SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
An unmissable indoor activity in Sydney, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium is a fun day out for all ages! Wander through the aquarium at your own pace, stopping by a favourite exhibit for a while—the tunnel walkways with all kinds of water life swimming around you are a popular feature. If you and the kids are really keen, you can even try diving with sharks!
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium sits on Darling Harbour in the heart of the city. You’ll be able to step out and wander through Sydney to find a delicious lunch or dinner. You can make it even easier on yourself by staying nearby. The family-friendly Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour is just across the water from SEA LIFE Sydney and is home to some of the best dining in Sydney at— The Ternary.
Powerhouse Museum
With a focus on arts, science, innovation, and design, the Powerhouse Museum is a must-visit attraction in Sydney for families who love learning about all things science and innovation. When it comes to picking an indoor activity or rainy-day activity, what could be better than a day of fun learning?
Be sure to check the museum’s website for current or upcoming events and exhibitions. Activities include learning to code and how to use those skills in games like Minecraft. Plus there’s The Lab Studio, an all-ages space where you can create, explore, and play. Learn about gravity, light, music, and more in this science-focused indoor play centre.
Just nearby is the Novotel Sydney Darling Square, situated in the heart of Darling Square, the Novotel is the perfect home base for a family exploring the city together. Don’t forget to drop by Pumphouse Sydney to refuel following a busy day of exploring, there’s a dedicated children's menu too loaded with kid-proof favourites.
Australian Museum
From dinosaurs to geology to animals of the world, the Australian Museum is the place to be for all things natural history in Sydney. A fantastic indoor attraction, the museum transports you to another world, where long-extinct creatures live again. Visit the indoor play centre, the Burra learning & play space and grab the family a cool activity kit to take home from the gift shop for even more indoor activities for a rainy day at home!
Sydney Opera House
The Sydney Opera House is open for kids! Shows including Operation Ouch, Are We There Yet, Possum Magic, and The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show take to the stage at Sydney Opera House, a superb indoor entertainment activity the whole family can enjoy.
Nearby, the Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour is the perfect place to rest and recuperate after a busy afternoon before heading back out for family dinner.
Art Gallery of NSW & the Musem of Contemporary Art (MCA)
Two of the most popular art galleries in the state, both the Art Gallery of NSW and the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) are perfect indoor attractions for families who love an artsy day indoors. Learn about history through art or see a glimpse into another way of life through an experimental sculpture. Be sure to check the galleries’ websites before heading out to see what kind of family events and indoor activities are running.
iFly
When it comes to indoor activities in Sydney, iFly is one of the most popular, and for good reason. Who wouldn’t want to try indoor skydiving? Open to people ages 3 and up, this Sydney indoor activity is ideal for the family who loves to be on the go and try new, adrenaline-pumping activities.
Located in Sydney’s inner-west, iFly is a short trip from the CBD, or you can stay nearby, at the Mercure Penrith to jump straight into the action after you wake up in your comfy hotel bed.
Indoor dining for families
Sydney has so many great dining options regardless of the moody weather.
Look out over the harbour from the comfort of your dining table at Atelier by Sofitel, where you’ll be treated to some of the best French dinings in Sydney. Or head to the Porter House Hotel Sydney - MGallery to dine at the modern brasserie, Dixon & Sons.
Whether you’re avoiding the sun, the rain, or you just prefer an indoor atmosphere, there are plenty of fantastic indoor dining options for families in Sydney.
