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The Best Family-Friendly Things to Do in Sydney
Written by Emily Jacobs
From archery lessons to zoo encounters, Sydney offers the full A-Z of family-friendly attractions.
The Harbour City is truly one for all ages, with a never-ending list of attractions and activities to suit both the young and young at heart. From big-ticket items to magnificent museums and heart-racing outdoor activities, there’s something for every member of the crew to enjoy, from toddler to teen (and beyond).
Read on to discover our pick of the best family-friendly things to do in Sydney.
Make new furry friends at Taronga and Sydney Zoos
Sydney is blessed with two outstanding zoos, home to awe-inspiring and endangered species from Australia and beyond. Head to Taronga Zoo – travelling by ferry from Circular Quay takes just 12 minutes – to admire some of the 4,000 animals that call the harbourside spot home. Enjoy the bird show while overlooking the harbour, or say hello to the new arrivals, including a Pygmy hippo, chimp babies, twin Red Panda cubs and more.
Stroll down the African Boardwalk for scenes from the savannah, or wander through Primate Boulevard at Sydney Zoo, located in the western suburb of Eastern Creek. With the largest Reptile and Nocturnal House in the world and an open-range habitat where kangaroos and wallabies hop freely, expect little ones’ imaginations to run wild.
Soak up the sand, sun and sea on Sydney’s beaches
With 80 kilometres of coastline, there’s a beach for every type of family along Sydney’s shores.
Kids below the knees? Opt for the gently lapping waters of Balmoral Beach, where the sand is soft, there are picnic areas aplenty and waters remain calm for little ones to splash around in the shallows.
Raising a burgeoning beach lover? Head to Freshwater, Coogee or Cronulla Beaches for surf lessons, or simply find a shady spot at the iconic Manly or Bondi Beaches to build sandcastles, jump over the waves and enjoy fish and chips on the foreshore.
Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge
No family trip to Sydney is complete without a visit to the iconic harbour – why not see it from the top with an ascent up the Harbour Bridge? Choose your experience – the original Summit, Summit Insider, informative Burrawa climb or the roundtrip Ultimate – for 360-degree views over the sparkling city, plus expert commentary from your guide, a BridgeClimb cap and commemorative certificate. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that the whole family will be talking about for years to come.
Ignite imaginations at Sydney’s museums
Sydney’s museums are some of the country’s best, with exhibitions and collections that spark joy and inspire curiosity for kids at every age and stage.
Science, culture and nature are all on show at the centrally located Australian Museum, where permanent exhibitions span dinosaurs, Australian animals, Indigenous Australian culture and so much more. Kids can explore and learn about the world around them with immersive exhibitions and interactive experiences, including sessions at Burra, the museum’s permanent play and learning space. Sensory-friendly sessions are also held regularly for families in a relaxed and supportive environment.
Run, ride, swing, shoot and splash across the city
Known as the ‘lungs of Sydney’, Centennial Park is one of the world’s leading public parks, with more than 30 million visitors annually. Kids can run wild at the Ian Potter Children’s WILD PLAY garden, where they are encouraged to jump, play and learn among dry creek beds, water play areas, bamboo forests, turtle mounds and a treehouse.
At Sydney Olympic Park, aspiring Robin Hoods can try their hand with a bow and arrow at the Archery Centre, fly through the sky on a trapeze or slip and slide on the rapid river ride and giant waterslide at the Aquatic Centre.
Camp under the stars at Cockatoo Island (Wareamah)
Cockatoo Island, known as Wareamah by the Wallumedegal Wangal, Cammeraygal and Gadigal First Nations People, is a former convict colony and shipyard in the heart of Sydney’s harbour. Today, it’s known for its beautifully preserved heritage buildings, stunning panoramic views and an award-winning waterfront campground, perfect for memorable nights under the stars.
With five guided tours of the island on offer – including a thrilling ghost tour – there’s something to pique everyone’s interest, with child-friendly maps and treasure hunt activities adding to the adventure. Come morning, enjoy a BBQ breakfast picnic with free facilities, or head to one of the cafes on the island – Cockatoo Overboard or Marina Cafe – for a feed for the whole family.
Catch a show at the Sydney Opera House or Riverside Theatres
There’s no better way to entertain little minds than a live show and Sydney has family-friendly options in spades. Head to the iconic Sydney Opera House for a family-friendly performance at The Playhouse or The Studio – previous shows have included Edward the Emu, James and the Giant Peach and Big Sky from the Flying Fruit Fly Circus.
Parramatta’s Riverside Theatres is Western Sydney’s performance art hub, hosting over 750 performances and events every year, including a jam-packed children’s program. Productions are hand-picked to entertain both parents and kids, paired with family-friendly films and tailored school holiday activities and workshops.
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