Things to Do in Sydney: Toddlers to Teens Guide

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.
World-class playgrounds like Darling Quarter Playground, Blaxland Riverside Park in family activities sydney cbd Olympic Park, and Livvi's Place in Ryde are completely free. Most beaches are free including family-friendly options like Balmoral, Clovelly, and Manly's sheltered Shelly Beach. Council libraries run free storytime sessions, many museums offer free entry for kids under certain ages, and parks like Centennial Park and the Royal Botanic Garden are always free to enjoy. The most popular option remains the traditional play centre party. Prices range from $25 to $40 per child, with most venues requiring a minimum of 8 to 10 kids.

Council libraries run free storytime sessions for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers throughout the week. Many museums offer free entry for kids under certain ages, and the Royal Botanic Garden is always free. BOUNCE, Flip Out, and Sky Zone all offer party packages that combine bouncing time with a private party area.
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.

Although, the best time to visit the art gallery with kids is during the NSW school break since they have a holiday program to keep the kids occupied. They have a kids’ trail available that involves listening to stories, clues and completing fun activities as you explore the museum. Your kids will love taking in the harbour views, spotting iconic Sydney attractions like The Rocks and the Opera House on the way and stopping to explore new places. We have included the best Sydney attractions plus some super fun day trips to go beyond the city and explore more of New South Wales. Embrace the wet and take your bedraggled brood on an aquatic adventure.
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.
The museum hosts regular sleepover nights for kids and at least one parent. It’s a chance to explore the museum once it is closed and sleep in the dinosaur room. The Chinese Garden of Friendship has a few family-friendly activities like fish feeding, dumpling brunches and my favourite, the chance to dress up in a traditional Chinese outfit. The collection is minimal, but the staff are helpful, and there are some kids activity sheets to help guide you through the walk. Generally, a few days in Sydney is enough to explore the attractions, but you could easily spend longer if you wanted to do a few day trips. Traffic can be chaotic but this makes it easier to get beyond the city if you are doing a New South Wales road trip or day trips.

This is one of our favourite half-day trips from Sydney when you don’t have a lot of spare time but still want to get out on the water and visit somewhere nearby. Jump on the ferry at Circular Quay, since it can only be reached by boat! It’s a great place for families to explore, with lots of interactive activities and interesting attractions. An Art Gallery is a perfect indoor activity in Sydney for those rainy days, especially if you have older kids who appreciate fine art.
This is a big day out of the city, but it will give you a chance to explore suburban Sydney. Take the train to Cronulla and then the little Tom Thumb Ferry across Port Hacking to the tiny settlement at Bundeena on the edge of the Royal National Park. The catch with visiting these ships is that kids must be over 90cm tall. The average three-year-old probably fits this, but of course, all kids are different. Kids 8 years and over are welcome to climb, and the climb is well-paced, so most people won’t find it too challenging.

One very memorable family activity is a sunrise paddle on Sydney Harbour. There is also a track that leads under the bridge where you will find people fishing off the rocks. Here you can see some of the most stunning waterfalls in New South Wales. Our favourite was Fitzroy Falls, but don’t miss Carrington Falls and Belmore Falls too. There is plenty of space for kids to build sandcastles and play in the waves.
Trampoline parks like BOUNCE and Flip Out run party packages with dedicated hosts. For something different, try art studios, cooking schools, or outdoor venues like Centennial Park which has BBQ and picnic facilities. Our Party Planner tool lets you compare venues, check availability, and request quotes from multiple places at once. Many Sydney play cafes specifically target the baby and toddler  market, offering a relaxed environment where parents can enjoy a decent coffee while their little ones explore safe, stimulating play areas. These venues are particularly popular with parents on maternity and paternity leave who are looking for social connection alongside child-friendly spaces. Our soft play centres guide and toddler activities blog have detailed recommendations.

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.
The guides explain so much about the area and the flora and fauna you will pass along the way; it’s an excellent introduction to Sydney’s landscape. This hike follows the coastline from the harbour to the sea and takes in several amazing hidden beaches, Aboriginal rock art and a Manly Beach sunset at the end. The Sydney Harbour Bridge is an icon every family should experience, and the good news is it’s now truly accessible for everyone.
Our favourite was the Gruffalo Trail which is an interactive trail for kids. There is also a playground, a skate park and street art to admire. We were lucky enough to see one of the local artists working on her piece during our last visit. This is a popular spot all year round, with walking trails, a great adventure playground for the kids and heaps of covered picnic tables.