10 Best Family Things to Do in Sydney

Sydney Harbour is home to 2 of Australia’s most famous landmarks – the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge – but it has so much more to offer. Punctuated with beaches and bushland, this charming waterway has lots of activities fit for a fun family outing such as swimming, lunch cruises and kayaking.

After soaking in the iconic harbour views, hop on a ferry from Sydney Harbour to visit the enormous Taronga Zoo. It’s a big hit with children as it houses a variety of wildlife native to Australia like wallabies, kangaroos and koalas. If you are visiting in the summer, check the events calendar for the gorgeous fireworks displays.

This historic quarter is dotted with museums, galleries and restaurants. Observe historic sites and architectural gems as you stroll along the cobblestone paths with your family. Guided walking tours are also available. Curious kids can learn more about the locale through interactive exhibits at The Rocks Discovery Museum.

If your visit falls on a weekend, drop by The Rocks Markets to pick up a souvenir and sample some sweet treats such as gelato, tarts and doughnuts. Keep your eyes on the events calendar for more family-friendly events.

Located just south of Bondi, this picturesque little beach is perfect for a family getaway. You will find a grassy park, picnic tables, barbecue spots and a shallow natural pool perfect for swimming with the little ones. There are plenty of spots where you can sunbathe and soak in the views of the surrounding cliffs and rocky coastline.

Children will enjoy riding the vintage tram that runs on the weekends. The area also hosts the annual Sculptures by the Sea event, where you can observe various seaside sculptures and art installations.

The Powerhouse Museum houses an impressive collection that is sure to impress visitors of all ages. With more than 500,000 items, the museum covers art, history, science, technology and much more.

Many of the exhibits are tailored for young minds. An interactive theatre, pirate boat, dinosaur house and craft corner are just some of the spots where children can both play and learn. Entry is free for children below the age of 16.

This modern neighbourhood is packed with culture and urban conveniences. Its enormous playground can keep kids of all ages entertained for hours with water games, slides, swings and sandpits. Challenge your family members to a game of table tennis using the free equipment available on-site.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, refuel at a local restaurant. You will find a variety of cuisines such as Thai, Japanese and Brazilian. In the evening, a gorgeous LED set-up illuminates the area. On Fridays and Saturdays, you can even control the display with interactive consoles.

With over 20 million scientific and cultural objects in their collection, the Australian Museum is full of learning opportunities. Whether your child is interested in dinosaurs, ancient cultures or wild animals, the museum’s interactive exhibits and immersive spaces inspire wonder and excitement.

The museum gift shop features artwork, jewellery and accessories made by Indigenous Australian artists, perfect for souvenirs. After perusing the exhibits, you can recharge with a light meal and beverages at one of the on-site cafes. Alternatively, enjoy a leisurely picnic with the family at Hyde Park, located just opposite the museum.

This charming amusement park offers over 20 rides and beautiful views of Sydney Harbour. It has many fun family rides with whimsical names such as Tango Train and Cloud Nine. Don’t miss the Ferris Wheel, which gives a bird’s eye view of the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Luna Park is not just about the rides – you can challenge yourself to some Sideshow Games, explore a mirror maze or savour classic treats like popcorn and candy floss. Luna Park can be accessed via ferry or by crossing the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Located at the Darling Harbour waterfront, this museum features exhibits celebrating maritime history and culture. Kids will enjoy exploring its collection of floating historical vessels, including a steel gun ship, a luxury steam yacht from the early 1900s and a cold war-era submarine.

There’s a play area and immersive installations geared towards young visitors. The museum also houses several galleries and offers tours and workshops. After your visit, enjoy a meal against a beautiful backdrop at a waterfront cafe.

Enjoy panoramic views of Sydney from the tallest building in the city. You can spot the area’s most recognisable landmarks such as the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. On clear days, you might even be able to see the Blue Mountains. Multilingual touch panels provide you with interesting titbits about the sites.

This observation deck offers more than just great views. You can take an open-air Skywalk Tour, watch a 4D movie or slip into a VR pod to ‘ride’ a virtual coaster. After a day of fun and thrills, treat your family to a sumptuous meal at one of the tower restaurants.

Centennial Park is a lush urban oasis with cafes, statues, ponds and walking and cycling trails. Enjoy a quiet picnic under the shade of trees, feed some ducks by the pond or head to the Equestrian Centre for horse riding lessons.

The park has several playgrounds with slides, swings, see-saws and much more. Workshops and activities for children are available regularly. At the adjacent Moore Park, you’ll find plenty of indoor entertainment, such as bowling, laser tag and a movie theatre.