Family things to do in Sydney
Animals, rides, beaches and ferries — Sydney is a brilliant city for families. Here are the best things to do in Sydney with kids of every age.
The best things to do in Sydney with kids are Taronga Zoo, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, Luna Park, the Australian Museum and a ferry ride to Manly beach.
| # | Pick | Why it's here | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Taronga Zoo | Best family day out | Mosman |
| 02 | SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium | Best indoor | Darling Harbour |
| 03 | Luna Park Sydney | Best rides | Milsons Point |
| 04 | Australian Museum | Best museum for kids | Sydney CBD |
| 05 | Manly ferry + beach | Cheap and cheerful | Manly |
| 06 | Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park | Best for Aussie animals | Doonside |
| 07 | Darling Quarter playground | Free fun | Darling Harbour |
| 08 | Centennial Park | Space to run | Centennial Park |
| 09 | [PLACEHOLDER] Best kids' show | Placeholder | Sydney |
Zoo with harbour views
Catch the ferry from Circular Quay to see giraffes with a city skyline backdrop. (The Sky Safari cable car is closed for rebuilding — check Taronga's site for its reopening.)
Photo: SEA LIFE Sydney AquariumSharks, penguins & a dugong
Underwater tunnels and sharks overhead in Darling Harbour.
Photo: Luna Park SydneyRides under the Bridge
Heritage amusement park with rides for little kids and thrill-seekers.
Photo: Australian MuseumDinosaurs & discovery
Dinosaurs, the Prehistoric Playground and First Nations galleries. General entry is free.
Photo: Destination NSW (sydney.com)Ferry ride then sand
The ferry ride is half the fun. Swim at Shelly Beach, a calm, sheltered cove.
Hand-feed kangaroos
Get up close with kangaroos, wombats and koalas in Western Sydney.
Huge free playground
One of Sydney's biggest free playgrounds, with water play in summer.
Photo: Centennial ParklandsBikes, ducks & picnics
Hire bikes, spot the ducks and picnic on endless lawns.
Family theatre or magic
Placeholder listing. Add a top family show or school-holiday program.
Taronga Zoo is the top family day out in Sydney — combine it with the ferry from Circular Quay for a full adventure.
SEA LIFE Aquarium, the Darling Quarter playground, Centennial Park and calm beaches like Shelly Beach and Balmoral are toddler-friendly favourites.
Darling Quarter playground, Centennial Park, the Royal Botanic Garden and Sydney's beaches and ocean pools are all free.
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