It is home to over 4,000 animals from around the world, including Australian native wildlife like Kangaroos and Koalas. Experience reptile shows, animal talks and unique wildlife encounters. Every few months the theme will change and the alleyways will be transformed with a new magical theme. This is definitely an Instagrammer’s dream, but it’s fun for everyone. Kids from ages 8 and up can do the Harbour Bridge climb experience. We haven’t had the chance to do this, but we have climbed the Brisbane Story Bridge so we can only imagine the views are even more spectacular.
It features a variety of interactive exhibits and activities for kids to explore, including hands-on workshops, art classes, special events and exhibitions. The Powerhouse Museum has many interactive exhibits where your kids can explore and learn, with regular changing exhibits and school holiday programs. The Royal Botanic Gardens often offer free school holiday activities for the kids with outdoor activities, with regular events all year round. Whether it’s so hot you need to cool down, or so cold you need to warm up, the swimming pools and water playgrounds at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre are always a balmy 26 degrees. Pack swimmers for the whole family and spend the day racing the kids down the Rapid River Ride or work up the nerve to leap from kids entertainment sydney cbd the 10 metre platform.
One of the most iconic things to do in Sydney is climbing up one of the world’s most iconic bridges – the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb. In addition to being a mode of transportation, it is also a fun experience that won’t break the bank. Along with steep overhangs, a neverending lead wall, the chimney, a vertical treadmill and a giant log ladder, there’s a tamer wall for the kids (and the climb-wary). If bouldering’s more your thing, there’s over 90 problems to solve in the exclusive bouldering area. Macquarie Ice Rink has recently completed a multi-million-dollar transformation making ice-skating even more fun.
On the Northern Beaches, Little Beans Cafe in Brookvale is purpose-built for under-5s with a soft play zone, imaginative play kitchen, and a cafe menu that goes well beyond the standard party pies and chicken nuggets. Our birthday party venues guide covers the full range of options across Sydney, and our Party Planner tool lets you compare venues, check availability, and send enquiries to multiple places with one form. While there is no special children’s pool, older kids will enjoy this pool with a view, and it makes a nice diversion after a walk through the botanic gardens.
You can also take a tour of the Opera House to learn the history of this unique building and how it came to be. A wide variety of sporting and entertainment events are held at Sydney Olympic Park every year which can be fun to attend in Sydney with kids. Treat your whole family to a cinematic experience as you enjoy blockbuster movies, and documentaries in an immersive setting with a large screen and cutting-edge audio. Here you will find a 50-metre lap pool but also a splash pad and shaded lounging area for a family day at the pool.
There are interactive displays and activities for children throughout the gallery which makes it more enjoyable for them too. The zoo includes interactive displays, animal encounters, and views of the stunning Sydney Harbour. From unique attractions like the Taronga Zoo to classic experiences such as taking a harbour cruise around the city, there are plenty of options for parents and kids alike. From the world-famous Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House to iconic beaches and cultural experiences, there’s definitely plenty of family fun to be had. Entertainment Park is home to a truly white-knuckle line-up of fun-filled activities, including arcade games, six full-size bowling alleys, party shops, food trucks, VR and digital simulators and even a barbershop.
It is a bustling waterfront area surrounded by family-friendly activities and dining. It is an amazing place with a ferry leaving every few minutes to different parts of the Harbour, including Taronga Zoo, Manly Beach and Watsons Bay. The halls of the gallery are kid and pram-friendly, and you can take a break at the adjoining café and restaurant without venturing into the rain. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions. Gymnastics is another hugely popular choice, with clubs like Sydney Gymnastics and Acrobatics Centre, Northern Beaches Gymnastics, and Hills Gymnastics offering recreational and competitive programs. Dance classes span everything from classical ballet to hip hop to contemporary, with studios across every region of Sydney.
While events are run year-round, there are significantly more events during the NSW school holidays. If these match your dates be sure to book any programs in advance. The Australian National Maritime Museum has a fun kids’ play area for under 5-year-olds and many regular activities. The biggest attraction there, however, are the various vessels that can be visited, including the Endeavour, a replica of Captain Cook’s ship that first sailed to Australia. There is also a submarine, a destroyer, a navy patrol boat and several smaller boats. Explore the zoo from above – Wild Ropes is a 90-minute tour where you get the chance to watch the native wildlife from above.
It first opened in Western Sydney and there are now centres across the country offering indoor and outdoor fun that’s flippin’ awesome. The Penrith centre has wall running, an after-dark program and dodgeball – plus you can book kids’ birthday parties and children can sign up for Little Ninja classes to learn how to twist and bounce like a pro. Play cafes typically charge $12 to $18 per child and serve proper coffee, healthy snacks, and lunch options. They tend to be calmer and more design-focused than traditional play centres, making them popular with parents of babies and toddlers.
The tunnels of the aquarium are a mesmerising place for kids, where they can meet dugongs, sharks, sea turtles and penguins. On the North Shore, Planet Mino in Chatswood sets the standard for design-led play. Their two-storey space-themed playground features augmented reality walls, a giant ball blaster arena, and a cafe that serves genuinely good coffee. It's pricier than Western Sydney options at around $20 to $25 per child, but the quality of the fit-out is noticeably higher. In the Hills District, Area 51 in Castle Hill sprawls across 4,000 square metres and includes a unique Snow World zone where kids can play in real snow regardless of the weather.
The pressure to find the perfect venue, manage RSVPs, organise food, and keep 15 sugar-fuelled kids entertained for two hours is real. The good news is that Sydney has an enormous range of kids birthday party venues, and most of them take the hard work off your plate. The coastal walk from Bondi to Coogee is suitable for kids aged 5 and over.
And you can ride each of them as many times as you like during your visit. If you’ve got a few days to spend in Sydney and want to get beyond the city for a day or two, there are some downright epic day trips from Sydney or weekend getaways in the Greater Sydney region. There is also an ocean pool for swimming, which is great for kids who are a little cautious about swimming in the waves.
It’s one of the most iconic things to do with kids in Sydney as it gives them an amazing view of the city and a whole new way of experiencing it. The observatory deck has interactive displays, a telescope and informative guides that explain what you’re seeing. The Observatory also has an immersive family tour to take kids on a journey into space with all sorts of astronomical knowledge. The museum offers an insight into Australia’s maritime history and its impact on the nation’s culture and economy.
Art is for everyone, but the kids will be particularly fond of the ceramic-painting workshops at Jenny’s Painted Pots. You can decorate ceramic mugs, plates, animals or signs and lettering starting from $15, and they supply all the arty equipment. It’s also home to a traditional lolly shop, so you can scoff old-timey sweets while you paint. It’s a great way to keep the kids entertained when it’s grizzly outside and it could be a prime opportunity to procure some sentimental stocking-fillers for the family.
Fun Things To Do In Sydney With Kids In 2026
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6 min read
