In this blog, we’ve rounded up some of the best things to do in Sydney with kids to help you make the most of your day. Whether you’re looking for an adventure at one of Sydney’s top zoos, a relaxing afternoon by the ocean, or a fun-filled playground for the kids, there’s something for everyone in the family!

Things to Do in Sydney With Kids: Your Ultimate List

Sydney is a vibrant, family-friendly city just waiting to be explored with lots of great cafes for coffees and milkshakes, sunny parks for afternoon strolls and lots of shops to browse. Let’s jump right in!

Zoos and Attractions

Sydney offers some of the best wildlife experiences and attractions in Australia. Here are some must-visit places for families:

• WILDLIFE Sydney Zoo – Encounter Australian animals and reptiles up close.
• Featherdale Wildlife Park – Meet koalas, kangaroos, and more!
• Australian Reptile Park – Discover incredible reptiles and Aussie wildlife.
• SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium – Explore underwater wonders, from sharks to stingrays.
• Taronga Zoo – See animals from all over the world with a spectacular harbour view.
• Sydney Zoo – A modern zoo with a focus on conservation.
• Calmsley Hill City Farm – Meet friendly farm animals and enjoy tractor rides!
• Luna Park – Sydney’s iconic amusement park, great for thrill-seekers!
• Catch a Sydney Ferry – A fun way to explore the harbour.
• Walk the Sydney Harbour Bridge – Start at Kirribilli and end at The Rocks for incredible views.
• Sydney Opera House & Mrs Macquarie’s Point – Take in the city’s most famous sights.
• Bondi Beach – See the Bondi Rescue lifeguards in action!
• Blue Mountains – Katoomba – A perfect day trip to explore nature.

Museums

For families who love learning and exploring, Sydney has plenty of interactive and engaging museums:

• Powerhouse Museum – A hands-on science, technology, and art museum.
• Madame Tussauds Sydney – Pose with lifelike wax celebrities.
• Australian Museum – Features dinosaur exhibits and cultural displays.
• Museum of Sydney – Discover Sydney’s colonial history.
• Australian National Maritime Museum – Learn about Australia’s seafaring past.
• Hyde Park Barracks – A fascinating glimpse into Sydney’s convict history.
• Art Gallery of NSW – A mix of classic and modern art.
• Chau Chak Wing Museum – Explore history, archaeology, and culture.
• Sydney Observatory – Stargaze at one of Sydney’s best-kept secrets!
• Elizabeth Farm – Step into Australia’s colonial past.

Family-Friendly Beaches in Sydney

Sydney is famous for its stunning beaches, and many offer wheelchair-accessible facilities:

• Bondi Beach – Sydney’s most iconic and famous beach. There is a beach wheelchair that can be borrowed for free from the Lifesaver’s tower. You can simply just knock on their door or book prior by ringing up (as it can get very busy at Bondi).  
• Maroubra Beach – A bit further south of Bondi Beach is Maroubra Beach. A wheelchair can be borrowed from the lifesavers during patrol hours (Summer: 7am-7pm, Winter: 7am-5pm) 
• Collaroy Beach – A beautiful beach with lots of accessibility. There is a beach wheelchair that can be hired free of charge as well as a change facility with a hoist (bring your own sling) and an adult sized change table. There is also a playground with a Liberty Swing and a wheelchair accessible carousel. 
• Manly Beach – On the northern beaches, Manly Beach is situated near lots of great places to eat and shop at. A beach wheelchair can also be loaned free of charge from Manly Life Saving Club. 
• Mona Vale Beach – Accessible surf club, including a Changing Places adult accessible bathroom and a number of cafes and walk along the headlands.
• North Narrabeen (has a beach pool)
• Balgowlah Beach – accessible playground, café, picnic area and beach

Further afield:

• Avoca beach – Central Coast
• Austinmer beach – Wollongong

Parks, Walks and Playgrounds

For some outdoor family fun, check out these beautiful parks and playgrounds:

• Pirrama Park, Pyrmont – A beautiful park with views to Sydney harbour. There is wheelchair accessibility with boardwalks and concreted pathways and even a playground with a wheelchair accessible carousel. 
• Centennial Parklands – One of Sydney’s most beautiful green areas, beautiful for a walk in the sun or exploring with lots of walking paths. There is even the Ian Potter Children’s WILD PLAY Garden that allows children to play in nature.  
• Bungoona Lookout and Path – If you would like to take in the beautiful views the national park has to offer, South of Sydney in the Royal National Park there is a short 250m, 30-minute return walk that has wheelchair accessibility.  
• Blackman Park – Located within walking distance to NAPA with a large play area, sporting fields and bushland walk.
• Livis Place, Five Dock and Ryde – There are multiple locations of Livis Place around Sydney which are entertaining for kids with all abilities including a seated flying fox and slides that can be accessed via ramps instead of stairs. 
• Darling Harbour Children’s Playground – amazing inner city play area including water play.
• Ryde Park – Includes an awesome scooter park
• Shineshed Campbelltown – If they haven’t already had enough fun at NAPA, the Shineshed at Campbelltown is an inclusive, all abilities play centres where the kids can play all afternoon long and Mum and Dad can kick back with a coffee.  
• Deerbush Park Playground, Fairfield –  A wonderful all abilities playground that has everything you’d need – nest swings, seated flying fox, musical instruments, learn to ride course for wheelchairs and bikes and a Liberty Swing.  

Other stroller friendly walks/parks include:

• Lane Cove National Park
• Milson’s Point and Lavender Bay (from Luna park)
• Balmoral Beach
• Taronga Zoo to Bradley’s Head and Middle Head
• Pirrama Park – PyrmontDomain Creek Playground
• Gore Hill Park, Willoughby

Further afield:

• Narrabeen Lagoon walk (Northern Beaches)
• Eastern Shoreline of Olympic Park (Homebush/Ryde)
• North Manly beach (Queenscliff) to Shelly Beach
• Royal Botanic Gardens (City)
• Baranargoo to Pyrmont Foreshore (City)
• Iron Cove Bay Walk (Inner West)
• Centennial Park (Eastern Suburbs)
• Glebe Foreshore Walk (Inner West)
• Sydney Park (City South)
• Apple Tree Bay at Bobbin Head (Northern Beaches)

Swimming Pools

Close to NAPA:

• Lane Cove Swimming Pool
• North Sydney Olympic Pool

Further afield:

• Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre
• Ryde Aquatic Leisure Centre
• Olympic Park Swimming Pool
• Gunyama Park Aquatic and Recreation Centre – Zetland (city south) – including a Changing Places adult accessible bathroom

Family-Friendly Cafes & Restaurants in Sydney

Need a break? These kid-friendly cafés are perfect for refueling:

• Frankie’s Food Factory at Flower Power (Glenhaven) – A café set in amongst a lovely nursery. Have lunch at the café while the kids play on the equipment, watch the ducks on the pond and browse for some nice pots and plants to take home.  
• Flying Fox Café (Mona Vale) – Waterfront café on Winnererremy Bay where parents can enjoy a cup of coffee while the kids play at the adjoining playground. Winnererremy Bay has also been voted “best park in Sydney.” 
• The Grounds of Alexandria – Throughout the year various themes turn the “The Grounds” into magical worlds that will amaze anyone of any age. Great for a coffee, a yummy snack or to say hello to one of the cute animal friends that they have.  
• The Henson (Marrickville) – If you’re after a pub more than a café, then The Henson offers good quality food with a small playroom with a ball pit!  

Shopping for the Whole Family 

• Queen Victoria Building – a beautiful heritage listed building home to lots of wonderful shops and boutiques.  
• Pitt Street Mall – offering a larger array of various brands from boutiques and larger retailers. 
• Manly Beach – a large strip of great clothing stores including boutique clothing as well as larger chained brands
• Westfield Sydney– all the shops you need for some retail therapy with a variety of shops, food and entertainment in the heart of the city. 
• Paddy’s Markets – a large indoor market offering a variety of speciality shops and fresh produce. 

Accessibility Information

Sydney offers great accessible facilities for families:

• Accessible Sydney Beaches & Activities
• Sydney Accessibility Guide
• Accessible Sydney Facebook Group

With so many family things to do in Sydney, you’ll never run out of adventures! Whether you’re exploring world-class zoos, enjoying the city’s stunning beaches, or taking a stroll through beautiful parks, Sydney is the perfect place for family fun.

About NAPA Centre

NAPA Centre is a global leader in paediatric therapy. We offer a multidisciplinary approach integrating paediatric physio, occupational, speech and feeding therapy. With clinics throughout Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom, we aim to bring hope to families worldwide by providing access to the best and most innovative therapies all under one roof.

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