Things to do with kids in Sydney

38 family-friendly places in Sydney: zoos, aquariums, playgrounds and more.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first.

DoCity Centre
Aboriginal Bush Tucker Tour
A walk around the Royal Botanic Garden with an Aboriginal guide who will tell you about native plants that have been used by Aboriginal Australians for generations, as food, medicine, and tools. You can sample a few on the way, including fruits and herbs. Book in advance.
Thu Fri Sat 11AM–noon$30 for adults, $20 for children 7 and older, free for children under 7
SeeCity East
Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool
A famous yet paradoxically little known location overlooking Wooloomoloo bay and near to the Botanic gardens. It was a popular swimming location with Indigenous Aboriginals before the arrival of Europeans in Australia. The pool was also the venue for the sporting triumphs of Australian swimming legend Andrew Boy Charlton in the 1920s and is believed to be the birthplace of the Australian Crawl or freestyle swimming stroke.
Sep–Apr, non-daylight saving: daily 6AM-7PM, Daylight Saving: daily 6AM-8PMAdult $5.50, concession $4.10, family $15.30, additional family member $2, spectator $2.70
SeeDarling Harbour
Australian National Maritime Museum
Two floors of internal exhibits, outlining the maritime role in Australia's history. Houses significant full scale exhibits. Outside there are ships and submarines to explore.
Galleries & exhibitions: $7 adult, $3.50 child & concession, $17 family / free entry to permanent galleries on first Thursday of the month. Additional charges for vessels
SeeLower North Shore
Balmoral Beach
Family friendly beach away from the main Harbour waters. Good for a quick swim in the swimming baths, enclosed by shark nets and a wide boardwalk. Plenty of cafes around.
SeeLower North Shore
Berry Island Reserve
Berry Island first connected to the mainland with a causeway from Wollstonecraft farm in the 1800s. Later quarried sandstone made a permanent land bridge to the island. The land bridge is now lawns with a playground, and a loop walk circles the island, which will take around 20 minutes. There are interpretive signs about the Aboriginal heritage of the area. The last part of the walk can be done rock hopping along the sandstone rocks on the coastline. There is an Aboriginal carving there, but it basic, and quite hard to make out. There is a lookout at the end of the point, with views across the harbour to Balmain and Birchgrove. You can also see across to HMAS Waterhen Naval Base.
free
DoSydney Olympic Park
Bicentennial Park
Other than having a barbecue, while you're there, walk, cycle or fly a kite. Bicentennial Park is a 100-hectare park created to celebrate Australia's bicentenary in 1988. Although older than Sydney Olympic Park, it is now part of the Sydney Olympic Park precinct. Facilities include electric barbecues, extensive gentle paths suitable for children cycling and for wheelchairs, and enormous amounts of grass on which to picnic or play sports. It is popular with families. Admission and parking is free but hard to find around lunchtime on some weekends, and it may be simpler to walk from the train stations.
Free
SeeInner West
Birchgrove Park
Contains Birchgrove Oval, the spiritual home of rugby league in Australia after it hosted the first professional matches in 1908. A family park that has good views of the Harbour Bridge.
EatCity Centre
Bodhi
This is an outdoor vegetarian yum cha restaurant located just down the stairs from St Mary’s Cathedral over looking Cook and Phillip Park. It's a vegan restaurant and has a wide range of enticing and tasteful healthy yum cha options (all vegan). Fantastic on a sunny day. Open on weekends too. Kids can run around safely in the park while you linger over coffee.
Do
Bradleys Head
Take the ferry to Taronga Zoo wharf and then head to your right along the promontory. There's pristine bushland (almost unchanged from the time of European colonisation), quiet beaches, and knockout views across the harbour, and in the warmer months you'll spot plenty of Eastern Water Dragons, a type of large lizard. Once you reach the tip of the headland, you can either amble back to the wharf or - if you're feeling more ambitious - follow the track several more kilometres to Clifton Gardens, ogling the gigantic houses along the way. From there, you can either hike all the way back to Taronga or get a bus to a ferry wharf.
DoThe Rocks
Bridge Climb
You can climb to the top of the arch of the bridge. For those who are good with heights and enjoy a spectacular view of the harbour, there are organised climbs to the top of the bridge. This climb is more demanding than climbing a set of stairs, although it is not so demanding as the name implies. You will be fitted with special climbing suits and secured by safety tethers, you must be 10 years old or over to take the climb. The climb takes 3½ hours and a group leaves every 10 minutes. You can ascend during the day, at twilight and at night. Book your climb as early as possible as the climb is very popular. Loose items including cameras are prohibited on the climb; Bridge Climb staff will take a photo of you, but you may not take photographs yourself.
Standard rates are around $360 adults and $160 children, with extra cost for special times
SeeDarling Harbour
Busy Buses
A massive aquarium. In addition to various display tanks (penguins, platypus, various fish species), it has three underwater walks where visitors walk in glass corridors underneath and between the dugongs, sharks, rays and tropical fish. There is a 2-minute "penguin ride" in a small boat, heavily advertised but underwhelming. Consider going on a weekday evening, to avoid some of the crowds.
10AM-6PM (last entrance at 5PM) dailyAdults $44, child $25, various concessions and family tickets available. Save 15-20% online
DoSydney Olympic Park
Cathy Freeman Park
The Olympic Cauldron, which was the centrepiece of the water themed opening ceremony is now a large fountain that the kids (or adults) can run under. The park can also be used for picnics.
Free
SeeEastern suburbs
Centennial Park
This is a large formal park in Sydney eastern suburbs with its own internal road and walking trail system, grand avenues, historic buildings, lakes and many groves of shady trees dotted with picnic areas. Bike and walking trails, horse trails and equestrian facilities, some restaurant, cafe and kiosk facilities are available. This park is both a playground and a giant green lung for the city. Popular all days but especially on the weekends. Centennial Park covers 220 hectares and draws more than 3.6 million visitors annually.
April: 6AM-6PM, May to August: 6:30AM-5:30PM, Sept to Oct: 6AM-6PM, Oct to April: 6AM-8PM. Paddington Gates (exit gate) is the last to close every dayThere are no access charges to the park, however some sporting facilities and formal activities may attract fees
SeeLower North Shore
Chinamans Beach
A beach that's perfect for picnics, off-leash dog walking and ample parking. This small sheltered beach looks across Middle Harbour to Clontarf and Sydney Harbour National Park, where the water always seems to be glistening. Rosherville Reserve is perfect for picnics games with the kids and dogs are allowed off-leash on weekdays.
SeeDarling Harbour
Chinese Garden of Friendship
Modelled on the typical private gardens of the Ming Dynasty, the garden offers an insight into Chinese heritage and culture. A centrepiece of the gardens is the Dragon Wall, guarded by two imperial dragons, with the brown dragon representing Guangdong and the blue dragon New South Wales, playing with the pearl of friendship.
9:30AM-5PMAdults $6, children $3
SeeLower North Shore
Cobblers Beach
Clothing optional beach which is also popular with families. It can get crowded here on weekends in summer, but nudists say that's a great time to join in if you're new to it. You'll blend in to the crowd.
SeeDarling Harbour
Darling Harbour (Harbourside) Fireworks
Harbourside Fireworks are on from 8:30PM every Saturday on Cockle Bay Harbour. They last for only 15 minutes but are fun to watch especially if you have kids. A good trick is to get a balcony seat around some of the restaurants and you can see the fireworks whilst having dinner or drinks.
SeeCity East
Elizabeth Bay House
Historic Houses Trust
Built between 1835-1839 and once "the finest house in the colony", this colonial mansion preserves the lifestyle of some of Sydney's wealthiest early settlers, Colonial Secretary Alexander Macleay and his family. Designed by the most fashionable and accomplished architect of the day, John Verge, Elizabeth Bay House is a superb example of colonial architecture and is elegantly and authentically furnished in the style of 1839–1845. Guided tours are available on request.
Open Tue-Sun 10AM–4:30PM, closed Mon (except for public holidays), Christmas Day and Good FriPrices: adult $7, child and concession $3, family $17
SeeEastern suburbs
Lindesay
One of Sydney's oldest residences with uninterrupted views of Sydney Harbour. The interior contains lots of colonial-style English furniture. It's a National Trust site today.
45-minute tours run at 10AM and 11AM on the first and third Wednesdays of each month$10 per adult, $5 per child (5–17)/concession holder, free for children under 5 and National Trust members.
SeeThe Rocks
Museum of Contemporary Art Australia
Art museum focusing on work by contemporary Australian artists. Housed in a fabulous 1930s art deco building, former location of the Maritime Services Board and facing onto the western side of Circular Quay and Sydney Cove, the MCA has been dedicated since its opening in 1991 to showcasing great works of modern and contemporary art in all media. One wing is newer, contemporary architecture; the other is a historic building used for port administration until the 1930s. The museum runs some arts education programs for children and disabled people.
Tue-Sun 10AM-5PM
SeeCity Centre
Museum of Sydney
Built on the site of the first Government House, erected in 1788 by Governor Arthur Phillip and demolished in 1846. The remains of the building were excavated after rediscovery in 1983 and the original foundations can now be viewed through glass floor panels in the museum. Fascinating changing exhibitions of art and photography, films and state-of-the-art technology spin stories of colonial life, Aboriginal culture, environment, trade, authority / law and everyday dramas and dreams in early Sydney. The Museum of Sydney Cafe, by the museum entrance is not really part of the museum, and is much more a restaurant than a cheap and casual cafe.
Daily (closed Christmas Day and Good Fri)Admission adult AUD 10, child / concessions AUD 5, family AUD 20, members free (run by the Historic Houses Trust)
DoInner West
New Theatre
New Theatre is one of the oldest continuously producing theatre companies in Australia with a proud history that is intertwined with much of Sydney's social development and Australian theatre history. Productions range across drama, comedy, musicals, gay theatre, family shows, political cabaret and specialised education programs. Classic texts with bold new interpretations and some of the finest contemporary writing.
SeeCity South
Powerhouse Museum
The Powerhouse Museum is a large museum, essentially of popular culture. It has displays on the history of fashion and transport, decorative arts, music, and space exploration exhibits. It also partly plays on a sci-tech theme, with interactive hands-on and discovery displays of technology, design and industry There is usually a special exhibition on as well. There are in-depth displays for all ages, but also displays especially created for young children to discover and play.
Daily 10AM-5PM$15 adults, free for 16 and under
SeeDarling Harbour
Sonic X & Littlest Pet Shop 2012
If you don't have time to get out to Taronga Zoo, then this offers the chance to see Australian wildlife close to the city.
9AM-6PM daily (last ticket sales at 5PM)Adult $48, child $36
SeeThe Rocks
Susannah Place
Owned by Sydney Living Museums. Built in 1844, Susannah Place Museum preserves a row of four terrace houses that incorporate a re-created 1915 corner store, providing a rare opportunity to construct patterns of domestic working class life from the mid 1840s to the late 20th century. It is evidence of the rich community that once existed in The Rocks. The modest interiors and rear yards illustrate the restrictions of 19th century inner city life.
Daily 2-5PM (closed Christmas Day and Good Fri) - guided tours onlyAdult $15, child/concession $12, family $38
SeeDarling Harbour
Sydney Heritage Fleet
Sydney Maritime Museum Ltd
The Fleet restores and operates a number of historic vessels including the barque James Craig. In 2003 the International Congress of Maritime Museums gave the James Craig the Maritime Heritage Award. The offices, model workshop, some displayed boats, and the library are on Wharf 7 located in Darling Harbour. The James Craig is alongside the wharf.
10AM to 4PM daily$2 child, $5 adult, $12 family
SeeCity East
Sydney Jewish Museum
The museum documents the Holocaust and explores the history of the Jewish people worldwide and also in Australia.
Mon–Thu, Fri, Sun (closed Sat and on certain Jewish holidays)AUD 15 for adults, AUD 12 for seniors, AUD 9 for students. Children under 10 enter free
SeeThe Rocks
Sydney Observatory
Australia's oldest observatory. It has a variety of exhibitions, a “beanbag planetarium” and of course, telescopes. The parks and views of the harbour from the Observatory Hill are exceptional. It's worth a visit even if you have no interest in astronomy and are not even going into the building. You can book a night tour guided by an astronomer, where you're allowed to use the telescope and see what is visible during night time. The old telescopes here aren't the most powerful around; the portable telescopes set up are just as powerful as the large ones in the domes. It makes for a fun, informative night out. Children are catered for in both the daytime and evening sessions.
Daily 10AM–5PM. Closed Good Fri, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.Daytime admission is free. For night tours adults $20-22 and children $14-15
DoSydney Olympic Park
Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre
This complex was built for the Olympics and houses the main competition pool. Many state and national swimming events are still held here. It contains a 50-m competition pool, a 50-m training pool, children's pools, a waterslide and a spa, sauna and gym. Worth checking that no major events are on if you plan to visit just to use the pools.
Year-round: Mon-Fri 5AM-9PM; Oct-Apr: also Sat Sun and holiday 6AM-8PM, 6AM-7PM the rest of the year$9.30 adults, $7 children and $5 for spectators
SeeLower North Shore
Taronga Zoo
is Sydney's major zoo and houses both Australian and exotic animals. Worth the trip for the views back to the city and Opera House. Don't miss the Bird Show where various native birds fly free over the heads of visitors.
9AM to 5PM$100 for 2 adults and 2 children, $43 adults, $21 children 4-15 years, $30 concessions, free for children under 4 years
DoSydney Olympic Park
The Royal Easter Show
The show is held every year in Olympic Park in the fortnight around Easter and is the most prestigious agricultural show in New South Wales. Competitive exhibits of livestock and produce are theoretically the point of the show, but for many visitors the main attractions are the fairground food and rides and the showbag pavilion in which large bags of themed merchandise are sold, with themes ranging from superheros to chocolate. Ticket prices are $45 for adults, $28 for children and $34 for concession holders. All tickets include free travel on public transport to the show; as using private transport is discouraged there are no cheaper tickets exclusive of transport.
DoBondi Beach Not mapped
Bondi Icebergs
A popular rock swimming pool with restaurant and bar facilities upstairs that look over the entire beach. It is named for the brave swimmers who compete here in the winter months. Opening hours: M-F: 6AM-7PM, Sa-Su: 6.30AM - 6.30PM. Entry $4 Adults/$2.50 Children/Seniors. (Many other Sydney beaches have rock pools with no charge for access, including nearby Bronte and Clovelly.)
SeeCity East Not mapped
Cook and Phillip Park Aquatic and Fitness Centre
opposite the north eastern corner of Hyde Park near St Mary’s Cathedral
Centre provides world-class swimming, fitness, sporting and recreational facilities including a gym. Sited within a picturesque parkland setting. Swimming facilities include an eight-lane 50-m heated indoor pool and a wave machine.
Mon-Fri 6AM-10PM, Sat Sun and public holidays 7AM-8PM, closed on Good Fri and Christmas DayAdult $6.00, concession $4.50, family $16.00, additional family member $2, spectator $2.70
DoEastern suburbs Not mapped
Cycling
The main circuit is 4 km in length, and there is a separate, much smaller circuit, for children just learning to ride.
SeeLower North Shore Not mapped
Headland Park
The park is bushwalking for the latte and chardonnay set. Take middle head road from Mosman - follow the signs to the Zoo, and then turn left at the roundabout onto Middle Head Road. The site offers spectacular vies over the harbour, and the city. Well formed bushwalks, picnic areas, and swimming at Chowder Bay and Balmoral beaches on the harbour. There are several well placed cafes and restaurants within the park, if you don't feel like carrying a picnic basket, including Ripples near Chowder Bay.
Entry and parking is free
Do Not mapped
New Year's Eve
Features massive displays of pyrotechnics around Sydney Harbour and the Harbour Bridge (including fireworks shot from the bridge itself). There are two shows, a "family show" at 9PM, and the major fireworks display at midnight. Immediately following the 9PM Family Fireworks, the spectacular Harbour of Light Parade begins. Over 50 vessels make a majestic passage on a 15km circuit around the Harbour, featuring illuminated emblems representing the Sydney New Year's Eve theme, glittering either on their hulls or masts. Many of the hotels and bars near the Harbour hold special parties with high cover charges, and boat cruises sell for a premium. Or get in early for the free alternative with some cheese, fruits, wine, picnic blanket and some friends on a warm summer night by the harbour. Save some sympathy for Northern Hemisphere cousins freezing in Times Square waiting for all the excitement of a ball dropping by a couple of metres.
DoThe Rocks Not mapped
Southeast Bridge Pylon
Climb up to the Pylon Lookout. Entrance is from the pedestrian walkway on Bradfield Highway approach to the bridge. (There is no entrance at the base of the Pylon in Dawes Point.) As you climb the 200 steps within the pylon, you pass 3 levels of exhibits describing pictorially the history of the bridge. The view at the Pylon Lookout is as good as from the Sydney tower, maybe better, as you are out in the open air and next to the harbour. It may be the cheapest way to take aerial photos of the harbour, including the Opera House. (You cannot take a camera with you on the bridge climb.)
The pylon is open 10AM-5PM every day except Christmas DayAdmission is $13 adults, $6.50 children under 13, and free for children under 7
DoEastern suburbs Not mapped
Roller-blading
Centennial Park is a venue for all levels from children to club competitors
Centennial Park

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Sydney (CC BY-SA 4.0).