Top Family-friendly Activities in Sydney, NSW

Your guide to Sydney’s best spots for families and kids.

Sydney, New South Wales, has many family-friendly spots to take your family or kids for a fun day out. These family spots, including parks, museums, and culture, offer a wide variety of activities for people of all ages. Whether your kids love thrilling experiences or want to explore wildlife, there’s something for everyone in this innovative city. Here’s a guide to the top family-friendly activities and places you shouldn’t miss when visiting Sydney.

Also, explore Sydney’s Vibrant Food Scene

Dive into a Magical Underwater World at Sydney’s Sea Life Aquarium

Start your adventure at Sea Life Sydney Aquarium in Darling Harbour. As one of the largest aquatic water parks in the world, it offers a magical experience and numerous activities for kids and adults alike. It showcases over 13,000 sea creatures from all over the world. The top things to see or do include the Shark Walk, the interactive rock pools with starfish and other marine animals, the penguin exhibit, and the glass-bottom boat ride.

Watch a Movie Under the Stars at the St. George Open Air Cinema

If you’re up for a movie night with family and kids, one of the best places to go to is the St. George Open Air Cinema at Mrs. Macquarie’s Point. As one of the most popular outdoor cinemas in Sydney, it offers breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour with family-friendly films. Enjoy a cosy night under the stars with your family while watching your favourite movies.

Explore Native Wildlife at Taronga Zoo

If your kids love animals, there’s no better place than Taronga Zoo for a family hangout. As one of the largest zoos in Australia, Taronga is home to over 4,000 animals of various native and international species, including Australian koalas, kangaroos, and platypuses. There’s plenty to do here for people of all ages, including peaceful picnics and enjoying the zoo’s daily shows.

Test Your Archery Skills at Sydney Olympic Park Archery Centre

For those seeking more adventurous things to do as a family, head to the Sydney Olympic Park Archery Centre to test your archery skills. There are activities for people of all ages and skills. Sign up for beginner archery classes or try shooting some arrows in the range.

Take a Family Cruise Around the Harbour

Whether you’re visiting Sydney or are a local, you simply cannot miss a harbour cruise. Sydney Harbour, which is the largest in the region, offers family-friendly cruises run by several operators. Many of these cruises also cover the city’s famous landmarks, including the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the beautiful sights with some fresh air.

Strike a Pose with Your Favourite Celebrities at Madame Tussauds

If your kids are fans of movie actors or superheroes, you just cannot miss Madame Tussauds. Sydney is home to one of the largest Madame Tussauds wax museums in the world. Located in Darling Harbour, the museum features lifelike wax statues of celebrities, including Hollywood stars, famous personalities, and historical figures. Take selfies with your favourite movie actors and enjoy interactive exhibits.

Horse Riding at Centennial Parklands

For families that love adventure, horse riding at Centennial Parklands is a perfect activity. These parklands featuring expansive green space in the middle of the city offer horse-riding experiences for both children and adults. You can even book horse riding lessons and guided tours for individuals or the whole family.

Take a Ride at Luna Park

For Sydney families with kids, visiting Luna Park every once in a while is like a tradition. This heritage-listed theme park has been entertaining locals and visitors for generations. Situated right on the harbour, this iconic entertainment park has rides for people of all ages, including kids, teens and adults. When you encounter the giant smiling face at the entrance, you know that you’ve reached Luna Park Sydney.

Take Kids to the Australian Museum

A trip to Sydney is incomplete without visiting the Australian Museum, where your family can learn about the country’s history, indigenous routes, biodiversity, and, of course, dinosaurs. Let your kids attend one of the interactive exhibits for a chance to learn with hands-on activities.

Dinner in Darling Harbour with a Free Fireworks Display

What better way to conclude your family trip than to dine at a restaurant on the Darling Harbour, where you can also enjoy a spectacular fireworks display every Saturday night? There are plenty of amazing restaurants offering extensive dining options ranging from Australian cuisine to international food. Enjoy live music with exceptional food and stunning views of the water.

Conclusion

With its blend of exciting family-friendly experiences, activities, and entertainment options, Sydney is the perfect place to spend quality time with your family, exploring local culture, native wildlife, and rich history. Sydney is a very clean city, and the local councils employ a number of cleaning companies to maintain its cleanliness.