16 Best Things to Do In Sydney with Kids
Sydney had been on our family bucket list for years. And when we finally landed there with our 10-year-old son, it delivered in every way we hoped it would.
But Sydney can feel overwhelming when you start planning. It’s a big city with a lot going on, and figuring out what’s worth your time with a kid in tow is a real research rabbit hole. What are the best things to do in Sydney with kids?
We get it. We’ve been there. The good news? Sydney is genuinely one of the best cities in the world for families.
Whether you’re staring out at Sydney Harbour trying to decide where to start, wondering if the Sydney Tower Eye is worth the price, or debating Bondi Beach versus a zoo day, this city has something for every age and every energy level.
After spending a week exploring Sydney as a family, I’m sharing the 16 best attractions for kids in Sydney based on what we actually did and loved as a family of 3 (not just for kids!).
From climbing around Luna Park and catching ferries across Sydney Harbour to coastal walks, wildlife encounters at Darling Harbour, and beaches like Bondi and Watsons Bay that kids will actually enjoy, these are the Sydney experiences that kept our family talking long after the trip.
We’ll close off with a few ready-made itineraries and quick Sydney tips to help you plan your Sydney family trip without the headache.
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Why Sydney is a great choice for a family visit
Let’s be honest. With so many incredible destinations in Australia, Sydney has to earn its place on your itinerary. And it does.
A lot of people think Sydney is the capital of Australia. It’s not. That’s Canberra, tucked away in the Australian Capital Territory.
Sydney sits in New South Wales and is home to about 5 million people. You’ve got world-famous beaches like Bondi and Manly, a working harbour that doubles as a playground, free museums, coastal walks, amusement parks, and wildlife you simply won’t find anywhere else on the planet.
Every neighbourhood has its own vibe. The multiculturalism of Sydney makes it one of the most inclusive and culturally rich cities in the world. It also means the food scene alone could keep you busy for weeks.
The variety here is hard to match. Sydney works for all ages. Toddlers, tweens, teenagers. There’s a pace and a type of day that fits each of them. Our 10-year-old bounced between Wild Life Sydney Zoo, a coastal walk, and an afternoon at Luna Park without a single complaint, and that’s saying something.
There’s really only one negative thing to say when it comes to Sydney. It has the dubious honor of being one of the most expensive cities in the world, so budgeting carefully before you arrive will save you a lot of stress on the ground.
That said, plenty of the best things to do here, beaches, parks, harbour walks, the MCA, won’t cost you a cent. Pricing aside, Sydney is one of the best places in Australia to visit with kids.
Getting around with kids is straightforward. One contactless card or Opal card covers trains, buses, ferries, and light rail across the whole city, so you’re never fumbling with cash or separate tickets. More on that at the end of the post.
As for how long to spend here: we’d say 5 days is the sweet spot for families. It gives you enough time to hit the highlights without rushing, with a day or 2 to slow down and just be at the beach or go on a day trip.
Top tours in Sydney with kids
16 Sydney Activities Kids Will Actually Love
Now without further ado, let’s dive into the top 16 Sydney activities for kids (and their parents 😉), so you can craft your Sydney itinerary in no time!
1. Sydney Harbour
Start your trip at Sydney Harbour. It’s the beating heart of the city, and a natural first stop for families. You get a great feel of Sydney when you go here first.
I have to say, when walking into the harbor we were all in awe. We’ve seen the Harbour Bridge and Opera House so many times on tv, and now we were here to see it with our own eyes.
It’s kind of like seeing the Eiffel Tower in Paris for the first time, or the skyline of New York. It’s a feeling you’ll never forget. At least, that’s how it is for us.
There’s so much to do here. Check out the Sydney Harbour Bridge from up close, a tour or a show at the Sydney Opera House or pay a visit to the Museum of Contemporary Art. All of them are on this list!
So many highlights are located in and around this harbor that it will make the whole family pause for a second to take it all in. And that also applies to smaller children. Just mention the quest to find Nemo (the most famous clownfish in the world), and they’ll be very much into a visit to this harbour.
After wandering around for a bit, find yourself a place to have a drink or something to eat and start the rest of your planning from here. If you leave this page with only one take-away, then let it be this: start your Sydney adventure at Sydney Harbour.
You can also take the ferry from here at Circular Quay station to lots of other harbours in Sydney, like Cockatoo Island, Watsons Bay, and Manly.
Islands in Sydney Harbour
Want a mini adventure within the city? Jump on a ferry to one of the harbour’s lesser-known islands. Raksha from Solo Passport wrote about the 4 islands in Sydney Harbour you should visit.
Opening Hours & Ticket Info
Sydney Harbour is free to explore at any time of day.
2. Sydney Harbour Bridge
At Sydney Harbour you’ll immediately spot a Sydney icon: the Harbour Bridge.
Locals call it the coat hanger, and once you see the shape, you’ll understand why. It’s the tallest steel arch bridge in the world, and standing beneath it makes you feel tiny. All that steel above your head is seriously impressive.
Our 10-year-old was in awe and kept snapping photos from every angle. We walked up to the bridge, took it all in from below, and imagined what it would be like to drive across it every day.
Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb
If you’re feeling brave (and have the budget), you can actually climb the bridge and look out over the harbour from the top.
We skipped it this time. It was way too hot and right around lunchtime, but it’s absolutely on our list for next time. Tickets are pricey, but people say it’s worth every cent.
Opening Hours & Ticket Info
Walking across the bridge is free. If you want to climb it, BridgeClimb operates daily from dawn until night with scheduled departures.
Kids need to be at least 8 years old and 120cm tall to participate. Children ages 8-15 must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Book your tickets online in advance for the best rates.
Adults pay from AUD 364 on a midweek day climb (about €215/$235 USD) and from AUD 374 on weekends (about €221/$241 USD).
Children ages 8-15 pay from AUD 155 midweek (about €91/$100 USD) and from AUD 161 on weekends (about €95/$104 USD).
Families of 3 or 4 can save over AUD 100 with the family bundle on selected day climbs.
3. Sydney Opera House
Speaking of ICONIC, while you’re in the Sydney harbor, you’ll get up close and personal with the Sydney Opera House. It’s one of those must places to visit in Sydney for kids. They’ve all seen it on the screen or in books.
It took 14 years to complete and ended up costing 14 times the original estimate. No wonder it’s become such a symbol of the city.
You can book tickets for a show or join a guided tour inside, but unless your kids are into classical music or architecture, it’s probably more fun to admire it from the outside.
We skipped the tour, but took lots of pictures from the outside and focused our energy on other kid-friendly activities that day and didn’t feel like we missed out at all.
Opening Hours & Ticket Info
Walking around the outside is free at any time of day.
Guided tours run daily from 9.00am to approximately 5.00pm. Note that the tour involves around 300 stairs and no lift access, so it’s not suitable for prams.
Book your tickets online in advance to secure your preferred time slot. Adults pay AUD 48 (about €28/$31 USD). Children ages 5-15 pay AUD 28 (about €16/$18 USD). Children under 5 get in for free but still need a ticket booked.
A family ticket covering 2 adults and 2 children costs AUD 124 (about €73/$80 USD).
4. Darling Harbour
We spent an entire day at Darling Harbour, and honestly, it was just the right mix of relaxing and exciting. There’s a beautiful boardwalk lined with restaurants (most of them kid-friendly), and it’s home to several big-ticket attractions like Sea Life, Wild Life Sydney Zoo, and Madame Tussauds. Their entrances are all next to each other, so it’s easy to knock out a few stops in one go.
You can get here by ferry, which already makes the day fun for the kids. It’s busy, but the layout is open enough to give everyone some space to breathe. We loved it for its convenience, and the food options didn’t hurt either.
For kids this is probably the most fun part of Sydney. Our son was so hyped to walk from SeaLife Sydney right into the zoo. And it was convenient, because you walk a lot in these places, and we rested during lunch, which he noted was a great break between these two of his top activities in Sydney for kids.
Darling Quarter
Darling Quarter is a mall, where you’ll find many restaurants and also a large playground area with several slides, swings, a climbing wall, and there’s even a water park. When looking for fun activities for kids in Sydney, this is a quick win.
It’s a 10 minute walk from the attractions at Darling Harbour, and while we didn’t join the kid activities here (our 10-year-old said he was too old for them 😉), I think it would be awesome for kids under 10.
Disclaimer: this post promotes zoo’s and I have to say that after these visits I haven’t been to a zoo of any kind. I simply don’t want to spend money at places that keep animals in captivity. And my belief is that in lots of cases their living space is way too small.
This doesn’t mean that I believe that zoos or aquariums necessarily treat animals badly, but in my lifetime I did see things that made me cringe.
Animals should roam freely in nature. The other side of the medal is that some animals on the verge of extinction are being kept in zoos in hopes their numbers will grow again. So there are pro’s and con’s to visiting a zoo.
That’s why I write about our experiences at both Sea Life Sydney Aquarium and Wild Life Sydney Zoo.
5. WildLife Sydney Zoo
The Wild Life Sydney Zoo is a compact zoo home to Australia’s Big Five: koala, kangaroo, crocodile, wombat, and platypus. And yes, we saw them all. Our son especially loved spotting the koalas dozing in the trees, and we even saw a few with babies.
Petting wild animals
During our years of travel we learned that ethical animal encounters do not involve touching, feeding, bathing, and riding animals.
We learned through trial and error. When we visited the Wild Life Sydney Zoo we didn’t see the harm in petting and holding wild animals yet.
So, we made the mistake to take part in the feed and talk that Wild Life Sydney Zoo offers. We touched a python, and petted a Quokka, a lizard and even a kangaroo.
We honestly regret this very much, and hope that by sharing our mistakes we will create more awareness about unethical animal activities.
Opening Hours & Ticket Info
Open daily from 10.00am to 5.00pm (last entry 4.00pm). Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Book your tickets online at least 1 day in advance for the best rates. Adults ages 16 and up pay from AUD 34.55 (about €20/$22 USD). Children ages 3-15 pay from AUD 28.80 (about €17/$19 USD). Children under 3 get in for free.
Walk-up and peak prices on weekends, school holidays, and public holidays are higher.
If you’re planning on visiting more attractions in Sydney, consider purchasing the Sydney Big Ticket. The more attractions you’ll visit, the better the price.
6. SeaLife Sydney Aquarium
Right next door to the Wild Life Sydney Zoo you’ll find Sea Life Aquarium Sydney. The tanks are massive, which gives animals more space and makes the whole experience feel immersive.
We walked through tunnels surrounded by sharks, rays, and even dugongs, and our preteen couldn’t stop pointing at all the sea life around them.
Don’t skip the smaller aquariums either, all the colorful little fish are just as mesmerizing. And yes, you’ll find Dory and Nemo here too.
And while we’re on the subject of Nemo. Many kids are hoping to find the dentist office of P. Sherman on 42 Wallaby Way in Sydney. Unfortunately this address doesn’t exist. They’ll have to do with checking out all the fish we know from the movies at Sea Life Sydney.
Opening Hours & Ticket Info
Open daily from 9.30am to 5.00pm (last entry 4.00pm). Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Book your tickets online at least 2 days in advance for the best rates. Adults ages 16 and up pay from AUD 44 (about €26/$28 USD). Children ages 4-15 pay from AUD 32 (about €19/$21 USD). Children under 4 get in for free.
Walk-up and same-day prices are significantly higher, so booking ahead is really worth it here.
Like the WildLife Sydney Zoo, SeaLife is also part of the Sydney Big Ticket. The more attractions you’ll visit, the better the price.
7. Hop Aboard a Ferry
Taking a ferry in Sydney isn’t just transportation. It’s like taking the Circle Tram in Melbourne. It’s an experience! For our son, the boat ride itself was enough to call it a fun day.
You’ll pass beaches, big houses, and iconic sights like the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, all without needing to do much at all.
There are plenty of routes to choose from, but even a short ride can turn into an adventure. You can go to Manly, Cockatoo Island, Watson’s Bay, Taronga Zoo, and many more locations.
We highly recommend making this part of your trip, especially on a sunny day.
Opening Hours & Ticket Info
Ferries run daily on most routes from around 6.00am to midnight. Just tap your Opal card or contactless card at the wharf.
Adults pay from AUD 7.60 to AUD 10.20 one way depending on the route (about €4.50-€6/$5-$7 USD). Children ages 4-15 pay from AUD 3.80 to AUD 5.10 one way (about €2.25-€3/$2.50-$3.50 USD). Children under 4 travel free.
A daily travel cap applies: AUD 19.30 per adult on weekdays and AUD 9.65 on weekends and public holidays. Once you hit that cap, the rest of the day’s travel is free. For kids it’s half those amounts.
8. Sydney Tower Eye
The Sydney Tower Eye gives you the best panoramic view of the city, and it’s a great way to kick off your visit. Observation decks are something we love doing in any big city, they help us get a sense of where things are, and the views always spark curiosity.
That’s why we think you must visit the Sydney Tower Eye’s observation deck. It’s Sydney’s tallest structure to date and has a lot of names, but this is the one that’s most in use. You get the best views of Sydney and its surroundings from up here.
We spotted landmarks and neighborhoods we’d already seen from the ground. It made Sydney feel more manageable.
Opening Hours & Ticket Info
Open daily from 10.00am to 8.00pm (last entry 8.00pm). Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Book your tickets online at least 1 day in advance for the best rates.
Adults ages 16 and up pay from AUD 37 (about €22/$24 USD). Children ages 2-15 pay from AUD 29 (about €17/$19 USD). Children ages 0-1 get in for free.
Walk-up and peak prices on weekends, school holidays, and public holidays are higher.
This is the last attraction on this list that is part of the Sydney Big Ticket.
9. The Rocks Market
The Rocks is a nice artistic area in the proximity of Circular Quay. It gave us lots of Euro vibes.
We stumbled into The Rocks Market after a long walk and ended up staying for hours. It’s one of those places where you don’t need a plan. Just follow the cobblestone streets and see what catches your eye.
Handmade toys, food stalls, artists, artisan stores, and restaurants. Our son stuffed himself so full that he even skipped dinner.
We grabbed a table at the Munich Brauhaus, a German restaurant, because we didn’t enjoy as many snacks as our son, so we opted for an early dinner we really enjoyed.
The Rocks is a bit touristy, sure, but worth it. Especially if you time your visit for market days, every Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 5pm.
Opening Hours & Ticket Info
The Rocks Market runs every Saturday and Sunday from 10.00am to 5.00pm. Entry is free. The wider Rocks precinct is open daily with no entry fee, so if you’re looking for things to do in Sydney with kids for free, this is a great option.
10. Bondi Beach
You can’t visit Sydney without heading to its most iconic stretch of sand: Bondi Beach. And sure, it’s popular for a reason.
We stayed at an apartment right next to the beach. So each morning after breakfast we rolled out our beach towels. We watched the surfers catch their early morning waves, and checked out kids building sandcastles and dipping in the water.
Don’t worry if your kids aren’t strong swimmers. There’s a wide area of shallow surf where little ones can safely splash under your watch.
Bonus tip: pack a small beach umbrella or rent one on the spot. Bondi gets bright quickly, and trust me, sunburned kids are no one’s favorite travel memory.
The Bondi Pavilion at the northern end of the beach has a free playground, change rooms, a gallery, and regular community events. It’s a great spot for families with younger children.
And at the very southern tip of the beach: Bondi Icebergs, one of Sydney’s most photographed ocean pools. It’s worth the walk just for the views, and the pool itself is a great swim for older kids and adults.
Hikes starting at Bondi Beach
The Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk starts at the southern end of the beach and covers 6km of clifftop coastal trail through Tamarama, Bronte, and Coogee.
For families with older kids who like to walk, it’s one of the best free activities in Sydney. There are stairs and inclines throughout, so it’s less suitable for smaller children.
If you want a shorter hike than stop at Bronte, this is about 3km. It’s easier on little legs (no inclines), and it ends at Bronte Beach where you’ll find a playground, ocean pool, picnic area and cafes.
Note that neither route is suitable for prams, so opt for a back carrier instead.
TOP TIP: a quieter option for families is Balmoral Beach. A great beach, and a playground away from the crowds.
Opening Hours & Ticket Info
Bondi Beach is free and open year-round. Lifeguards patrol daily from around 7.00am to 6.00pm. The coastal walk is also free at any time.
11. Museum of Contemporary Art
Tucked near Circular Quay, the Museum of Contemporary Art (also known as MCA) turned out to be an unexpected hit with our son.
Free to enter (always a win), this museum is light, interactive, and far from boring.
We spent about two hours wandering through, which seems to be our family’s sweet spot for museums before attention spans start to fray. There’s also a great café upstairs with harbor views if you want to take a break after your visit.
If you’re looking for things to do in Sydney for free, then this museum is a must.
Opening Hours & Ticket Info
Open daily from 10.00am to 5.00pm. General admission is free.
Some temporary exhibitions have a separate entry fee, so it’s worth checking the MCA website before your visit.
12. Hyde Park and Royal Botanic Garden
Sydney’s green spaces don’t get talked about enough, and that’s a mistake. Hyde Park sits right in the heart of the CBD, and the Royal Botanic Garden stretches along the harbour foreshore just east of the Opera House. Both are free, beautiful, and a genuine relief if you’ve had a few big activity days in a row.
Hyde Park is great for letting younger kids stretch their legs. There are fountains, wide paths, and plenty of space to run around. We enjoyed a picnic here, and loved to just chill in the sunshine for a bit.
The Royal Botanical Garden goes a step further. You’ll find native plants, free-roaming cockatoos and ibises, sweeping harbor views, and some of the best picnic spots in the city. It’s also connected to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, a headland with one of the best views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge in Sydney.
We’d recommend pairing this with the MCA nearby or a harbour walk from Circular Quay. In fact, that’s what we did. We checked out the Harbour Bridge and Opera House first and then had a picnic in Hyde Park and afterwards we visited the botanical garden. Lastly, we went to the MCA. A full, but very fun day. Although I wouldn’t recommend this heavy schedule with younger kids.
Opening Hours & Ticket Info
Hyde Park is open at all hours and free to enter.
The Sydney botanical gardens are open daily from 7.00am to sunset and also free.
Free volunteer-led guided walks run daily from 10.00am and last about 90 minutes. Families don’t need to book, just show up at the Garden Shop.
An Aboriginal Heritage Tour is also available on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 10.00am. Adults pay AUD 41 (about €24/$27 USD). Check the Botanic Garden website for current availability and to book.
13. Luna Park Sydney
There’s something about that giant open-mouthed face at the entrance that kids simply can’t resist. Luna Park Sydney sits right on the harbour at Milsons Point, has been around since 1935, and still delivers a proper amusement park day out.
The harbor views from the Ferris wheel alone make it worth the visit (so bumped that it was not running the day we were there, hope you’ll get a chance to hop on it).
Luna Park organizes rides by height, which makes it easy to figure out what works for your kids before you arrive. Smaller kids (85-106cm, Red Riders) have access to the carousel and Ferris wheel with a paying adult. Kids between 106-132cm (Green Riders) can access more rides. Kids 132cm and above (Yellow Riders) can ride everything.
One honest note: Luna Park can feel expensive, especially for families. The park itself is free to enter, but everyone who wants to ride needs an Unlimited Rides Pass.
Opening Hours & Ticket Info
Opening hours vary by season and day, so always check the Luna Park website before you go. Park entry is free for everyone, so if you just want to take a look around all the fun things here, you can do that for free.
Book your Unlimited Rides Pass online in advance for the best price. Walk-up passes on the day cost AUD 65 per person (about €38/$42 USD).
A Family Pass for 3 or 4 people costs AUD 170 (about €100/$110 USD).
Passes are priced by height zone: Red Riders (85-106cm) need a paying adult to accompany them on rides. Green Riders (106-132cm) can ride many independently. Yellow Riders (132cm and above) can ride everything. Children under 85cm ride free on the carousel and Ferris wheel with a paying adult.
Book online in advance walk-up prices on the day are significantly higher.
14. Manly Beach
Manly doesn’t get the same headlines as Bondi, but real talk? It’s calmer, easier to navigate with kids, and the ferry ride to get there is half the fun.
It’s a 20-minute crossing from Circular Quay on the F1, passing right between the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, meaning you get some of the best harbor views in Sydney before you’ve even arrived at the beach.
Manly itself has a long, wide stretch of sand, reliable surf, and a pedestrian corso lined with cafes, ice cream shops, and surf rental spots. The waves are more predictable than Bondi, which makes it a more relaxed option for families with kids who want to try bodyboarding or just splash around.
There’s also a calm harbour beach on the other side of the headland, perfect for smaller children who aren’t ready for ocean waves.
Opening Hours & Ticket Info
Manly Beach is free and open year-round. Lifeguards patrol daily during peak hours.
15. Sydney Harbour Cruise
A short ferry ride not enough? Or you want to hear more about the things you’re seeing along the way? Book a harbor cruise.
We did one at sunset and it was amazing.
You can not only opt for a sunset cruise, but there are many other options. Here they are:
| Lunch Cruise | Lunch and drinks (including wine and beer) | Book your lunch cruise |
| Afternoon Tea Cruise | A high tea on a cruise, including sparkling wine for the parents | Book your high tea cruise |
| Sunset Cruise | Enjoy sunset over Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and many other highlights | Book your sunset cruise |
| Thunder Thrill Ride | A jet boat ride for people over 120cm, with 360° spins | Book your jet boat adventure |
| Tall Ship Dinner Cruise | Set sail on a dinner cruise through the harbor | Book your tall ship dinner cruise |
16. Watsons Bay
Last on this list is Watsons Bay. A short ferry ride from Circular Quay away you’ll find this cute bay with epic views of the Sydney skyline.
You can enjoy a stroll through Robertson Park, with a pit stop at the playground, while admiring the city views. We were lucky enough to see the sunset from the park, and highly recommend you check it out if you have the time.
Here you’ll also find Doyles on the Wharf, where they sell amazing fish ‘n chips. In fact, we enjoyed that so much that we made a dinner reservation at Doyles on the Beach Restaurant. And I’m glad we did, because the seafood was amazing and the views on the beach, and the fishing boats docked in and around the ferry wharf.
The beaches here are perfect for toddlers, because the water is much calmer here, and you don’t have to be afraid that your kids will be knocked over by the waves.
Get the Sydney Big Ticket – Multiple Attraction Passes
If you visit the Sydney Tower Eye observation deck, the Wild Life Sydney Zoo, Sea Life Sydney Aquarium or Madame Tussauds you get the chance to buy multiple attraction passes, called the Sydney Big Ticket.
The more attractions you want to visit, the more attractive the price will be. We bought tickets to see three attractions and thought it was definitely worth it.
It is definitely worth buying the tickets online in advance, because then you will end up with an even bigger discount. Children under age 3 get to go in for free.
| Pass Type | Includes | Online Price | Regular Price | You Save |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All prices updated for 2026. | ||||
| 2‑Attraction Pass | SEA LIFE + one of WILD LIFE, Tower Eye, or Madame Tussauds | AUD 55 (about €32/$36 USD) adults / AUD 27 (about €16/$17 USD) kids | AUD 90 (about €53/$58 USD) | ~40% |
| 3‑Attraction Pass | SEA LIFE + two of WILD LIFE, Tower Eye, or Madame Tussauds | AUD 65 (about €38/$42 USD) adults / AUD 45 (about €27/$29 USD) kids | AUD 134 (about €79/$86 USD) | ~50% |
| 4‑Attraction Pass | SEA LIFE + WILD LIFE + Tower Eye + Madame Tussauds | AUD 59 (about €35/$38 USD) adults | AUD 144 (about €85/$93 USD) | ~60% |
How to Use This Info
Have your itinerary ready: Passes are valid for 60 days from your first visit. You’ll need to visit SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium first to activate your pass.
Pre‑book your timeslot at each attraction separately to guarantee entry, especially during school holidays and weekends.
Sydney Itineraries
Not sure how to fit everything in? I’ve got you. Below are 4 ready-made itineraries based on the 16 things to do in this post.
Pick the one that matches your trip and use it as a starting point. Adjust it to your family’s pace and you’re good to go.
5 Days in Sydney
Day 1
Morning:
- Sydney Harbour and Circular Quay
- Ferry or cruise for scenic views of the harbor
Afternoon:
- Go back to Sydney Harbour and check out Sydney Opera House
- Sydney Harbour Bridge
Evening:
- Stroll around The Rocks and enjoy dinner there
Day 2
Morning:
- Sydney Tower Eye
Afternoon:
- Sea Life Sydney Aquarium
- Wild Life Sydney Zoo
Evening:
- Dinner at Darling Harbour
Day 3
Morning:
- Hyde Park and Royal Botanic Garden
Afternoon:
- Museum of Contemporary Art
Evening:
- Go to Watsons Bay and enjoy the beach, sunset from Robertson Park, and have dinner here
Day 4
Morning:
- Bondi Beach coastal walk (Bronte or all the way up to Coogee)
Afternoon:
- Bondi Beach
- Bronte Beach playground and ocean pool
Evening:
- Dinner near Bondi
Day 5
Morning:
- Ferry to Manly
- Enjoy Manly Beach
Afternoon:
- Lunch around Manly Beach
- Luna Park Sydney
Evening:
- Last dinner in Sydney
4 Days in Sydney
Day 1
Morning:
- Sydney Harbour and Circular Quay
- Sydney Opera House
- Sydney Harbour Bridge (maybe even the Bridge Climb)
Afternoon:
- Hyde Park and Royal Botanic Garden
- Stroll around the Rock
Evening:
- Dinner at one of the restaurants in The Rock
Day 2
Morning:
- Sydney Tower Eye
Afternoon:
- Sea Life Sydney Aquarium
- Wild Life Sydney Zoo
Evening:
- Dinner at Darling Harbour
Day 3
Morning:
- Museum of Contemporary Art
- Ferry to Manly
- Manly Beach
Afternoon:
- Lunch around Manly Beach
- Luna Park Sydney
Evening:
- Sunset and dinner at Watsons Bay
Day 4
Morning:
- Bondi Beach coastal walk (Bronte or all the way up to Coogee)
Afternoon:
- Bondi Beach
- Bronte Beach playground and ocean pool
Evening:
- Dinner near Bondi
3 Days in Sydney
Day 1
Morning:
- Sydney Harbour and Circular Quay
- Sydney Opera House
- Sydney Harbour Bridge (maybe even the Bridge Climb)
Afternoon:
- Hyde Park and Royal Botanic Garden
- Stroll around the Rock
Evening:
- Dinner at one of the restaurants in The Rock
Day 2
Morning:
- Sydney Tower Eye
Afternoon:
- Sea Life Sydney Aquarium
- Wild Life Sydney Zoo
Evening:
- Dinner at Darling Harbour
Day 3
Morning:
- Bondi Beach coastal walk to Bronte
- Bondi Beach
Afternoon:
- Museum of Contemporary Art
- Luna Park Sydney
Evening:
- Sunset and dinner at Watsons Bay
2 Days in Sydney
Day 1
Morning:
- Sydney Harbour and Circular Quay
- Sydney Opera House
- Sydney Harbour Bridge (maybe even the Bridge Climb)
Afternoon:
- Hyde Park and Royal Botanic Garden
- Stroll around the Rock
Evening:
- Sunset and dinner at Watsons Bay
Day 2
Morning:
- Sydney Tower Eye
Afternoon:
- Museum of Contemporary Art
- Luna Park Sydney
Evening:
- Bondi Beach
- Dinner around Bondi Beach
Best Day Trips with Kids to take from Sydney
Sydney is a great base for day trips. If you have a few extra days or just want to get out of the city for a bit, these 3 options are well worth it.
Day Trip from Sydney to Blue Mountains
This is the classic Sydney day trip, and it earns that reputation. The Blue Mountains sit about 90 minutes west of the city by car or 2 hours by train from Central Station. Think dramatic sandstone cliffs, eucalyptus valleys, waterfalls, and the famous Three Sisters rock formation at Echo Point in Katoomba.
For families it works well across a range of ages and fitness levels. Kids will love Scenic World in Katoomba, with a cable car, skyway, and the world’s steepest railway. It’s on the pricier side, so book tickets online in advance.
If you’d rather skip the queues and the planning, guided day tours from Sydney run daily and take care of the logistics for you.
Day Trip from Sydney to Royal National Park
Less famous than the Blue Mountains but just as worth your time. The Royal National Park is the world’s second oldest national park and sits less than 1 hour south of Sydney by car. It’s quieter, less crowded, and genuinely beautiful.
For families with younger kids, Wattamolla Beach is the standout. It has a calm lagoon on one side and an ocean beach on the other, making it one of the best swimming spots in the park.
Picnic tables and BBQ facilities are right there too. For older kids and families who like walking, the Forest Path loop (4.4km) is an easy and manageable trail through lush bushland.
Unfortunately we didn’t get to visit the Royal National Park, because we only had time for 2 day trips while in Sydney, but I heard really good stories from other families who did visit this park.
Day Trip from Sydney to Hunter Valley
About 2 hours north of Sydney by car, the Hunter Valley is best known as a wine region but it’s also a genuinely good family day out.
Hunter Valley Gardens at Pokolbin is the standout attraction for families: 25 hectares of themed gardens, a hedge maze, lifesize dinosaur statues, wide open spaces, and a well-equipped playground for younger kids. Our son loved it here and he didn’t mind us doing a wine tasting after, since he already got his fix here.
The drive up is straightforward, and the wide open countryside is a nice change of pace after a few days in the city.
This day trip is a good option if you’re looking for a relaxed, slower day out, rather than another big-ticket attraction.
Quick Practical Tips for Visiting Sydney with Kids
🚊Getting around: One Opal card or contactless payment covers trains, buses, ferries, and light rail. No need for separate tickets. Daily and weekly travel caps apply, so the more you travel, the better value it gets.
☀️Sun safety: Sydney sun is intense year-round. Pack reef-safe sunscreen, hats, and rashguards for the kids. Reapply often, especially at the beach.
🚰Tap water: Safe to drink straight from the tap everywhere in Sydney.
💸Tipping: Not expected or standard in Australia. It’s appreciated but never obligatory.
💳Cash: Sydney is largely cashless. Almost everywhere accepts cards and contactless payment, including Luna Park and most market stalls.
⛱️School holidays: Australian school holidays fall in April, July, September-October, and December-January. Attractions get significantly busier and some prices go up. Book tickets online well in advance if your trip overlaps.
💱Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD). At current rates, AUD 1 is roughly €0.59/$0.65 USD.
🏥Healthcare: Australia has excellent public healthcare. EU citizens may be covered under the reciprocal healthcare agreement. We strongly recommend travel insurance for everyone regardless.
⌚Time zone: Sydney operates on AEDT (UTC+11 in summer, UTC+10 in winter).
When to visit Sydney
Weather wise, Sydney can be visited throughout the year. Summers are warm and winters are known to be moderately cold, temperatures rarely reach freezing point.
That said, when you go makes a real difference for families. Here’s what to expect season by season.
Summer (December to February)
This is peak season, and it shows. Temperatures sit between 25°C and 35°C, the beaches are at their best, and the city buzzes with energy. It’s also when Australian school holidays fall (mid-December to late January), so expect crowds at every major attraction and higher prices across the board.
If you’re visiting in summer, book tickets and accommodation well in advance. Go to Bondi and Manly early in the morning before the crowds build. The upside is long days, warm water, and Sydney at its most alive.
Autumn (March to May)
This is one of the best times to visit Sydney with children. Temperatures cool to a comfortable 18°C to 25°C, the summer crowds thin out, and prices drop. School holidays fall in mid-April for about 2 weeks, so factor that in if you want the quietest experience.
The light is softer, the queues are shorter, and the city feels more manageable. We’d pick this over summer without hesitation.
Winter (June to August)
Winters are mild by most standards. Temperatures sit between 12°C and 20°C, which feels cold to locals but is perfectly manageable if you’re coming from Europe or North America. Pack a few layers and you’re fine. We were in Sydney in August, and were lucky enough to have 2 short sleeve days while here.
Crowds are at their lowest and prices are at their most reasonable during this period.
The Vivid Sydney festival of light runs in late May and into June, which is a genuine highlight for families and worth planning around. The only real downside is shorter days and cooler water, so beach days are limited.
Spring (September to November)
Another strong option for families. Temperatures climb back up to 18°C to 25°C, the jacaranda trees are in bloom across the city, and the school holiday rush hasn’t hit yet (spring holidays fall in late September to early October for about 2 weeks).
It’s a good balance of decent weather, reasonable crowds, and solid value.
If you can only visit Sydney once, spring and autumn are the windows we’d aim for.
Getting To and Around Sydney with Kids
Getting to Sydney
Sydney Airport sits about 11km south of the city centre. Getting in is straightforward.
The fastest option is the Airport Link train, which connects both the international and domestic terminals to Central Station in about 13 minutes. Trains run every 10 minutes and accept Opal cards and contactless payment.
Note that the airport stations charge a mandatory gate access fee of about AUD 18 (about €11/$12 USD) on top of your standard fare, which makes it the pricier public transport option but still far cheaper than a taxi.
If you want to keep costs down and don’t mind a bit of extra effort, take the 420 bus from outside the arrivals hall to Mascot Station, then catch a train into the city. The bus fare is about AUD 2.30 (about €1.35/$1.50 USD) and avoids the gate fee entirely. It takes around 40 minutes total instead of 13, but the savings add up quickly for a family of 3 or more.
A taxi or rideshare (Uber, Ola, DiDi) from the airport to the city centre costs roughly AUD 45 to AUD 60 (about €26-€35/$29-$39 USD) depending on traffic. It’s the easiest option if you arrive late, have a lot of luggage, or just want to get to your accommodation without thinking about it.
Getting Around Sydney
Sydney’s public transport network is genuinely good for families. One Opal card or contactless payment covers trains, buses, ferries, and light rail across the whole city. There’s no need for a separate card per mode.
The key things to know:
- Tap on when you board and tap off when you exit. If you forget to tap off you’ll be charged the maximum fare for that route.
- A daily travel cap of AUD 19.30 per adult applies Monday to Thursday. On Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays the cap drops to AUD 9.65. Once you hit it, the rest of the day is free.
- Child fares for ages 4-15 are half the adult rate. Children under 4 travel free.
- A weekly cap of AUD 50 per adult applies. Heavy travel days early in the week mean lighter costs by the weekend.
Do You Need a Car?
Honestly, no, public transport covers everything.
The Blue Mountains and Royal National Park are accessible by train or by joining a day trip.
The Hunter Valley works better with a car if you want flexibility.
Driving in central Sydney is stressful, parking is expensive, and traffic can be bad.
We’d leave the car at home and lean on the network. It’s one of the easier cities in Australia to navigate without one.
FAQ
Is Sydney worth visiting with kids?
Yes, genuinely. Sydney is one of those cities that works for families across a wide range of ages and travel styles.
There’s enough variety to keep everyone happy, from beaches and coastal walks to wildlife, amusement parks, and free museums. It’s not a budget destination, so go in knowing that, but the quality of what’s on offer is hard to match anywhere in Australia.
How many days do you need in Sydney with kids?
We’d say 5 days is the sweet spot for most families. That gives you enough time to cover the main highlights, fit in a beach day or 2, and do at least 1 day trip without feeling rushed.
If you have 3 days, you can still cover a solid amount by being strategic about what you combine.
Is Sydney safe for families?
Sydney is a very safe city for families. The main tourist areas, including the CBD, Darling Harbour, Circular Quay, Bondi, and Manly, are all well-lit, well-patrolled, and family-friendly.
Public transport is safe to use at any time of day.
The main thing to stay on top of is sun safety, the UV index is high year-round and it catches a lot of visitors off guard. Always pack sunscreen, hats, and rashguards for the kids, especially at the beach.
What age is Sydney best for?
Sydney works across almost every age, which is part of what makes it such a good family destination. Toddlers love the beaches, parks, and the aquarium.
Primary school-aged kids tend to go wild at Wild Life Sydney Zoo, Sea Life, Luna Park, and on the ferries.
Tweens and teens have enough to stay genuinely engaged, from Sydney Harbour to the coastal walk to the Sydney Tower Eye to the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Is Sydney expensive for families?
Let’s be honest: yes. Sydney is one of the more expensive cities in the world, and that applies to accommodation, food, and attractions.
Budgeting carefully before you go and booking tickets online in advance are the 2 most effective ways to keep costs manageable.
Ready to Plan Your Sydney Trip with Kids?
Sydney delivers. It’s loud, expensive, and it moves fast, but when you’re standing at Circular Quay watching your kid clock the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge at the same time for the first time, none of that feels like a problem.
We left with a long list of things we want to go back and do. The BridgeClimb is still on that list. So is a longer stretch of the coastal walk. Sydney is one of those cities that rewards more time, not less.
If you’re planning a bigger family trip through Australia, and Sydney is just one piece of it, I’ve written plenty more to help you put the rest together. Check out the other Australia posts below.
And if the research is the part that’s eating your time, let me help you! I can build your family’s Australia itinerary from scratch so you can skip the spreadsheets and get straight to the booking.
Did you enjoy the best things to do In Sydney with kids?
If so, read more about Australia Family Travel:
- 21 Best Places to Visit In Australia with Kids
- Ultimate Perth to Darwin Road Trip Itinerary for families
- Planning a Family Trip to Western Australia: Things to Know Before You Go
- 25 Best Places to Visit In Western Australia with Kids
- Camping in Western Australia with Family: Things to Know Before You Go
- 25 Best Campsites in Western Australia with Kids
- 16 Best Things to Do In Sydney with Kids
- 16 Best Things to Do In Melbourne with Kids
- 12 Best Things to Do In Kakadu NP with Kids
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