Finding things to do in Sydney with kids can be tricky. Not because there’s nothing to do - on the contrary, the whole city is teeming with activities, classes, workshops, and places to visit that get the little ones excited.
But once you’ve done the big stuff - we’re talking about going to the zoo, amusement parks, getting anxious about finding parking at the beach etc - what’s left to do?
You come here to get some ideas, that’s what! Don’t worry mum, dad, grandma, gramps or guardian. We’ve asked around and tried out the best things to do in Sydney with kids and listed them all here for you so you don’t have to.
And just so you know, nobody pays us to be featured on this list. They’re just our recommendations to you, so you can find the best things to do in Sydney.
Go on a CBD Scavenger Hunt to Uncover Sydney’s History and Mysteries
As many parents know, the quickest way to get your kids uninterested in an activity is to tell them they’re about to learn something.
Education might be the broccoli of your kids’ lives, but just like sneaking veggies into dinner, treasure and scavenger hunts like these are a subtle way to get them on the right track!
The idea’s simple as: you receive text messages containing clues, puzzles and riddles to solve that lead you to historical sites and interesting places in and around the CBD. Together, you’ll learn (yes, even mum and dad!), get your steps in, engage little minds and get them excited about history without a textbook in sight.
The best part is, you can start playing whenever it’s convenient for you (perfect if your kids like to battle you about putting their shoes on), and pause the game whenever you want. Perfect for kids, tweens, teens, and adults, everyone’s brain power is needed to get to the end!
Enjoy Sydney's Scummiest, Yummiest Pancakes Together at Pancakes On The Rocks
As any Sydneysider will tell you, there’s no shortage of great places to eat in the city - whatever your age. But if you’re looking for things to do in Sydney with kids that involve a yummy treat, there can only be one recommendation from me: Pancakes on The Rocks.
A guaranteed hit with the kids (and let’s be honest, probably the adults too), Pancakes On The Rocks is my go-to place to give the whole family a treat.
I’ll be honest and say that I don’t have much of a sweet tooth - which is fine, because this place also offers Aussie classics, pizza and breakfast options, as well as stacks of syrupy, fluffy pancakes.
This place offers a warm welcome, a great location if you’re in the CBD exploring, and honestly, something for everyone.
Uncover a (Fictitious!) Murder Mystery Together On The Rocks
Looking for things to do in Sydney with kids who are in the tween / teen era of their lives? This is for you.
This outdoor escape room game transforms your family into forensic investigators as you solve a thrilling (but entirely made up) murder mystery in the historic Rocks district.
Like a real life Among Us or game of Cluedo, it’ll be up to you guys to sniff out clues, solve puzzles and figure out what’s next. This fictional adventure will have you and the kids combing through lanes and around old colonial buildings, piecing together clues to lead you to the “killer”.
You’ll immerse yourselves in local lore, digitally interact with Sherlock Holmes and get to the bottom of this mystery once and for all - before the perpetrator sets his sights on you!
PSST: It goes without saying, this game is more suitable for older kids. While there’s no gore or directly frightening content, there is some mild threat involved in the text messages. For sensitive or younger children, accompanying adults can choose to censor material they think minors may find disturbing. Reach out if you have any questions!
Find Your Nearest TimeZone
Looking for things to do in Sydney with kids while it’s raining cats and dogs or too hot to move? Here’s an easy solution.
Found all over Asia-Pacific, TimeZone Games offer a welcoming, friendly place to play a few hours away. Wherever you’re located you’ll find the latest arcade games there, and some venues offer bumper cars, and laser tag too.
The perfect spot for kids (and adults) to unleash some energy, win some prizes, and have a blast with interactive entertainment, TimeZone is an easy and relatively cheap way to keep the kids occupied.
PSST: Check out offers online before you head in - you can often get some good deals in advance!
Head Over to Q Station National Park
If you’ve never been over to Q Station, this is your sign.
The memories of the Covid19 pandemic might still feel a bit fresh for you, but it’s well worth making the trip out here to see how a new life in Sydney began for around 150 years.
Q Station holds the keys to Australia’s immigration history - and it comes with a side of spooky tales that kids just can’t get enough of. Originally a quarantine station, it now offers ghost tours, historical walks, and stunning harbour views.
Ideal for families looking to mix a bit of learning with their outdoor activities, you can explore Australia’s past while enjoying the bushland. Check out the website to find fun, kid-friendly activities, and while you’re there, enjoy the gorgeous views and the fresh air!
Have a Day Out at Ku-Ring-Gai Wildflower Garden
Finding a hidden gem in and around Sydney is about as easy as finding a needle in a haystack, but I’m willing to share this particular one for a few reasons.
Firstly, I’m a big believer in showing kids just how beautiful nature can be and, in my experience, kids are often extremely receptive to spending time outdoors. Obviously, local parks and even the Botanical Gardens offer space to run around and spot the odd bin chicken or two, but if you want a slice of Sydney bushland to explore with a pram in tow, this is the place to do it.
With ample green space, pram-friendly trails, and more challenging routes, it's a paradise for little adventurers (and their accompanying adults). We’ve met mischievous bush turkeys, a cheeky goanna and plenty of bugs and insects on our visits here - and the swings and slippery dip went down a treat too.
See The Sculpture By The Sea Exhibition
You might be lucky and have culture vulture kids, but if you aren’t, you’ll need to get a bit creative yourself to introduce them to the arts.
Luckily, the easiest (and most accessible) way is to take them along to one of Sydney’s many outdoor art installations.
The best, in my opinion, is the Sculpture By The Sea exhibition that transforms the coastal walk between Bondi and Tamarama into an outdoor art gallery. A great option if the Bondi to Coogee walk is too much to ask of little legs, this free event features incredible artworks by artists from around the world, set against a backdrop of dramatic cliffs and surf.
When you’re done, pop along to the beach for a paddle or grab an ice cream at a nearby cafe.
Relive Your Memories of Fireman Sam at The Museum of Fire in Penrith
It seems to me that kids are genetically coded to be obsessed with anything that has a siren - just anecdotal experience but I might be onto something here - and if that “rings” true for you too then get yourself (and your kids!) over to Penrith.
Packed with fire-fighting memorabilia, old fire engines, and interactive exhibits that make learning fun and engaging for the little ones, this is the ideal place to teach your kids about fire safety in a fun and safe environment.
I’d recommend taking one of the fire engine rides (they only run on Tuesdays and Fridays so, be mindful of that), and keep an eye out for Fire and Rescue NSW open days - there’s a chance you’ll get to meet some four-legged firefighting friends!
Step into a Storybook at May Gibbs’ Nutcote Cottage
May Gibbs is a true Aussie icon, and when it comes to formulating early childhood memories, she’s probably only rivalled by The Wiggles and Bluey.
One thing’s for sure: Snugglepot and Cuddlepie have stood the test of time – and the best part is, you’re invited to take your little ones inside Gibbs’ magical world at her former residence, Nutcote Cottage.
This beautifully preserved home now serves as a museum dedicated to the author’s life and works, offering storytelling sessions and lush gardens that seem lifted straight from the pages of her books. It's a magical escape that brings storybooks to life - and a great way to show kids what homes were like “in the olden times”.
Encourage Some Zen by Attending a Kids’ Yoga Session in Darling Quarter on a Friday
We could all use a little more zen in our lives - and that includes our little ones.
If you’re looking for things to do in Sydney with kids that inspire a bit of calm before the weekend, head over to the Darling Quarter.
Every Friday, you and your preschoolers (ages 2-5 years) can squeeze in a much-needed stretching session designed for tiny yogis. It’s not about showing off or bringing fancy equipment (they supply mats so don’t worry about that).
It’s all about teaching mindfulness and relaxation in a child-friendly environment - and hey, it’s never too early to promote positive body awareness, mindfulness or how good it feels to do a child’s pose – it didn’t get that nickname in English for nothing!
Go for an Adventure to Find Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden
What could be more exciting than visiting a real-life, enchanted secret garden?
Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden is one of my favourite hidden gems in Sydney and somewhere bubs, kids, adults and everyone in between can use to escape the mundane reality of day-to-day life.
Tucked away in gorgeous Lavender Bay, Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden was created by Brett
Whiteley’s widow. This lush, whimsical space is ideal for a quiet family stroll, enjoying a picnic or settling down to read a book together in a magical setting - and remember to keep an eye out for fairy houses!
You can get there by walking across Sydney Harbour Bridge (or if you take the train, the nearest railway stations are Milsons Point and North Sydney).
Cycle Safely Around Sydney Park Bike Track
If you’re looking for things to do in Sydney with kids that just can’t sit still (and why should they?), check out Sydney Park bike track.
Between traffic, wildlife and busy streets, finding somewhere safe and exciting to let your kids ride their bikes around can be a nightmare. But if you want somewhere where you can keep an eye on your tiny riders that also provides them with a bit of a challenge, I can’t think of anywhere better than here.
Sydney Park bike track has been designed to help cyclists young and old to practise bike riding in a safe and fun environment. It’s all here: smooth and wide paths, plenty of space, hills and bridges to liven the ride up a bit, “stop and go” signals to encourage learning road safety, a bike pump, and even barbecue facilities for when pedalling gives them a rumbly tummy.
PSST: You’ll find the bike track next to the car park on Sydney Park Road.
Find More Things to Do in Sydney with CityDays
So there you have it! 12+ things to do in Sydney with kids!
Remember that no matter what you decide to do on your morning, arvo or evening out with your family, there’s nothing like teamwork to make the dream work.
That’s why we at CityDays create fun, interesting and challenging trails around the world to help you immerse yourself in a city’s culture, history and curios.
Want to find out more?
Check out all our available activities in Sydney here and embark on an adventure in the city you’ll never forget: CityDays awaits!