Family-friendly Sydney is full of adventures, outdoor fun, and educational experiences that make traveling with kids both easy and unforgettable. Whether you’re visiting with toddlers, tweens, or teens, the city offers a perfect blend of activities to keep everyone entertained, from wildlife encounters to hands-on museums, open-air playgrounds, and safe beaches.
Sydney is a city that loves families. Its public spaces are clean and accessible, the transport system is stroller-friendly, and most attractions welcome kids with open arms. Darling Harbour is one of the city’s top family hubs, offering everything from the SEA LIFE Aquarium to a giant playground, interactive fountains, and open plazas for running wild. Over at Circular Quay, ferries become part of the fun, zipping kids across the water to zoos and island adventures.
Museums in Sydney are refreshingly kid-friendly. Whether it’s climbing into a cockpit at the Powerhouse Museum or seeing dinosaur bones at the Australian Museum, there’s plenty to touch, see, and explore. You’ll also find green oases like the Royal Botanic Garden and Centennial Park, where families can picnic, bike, and meet friendly wildlife. Beaches like Coogee and Balmoral are calm, shallow, and perfect for littler swimmers.
Food and facilities are no stress either. Cafes offer kids’ menus, playgrounds sit next to eateries, and family bathrooms are common. Best of all, many of Sydney’s top family attractions are low-cost or free. This guide covers the best things to do with kids in Sydney, plus smart tips to keep everyone happy and on budget.
© David Stanley, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license
Top 10 Things to Do in Sydney with Kids
| Name | Location | Best For (Kids Age) | Budget | Nearest Transport | Insider Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium | Darling Harbour | 3–12 yrs | $$ | Town Hall Station (10-min walk) | Visit early to avoid crowds. Combo tickets with Wildlife Sydney Zoo save money. |
| Taronga Zoo | Mosman | All ages | $$$ | Ferry from Circular Quay | Take the Sky Safari cable car for amazing harbour views. Bring your own lunch to save. |
| Luna Park Sydney | Milsons Point | 5+ yrs | $$–$$$ (rides charged) | Milsons Point Station | Entry is free! Pay only for rides. Best views at night when the lights are on. |
| Powerhouse Museum | Ultimo | 6–14 yrs | $ (Kids under 16 free) | Central Station | Full of science, tech & hands-on fun. Don’t miss the space section and old trains. (temporarily closed!) |
| Australian Museum | Hyde Park | 4–12 yrs | Free | Museum Station | Dinosaurs are a hit! There’s a play area for toddlers and loads of interactive displays. |
| Darling Quarter Playground | Darling Harbour | 2–10 yrs | Free | Town Hall Station | Epic playground with water features and climbing nets. Wear waterproof shoes! |
| Wildlife Sydney Zoo | Darling Harbour | 3–10 yrs | $$ | Town Hall Station | Indoor zoo, perfect for rainy days. Spot koalas and kangaroos up close. |
| Centennial Parklands | Eastern Suburbs | All ages | Free | Bus from Museum Station | Hire bikes or pedal cars. Great picnic spots and wildlife spotting (even echidnas!). |
| Sydney Observatory | Millers Point | 6–14 yrs | Free–$ | Circular Quay Station (15-min walk) | Free museum by day, telescope viewings at night (book ahead). Stunning views of the harbour. |
| Manly Beach & Shelly Beach | Manly | All ages | Free | Ferry from Circular Quay | Shelly Beach is calmer for kids. Pack snorkels, the water is clear and shallow. |