21 Things to Do in Sydney: Family-Friendly Activities

There are so many things to do with kids in Sydney. Our family of five was a little overwhelmed in planning our time there, so we wanted to share about the family-friendly activities we found so you can make the most of your Sydney family vacation.

Sydney is home to 5 million people and has so many activities for children of all ages. It’s a very green city with plenty of space to enjoy nature, climb, run, and burn some energy.

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Here’s what you can expect while visiting Sydney

Darling Harbour:

• Sydney Harbour Bridge – The tallest steel arch bridge in the world.
• Sydney Opera House – one of the most iconic buildings in the world. Our kids knew it from “Finding Nemo…” insert eye roll
• Ferry to Manly Beach
• Royal Botanical Gardens
• “The Rocks” historic cobblestone shops and restaurants

Animal Encounters:

• Sea Life Sydney Aquarium
• Taronga Zoo
• Sydney Zoo

Adventure:

• Holey Moley Golf
• Archie Brothers Arcade
• Luna Park
• (and so much more we haven’t discovered yet)

Learning & History:

• Maritime Museum
• Art Galleries
• Australia Museum
• Queen Victoria Building (now a mall)

About Sydney

Sydney is a vibrant city with iconic landmarks, beautiful beaches, and a wide range of activities for all ages – making it an ideal destination for a family trip. Here are our favorite things to do in Sydney, and what we learned while planning our trip to help you make the most of your family vacation to the East Coast of Australia.

Sydney is home to about 5 million people and offers activities for children of all ages. It is considered one of the most expensive cities in the world, but it remains a top family destination due to its attractions and multicultural environment.

The city offers a mix of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and kid-friendly attractions that cater to the whole family.

From the famous Sydney Opera House to the stunning Sydney Harbour, there are plenty of recognizable landmarks. Enjoy the city’s many beaches, like Coogee, Bondi, and Manly Beach.

With its mild climate, Sydney is a great year-round destination, and its public transport system makes it easy to get around. Use Apple maps or Google Maps on your phone, put in your destination and click the “Train” icons (instead of driving or walking) for up-to-date instructions on how to get where you’re going with public transportation.

Iconic Landmarks: Quick Overview of Things to Do in Sydney

We visited all of these iconic landmarks in a single-day visit. Because of the proximity, it’s easy to see a lot of Sydney in a short time.

• The Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge are among Sydney’s most iconic sights. We walked over the Harbour Bridge, then walked the perimeter of the outside of the Opera House in an afternoon.
• The Sydney Harbour Bridge offers amazing views of the city and harbour, and visitors can even climb to the top for an unforgettable experience. It is also the tallest steel arch bridge in the world.
• The Australian National Maritime Museum is another iconic landmark, showcasing the country’s rich maritime history. The Sydney Tower Eye, Sydney’s tallest observation deck, offers panoramic views of the city and is a great way to start your visit.
• The Royal Botanic Gardens provide a break from the towering skyscrapers of the city, with beautiful botanical gardens and stunning views of the harbour—this free attraction is a great place for kids to run around and explore nature.
• Visitors can also take a stroll along the cobblestone streets of The Rocks, exploring the area’s historic buildings, restaurants, and charming shops.

More than just picture-perfect postcard opportunities, Sydney has plenty of free things to do to spend time together as a family without blowing your vacation budget.

Free Things to do in Sydney with kids

Sydney offers a variety of free activities, like exploring parks and playgrounds, which are great for families on a budget.

• Wander the perimeter of the Sydney Opera House
• Walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge for views of the Skyline
• Visit the Royal Botanic Garden (next to the Opera House)
• Ride the ferry (with a fare cap, it may not cost any extra if you’ve already been riding the buses and trains that day)
• Walk along a beach – we recommend Coogee, Manly, or Bondi Beach.
• Visit the Australian Museum

Sydney Harbour (Darling Harbour)

Darling Harbour is a major recreational and entertainment area in Sydney. It’s the core of the iconic Sydney skyline and a great starting point if you’re not sure where to start while visiting Sydney.

It’s a natural first stop for visitors to the city next to the Opera House, “The Rocks” cobblestone streets filled with shops and restaurants, and Royal Botanical Gardens. A visit to Sydney wouldn’t be complete without exploring the stunning Sydney Harbour, with its iconic landmarks and beautiful beaches.

Hop on the Ferry to see the harbour from the water

Take a public ferry to get around the harbour, or enjoy a scenic walk along the waterfront. On a sunny day, the ferry to Manly Beach from the harbor offers amazing views of the harbour and city skyline. It’s the perfect way to catch sunset and then see the city lights after dark on the return trip back.

Around Circular Quay, you’ll often find street performers providing free entertainment and enhancing the lively atmosphere for visitors and families.

Visitors can also take a day trip to the nearby Royal National Park, with its beautiful beaches and stunning coastal views.

For a special treat, enjoy fresh seafood at one of the many restaurants in the area at Darling Harbour or in The Rocks area and experience a highlight of the local culinary scene.

Animal Encounters in Sydney

Sydney Zoo

Sydney Zoo is a modern wildlife park located in the Western Sydney Parklands, designed to offer visitors an immersive experience with a wide variety of animals from Australia and around the world. The zoo focuses on conservation and education, providing opportunities for families to learn about wildlife through interactive exhibits and animal encounters.

Sydney Zoo is home to native Australian species like kangaroos, koalas, and wombats, as well as exotic animals such as lions, giraffes, and meerkats.

The spacious, naturalistic enclosures allow animals to roam comfortably, enhancing their well-being and offering visitors an authentic experience. With kid-friendly facilities, picnic areas, and engaging programs, Sydney Zoo is a fantastic destination for family activities and a great way to connect with nature while visiting Sydney.

Taronga Zoo

Taronga Zoo is one of the top places to visit in Sydney if you want to see animals and have a good time with the family. Located right on Sydney Harbour, Taronga Zoo offers amazing views of the harbour and the city skyline, including the Opera House, as you explore. The zoo is home to over 5,000 animals from 350 species. You can see kangaroos, koalas, wombats, platypuses, and plenty of other animals from Australia and around the world.

The zoo focuses on teaching visitors about conservation and offers daily animal shows that kids really enjoy. There are fun activities too, like the Wild Ropes course and the Sky Safari cable car, which gives you a different way to see the animals and amazing views of the harbour. Getting there is easy—a quick ferry ride from Circular Quay makes it a simple and fun day trip.

If you want to spend a day with wildlife, learn a bit, and enjoy some fresh air with the family, Taronga Zoo is definitely worth a visit.

Sydney or Taronga Zoo

If you have to pick just one, Sydney Zoo is newer and a bit more spread out, with a mix of Aussie animals and some from around the world. It’s good if you want a relaxed visit with lots of space.

Taronga Zoo is right on Sydney Harbour, so you get great views of the city while seeing a huge variety of animals, mostly Australian. It also has extra activities like animal shows and a cable car ride.

So, Sydney Zoo feels more laid-back, and Taronga offers the classic zoo experience with an iconic view of the Sydney skyline.

Sea Life Experiences

The Sea Life Sydney Aquarium offers a range of interactive exhibits and activities, including shark diving and penguin encounters. The aquarium features massive tanks that provide an immersive experience for visitors.

Visitors can also take a guided tour of the aquarium, learning about the different species of marine life on display. As part of its educational programs, the aquarium sometimes offers free guided tours, making it a great budget-friendly activity for families.

For a unique experience, visitors can take a behind-the-scenes tour of the aquarium, getting up close and personal with the marine life.

 

Adventure in Sydney

Holey Moley Golf

Holey Moley Golf is a fun and quirky mini-golf experience perfect for families and groups visiting Sydney. Combining creative, pop-culture-themed golf holes with a lively bar atmosphere, it offers a unique twist on traditional mini-golf.

With multiple locations throughout the city, Holey Moley is great for kids and adults for a memorable and interactive way to enjoy a few hours indoors. With its over-the-top decor and less-than-typical challenges, it’s an ideal spot for a fun day out in Sydney, especially if you’re looking for something a little different from typical sightseeing.

Read our full review of Holey Moley Golf, Alexandria.

Archie Brothers Arcade

Archie Brothers Arcade is an entertainment hub with multiple locations throughout Sydney, offering a wide selection of arcade games. From action-packed laser tag battles to bowling, dodgem cars, and immersive virtual reality games, it provides entertainment for kids and adults alike.

This indoor arcade is perfect for active families looking to burn off some energy and create memorable experiences together, making it a must-visit spot for a fun day out in Sydney.

Luna Park

Luna Park is an amusement park located near Sydney Harbour. It opened in 1935 and is known for its large smiling face entrance. Kids love the rides and attractions at Luna Park, making it a favorite for families. The park offers a range of rides and attractions suitable for families and children. It is accessible by ferry from Circular Quay, making it easy to reach.

Luna Park is one of Sydney’s oldest amusement parks and provides a mix of classic and modern rides for visitors.

We didn’t make it to Luna park on this visit, but we spotted it across the harbour from the opera house.

Raging Waters Sydney (Formerly Wet ‘N Wild)

Raging Waters Sydney is a large water park located just outside the city, offering a refreshing escape for families visiting Sydney. Formerly known as Wet ‘N Wild, the park has been revamped to include a variety of water slides, wave pools, lazy rivers, and splash zones suitable for all ages. With attractions ranging from thrilling high-speed slides for older kids and adults to gentle play areas designed specifically for younger kids, Raging Waters provides a perfect day out for the whole family.

For families looking to beat the heat and have an active, fun day, Raging Waters Sydney is a fantastic choice (recommended by locals) that combines excitement with relaxation.

Day Trip to the Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains make a great day trip destination with plenty to see and do outdoors. Drive through the area, stop at various lookout points, and take in the views. There are hiking trails for all levels, from easy walks to more challenging climbs.

For a different perspective, you can ride a cable car that offers sweeping views of the mountains. Nearby, the Royal National Park is another option for a day trip, known for its beaches and coastal scenery.

 

Outdoor Activities

Sydney is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with a range of activities available.

• Take a surf lesson at one of the city’s famous beaches, such as Bondi Beach or Manly Beach. Bondi Beach is a famous beach and one of Sydney’s most iconic beaches, attracting visitors from around the world.
• Skate park near Bondi beac;h; a popular spot for kids to watch skateboarding and enjoy outdoor recreation.
• Bondi to Coogee coastal walk is a popular 6 km trail that starts at Bondi and ends at Coogee Beach (or vice versa). This scenic walk offers stunning coastal views, and the paved walking path is great for families, passing several beaches, parks, and lookout points along the way.
• Take a picnic for a beach day at Sydney’s beaches. Bondi and Manly are popular for swimming, surfing, and relaxation. Manly Beach is accessible by ferry and is known for its family-friendly atmosphere. Coogee is full of activity with restaurants, food stands, and the sounds of the ocean.

Cultural Experiences

Sydney is a culturally rich and diverse city, offering a range of cultural experiences.

Book a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House to learn about its history and architecture, or simply walk around the perimeter outside to enjoy views of the harbor, hear street buskers, and if you’re lucky, see a seal on the steps to the water.

The Art Gallery of New South Wales offers a range of exhibitions and collections, showcasing the city’s vibrant arts scene. For those interested in contemporary art, the Museum of Contemporary Art features impressive collections and interactive exhibits, making it a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience current artistic trends.

Guided tours focusing on indigenous culture are also available, where you can learn about Aboriginal land use, bush foods, and Dreamtime stories that share the traditions and history of Australia’s First Peoples.

Take a stroll through the historic neighbourhood of The Rocks, exploring its streets and buildings, built on the rocks that form the hill leading up from the harbor.

The Australian Museum offers free admission to learn about the history of the country, see taxidermied wildlife that you wouldn’t otherwise get to see up close, and learn about the geology and minerals hiding under the surface of Australia.

Getting Around Sydney with Kids

Public transportation in Sydney is not only convenient but also budget-friendly, with the Opal card offering capped daily rates so you can keep exploring without worrying about costs. Buying an opal card for your kids and pre-loading the card allows them to get a discounted rate. For adults, we each tap to pay as we enter the station or bus with a credit card or Apple Pay.

The options are frequent and include bus, train, light rail, or ferry, making it easy to get around the city. The light rail is especially handy for returning to the suburbs after exploring the waterfront or other attractions downtown.

The city also offers a range of taxi and ride-sharing services, making it easy to get around if you’d prefer to go direct and don’t mind paying that little bit extra.

The best route and time to take the Ferry in Sydney Harbour

We met up with a friend from college in Sydney, and he had us take the ferry from the harbour to Manly Beach at Sunset, for a quick walk on the beach, which meant on the return trip, we got to see the city lights as we returned back to the harbour; it made this ferry ride one of our favorite things to do in Sydney.

Family-Friendly Accommodation in Sydney

There are so many great options for family hotels in Sydney. You can stay in the city centre, or in one of the nearby suburbs or beaches. We stayed in a private room in a budget-friendly hostel in the Newtown area because finding a hotel for a family would have taken us downtown and farther from the airport to catch our early-morning flight. It was a good combination of reasonably priced accommodation and easy access to the airport by Uber the next morning.

We considered staying right at Sydney airport, but there isn’t much within walking distance from those hotels, so we would have been taking Uber or transportation into the city anyway.

For a unique experience, visitors can stay in a hotel with a harbour view at Darling Harbour to take in the stunning city views. The city’s accommodation options are also family-friendly, with many hotels and resorts offering kid-friendly facilities and activities.

We spent most of our time petsitting near Sydney with an occasional trip into the city, and then spent one night at a hotel near the airport before we flew out the next morning.

Food and Drink in Sydney

Sydney is a foodie’s paradise, with a wide range of restaurants and cafes available. Even though Australia isn’t known for many particular types of food, Sydney is home to a diverse range of cultures and some of the best variety of food in the world.

The city also offers a range of international cuisines, from Chinese and Italian to Mexican to Indian and everything inbetween.

Try the Seafood

Visitors can try some of the city’s famous seafood, like fish and chips or a seafood platter. Sydney Fish Market is a great place to try fresh seafood, and it’s a fun spot for families to explore together. We had fish and chips during a visit to Coogee Beach.

Foodie Tours

For a unique experience, take a food tour of the city, sampling local specialties. Our kids love trying different foods, especially at family-friendly restaurants and markets where there are plenty of options to keep everyone happy.

 

Conclusion: Things to do in Sydney with kids

• Sydney is a vibrant and exciting city, with a wide range of activities and attractions available.
• From the iconic landmarks to the beautiful beaches and outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful city.
• Visitors can enjoy the city’s many cultural experiences, including the Sydney Opera House and the Art Gallery of New South Wales.
• The city is also a great destination for families, with a range of kid-friendly activities and attractions available.
• With its convenient and efficient public transport system, Sydney is easy to get around, making it a great destination for visitors of all ages.

Common Questions About Family-Friendly Activities in Sydney:

Are 3 days enough in Sydney?

We spent 24 hours in Sydney between arriving from a housesit and flying out. We saw a lot of the iconic landmarks, but it wasn’t enough time to really settle in and learn the city. We could have easily enjoyed a week (or more) here, so we would suggest spending whatever time you can fit into the travels to enjoy Sydney.

You can get to see the main landmarks all in one day, since the Sydney Opera house, Harbour Bridge, and ferry to Manly Beach are all in the Darling Harbour area.

What is Sydney’s best-kept secret?

Holey Moley Golf and Archie Brothers Arcade were highlights for our family.  There are multiple locations throughout the city. We visited the location in Alexandria because it was closest to our hotel, tucked away in an industrial area, so we’d recommend taking Uber to visit or walking from the Mascot Station if the weather is cooperating.

You won’t walk past them while exploring a downtown area, so plan to take an afternoon or an evening and include them in your Sydney vacation memories.

We also hadn’t heard of the Queen Victoria Building before our visit. It’s a shopping mall originally built in the 1800s and restored multiple times and was worth a visit to see the architecture.

What to do in Sydney for first-timers?

Wherever you’re choosing to stay in the city, plan a trip down to Darling Harbour. Many of the iconic landmarks are within walking distance from there (like the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Opera House, and the ferry terminal to take a ferry across the harbor.