out. Located in the bustling inner-city suburb of Surry Hills, this park offers plenty of activities and attractions to keep everyone entertained.

The park itself has plenty of open green space for children to run around and explore. Children can take part in various outdoor sports such as football, cricket or basketball, or just relax and enjoy the sunshine. There’s even an adventure playground with climbing frames, slides and swings – perfect for keeping little ones occupied! The nearby Cook + Phillip Park Aquatic Centre also known as Prince Alfred Park Pool, which provides great family entertainment during the summer months.


38. Jump on the Riverboat Postman Cruise

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Head up to Brooklyn which is 1 hour on the train or driving time and jump on the Riverboat Postman Cruise. It’s a super fun trip where kids help the postman deliver the mail to the residents who live on the islands nearby in the Hawkesbury River.

On the two hour cruise, you’ll have morning tea or lunch depending on the time you go and there’s a bar too. We really enjoyed this experience and you can read our review here; Why You Should Do The Riverboat Postman Cruise in Brooklyn.


39. Find the best ice cream in Sydney

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Sydney is definitely home to some of the best ice cream in Sydney! Luckily for you, we’ve put together a guide to find the 10 Best Places To Get Ice Cream In Sydney. Whether you’re looking for vegan ice cream, gelato or ice cream in general, it’s all in the post.


40. Kirribilli To Lavender Bay Walk

There’s actually a good few things to do in Kirribilli for kids. Just as @staceyrolfephotography told us, you can do a beautiful Sydney Harbour walk from St Mary’s Booth Lookout and along to Luna Park, Wendy’s Secret Garden and finishing off with a swim at North Sydney Olympic Pool. Time it right and pop along to one of the bi-monthly Kirribilli Markets.


More kids activities to check out

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Read some of our popular Sydney with kids guides below for inspiration!

17 Best Family Sydney Getaways To Choose From

20 Best Family Beaches In Sydney

10 Best Places To Get A Delicious Ice Cream in Sydney


Family Friendly Accommodation in Sydney

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Enjoy the Four Seasons in Sydney with kids

Looking for family friendly accommodation in Sydney? No problem. We’ve sourced some of the best Sydney hotels to help you plan your trips with kids in Sydney, New South Wales.

  1. Luxury: Four Seasons – they offer a welcome gift for kids, movies, snacks and a tent experience!
  2. Mid range: Novotel Sydney – great location for Darling Harbour, Sea Life Sydney and much more.
  3. Budget: Sydney Harbour YHA – this is a fantastic family friendly place to stay in Sydney. With some of the best views of Circular Quay, you won’t find better value for money than here. Many families stay here for it’s fancy-free accommodation option with excellent value for money. You can read our Sydney Harbour YHA review.

Best Things To Do In Sydney With Kids

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