Top attractions for kids

Natural wonders

Sydney is famous for its fantastic weather, so make the most of it and get out and about in nature. Sydney's many family-friendly beaches can be enjoyed all year round and there's one for every kind of swimmer, from floating in calm harbour coves to making a splash at a gorgeous ocean pool or taking on the waves with a surfing lesson at Manly, Bondi, Maroubra or Cronulla.

Family enjoying day at Mona Vale Beach, Mona Vale

Want to bring pooch along too? Check out our favourite dog-friendly beaches in Sydney, from the sleepy town on Bundeena in the south to the tranquil Manly Lagoon in the north.

Bayview Dog Park, Bayview

For those that like a stroll, you're in luck. One of the world's most picturesque paths is the Coogee to Bondi Walk which hugs the coastline or amble through the vast Royal Botanic Garden and enjoy harbour views. Pack a basket (or swing by a cafe) and stop off to admire the city from one of its many picturesque picnic spots.

There are many islands in Sydney Harbour, and a number of these can be explored by the public. The most interesting one for families is undoubtedly Cockatoo Island – learn about the city’s convict history on a self-guided audio tour, join the all-ages Dark Past Tour, spend the night in the camping accommodation, or simply take in the incredible views from the cafe.

Camping tents set up on Cockatoo Island, Sydney Harbour - Credit: Sydney Harbour Federation Trust

Zoos & aquariums

A trip to Taronga Zoo is a full-day adventure. Instead of driving, take a ferry from Circular Quay across sparkling Sydney Harbour so kids can also take in the Sydney Opera House from a new angle. The zoo has hundreds of animals to see, like Mali, Miya and Lexi – three rare Australian sea-lions who perform in an exciting daily show. In Western Sydney, Sydney Zoo offers an open-air safari-style experience.

Sydney Zoo, Bungarribee

You're spoilt for choice at Darling Harbour, kids can get up close and personal with snakes, koalas and other furry native animals at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, then meet king penguins, sharks, turtles and dugongs at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium. Travel a little further out to Featherdale Wildlife Park in Doonside and Symbio Wildlife Park in Helensburgh, just on the edge of Sydney, to meet more furry friends.

After even more quirky animal encounters? Find out where you can come face-to-face with capybaras, numbats, quokkas, owls and nudibranchs here.

Child feeding a wallaby at Featherdale Wildlife Park, Doonside 

Action & adventure

Mini adrenaline junkies will make a beeline for Luna Park an amusement park that has been thrilling children since the 1930s. Ride the ferris wheel and the rollercoasters, then try your luck at the carnival games. Nine new rides were installed in 2021, promising more thrills for all ages.

Raging Waters has more than 30 waterslides and rides, plus a beach and kids' play areas. Have a child that's eight or older and isn't afraid of heights? They can tackle Bridge Climb and reach the summit of the Sydney Harbour Bridge or take on the outdoor Skywalk at Sydney Tower Eye, with its 360-degree views.

BridgeClimb, Sydney

If you want to keep the kids active then head to Sydney Olympic Park in Sydney's west where they can learn a new skill at the Archery Centre, discover trapeze through Circus Arts and swim at the Aquatic Centre.

While out west, fly like a superhero at iFLY Downunder, soar into the air while strapped into a jetpack with Jetpack Adventures, ride the rapids of a man-made river at Penrith Whitewater Stadium, and walk on water at Cables Wake Park.

iFLY Downunder, Penrith

Still have energy to burn? Saddle up for horse riding in Centennial Park, jump on a wild jet boat ride of Sydney Harbour, strap on a helmet to take on the mountain bike trails through Western Sydney Parklands, or climb, swing and zip through the trees at TreeTop Adventure Park.

TreeTops Adventure Park, Abbotsbury

Museums, galleries & shows

When it comes to culture, kids are spoiled for choice in Sydney. They can board a replica sailing ship and explore a submarine at the Australian National Maritime Museum while Hyde Park Barracks has new immersive experiences that take you back in time to Sydney’s convict days. When it gets dark, they can explore the constellations at Sydney Observatory.

Australian National Maritime Museum, Darling Harbour

Meet your favourite celebrities at Madame Tussauds, go behind the scenes at the Sydney Cricket Ground (which also has an on-site museum for avid sports fans), or explore more than 20 million pieces at the Australian Museum, the country’s oldest museum. Meanwhile, aspiring firefighters can spend a day tackling fire safety activities, computer games and puzzles at Penrith’s Museum of Fire.

Museum of Fire, Penrith

The Museum of Contemporary Art and the Art Gallery of NSW regularly host family-friendly exhibitions and children’s workshops. Sydney’s theatres and the Sydney Opera House host a range of productions, musicals and performances throughout the year, and spending a night watching a movie under the stars at an outdoor cinema is always a winner. For family shows and festivals, check out what’s on at this up-to-date events calendar.

Kids with performers, ELEVATE Sydney

Tours & day trips

Make it easy to explore Sydney and beyond by signing up to a tour. Take in all the major landmarks with Big Bus, a hop-on hop-off bus tour. Learn about Australia’s convict history on The Rocks Ghost Tour through Sydney’s oldest streets, explore the city on two wheels with a cycling tour or hop aboard a harbour cruise to see the city from the water.

Bonza Bike Tours, Royal Botanic Garden

If you want to explore a little further, all-inclusive day trip tours visit places in regional NSW such as the Blue Mountains and Jenolan Caves, the Hawkesbury, the Hunter Valley and the Royal National Park.