Best things to do in Sydney with Kids

Think of Sydney Australia, and no doubt the Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach, Taronga Zoo and the magnificent Opera House come to mind. They may be the jewels in Sydney’s many-pronged crown, but there is so many fun things to do in Sydney with kids, that you’ll need some time to fit it all in.

Sydney is home to an incredible tapestry of cultures and flavours which is likely why it’s the top most visited city in Australia for families, singles, and couples. The city’s colonial history is the perfect balance to its beach lifestyle and thriving urban vibe.

Save up your holidays and spend them checking out all the amazing family attractions in Sydney. You won’t regret it.

What to do in Sydney with kids

There are so many family attractions in Sydney for toddlers to teens, but never enough time! Sydney is filled to overflowing with stuff to do, and these are our favourites.

Taronga Zoo Sydney

Want to get up close and personal with native and exotic animals? Taronga Zoo is your place to go. Throw in gorgeous harbour views and a beautiful park-like design, and Taronga could quite possibly be the highlight of your trip. You’ll need a full day at Taronga Zoo if you want to see most of the animals.

If you’re there during New South Wales’ school holidays, enrol the kids in one of the Keeper for a Day programs. For the ultimate sleep-over, book the Roar and Snore and camp overnight with the animals. The zoo is located on Bradleys Head, Mosman. If you’re staying in the city it’s a 12-minute ride on a Sydney ferry that leave Circular Quay every 30 minutes. You can also reach the zoo by bus or car.

Book tickets to Taronga Zoo & Ferry Pass with Sky Safari.

If you’re after some adrenaline pumping adventure, then try tackling Wild Ropes, an action-packed high ropes course, high up in the trees of Taronga Zoo (separate ticket required). You need to be aware that if your kids are under 15, an adult will need to do the course with them. My boys absolutely loved it (ages 8 and 10) but I was terrified most of the time, and I love most adrenaline activities. Not one to give up, especially since you have to get winched down as there’s no easy way out like a ladder, I made it to the end! My kids absolutely loved it though.

Sydney Opera House

Put on your walking shoes and grab your camera for a day discovering the dazzling Opera House. Take time to walk around the exterior, then dive beneath the sails and go backstage the city’s busiest music, arts, and performance venue. The Sydney Opera House Junior Adventure Tour held during school holidays is seriously cool for families.

Click here to find the best deals for The Sydney Opera House Tour with Dining Experience.

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Sydney Harbour Bridge is wonderful to look at but it’s a once in a lifetime experience to actually climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge! There are different climbs to choose from and the mlost spectacular views to take in. Children must be at least 8 years old and over 1.2 metres tall to be able to climb the bridge. It’s totally awesome and something the family will talk about for years to come. Check here for latest deals and availability.

If trudging up the 1,332 steps on the BridgeClimb is not for you, you can still enjoy 360-degree views of the city from the Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout, an 87m-tall bridge bearing that only requires a 200-stair climb that you can take at your own pace while enjoying a photographic tour through the history of the Bridge. Access to the pylon is via the Bridge Stairs in Cumberland Street, The Rocks. Open daily 10.00am to 5.00pm (last entry 4:45pm).

Take a ride on Sydney Harbour

There are lots of options to explore Sydney Harbour, you can take a harbour cruise, a tall ship, or if you’re short of time, the best value way to cruise the harbour is aboard a Sydney Harbour Ferry. Ferries run from Circular Quay to Manly, the Zoo, Darling Harbour, and up the river to Parramatta. The kids will love it.

Click here to find the best deals for Sydney Harbour Sightseeing Cruises.

Iconic Sydney photos at Circular Quay

If you’re wondering where Sydney visitors are taking those iconic photos with the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, the Harbour and if you’re really good, Luna Park, then Circular Quay is the place to go. Circular Quay is the place where you start your journey to lots of Sydney family attractions. It’s the place where you’ll catch the ferry to places like Manly and Taronga Zoo, it has a major Sydney train station, and is where you’ll see the Opera House, the Rocks, and the Museum of Contemporary Arts.

The Rocks

The Rocks is a Sydney family favourite. Wander the cobble-stoned streets, learn a thing or two about the history of Sydney for kids with a guided-tour (or self-guided outing), picnic under the Harbour Bridge, visit the many galleries and museums or wander through the renowned Sydney Rocks Markets. Quirky, quaint and unexpected. Did you know, many of the buildings are the original, convict-built sandstone buildings?

Royal Botanic Gardens

Bring a picnic and choose a patch of lawn for a little respite from attraction hopping. These vast gardens, established in 1815, are a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. Gates to the gardens are open daily from 7:00 am to dusk. There are multiple entry gates; near the harbour-front, opposite the art gallery, and from the city side on Mrs. Macquarie’s Road.

Bondi Beach Sydney

Sun seekers looking for some family fun in Sydney will be happy with a trip to the famous Bondi Beach. It may get a little crowded during the height of Summer, but with the water, waves and white sand, the crowds shouldn’t worry you too much. Linger a little longer and enjoy a leisurely lunch at any number of family-friendly Sydney cafes fringing the beach.

If you enjoy a good walk then head off on the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk which is absolutely stunning and an iconic Sydney activitiy for families. There are plenty of things to see and do along the way. A great place to finish your walk is Coogee Pavilion, one of our favourite places to eat in Coogee with kids, with its excellent food, a great atmosphere and an entire area up the back for the kids to play in. You can reach Bondi Beach Sydney on a 30-min bus ride from the CBD.

Manly Beach

Step off the Manly ferry and you’re a short stroll from another of Sydney’s most popular beaches.  If it’s time to eat, there are heaps of kid-friendly choices– fish and chips, burgers, Thai food. If you’re planning a picnic lunch by the beach, there are a couple of supermarkets between the wharf and the beach.

Sydney kids and visitors are blessed with so many other fantastic beaches to enjoy including Tamarama, Bronte Beach, which has rockpools that kids will love, Palm Beach and Shark Beach. You’ll want to check out some of these amazing Sydney beaches.

Spit Bridge to Manly Coastal Walk

If you’re a family of keen trekkers, this walk is highly recommended for breathtaking views of the harbour, and the chance to enjoy a dip in seclusion at one of the hidden beaches. Take a bus from the city to Spit Bridge, where you pick up the well-marked trail to Manly (or in opposite direction, leaving from Manly). The walk is 10 km long and will take 3-4 hours. From Manly, you can take the Ferry back to the city.

Australian Museum

Kids will love exploring the ancient world of dinosaurs at the museum, with its 10 complete dinosaur skeletons, and high-tech interactive displays. There is also a huge room full of animals from today’s world which we loved exploring. You can also learn about our Indigenous heritage (the boys loved the spears and shields) plus so much more. If you’ve got little ones then a visit to Kidspace for under 5’s is a must. Located corner of College St. and William St, in the CBD, across the road from Hyde Park.

Powerhouse Museum

All the cool kids in Sydney are heading to the Powerhouse Museum for a dose of science, design, technology, and FUN. There’s a replica of a NASA Space Shuttle, plus The Lab, a hands-on multimedia space where kids can explore digital technologies. Entry is free for all kids under 16 years. 500 Harris St, Ultimo, a short walk from Darling Harbour precinct.

Justice and Police Museum

If your child is interested in bushrangers and policing, then go and check out the Justice and Police Museum near Circular Quay. Here they can put their parents in the dock in the courtroom, walk into a real police cell, find out about bushrangers, crime and policing.

Darling Harbour

Spend one perfect day at Darling Harbour, Sydney’s waterfront dining and entertainment precinct. There are dozens of cafes and restaurants to choose from, including a Hard Rock Café, and no less than 6 different ice-cream shops. There’s a huge children’s playground, and an old-fashioned carousel, the National Maritime Museum, a branch of Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, the SeaLife Aquarium, a flight simulator experience, a bowling alley, jet boat rides, laser Skirmish – and much more! The precinct is open daily, early til late. Located across the Pyrmont Bridge from the CBD.

Sydney Aquarium SeaLife

Kids can take an underwater adventure through the Sydney Aquarium at Darling Harbour, where they’ll see penguins, dugongs, sharks, turtles, stingrays, and many other kinds of fish. A great wet-weather activity for younger kids.

Click here to find the best deals for SEA Life Sydney Aquarium tickets.

Sydney Tower Eye

Another fantastic vantage-point for 360°views of Sydney, and out to the Blue Mountains is to take a ride up to the Sydney Tower Eye observation deck, 258 metres above the city streets. There are interactive touch-screens throughout to provide information about the views.

Click here to find the best deals for Sydney Tower Eye Observation Deck tickets.

Luna Park Sydney for kids

The kids will love an afternoon at Luna Park amusement park, with the Wild Mouse rollercoaster and the Hair Raiser drop. At a much slower pace, the 40m high Ferris Wheel has fantastic views over Sydney Harbour, especially at night. Opening hours vary seasonally. Located at Milsons Point, under the northern end of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Click here to find the best deals for Luna  Park Sydney tickets.

Art Gallery of New South Wales

Arty kids will love the art gallery, where they can see some of Australia most famous artworks. There are drop-in workshops inspired by the Gallery’s collection, held on the first and third Sundays of every month and during school holidays. The workshops are open to all ages and enable kids to get hands-on with different art techniques. Located on Art Gallery Rd, The Domain (opposite the Royal Botanic Gardens).

Woolloomooloo Wharf

Kids will love racing along this 410m long wooden wharf, where all sorts of boats are docked; Australian Navy warships and yachts. If everyone’s hungry, you can’t go past a meat pie piled high with mashed peas at Harry’s Cafe de Wheels, a Sydney institution.  You’ll spot the kiosk near the top of the wharf. The wharf is located at the bottom of the tall stairs leading down from the Art Gallery of NSW.

Hyde Park Barracks Museum

Primary school aged kids will be fascinated by a visit to this museum where they can check out all the treasures hidden under the floorboards by the resident rats back in convict days. Listen to stories about what it was like to be a convict, try on some leg irons and convict clothes, and even take a rest in a convict’s hammock. Queens Square, Macquarie St, in the CBD.

St Mary’s Cathedral

If your young ones are musically inclined they may like to visit St Mary’s Cathedral to listen to the bell ringers on practice night. The 14 bells located in the cathedral’s central tower peal out a spine-tingling sound in the key of C# major. If they sing in a school choir they may also enjoy hearing the resident Saint Mary’s Cathedral Choir. Located at St Marys Road, in the CBD.

Things to do with toddlers in Sydney

So you’ve discovered there are lots of things for kids to do in Sydney but what about with toddlers in Sydney? Heaps!

Here are our recommendations for what to do in Sydney with toddlers.

Take a ferry ride on Sydney Harbour – our favourite is fromm Circular Quay to Manly where you can go to the beach, or Circular Quay to Mossman to visit Taronga Zoo.

Head to one of Sydney’s beautiful beaches – in addition to the famous Bondi, Manly and Coogee beaches, there’s also Palm Beach (made famous by the TV show Home & Away), plus other family-friendly beaches in Sydney such as Shark Beach at Nielsen Park, Vaucluse.

Spend some time with your toddler at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo.

Visit Kidspace at the Australian Museum – a great space to play and learn for toddlers in Sydney.

For all of the other Sydney family attractions it’s up to you as to what you like doing and that you can drag your toddler along to without too many problems. Please note that the two coast walks aren’t suitable with prams/strollers but most other attractions are pram friendly (just make sure you check first).

Best area to stay in Sydney with family

Wondering where to stay in Sydney with kids? It’s a big city so let’s narrow down the best areas to stay in Sydney first.

The Rocks is a fantastic neighbourhood to stay in Sydney with kids. Situated on the periphery of Circular Quay, not only will you wake up to the iconic image of the Harbour Bridge, but the many cafes and restaurants provide awesome breakfast choices and lunch options. Plus, it’s a lot less busy than the CBD: practical with kids.

If you’re happy to be out of the city centre (which we love) then other places to stay in Sydney are around Bondi Beach and Manly Beach. That way you can do the touristy thing all day and then come home to your Sydney apartment or hotel and have a relaxing swim at the beach. Best of both worlds!

Family accommodation in Sydney

Budget family accommodation Sydney

Starting with budget hotels, we highly recommend the award-winning Sydney Harbour YHA. It’s perfect for families who want to go sightseeing on a budget as it is located near the popular tourist sites such as the Rocks district, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and the Royal Botanic Gardens. Their family rooms are spacious enough for you and your kids to relax after a long day of walking without breaking the bank. Check here for latest prices and information.

If you’re planning to spend a day or two enjoying the sun and surf at Manly Beach, then check out the deluxe family suite the Manly Beach Hostel offers its guest. Featuring your own balcony, a shared kitchen, shared lounge and garden and barbecue facilities, it’s lovely accommodation for families with a limited budget. Check here for latest prices and information.

Mid-range family accommodation Sydney

For small families interested in staying in more spacious accommodation, where you can have the whole place to yourself, The Rocks – Heritage offers a lovely one-bedroom apartment that’s located in the Central Business District of Sydney. Guests will be offered free wine upon arrival and if you love your Netflix series, then you can continue to watch them here. Apart from the free WiFi, you will enjoy its garden views while you make it your home away from home. Check here for latest prices and information.

Another option for you is this two-bedroom city apartment that has a rooftop pool where you can swim after a long day of sightseeing and enjoying the local food. With two separate bedrooms, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen, one bathroom and a flat-screen TV, you’ll definitely feel at home. For sightseeing, this apartment is near the Australian National Maritime Museum, The Star Event Centre and International Convention Centre Sydney. Check here for latest prices and information.

For large families, you may want to check out Beach Retreat if you want to stay near Bondi beach. Offering an apartment with two bedrooms, the Beach Retreat is great accommodation for families who want to the best of both worlds, being able to see Sydney’s tourist attractions as well as being able to chill at the beach, which is just 200m away from the apartment and enjoy walking, the cafes and the scenery. Check here for latest prices and information.

If you want family accommodation in Sydney with gorgeous sea views, then take a look at D’Luxe Designer Den Bondi (and choose its ocean view apartment). Apart from the free WiFi and the complete amenities featured in the house, you will also love the design of the entire place (the beds look super comfortable!). It’s highly recommended for a family of 4. Check here for latest prices and information.

If you prefer to live in an apartment, this spacious apartment in Ultimo has an excellent location and offers two large bedrooms. Many families have chosen this particular apartment as one of their top picks for their family accommodation in Sydney. Check here for latest prices and information.

Luxury family accommodation Sydney

For a luxurious treatment in the heart of Sydney city, families are loving the Swissôtel Sydney! It’s the ideal place for travelling families who want to do some shopping, sightseeing and attend cultural events. Their Swiss Advantage Twin Room offers two double beds and the entire room combines modern details and timeless interiors that offer city views, a spacious work area. Nearby popular tourist sites include the Queen Victoria Building, Town Hall Station, Sydney Harbour Bridge, the historic Rocks precinct and Sydney Opera House. Check here for latest prices and information.

If you want to spend extra on accommodation, then choose to stay at Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney – an award-winning 5-star luxury hotel in the heart of Sydney. An easy walk to Circular Quay, The Rocks, Barangaroo and Sydney Opera House, you will love its stylish accommodation, the indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, Jacuzzi, steam room and its day spa. Their beds are seriously comfortable. Your family may never want to go home after this (I know I didn’t). Check here for latest prices and information.

Know before you go

Places to eat in Sydney with kids

Sydney’s rich multicultural population means you can eat some of the tastiest (and most authentic) food from around the world. China Town is chock-full of incredible food, Darling Harbour has a line-up of bistros and restaurants while the city centre boasts everything from Peruvian to Vietnamese to Australian fusion (which is just a fancy way of saying a mash-up of flavours).

These are some of our favourite places to eat in Sydney with kids.

The Coogee Pavillion is brilliant for kids and adults. Really good food in a relaxed atmosphere plus there’s plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained.

Treat yourself to the famous High Tea at the Langham Hotel Sydney. They even do a kids version on the school holidays.

If you love a high tea, then also head to The Tea Room in the Queen Victoria Building.

In Manly, relax at the Little Manly Beach Kiosk.

Looking for great food and spectacular scenery? Have a meal at the Watsons Bay Hotel Beach Club.

Meet the resident pig Harry Trotter at the famous The Grounds of Alexandria in Alexandria.

Teppanyaki is always a fund place to eat – in Sydney try Kobe Jones at The Rocks 

Last but not least, head to the local deli and buy yourself the ingredients for a family picnic to enjoy in one of Sydney’s beautiful parks.

Getting from Sydney airport to Sydney CBD

Sydney Airport is located just 8km from the Sydney CBD, which means it’s about a 25-minute drive to the city centre in light traffic. Taxi and rideshare services are available to and from the airport and will cost about $50+ one-way. Trains and buses are available both ways – Airport Link offers a fast and convenient way to reach the city and suburbs with trains running about every 10 minutes.

Public transport in Sydney

Taxis, Ubers, trains, buses and ferries make getting around Sydney super easy. Grab an Opal pass and tap on and off the public transport of your choice (excluding taxis and Ubers, of course!). Ferries will ferry the family to any number of suburbs on the harbour, but they are also an awesome way to sightsee the harbour.

Click here to find the best deals for Sydney Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour.

Car rental in Sydney

Rent a car and set your own travel timetable; perhaps even venture into the World Heritage-listed mountains behind Sydney. Check here for the latest prices.

Parking in Sydney

While there are a number of parking facilities throughout Sydney, they are expensive. CBD street parking is scarce, and again, expensive. If you want to visit the likes of Paddington, Mossman, Double Bay or Woolhara, street carparks are rare. Unless you have car parking at your hotel and you need to venture out of Sydney, then it’s best to grab that Opal Pass and catch public transport.

Weather in Sydney

Sydney’s weather is true to the seasons: meaning hot summers and cold (but not too cold!) winters, and mild in between. Summers usually hit the early 30s (about January) while winters can dip to single digits (generally only for a few days during July). With 340 days of sunshine every year, Sydney’s climate makes it ideal to explore all year round.

Favourite Family Events in Sydney

Vivid, Fireworks on Sydney Harbour at New Year’s Eve, Chinese New Year Festival, Sydney Royal Easter Show, Sydney Festival, Sydney Family Show, Carols in the Domain.

More things to do in Sydney with kids

22 of the best beaches for kids in Sydney – by Adventure, Baby

Fruit picking with kids near Sydney – by The Kid Bucketlist

Discover where to get the best views of Sydney Harbour without the huge price tag – by Officer Travels

Before you hit the beaches of Sydney, take a look at our Aussie beach survival guide for great tips and tricks, with everything from chafing to stingers, sand to sunburn.

Now all you need to do is get there!

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