Come school holidays or weekend escapes, the whole family is bound to fall in love with Sydney’s diverse attractions. Read on for family activities in Sydney to surprise and inspire, top-notch day trips, the most iconic beaches to visit and unmissable events.
Luna Park
Have a thrill-seeker in the family? For adrenaline-fueled family activities in Sydney, pay a visit to the famous face of Sydney’s heritage-listed Luna Park and the nostalgic theme park within. Filled with traditional theme park games and rides, Luna Park will keep everyone entertained for hours. Located harbourside, it also boasts a fantastic view of the city.
Tumbalong Park
In the heart of the Darling Harbour precinct, Tumbalong Park is an idyllic destination for outdoor family activities in Sydney. One of most central grassy spaces in the city, Tumbalong Park has a large adventure playground with water features to ramp up the excitement. You’ll find high octane activities perfect for your resident tearaway as well as more gentle play zones for curious little ones. Local dining options are just moments away for when you’re ready to refuel. Read more about five great Sydney parks and gardens.
Taronga Zoo Sydney
Discover Taronga Zoo Sydney, just a short ferry ride from the CBD. Home to over 5,000 animals, from Sumatran Tigers to Asian Elephants, Taronga is a guaranteed standout in your schedule of family activities in Sydney. Check out what’s on in advance if you’re looking to attend a special event and get up close and personal with Taronga Zoo’s furry inhabitants. The kids will be captivated, and grown-ups can easily get in on the fun too. If you’re visiting May or June, you can enjoy Vivid at Taronga Zoo with Wild Lights. Each year, the zoo lights up at night as Vivid takes over Sydney for added whimsy and delight for all ages. The event is a success each year, and all ticket proceeds go directly back into Taronga Zoo’s work in conservation and wildlife care.
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
For another dose of wildlife, SEA Life Sydney Aquarium will be a hit with adults and little ones alike. Stroll through tunnels as fish swim over and around you, watch the Gentoo and King penguins’ hijinks, and get hands-on at the Discover Rockpool. Brave visitors can face their fears and walk among oceanic predators in Shark Valley, where you’ll be face-to-face with some of the world’s biggest sharks as you walk through a fully-encased tunnel. Young ones may be initially scared, but once they get used to Shark Valley, you’ll struggle to get them to move on!
Situated on Darling Harbour, the SEA Life Sydney Aquarium is easy to access and close to other iconic Sydney attractions.
The Ian Potter Children's WILD PLAY Garden
The Ian Potter Children’s WILD PLAY garden is an oasis of outdoor adventure nestled in the heart of Sydney’s Centennial Park. One of the best family activities in Sydney, WILD PLAY is a dream world come to life for kids. Get lost in the bamboo forest, splash around in the artesian water play area, climb the turtle mounds, scale the treehouse and more. You’ll love immersing yourself in nature just as much as the kids – and there’s a coffee van on site for your caffeine fix.
Museums and galleries
Fun and learning often go hand in hand, and never more so than during a visit to one of Sydney’s many museums and galleries. Scattered throughout the city, you can inject your family activities in Sydney with a hit of culture at any of the below exhibits. Plus, they make for great indoor activities on a rainy day. Here are just a few of our favourites:
Australian National Maritime Museum: Geared towards families and situated on the forefront of Darling Harbour, this museum will keep everyone entertained with their fleet of ships, submarines, naval vessels, and restorations.
Museum of Contemporary Art: Housed in an eye-catching art deco façade, this gallery boasts the only permanent collection of contemporary art in Australia. Pair it with a walk through of the historic suburb The Rocks for a relaxed afternoon.
Australian Museum: Enchanting exhibits on the natural world and interactive activities await! Kids can have a go at animal-inspired yoga or partake in interactive playgroups to learn more.
Art Gallery of NSW: The state’s leading visual arts institution, the Art Gallery of NSW boasts a diverse collection of paintings, sculptures, print works, textiles, and more. Grab an activity sheet at the entrance and learn about the artworks throughout the gallery as a family.
Powerhouse Museum: Dedicated to technological innovation and advancements, the Powerhouse Museum takes you on a journey through history and into the present of science and technology, or maybe even the future. From the industrial revolution to space travel to coding, the museum is a must-visit for anyone who loves learning about science and technology.
Sydney day trips for families
Whether you’re visiting Sydney for the weekend or a few days, it’s worth taking a gander beyond the CBD. Don’t skip the natural wonder of the Royal National Park or a walk through historic Parramatta if you’re in town – family activities in Sydney stretch past our city limits! Beyond our beloved Circular Quay and Sydney Harbour Bridge, you’ll discover family adventures of all shapes and sizes. Here are a couple of our top picks:
Royal National Park
Accessible by car, train, or ferry in about an hour, the Royal National Park is a must-see. It’s one of the world’s oldest national parks, home to abundant flora and fauna unique to this region as well as immaculate beaches and ancient Indigenous sites. Spend an unforgettable day between the coastal cliffs and gorgeous waterfalls, spotting cheeky kookaburras and perhaps even a whale in the distance if you’re lucky.
Parramatta
A short trip west of the Sydney city centre, Parramatta contains some of the state’s oldest colonial architecture, making it an ideal family day trip for history buffs. Heritage-listed sites like Old Government House and old-timey homestead Elizabeth Farm help bring history to life. Add in the sprawling parklands and serene Parramatta River, and you’ve got the recipe for a charming family day trip.
Family-friendly beaches in Sydney
When planning a trip to Sydney, its famed beaches are a major drawcard. Picturing pristine sand, turquoise waters, and quaint beachfront culinary offerings? Honestly, Sydney’s beaches are all that and more. For family beach days, calm surf and accessible food options tend to be a priority, so we’ve hand-selected a few of Sydney’s most serene and picturesque beaches for your family activities in Sydney.
Shelly Beach, Manly: Secluded and protected from larger waves, this is a popular choice for families looking to enjoy a fun day on the shore. Just a short ferry ride from the Sydney CBD, the beach features BBQ facilities available on site, so you can bring your own lunch and make a day of it! And if you love a dip, it’s one of Sydney’s best snorkelling beaches!
Parsley Bay Reserve, Vaucluse: A peaceful little harbour beach with shallow waters, a playground and picnic spots. There’s even a gentle walking trail (about 20 minutes return) leading to a small waterfall.
Balmoral Beach, Mosman: Towering palms offer shady areas just moments from the calm water’s edge, and nearby cafés and restaurants make grabbing a bite together easy. There’s also a great playground on the South Side for the little ones who prefer to burn off their energy on dry land.
Sydney dining for families
It might be famous for the glorious harbour, world-class beaches, and bustling CBD, but Sydney also has a great food scene. From cheap eats ideal for a quick bite between family activities, to sit-down treats that everyone can enjoy, there are so many options to dive into. Whether you’re keen to fuel up in central areas or venture a little further out, here are some of our favourite family mealtime pit stops.
Chinatown
Named Australia’s biggest Chinatown, this hub of eateries and retailers is located next to Haymarket and Darling Harbour. For tasty lunches or dinners sandwiched between your family activities in Sydney, you can’t beat the variety of options in Chinatown for any budget. We recommend wandering on down Dixon Street (the main thoroughfare) and following your nose, or head to Nine Dragons for a popular, failsafe option.
Pumphouse at Novotel Sydney Darling Square
Looking for modern dining to delight your taste buds and delicious kids’ meals to satisfy the little ones? Look no further than industrial-chic eatery Pumphouse! Unwind with a premium craft beer or wine alongside fresh takes on rustic classics like pork belly or pepper steak. Meanwhile, kids can feast on a fussy eater-proof selection of dishes like chicken tenders and battered flathead.
Bistro Manly
Inspired by casual French dining, Bistro Manly brings a dash of European flair to their menu of locally sourced seafood and fresh produce. Pair lobster and scallops or delectable vegetarian options with a cocktail (or mocktail) to decompress after a busy day of activities, and take in incomparable views of the Manly beachfront right on the bistro’s doorstep. To really capitalise on the incredible view and breakfast offering, stay just upstairs at the newly renovated Manly Pacific Sydney Mgallery.
Family-friendly Sydney events
Our Harbour City plays host to a broad variety of events throughout the year that can complement your family activities in Sydney. For evening escapades, vibrant festivals and enthralling theatre performances, Sydney’s events scene has you covered. Depending on the month and season you visit, your trip could overlap with any number of events for the whole family to enjoy. Read on for a handful of family-friendly Sydney events we love.
Beauty and the Beast
The classic fairy-tale story of Beauty and the Beast will come to life at Capitol Theatre from June 2023 and makes a perfect addition to your family activities in Sydney. Direct from the West End, this romantic tale will enchant little ones (while teaching them a thing or two about not judging a book by its cover). Adults will be just as mesmerised by the production’s grandeur. Book your ticket for an afternoon of unforgettable theatre for the whole family.
Sydney Festival
If you’re heading to Sydney during the month of January, you’ll arrive just in time to enjoy the annual Sydney Festival! This large-scale event takes over the entire city for a month of art, theatre and musical performances and installations. For the kids, light shows, interactive installations and live music will satisfy their curiosity, and there’s always a selection of workshops and exhibits specifically for the younger crowd, which you can discover in their family program.
Whether you're visiting Sydney from near or far, be sure to plan your family-friendly accommodation ahead of time. Stay in the heart of the city centre to be close to all the best attractions or a little further out to enjoy some much-needed peace and quiet after a busy day. Enjoy modern conveniences to make your family holiday effortless at the Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour or Novotel Sydney Darling Square. Or indulge in a little luxury for the family at the Swissôtel Sydney or The Sebel Quay West Suites Sydney. However you like to holiday, book your family-friendly hotel and start planning your Sydney getaway.
