15 Best Things to Do in Sydney With Kids

You’ll find Sydney’s kid-friendly attractions are perfectly clustered around the harbor, making navigation easy with strollers. Start at Circular Quay to see the Opera House, then walk across the Harbor Bridge’s free pedestrian path for stunning views. Don’t miss Featherdale Wildlife Park where kids can actually pat koalas and hand-feed kangaroos. The Rocks Markets offer weekend entertainment with street performers, while Darling Quarter‘s playground features interactive water play that’ll keep children occupied for hours. Our complete guide reveals insider timing tips and hidden gems.

Explore Circular Quay and Its Iconic Landmarks

When you’re planning your Sydney adventure with kids, there’s no better starting point than Circular Quay – this bustling waterfront hub puts you within arm’s reach of the city’s most beloved landmarks.

You’ll find yourself perfectly positioned between the iconic Sydney Opera House and The Rocks historic neighbourhood, both just minutes away on foot. The Opera House offers free entry to its main collection area, making it budget-friendly for families, while guided tours help kids appreciate the stunning architecture up close.

Don’t miss The Rocks’ weekend markets, where little ones can sample diverse cuisines and hunt for souvenirs among the cobblestone streets. Kids will be delighted by the street performers, musicians, and magicians who regularly entertain visitors with their dynamic performances throughout the area.

Cadman’s Cottage, Sydney’s oldest surviving dwelling from 1816, provides an engaging history lesson that brings the past to life for curious young minds.

Walk Across Sydney Harbour Bridge

Why not tackle one of the world’s most spectacular pedestrian walks right after exploring Circular Quay? The Sydney Harbour Bridge’s pedestrian walkway offers completely free access and unforgettable views 134 metres above the water.

You’ll find the eastern footway entrance via stairs from Broughton Street in Kirribilli (north side) or near Gloucester Street in The Rocks (south side).

At 1,149 metres long, it’s manageable for kids but prepare for wind at the top. I’ve watched the steel arch expand up to 18 centimetres on hot days—fascinating for curious minds!

The granite pylons you’ll pass serve no structural purpose, just aesthetics. The bridge’s distinctive colour is called Harbour Bridge Grey, originally chosen for practical reasons using leftover paint from WWI.

Plan 30-45 minutes for the crossing, and bring layers since harbour winds can be strong. It’s genuinely one of Sydney’s best free family activities.

Take a Scenic Ferry Ride Around the Harbour

After soaking up those bridge views, you’ll want to experience Sydney Harbour from water level—and ferries offer the perfect family adventure. Choose the classic green and yellow ferries over faster options for maximum scenery.

The 30-minute Manly route showcases the Opera House and Harbour Bridge beautifully, ending with fish and chips at Doyle’s on the Wharf. Watsons Bay offers lighthouse walks and clifftop photos at The Gap, while Parramatta provides riverside parks for post-ferry exploration.

Pack hats and snacks—open decks get windy but deliver that magical wind-in-hair excitement kids love. Sunday travel caps fares at just $2.80 per person all day. Skip traffic hassles while children spot seagulls and iconic landmarks.

One-hour sightseeing cruises offer hop-on hop-off flexibility if you prefer guided commentary. For families with young children, all ferry destinations are pram-friendly with accessible paths and ramps throughout.

Visit Taronga Zoo and Feed the Giraffes

Your harbour adventure sets the perfect stage for Taronga Zoo’s most magical experience—hand-feeding towering giraffes against Sydney’s sparkling backdrop.

Book the Giraffe Encounter early through Taronga’s app, as spots fill quickly. At $39.95 for up to four people, it’s designed for ages four and older.

The 11am session lasts just two minutes, so have cameras ready. You’ll access the special giraffe boardwalk where keepers share fascinating facts while your kids giggle at gentle giraffe tongues taking lettuce from tiny hands. With only 10 sessions daily, this intimate experience ensures quality time with these magnificent creatures.

Remember, general zoo admission’s required separately, and bookings aren’t refundable.

Weather or animal welfare concerns might cancel sessions, so check at the Top Plaza retail shop upon arrival.

It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that’ll spark your children’s wildlife passion.

Discover Australian Wildlife at Featherdale Wildlife Park

While Taronga Zoo offers stunning harbor views, Featherdale Wildlife Park delivers something equally magical—the chance for your kids to actually touch and feed Australia’s most beloved native animals.

Located 45 minutes from Sydney’s CBD, this hands-on experience lets children pat koalas (Sydney’s only location offering this), hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies, and walk through the interactive Lorikeet Aviary.

Arrive early between 8:00-9:00 AM when crowds are minimal and animals are most active.

Don’t miss the scheduled keeper talks—Penguin Encounters at 10:00 AM, Quokka Selfie sessions at 10:30 AM, and weekend Young Crocodile encounters.

Grab feeding cups for $5 each and watch your kids’ faces light up as friendly wallabies eat from their hands.

This renowned wildlife destination has been showcasing Australian animals since its hotel in 1972, making it a trusted choice for families exploring Sydney’s natural attractions.

Experience Sea Life Sydney Aquarium’s Underwater Tunnel

Four glass tunnels stretching 100 metres beneath Sea Life Sydney Aquarium create one of the world’s most thrilling underwater experiences—and your kids will feel like they’ve stepped into a real-life ocean adventure.

Two tunnels wind through Shark Valley’s 1.5 million litres of water, where grey nurse sharks and lemon sharks weighing up to 300 kilograms swim overhead.

Two additional tunnels showcase dugongs—one of only four displays worldwide.

Here’s my pro tip: rush through the first tunnel in each area since they’re photography magnets that create bottlenecks. The second tunnels stay quieter, giving your family better viewing angles and photo opportunities.

Your children will be mesmerized watching massive sharks circle continuously above while rays glide past the ancient stone-designed walls. Don’t miss the daily keeper talks that provide fascinating insights about these incredible marine animals throughout your visit.

Enjoy the Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk

Three and a half kilometres of stunning coastal scenery await you and your family on the Bondi to Bronte walk—but don’t let the easy rating fool you into thinking it’s suitable for pushchairs or young children who tire easily. The clifftop path includes steps and inclines that’ll challenge little legs during the 1.5-hour journey.

Start at Bondi Beach’s southern end, accessible via buses 333 or 380 from Bondi Junction. Your kids will love spotting surfers at Tamarama Beach (nicknamed Glamarama) and exploring the historic Icebergs Pool.

Take frequent breaks at the strategically placed seats—they’re perfect for snacks and photos. The route passes through Hunter Sculpture Park, where outdoor artworks create an engaging backdrop for family photos.

End at family-friendly Bronte Beach, where rock pools, barbecue facilities, and fish-and-chip shops await. Catch bus 400 back to avoid tired tantrums.

Swim and Play at Bondi Beach

After exploring those clifftop views, you’ll want to cool off at Australia’s most famous beach. Bondi Beach offers perfect family fun with multiple swimming options for different ages.

The North Bondi Children’s Pool provides a safe, wave-free environment where toddlers can splash in graduated shallow waters, protected by Ben Buckler headland.

For older kids, stick to flagged lifeguard sections where gentle waves break over sand banks. The north end’s smaller waves are ideal for beginners.

Consider booking surfing lessons for children five and up through Let’s Go Surfing or Waves Surf School.

Don’t miss the boat-themed playground behind the promenade—it’s fenced and gated with shade coverage.

Pack sunscreen and snacks for the BBQ areas, making Bondi your perfect family base. The Bondi to Coogee Coastal Path offers stunning ocean views and fresh air, perfect for a leisurely family stroll.

Splash Around at Darling Quarter Playground

When you’re searching for the perfect all-weather playground in Sydney’s heart, Darling Quarter delivers an exceptional water-focused adventure that’ll keep your kids engaged for hours. The 100-metre watercourse features pumps, wheels, and dams where children learn through hands-on play about water flow and cause-effect relationships.

Your toddlers will love the gentle splash channels and fountains designed for sensory development, while older kids can tackle the 7-metre climbing towers and thrilling 21-metre flying fox. The playground’s universal design means children of all abilities can play together safely. With over 60 native trees providing natural shade and improving air quality, you’ll find plenty of comfortable spots to relax while supervising play.

Located at Harbour Street with free entry, you’re within walking distance of the Maritime Museum and Chinese Garden. Pack towels and spare clothes—68% of families engage with water features, and you’ll likely join them for extended play sessions.

Ride the Roller Coasters at Luna Park

Since Luna Park Sydney‘s massive $30 million overhaul in 2021, you’ll find four thrilling roller coasters that cater to every age and courage level. Start younger kids on Little Nipper, the shark-themed mini coaster that completes three gentle laps.

When they’re ready to progress, try Boomerang—this Gerstlauer family shuttle coaster welcomes all family members and serves as the perfect stepping stone.

For braver souls, Wild Mouse delivers wooden thrills after being reintroduced following its 1970 removal.

The crown jewel is Big Dipper, an Intamin multi-launch single-rail coaster that’ll test even seasoned riders. The compact train features individual seats rather than traditional side-by-side seating arrangements.

Check height restrictions before queuing—you’ll save disappointment and time. Consider purchasing one-day passes for $75 online versus $80 at the gate. The park’s compact size means you’ll easily experience everything.

Stroll Through Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

Just a short walk from Luna Park’s adrenaline-pumping rides, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney offers the perfect counterbalance—30+ hectares of peaceful green space where your family can decompress while still keeping everyone entertained.

Head straight to Ian Potter Children’s WILD PLAY Garden, where kids up to 12 can explore bamboo tunnels and climbing towers. Pack extra clothes since water play gets messy. The Choo Choo Express provides a relaxing 20-minute tour—buy tickets early for guaranteed family seating.

Summer visits require early arrival before 10 am with hats, sunscreen, and water. Free guided walks depart at 10:30 am from the Visitor Centre, sharing fascinating plant stories. While exploring, encourage kids to learn about various bird species that call the gardens home.

Don’t miss Mrs Macquarie’s Chair for iconic Opera House photos, especially during sunrise or late afternoon when lighting’s ideal.

Explore The Rocks Markets and Historic Area

After soaking up the tranquility of the Botanic Gardens, you’ll find The Rocks Markets buzzing with energy just a 10-minute walk away along the harbor foreshore.

Operating weekends (10am-5pm) and Fridays (9am-3pm), this historic open-air market offers handmade jewelry, local crafts, and delicious food stalls that’ll keep kids entertained for hours.

The cobblestone streets can be tricky for strollers, so watch your step while exploring the historic buildings and viewing platforms. Kids will love sampling the unique roasted chestnuts prepared in ovens over charcoal, creating a distinctively drier texture and smoky flavor that differs from traditional cooking methods.

Street performers add excitement, though crowds get thick during peak times. I’d recommend arriving early Saturday morning for easier navigation with little ones.

Plan 2-3 hours here—the Sydney Harbour Bridge backdrop makes for incredible family photos, and the relaxed atmosphere lets kids explore safely while you browse authentic Australian souvenirs.

Find Peace at Chinese Garden of Friendship

From The Rocks’ bustling energy, you can find complete serenity at the Chinese Garden of Friendship in Darling Harbour—about a 15-minute walk south along the waterfront.

Your kids will love the daily koi feeding at 11:30am and hunting for hidden zodiac animal statues scattered throughout the winding paths. The Dragon Wall’s colorful sculptures and peaceful pagodas create perfect photo opportunities while you relax at the Tea House overlooking lotus ponds.

I’d recommend spending 1-2 hours exploring the bamboo forests and miniature mountains. The garden features Four Spirits stone blocks representing Dragon, Qilin, Turtle, and Phoenix that symbolize power, benevolence, longevity, and rebirth in Chinese culture.

At $12 for adults and $8 for students with free entry under age five, it’s an affordable cultural experience. The One Dining teahouse serves kid-friendly dumplings and pork buns if you need refreshments during your peaceful garden exploration.

Play at Ian Potter Children’s WILDPLAY Garden

While your kids might be refreshed from the tranquil gardens, they’ll be ready to release their energy at Ian Potter Children’s WILDPLAY Garden in Centennial Park—Sydney’s most innovative playground designed for little adventurers aged 2-12.

You’ll find everything here: shallow artesian water pools with gentle jets, bamboo forests perfect for hide-and-seek, and climbing structures that’ll challenge your most energetic children. The water play area’s brilliant because adults can walk through without getting wet while kids splash safely.

What I love most is how it caters to all personalities—your cautious child can explore turtle mounds while your daredevil tackles the giant slide. The fenced area means you can relax slightly while they burn energy. This is Australia’s first purpose-built nature play space in NSW, encouraging children to reconnect with the natural environment.

It’s open 10am-5pm daily with free entry, plus there’s a coffee van for much-needed parent fuel.

Board Real Ships at Australian National Maritime Museum

Since your kids have worked off some energy at the playground, they’re perfectly primed for the Australian National Maritime Museum’s hands-on ship experiences in Darling Harbour. You’ll climb aboard HMAS Vampire destroyer, explore HMAS Onslow submarine interiors, and walk the decks of replica HMB Endeavour. Kids must be over 90cm tall for safety, and last boarding’s at 3pm sharp.

The Kids on Deck Maker Space runs daily 10:30am–4:30pm with boat races and water play—pack spare clothes! For little ones aged 2-5, Mini Mariners offers interactive tours with singing and dancing. During school holidays, catch Splashing Science Circus performances at 12:30pm and 2pm. Young adventurers can also test their skills with underwater drones that explore the harbour’s surface and depths on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.

Plan 2-3 hours at 2 Murray Street. Saturday rope-making demos at 11am add authentic maritime flair to your family adventure.

The Sum Up

You’ve got incredible adventures waiting in Sydney with your kids. I’ve watched families create magical memories at these spots – from my daughter’s squeals of joy feeding giraffes at Taronga to my son’s fascination with the maritime museum‘s submarines. Remember to pack sunscreen, water, and comfortable walking shoes. Stay close to little ones near harbor edges, and don’t forget your camera. Sydney’s family treasures will leave you planning your next visit before you’ve even left.