Things To Do In Sydney

You can have your photos taken with some of the world’s most revered and respected historical figures at Madame Tussauds Sydney. Good for all ages including toddlers, who tend to be completely absorbed by the underwater tunnels. Combine with WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo next door on a combo ticket — valid for 30 days, so you can spread it across multiple visits if the kids don’t want to leave. Welcome to underwater life with all of its fascinating inhabitants.
Many interesting plants and vr experience animals are on display, in addition to the more standard museum exhibits. There are also cutting-edge displays that use cutting-edge technology to enrich a family outing. In this section, you will get to know some of the fascinating marine creatures. The glass viewing tunnels at the Sydney Aquarium make it a great place to take kids.

Pack a basket (or swing by a cafe) and stop off to admire the city from one of its many picturesque picnic spots. Check out our favourite dog-friendly beaches in Sydney, from the sleepy town on Bundeena in the south to the tranquil Manly Lagoon in the north. At Penrith’s Museum of Fire aspiring junior firefighters are invited to take part in a day of feeling hot hot hot through an array of fire safety activities, computer games, puzzles and dress ups. Highlights include taking command of a fire engine simulator, designing your own home escape plan and taking a fire engine ride.
There are loads of climbing frames, slides, swings and a fun water play area for cooling off in the Summer. For toddlers under 3, look for venues with dedicated soft play zones separated from older children. Many play cafes across  the Inner West and North Shore also cater specifically to the under-3 crowd with age-appropriate toys and safe spaces. Most programs run for full days (typically 9am to 3pm) and cost $60 to $100 per day, with multi-day discounts available.
Centennial Parklands has the Ian Potter WILD PLAY Garden, a nature-based playground that encourages free exploration through bushland-inspired design. And Waverley Park in Bondi Junction is consistently described as one of Sydney’s best right now, with a spectacular rocket ship centrepiece and excellent all-abilities design. Bookings are essential and spots fill quickly during school holidays. Even without a tour, the Opera House forecourt steps and the walk to the Botanic Garden alongside the harbour is a morning well spent. Whether it's raining or shining, Sydney is still a great place to be. Sydney has several free indoor attractions that are perfect for rainy days, particularly for families looking to enjoy the day without breaking the bank.

The kids can meet so many famous celebs like Albert Einstein, to world leaders like Queen Elizabeth II. To mix things up try visiting one of the many Harbour-side national parks and memorials, like North Head or the old fort and tunnels at Middle Head. Make more fun of the tunnels with a game of 44 Home (exhausting, but your children will love you). There’s play equipment for all ages, from tiny tots (sandpit and wooden speedboat, crocodile obstacle course) to the big kids (flying fox and sideways swings).
We think this is the perfect spot to enjoy a picnic lunch, or you can visit the kiosk or café if you have the time and budget. It has water pumps, jets, streams and water buckets, a perfect water play location. You can enjoy the flying foxes, ropes and huge slides on days where you opt to stay dry. With regular and visiting exhibitions, there is plenty for the kids to enjoy.

Most families are happy just walking the foreshore and watching the ferry traffic which costs nothing and takes about as long as you want it to. We’ve covered the best paid attractions worth the money, the free experiences that rival anything ticketed, and the practical information that makes a day out with kids actually work. Use the jump links below to find what suits your family, and follow the links through to our deeper guides when you want the full detail on any one category.
Explore over 18,000 plants and one of the largest living green walls in the Southern Hemisphere. Immerse the kids in Australia's rich Aboriginal history at Grotto Point in Sydney Harbour National Park. Visiting St Mary's Cathedral in Sydney is a rewarding, completely free outing for families that feels both peaceful and special. Dive into a day of delight at Nurragingy Reserve Water Park, a gem within the 63-hectare Nurragingy Reserve in Doonside, ideal for family picnics and BBQs. Located within Sydney Olympic Park, the Ring Walk is a 550-metre looped and elevated walkway around a Brickpit 'pond' that houses endangered Green and Golden Bell Frogs. Visitors can access the Brickpit from high above while preserving the habitat of the endangered Green and Golden Bell Frog.
The best one for kids is Wendy’s Secret Garden as there are loads of paths so the kids can go exploring without running off. In this two-hour class, you’ll be taught by a professional chef and you’ll be able to get stuck into learning new cooking techniques with your kids. The easiest way to get around is by public transport, including trains, buses, light rail (trams) and ferries. Here you can see some of the most stunning waterfalls in New South Wales. Our favourite was Fitzroy Falls, but don’t miss Carrington Falls and Belmore Falls too.