Fun Things to Do in Sydney

The walk up to Barrenjoey Lighthouse is a rewarding 30-minute hike with panoramic views back over the peninsula and out to sea. Palm Beach has a relaxed, unhurried feel that’s quite different from inner Sydney — a genuine escape that still feels achievable as a day trip. A full experience rather than just a café — gardens, animals, themed spaces and very good food in a beautifully designed inner-city precinct in Alexandria. Popular for weekend brunches and worth the trip if you’re not in the CBD. Gets very busy on weekends, so arrive early or visit on a weekday if possible.
Since 2012, Newy with Kids has helped families across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter discover the best things to do with kids. From local events and playgrounds to school holiday ideas and family-friendly dining, we share trusted local knowledge for parents and carers. One of Sydney’s newer harbourside parks, Barangaroo Reserve has wide sandstone paths, grassy terraces, picnic areas and great harbour views. It’s a pleasant walk in itself, and kids can swim at Marrinawi Cove mirror maze sydney on the northern end. There’s a small playground at Clyne Reserve at the top of the hill (better suited to preschoolers), and the whole precinct connects easily to The Rocks and Darling Harbour for a longer foreshore day.

Choose your date from the calendar, then select a time range from morning, afternoon or evening. From there, you’ll be able to choose from the available time sessions. From Christmas parties to product launches and "80s retro nights", we tailor performances to fit your theme or seasonal celebration. PartyBoost consists of immersive acts, professional hosts, and spontaneous crowd engagement tactics to involve even the most reluctant guests. Our performers lead the charge into awesome engaging interactive activities no one will be able to resist. 2) Partyboost arm your guests with fun, colorful props & accessories, turning the dance floor into a massive costume party.
Embark on a cinematic escape room adventure where you're on a mission to solve a mystery. This experience goes beyond typical escape rooms with immersive effects and interactive elements. We've done exactly what you would have done—spent hours scrolling through TikTok, Instagram, and Reddit to find the absolute best experiences.
Eating warm custard pastry puffs will fast become a favourite ‘food’ activity with the kids in Sydney. Leader in collaborative virtual reality games, Virtual Room has a... The nausea sometimes experienced during VR sessions is actually caused by a mismatch perceived by the brain between what we see and what we physically feel. Browse unique crafts, souvenirs, and local produce at The Rocks Markets. It's a vibrant outdoor market with a lively atmosphere, perfect for finding treasures. Experience the powerful stories and history at the Sydney Jewish Museum.

For something more structured on the water, Captain Cook Cruises run family-friendly harbour cruises with commentary. For an adrenaline version, Sydney Harbour Thunder Jet Boating is popular with older kids and teens. It’s a sensational experience climbing up through the steel  arches of this bridge and reaching the summit. Kids aged 8 and over (minimum 1.2m) can participate when accompanied by an adult. On a hot day the children’s playground at Darling Harbour is a perfect place to cool off as it has water pumps, streams and jets that kids love to play with. Even during winter, there's plenty to do, thanks to the 8-metre-wide giant slide, ropes and flying fox.
Past the Japanese garden is the Reflection Pool, then the scented garden, the sunken rose garden, a billabong, native rainforest and a playground that has full wheelchair accessible equipment, including a liberty swing. The school prides itself on the popular two-hour beginners’ course, which goes through the essentials of water safety (including Bondi’s dangerous rips), paddling and how to catch a wave. Each lesson starts on the sand, so you can ask embarrassing questions without fear. With the vast expanse of the mighty Pacific Ocean to the east and stunning city views to the west, a visit to this beautiful corner of the city is bound to leave you awestruck. You can make a day of it too, by taking the South Head trail from Watsons Bay. It's an easy amble, and you can reward yourself for that lil' bit of cardio with a drink or two at the Watsons Bay Hotel afterward.
Across a 15 minute run time, you'll see DJs, digital visual artists, musicians and videographers share their visions of an imaginary world through of an ever-changing sonic painting inspired by sound. This one has to be experienced in the flesh to be properly understood. There's arguably no better location for a provocative experience examining the state of our world than among the financial centres and consultancy firms of Barangaroo. Mixing stencil art, NFTs and guest speakers, Edge of Chaos blurs the boundaries between online and offline, between the real and the virtual. If you want to keep the kids active then head to Sydney Olympic Park in Sydney's west where they can learn a new skill at the Archery Centre, discover trapeze through Circus Arts and swim at the Aquatic Centre.

Sydney Zoo is just a 45-minute drive from the Sydney CBD, making it an easy day trip for families. For an even more memorable visit, add a special animal encounter. You’ll be able to get close and personal with your favourite animal, from capybaras and crocodiles to red pandas to rhinos. From October through to late November, Sydney is blanketed in a lavender haze that drips from the branches of jacaranda trees to pool on spring-fresh lawns and footpaths. The harbour city is famous for its pockets of tree-lined streets and picture-perfect swathes of purple blooms, but these lilac-hued beauties aren’t actually native to the land down under.
There are different events running all year round, so check the website to see what’s coming up during your stay. Here you will find a 50-metre lap pool but also a splash pad and shaded lounging area for a family day at the pool. Here you can explore interactive educational exhibits about astronomy, look through telescopes, witness star shows and more. If you’re only in Sydney for a short time and want to see some native animals, this is a good option.
If you’re looking for a large venue to hang with pals, head to Kingpin. With full air conditioning cranked up, you’ll find all the old-school fun of your younger years. Challenge the group to a game of bowling or a laser gun battle, or try your hand at an escape room, karaoke, or a range of arcade games. This soul-warming workshop at Angel Aromatics’ gorgeous Balmain homewares store makes for the ultimate wholesome activity, ideal for a birthday party, team building, or just a fun outing with your pals. This hands-on class lets you create personalised candles adorned with crystals. Blend fragrances and dye-molded candles, then tuck into a delicious high tea while they solidify.

For tips, tickets and whether it’s worth it, read our Luna Park Sydney guide. The Seal Show is a standout family experience, and the Free Flight Bird Show — with birds swooping overhead against the harbour backdrop — is genuinely spectacular. Don’t miss the Australian Nightlife exhibit for a rare chance to see nocturnal animals in action. We’ve covered every major museum and gallery across Sydney — including free entry flagged throughout, age recommendations and practical tips — in our dedicated guide.
Both kids and adults can enjoy this activity in Sydney with a variety of games on offer. For those of you with a not-so-secret fetish for gacha machines, you’ll be pleased to find a decent selection as you walk in. Take a scenic ferry ride to Taronga Zoo and spend the day with the animals. See kangaroos, koalas and other Aussie wildlife and take in the incredible views of the harbour and city skyline. For kids who like a bit of action, head to the Wild Ropes, a challenging Sydney activity course with options for different ages  and abilities.