10 Best Family Things to Do in Sydney
What to Do for Fun in Sydney with Your Kids?
The best family things to do in Sydney invite you to discover the city’s stunning harbor views, historic landmarks, and beautiful beaches. Encounter exotic wildlife at Taronga Zoo, take a swim at a natural rock pool, or explore a submarine.
Sydney boasts green spaces, immersive museum exhibitions, and modern playgrounds that will keep the kids stimulated for hours. Packed with opportunities for thrills and recreation, this vibrant metropolis is perfect for families seeking to make an unforgettable trip.
What are the best family things to do in Sydney?
1. Sydney Harbor
Home to Australia’s most famous landmarks
Good for: Families, Photo
Sydney Harbor is home to 2 of Australia’s most famous landmarks, the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbor Bridge, but it has so much more to offer. Punctuated with beaches and bushland, this charming waterway has lots of activities fit for a fun family outing such as bathing, lunch cruises and kayaking.
After soaking in the iconic harbor views, hop on a ferry from Sydney Harbor to visit the enormous Taronga Zoo. It’s a big hit with children as it houses a variety of wildlife native to Australia like wallabies, kangaroos and koalas. If you are visiting in the summer, check the events calendar for the gorgeous fireworks displays.
Sydney Harbor
2. The Rocks
A historic quarter with museums, markets, and galleries
Good for: Families, History
The Rock is a historic quarter dotted with museums, galleries and restaurants. Observe historic sites and architectural gems as you stroll along the cobblestone paths with your family. Guided walking tours are also available. Curious kids can learn more about the locale through interactive exhibits at The Rocks Discovery Museum.
If your visit falls on a weekend, drop by The Rocks Markets to pick up a souvenir and sample some sweet treats such as gelato, tarts and doughnuts. Keep your eyes on the events calendar for more family-friendly events.
The Rocks
3. Bronte Beach
A small beach with a natural pool and picnic spots
Good for: Families, Photo, Budget
Located just south of Bondi, the little but picturesque Bronte beach is perfect for a family getaway. You will find a grassy park, picnic tables, barbecue spots, and a shallow natural pool perfect for bathing with the little ones. There are plenty of spots where you can sunbathe and soak in the views of the surrounding cliffs and rocky coastline.
Children will enjoy riding the vintage streetcar that runs on the weekends. The area also hosts the annual Sculptures by the Sea event, where you can explore various seaside sculptures and art installations.
Bronte Beach
4. Darling Quarter
A vibrant neighborhood with an enormous playground
Good for: Families, Food, Budget
Darling Quarter is a modern neighborhood packed with culture and urban conveniences. Its enormous playground can keep kids of all ages entertained for hours with water games, slides, swings and sandboxes. Challenge your family members to a game of table tennis using the free equipment available onsite.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, refuel at a local restaurant. You will find a variety of cuisines such as Thai, Japanese and Brazilian. In the evening, a gorgeous LED set-up illuminates the area. On Fridays and Saturdays, you can even control the display with interactive consoles.
Darling Quarter
5. Australian Museum
Australia’s oldest museum
Good for: Families, History, Couples
With over 20 million scientific and cultural objects in their collection, the Australian Museum is full of learning opportunities. Whether your child is interested in dinosaurs, ancient cultures, or wild animals, the museum’s interactive exhibits and immersive spaces inspire wonder and excitement.
The museum gift shop features artwork, jewelry and accessories made by Indigenous Australian artists, perfect for souvenirs. After perusing the exhibits, you can recharge with a light meal and beverages at one of the onsite cafes. Alternately, enjoy a leisurely picnic with the family at Hyde Park, located just opposite the museum.
Location: 1 William St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia
Open: Thursday–Tuesday from 10 am to 5 pm, Wednesday from 10 am to 9 pm
Phone: +61 (0)2 9320 6000
Australian Museum
6. Luna Park
An iconic amusement park packed with family-friendly rides
Good for: Families, Photo
The charming Luna Park is an amusement park that offers over 20 rides and beautiful views of Sydney Harbor. It has many fun family rides with whimsical names such as Tango Train and Cloud Nine. Don’t miss the Ferris Wheel, which gives a bird’s eye view of the Opera House and Sydney Harbor Bridge.
Luna Park is not just about the rides. You can challenge yourself to some Sideshow Games, explore a mirror maze or savor classic treats like popcorn and cotton candy. To reach Luna Park, hop on a ferry or just cross the Sydney Harbor Bridge.
Location: 1 Olympic Dr, Milsons Point NSW 2061, Australia
Open: Hours vary by season
Phone: +61 (0)2 9922 6644
Luna Park
7. Australian National Maritime Museum
Exploring submarines and historical ships
Good for: Families, History, Budget
Located at the Darling Harbor waterfront, the Australian National Maritime Museum features exhibits celebrating maritime history and culture. Kids will enjoy exploring its collection of floating historical vessels, including a steel gun ship, a luxury steam yacht from the early 1900s, and a cold war-era submarine.
There’s a play area and immersive installations geared toward young visitors. The museum also houses several galleries and offers tours and workshops. After your visit, enjoy a meal against a beautiful backdrop at a waterfront cafe.
Location: 2 Murray St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Open: Daily from 10 am to 4 pm
Phone: +61 (0)2 9298 3777
Australian National Maritime Museum
8. Sydney Tower Eye
Dazzling views from Sydney’s tallest building
Good for: Families, Photo, Food
Enjoy panoramic views of Sydney from the tallest building in the city, Sydney Tower Eye. You can spot the area’s most recognizable landmarks such as the Opera House and Sydney Harbor Bridge. On clear days, you might even be able to see the Blue Mountains. Multilingual touch panels provide you with interesting tidbits about the sites.
This observation deck offers more than just great views. You can take an open-air Skywalk Tour, watch a 4D movie, or slip into a VR pod to ‘ride’ a virtual coaster. After a day of fun and thrills, treat your family to a sumptuous meal at one of the tower restaurants.
Location: Westfield Sydney, Level 5/108 Market St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Open: Hours vary by season
Phone: +61 (0)2 9265 9333
Sydney Tower Eye
9. Centennial Park
An enormous urban oasis
Good for: Families, Budget, Photo
Centennial Park is a lush urban oasis with cafes, statues, ponds, and walking and cycling trails. Enjoy a quiet picnic under the shade of trees, feed some ducks by the pond, or head to the Equestrian Center for horse riding lessons.
The park has several playgrounds with slides, swings, see-saws, and much more. Workshops and activities for children are available regularly. At the adjacent Moore Park, you’ll find plenty of indoor entertainment, such as bowling, laser tag and a movie theater.
Location: 15 Locked Bag, Paddington NSW 2021, Australia
Open: Hours vary by season
Phone: +61 (0)2 9339 6699
Centennial Park
10. Powerhouse Museum
An enormous museum complex with interactive exhibits
Good for: Families, History, Unusual
The imposing Powerhouse Museum houses an impressive collection that is sure to impress visitors of all ages. With more than 500,000 items, the museum covers art, history, science, technology and much more.
You’ll find 4 different venues under the Powerhouse Museum umbrella: Powerhouse Castle Hill, Powerhouse Ultimo, Sydney Observatory, and Powerhouse Parramatta. Many of the exhibits are tailored for young minds. Explore interactive and immersive displays and craft corners to play and learn. Entry is free for children below the age of 16. As the exhibition areas are revitalized on a regular basis, be sure to check their website for detailed info on current exhibits and areas open to the public.
Phone: +61 (02) 9217 0222
Powerhouse Museum
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