The classics are all here, but some are a little more off-beat...
Get dirty at Sydney Park
Sydney Park offers 40-hectares of greenery a stone's throw from the city centre. The main drawcard for kids is the adventure playground that will occupy them for hours. There's also a large sand pit. Pack the picnic basket and make a day of it, and bring the family pooch: the majority of the park is off-leash.
Plus, if you have a little one learning how to ride a bike, Sydney Park's cycling centre has a terrific course for kids aged 3-8. Kids can learn basic traffic and pedestrian rules on two wheels and join free balance bike clinics.
Cost: free
Age: All ages
Great parks and playgrounds near the city centre
- Wulaba Park, Waterloo – featuring a giant slide!
- Blaxland Riverside Park – features a flying fox, climbing wall and viking swing
- Berry Island Reserve – an island park linked to the mainland by a grassy causeway
- Centennial Parklands – plenty of green space to run, cycle, scooter and more
- Pirrama Park – featuring a large shaded sand pit and accessible spinner
- Paddington Reservoir Gardens – a pocket of greenery inside - you guessed it - a former reservoir
- Hyde Park – because kids love the Archibald Fountain
Make and see at Art Gallery of New South Wales
For a must-do cultural experience, stop by the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Entry is free for a stroll through the space, but the gallery also run a range of ticketed workshops such as Tours for Tots (ages 3-5), or a free drop-in makers workshop for kids. See current events at AGNSW.
Cost: Entry is free. Cost for workshops and special exhibitions varies
Age: 3 and up
Get sporty
We run a range of sporting and recreation centres, with dedicated kids programs including kids' tennis, learn-to-swim and birthday parties. Find out more about the City's swimming pools and community centres.
Cost: Varies
Age: All ages
Get abstract at Museum of Contemporary Art
The MCA is a great space for young creatives to see world-class art in the city. Entry is free of charge, however the museum runs a variety of workshops and classes for kids for a nominal fee. See what's happening at MCA now.
Cost: Entry is free. Cost for workshops and special exhibitions varies
Age: 0 and up (Art Baby is a perfect first-visit for little littlies)
Reach for the stars at Sydney Observatory
It's a big old world out there! Sydney Observatory is great for kids fascinated by our universe and all things in it. Explore the historic site at Miller’s Point, peek through Australia’s oldest working telescope and discover more about the planets, the galaxy, and beyond.
Cost: Free to visit. Fees for tours
Age: All ages, but primary schoolers learning about the solar system are bound to enjoy it
Walk and learn
Take your kids to see public art and historical sites in Sydney, and uncover our city's stories. Our free Sydney Culture Walks app covers more than 400 points of interest across Sydney. You can filter by type, location and theme.
Cost: Free
Age: 5 and up
Go under the sea
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium is a must-see for kids. Walk through the underwater tunnel, discover new species of fish, or pet some slimy critters in the touch pool.
Cost: From $29.50 for a child. Under 4s are free
Age: Suitable for all ages
Meet the locals
Check out animals in all shapes and sizes at Taronga Zoo. A visit is almost compulsory for locals and families visiting Sydney. Tick off another must-do activity by catching a ferry to the zoo for brilliant harbourside photos. While you’re there, there’s a range of fun tours and activities such as the Wild Ropes course, or various ticketed animal encounter experiences.
Cost: From $26.00 for a child
Age: All ages
Discover the city’s dark past
Experience what it’s like on the wrong side of the law at the Justice and Police Museum. Original holding cells from the 1890s are kept intact along with a library of criminal photography, records and the many stories of Sydney’s crooks and police. Open weekends only.
Cost: $30 for a family of two adults and two children. Children under 5 free
Age: All ages, but best suited to over 5s
Take a ferry
It doesn’t matter where you’re going, Sydney Ferries are a must-do Sydney experience, giving you a front-seat photo opp with Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House.
Cost: Varies
Age: All ages
Experience island life
For a short ferry ride, Cockatoo Island is worth a visit. Take step back in time with a guided tour through the UNESCO world-heritage-listed site, then grab some lunch and experience the beauty of Sydney’s biggest island.
Cost: Free
Age: All ages
Catch a show
Sydney Opera House has a packed program of theatre shows and workshops for juniors throughout the year. One notable event is Junior Adventure, where kids are guided through the spaces of the Opera House and tasked with activities (every day throughout school holidays). See what's on at Sydney Opera House now.
Cost: Varies
Age: Varies
Get creative
Why buy a new vase when you can have one custom-made with love? Pine Street Creative Arts Centre offers a wide range of creative workshops for all ages, including ceramics classes, print-making, drawing, painting and more.
Cost: Varies
Age group: 5 and up
Spend the day at one of our favourite parks
Whether your kids prefer a hit on the tennis court or practicing their three-pointers, there’s something for everyone at Prince Alfred Park. The park also features a heated outdoor swimming pool, two playgrounds, and various barbecue and picnic spots. You can book the tennis courts and pay a small fee for pool entry. Besides that, it’s a free, fun day out for the family.
Cost: Tennis court hire from $24.60. Pool entry $18/family
Age: All ages
