If you’re a first-time visitor to Australia or an Aussie planning a little excursion for your family, experiencing Sydney is a great place to start. Regularly strutting to the top of the “World’s Best” lists, Sydney is a chill city speckled with activities for kids and parents alike. So, if you’re seriously planning a visit to this Australian gem, here are a few family-friendly things to do in Sydney that you must do and see with your children.
See the famous Opera House
No Sydney vacation can go without a visit to the world-famous Sydney Opera House. While you can get inside and take a tour, this activity might not be super attractive to kids unless you book a show (this is a great way to have some extra fun and enjoy this magnificent building). Once you get enough opera, take a short walk to Observatory Hill and have a nice family picnic with breathtaking views of the city. Grab some food and enjoy a lovely afternoon while the kids run around and burn off extra energy in this family-friendly parkland.
Explore the Royal Botanic Gardens
At the Royal Botanic Gardens, you’ll find a treasure chest of flowers, ferns, trees, and decorated gardens—a perfect opportunity for a little nature lesson for kids in Sydney. On a sunny day, you’ll see many people sprawled out on the lawns, so feel free to join them. Before you head to the gardens, make sure to check their website, as they often have special shows and events thrown regularly. Admission is free, so you can save some money and spend it on a nice family dinner after. The botanical gardens are a great place for toddlers and older kids alike to enjoy the outdoors and learn about Australian flora.
Hit the mountains
If you’re a family of nature lovers, you must visit the Blue Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located just two hours by car from Sydney. Find an affordable car rental in Sydney, grab a comfy SUV, and head for the mountains. After a scenic drive, take a ride on the Scenic Railway, the world’s steepest incline railway, or try the glass-bottom sky tram (everything is perfectly safe for kids). If you have time, venture a little further to the Jenolan Caves—very much worth a visit and a fun experience in Sydney for the whole family.
Take a ferry to Manly Beach
For some amazing views of the harbour, take a ferry cruise to Manly. This spot is famous for its large beach, big waves, tons of surfers, fun day activities, and vibrant nightlife. If your kids are old enough, you can book them a surfing lesson and see if they have a talent for Australia’s favourite pastime. Manly Beach is one of the best places to go for an active family outing, with lots of things to do with kids along the shore.
Go to the museums
Sydney is rich in museums of all kinds, but a few stand out when it comes to activities for kids. Older children will love learning about Australia’s colonial past at the Hyde Park Barracks through stories, historical information, and artefacts. If that doesn’t sound exciting to you, the Australian National Maritime Museum is sure to spark interest with its exhibits of boats, seafaring equipment, and maritime photographs. Sydney also offers a museum of contemporary art for a more modern experience, so you can choose which works best for your family.
Spend a day at the zoo
Set one afternoon aside to spend at the Taronga Zoo, which entertains the whole family. Take a ferry from the city to the zoo and enjoy the gorgeous views along the way. Once you arrive, grab a cable car to the top and enjoy a nice little round trip. The zoo has a tiger exhibit that kids can’t get enough of. The experience is even more fun since you get to go on a simulated plane ride before you land in the land of tigers. When you reach the bottom (where the penguins are), the kids can enjoy an amazing play zone and even meet friendly animals at the farm area. Don’t miss the wild life Sydney exhibits—it’s an excellent place for animal lovers.
Do a coastal walk
To further take in the city’s beauty, you can take one of many coastal walks surrounding Sydney Harbour. A popular choice is the trendy two-hour walk from Coogee to Bondi Beach, but if you prefer a quieter and more private walk, opt for a shorter route in Watson’s Bay or the Split-to-Manly walks. These walks offer stunning views of the ocean and are some of the best things to do around Sydney if you enjoy outdoor activities.
Visit the markets
Sydney has a wide array of markets where you can shop for unique goods. It’s easy to spend the entire day wandering and shopping at Paddington Markets, the Fish Market, Bondi Farmers Market, and the Flower Market. Paddington Market and the Farmers Market are especially entertaining because they attract lots of interesting people. For some delicious food, hit the Glebe Market and the Orange Grove Organic Market. These markets are fun places to visit and perfect for spending quality time with your family.
Conclusion: Your Family-Friendly Sydney Vacation
Here you have it, a short guide to having a stress-free and adventure-filled Sydney vacation with kids. From iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House to thrilling experiences in the Blue Mountains, this city has something for everyone. Whether you’re visiting Sydney with kids for the first time or you’re an Aussie family enjoying a weekend getaway, these things to do with kids will help you make the most of your visit. With free things to do, family-friendly attractions, and unforgettable experiences, you’re guaranteed to fall in love with Sydney and keep coming back to this wonderful city.
Whether you’re exploring Darling Harbour, visiting the Sydney Harbour Bridge, or taking a ferry to one of the beautiful beaches, Sydney is packed with unforgettable places to go and activities for kids to enjoy. So, start planning your Sydney adventure now!
