Things to Do in Sydney: Toddlers to Teens Guide

The Sydney theme park sits along the edge of the harbour making it easy to access by ferry. It has been a favourite among locals and visitors alike since it opened in 1935. Step back in time and visit the Hyde Park Barracks, a World Heritage site listed by UNESCO. We didn’t have time to do this when we were in Sydney with kids, but we did spend some time at the Opera Bar, watching the sun lowering over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and enjoying a drink and a snack.
The Art Gallery of NSW houses an impressive array of colonial, modern and contemporary Australian art, as well as international works and touring exhibitions. Here you can explore interactive educational exhibits about astronomy, look through telescopes, witness star activities to do in sydney shows and more. If you’re only in Sydney for a short time and want to see some native animals, this is a good option. You may find various types of native Australian animals here in the 10 interactive zones, including koalas, Tasmanian devils, platypus, wombats and kangaroos.

If you are a family with older kids, you can swim in the north or head wherever you see the red and yellow flags. Flags are placed at the part of the beach that lifesavers have deemed the safest for the day. Whatever you do, resist the temptation to swim at the southern end of the beach.
The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney is home to over 7,500 species of exotic plants and animals, with views of the harbour. There are swings, a wide slide that several kids can go down at once, climbing zones, a splash park and plenty of other play equipment. Conveniently situated within the Entertainment Quarter, Strike EQ features bowling, food and drink. For those little dancing kings and queens out there, Strike EQ even have karaoke rooms that you can privately hire.

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.
The Inner West has carved out a niche for creative, design-conscious play spaces. Nubo Alexandria is the poster child of this movement, with its Scandinavian-inspired aesthetic, natural materials, and focus on open-ended sensory play. It's not cheap at around $22 per child, but the experience is genuinely different from a traditional play centre.
These tend to run $30 to $45 per child but deliver high-energy entertainment that keeps even the most restless kids engaged. For something more creative, art studios, cooking schools, and science workshops across Sydney run structured party experiences that are perfect for smaller groups of 8 to 12 kids. Sydney's indoor play centre scene is the largest and most diverse in Australia. The industry has matured significantly in recent years, with new venues raising the bar on design, hygiene, food quality, and parent amenities. Kids will be high-as-a-kite with excitement after hearing about this place. Children from as young as three years old can learn how to skydive in an indoor facility in Penrith – and it’s fun for adults too.

While events are run year-round, there are significantly more events during the NSW school holidays. If these match your dates be sure to book any programs in advance. The Australian National Maritime Museum has a fun kids’ play area for under 5-year-olds and many regular activities. The biggest attraction there, however, are the various vessels that can be visited, including the Endeavour, a replica of Captain Cook’s ship that first sailed to Australia. There is also a submarine, a destroyer, a navy patrol boat and several smaller boats. Explore the zoo from above – Wild Ropes is a 90-minute tour where you get the chance to watch the native wildlife from above.
Yes, there are several family-friendly beaches located within easy reach of the city centre. There are so many great things to do in Sydney with kids when you are spending time in the New South Wales capital. Sydney is a family-friendly city with a wide variety of attractions and activities for kids and adults of all ages.

There are around-the-clock music videos screening during sessions and a brand-new compressor and dehumidifier to create optimum skating conditions at all times. Playground data includes information from © City of Sydney (CC-BY) and © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Vacation care quality ratings from ACECQA National Register (Australian Government).
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.

The cruise is an interactive experience on a historic sailing ship on the harbour. There are many ways to get out and explore the harbour, and the age and interests of your whole family will play a significant factor in your decisions here, so here are just a few options. One of the best things to do in Watson Bay is visit Robertson Park.
If they’ve gotten their hands on one of the extravagant milkshakes from the diner, get them to burn off all that sugar-strength running around the laser tag field or games arcade. This glittery wonderland is open seven days but the kids get kicked out after 8pm. Before you even get into the nitty gritty of the exhibitions, the welcome hub offers a 'kids trail' map, activity sheets and a fold-your-own chatterbox with cues to spark discussion about the artworks. If your little ones like getting messy, send them off to one of the hands-on art-making workshops and clubs that you can browse on the gallery website. BOUNCE is the premium player in the Sydney market, with locations in Alexandria and other suburbs.
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.