Is Sydney A Child-Friendly City?

Sydney,one among the world's most stunning cities, offers a wealth of outdoor activities and cultural experiences that are suitable for children. The Darling Harbour pedestrian district on the water's edge is home to a plethora of family-friendly activities, from aquariums and IMAX theatres to harbour jet boat rides, all within easy walking distance of the city centre.

Visit Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House from a new vantage point on a ferry cruise. Even better, families can take a trip to the peak of Sydney Tower, the city's tallest tower, to admire the view of the bay below.

Only a ferry ride away from the Central Business District, Taronga Zoo is home to a gregarious cast of animals, while the world-class museums and amusement parks in the area provide interactive exhibitions and classic rides like the Ferris wheel. Exciting activities include horseback riding, trapeze classes, swimming at the "Rapid River" pools, and relaxing on the beaches.

Only a ferry ride away from the Central Business District, Taronga Zoo is home to a gregarious cast of animals, while the world-class museums and amusement parks in the area provide interactive exhibitions and classic rides like the Ferris wheel. All the enjoyment is rounded up by opportunities to go horseback riding, learn how to trapeze, swim in the "Rapid River" pools, and hang out on the beach.

Finally, if you want to take the kids out for a day of sightseeing on a Sunday, you can do so at a discounted rate thanks to the Family Funday Sunday rates, which are valid for unlimited rides on the city's public transportation system.

Top Children's Attractions

Sydney is an excellent destination for families, with many fun things to do and see that will keep the kids busy for days. Outdoor activities abound, from surfing lessons and whale watching on the beach to visits to educational zoos and aquariums, and from in-depth explorations of the past to hands-on experiences with native creatures.

Sydney is often seen as a fun destination for young people, but it's also a great spot to settle down with a family. Having some of the best parks, beaches, and other natural beauties in the country just outside your door makes for a picture-perfect setting for raising a family.

It's a great place for kids to grow up because Sydney has some of Australia's finest educational institutions and other resources, such as parks and playgrounds.

However, deciding where in Sydney is ideal for starting a family can be challenging given the abundance of available possibilities. How you raise your children and the standard of living you enjoy will be heavily influenced by the neighbourhood you pick. Which would you prefer: the East Coast beaches and a more relaxed pace of life, or a more spacious property in the West with a backyard?

Natural Wonders

Enjoy the beautiful weather that has made Sydney famous and head outdoors. Sydney's various beaches are popular year-round and provide something for every type of swimmer, whether you choose to float in tranquil harbour coves, splash around in a beautiful ocean pool, or test your mettle against the waves at one of the city's famous surfing hotspots like Manly, Cronulla, Maroubra, or Bondi.

Those of you who appreciate leisurely strolls are in luck. The Coogee to Bondi walk is among the most beautiful routes in the world, as it follows the coast or passes through the expansive Royal Botanic Garden while providing stunning views of the harbour. Bring a picnic (or grab some food at a nearby cafe) and enjoy the city from a scenic vantage point.

Zoos & Aquariums

Going to Taronga Zoo is an all-day event. Rather than driving across glittering Sydney Harbour, board a ferry from Circular Quay and the whole family may enjoy a unique perspective of the Sydney Opera House. Among the many animals on display are the endangered Australian sea lions Mali, Miya, and Lexi, who put on a thrilling show every day. The Sydney Zoo, located in the city's Western suburbs, simulates a safari in the open air.

At Darling Harbour, options abound. At Wildlife Sydney Zoo, children may interact with koalas, snakes, and other hairy native animals up close, while at Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, they can get up close and personal with king penguins, turtles, sharks, and dugongs. You may visit even more furry companions by going to the Symbio Wildlife Park in Helensburgh, which is on the outskirts of Sydney, or to Featherdale Wildlife Park in Doonside.

Action & Adventure

Kids looking for a thrill should head straight to Luna Park, an amusement park that has been entertaining young visitors since the 1930s. Take a spin on the Ferris wheel, a ride on the roller coasters, and a stab at the carnival games. In 2021, there will be nine additional rides added, providing thrill seekers of all ages with more options. Raging Waters features over 30 water slides and attractions, as well as a beach and kid-friendly attractions.

Does your eight-year-old or older child enjoy heights and not be afraid of them? They can take on the challenging Bridge Climb to the very top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, or they could walk the outdoor Skywalk at the Sydney Tower Eye to take in the city from every angle.

Take the kids to Sydney Olympic Park in the city's west to keep them busy with activities like the Archery Centre, Aquatic Centre and Circus Arts. Whether you want to go horseback riding in Centennial Park, mountain biking in the Western Sydney Parklands, or tree climbing, swinging, and zipping in Sydney's Treetop Adventure Park, there's an activity for you.

Galleries, Museums, And Events

There is so much to do culturally in Sydney that children will be spoiled for choice. The Australian National Maritime Museum features a submarine and a facsimile of a sailing ship that visitors can explore. New interactive exhibits at Hyde Park Barracks also transport visitors to convict-era Sydney. They can visit the Sydney Observatory after dark to learn more about the stars and constellations.

The Art Gallery of New South Wales and the Museum of Contemporary Art routinely organise family-friendly exhibitions and children's programmes. Productions, musicals, and performances of all kinds can be found year-round in Sydney's theatres and at the Sydney Opera House. Find out what's happening in your area, including shows and festivals suitable for the whole family, with our up-to-date events calendar.

Tours & Day Trips

Joining a tour group will make it simple to see all that Sydney has to offer, and more besides. Visit all the top attractions on a hop-on hop-off bus tour with Big Bus. The Rocks Ghost Tour, a bicycle tour, or a harbour cruise are all great ways to visit Sydney and learn about Australia's convict past while also getting a unique perspective on the city.

Day trips that include transportation, lunch, and entrance fees to attractions like the Blue Mountains and Jenolan Caves, the Hunter Valley, and the Hawkesbury are available for those who want to see more of regional New South Wales.

11 Best Things To Do In Sydney With Kids

Picnic In The Royal Botanic Garden And Have Fun

What's not to like about this place, with its wild cockatoos, fountains, fragrant frangipanis, and breathtaking vistas of Sydney Harbour? Little horticulturists will find the Royal Botanic Garden in Sydney to be a veritable sensory overload. The lush green grass and picturesque water vistas make it an ideal picnic spot.

The stimulating aromas, colours, and textures will pique children's interest. Smell the flowers, touch a fern's feathers, and take in the perfume of rosemary and sage at the herb garden. We recommend taking a ride on the Choo Choo Express, a miniature train that travels through the gardens in under 25 minutes if small legs are fatigued.

The Plants with Bite experience lets youngsters feed crickets to carnivorous plants on the last Friday of the month, while the Dandy Lions programme on Thursdays offers a morning of walking tours, gardening, nature-themed crafts, storytelling, and music to parents and children ages five and under.

Climb The Sydney Harbor Bridge Or Cruise By It

One of the most iconic sights in Sydney is the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and no visit would be complete without seeing it up close. Taking the boat from Taronga Zoo to Manly, Circular Quay or Mosman and viewing the bridge from the water is a terrific way to show this 134-metre-tall engineering feat to young children.

Taking the boat from McMahons Point or Luna Park will take you immediately under the bridge, and if you want to travel back in time, you can board a tall ship from the 1850s.

A supervised ascent of the bridge is one of Australia's greatest outdoor experiences and is available to children aged eight and up who are taller than 120 centimetres.

An informative pre-climb presentation, necessary safety gear, a summit photo op, and interesting anecdotes about the bridge's past are all part of the package. Kids will never forget the feeling of standing atop the tower and looking out over the glistening harbour.

Sydney Olympic Park Offers Swimming, Biking, And Trapeze Flying.

Sydney Olympic Park, site of the 2000 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, is one of the best places in Western Sydney to take children. To top it all off, it's only approximately 16 kilometres from the heart of the city and is packed with fun events that the whole family can enjoy.

The Circus Arts Flying Trapeze workshop is a great place for aspiring acrobats to learn the ropes from seasoned professionals while soaring through the air on a trapeze.

Amazing facilities include four indoor heated pools, a big water slide, and a Fast River ride at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre.  Splasher's Water Playground is a fantastic place for kids to have fun. Because of its many water attractions—including slides, dumping buckets, and cannons—this Western Sydney icon is a favourite among parents searching for things to do with their children.

In addition, Laser Tag and the Archery Centre offer loads of fun for kids of all ages during the Australian school holidays.

Are you in search of some two- or three-wheeled excitement? There are 35 kilometres of bike paths that are a favourite activity for families with children. The parks, gardens, and mangroves along the Parramatta River are open to cyclists, as are the areas around the Olympic venues.

Children aged 5 and up can enjoy one of three Bike Safari Circuits, while those with a taste for adventure can pedal their way around the BMX track or the Mountain X Tracks. Dragsters, tandems, mountain bikes, and tricycles are all available for rent on-site.

Kids in the Park is a fantastic school vacation programme that runs throughout the Australian school holidays and offers activities as diverse as sand art workshops and creative writing classes. Those interested in what's happening now can find details on the site.

Visit Taronga Zoo To Get Up Close And Personal With Kangaroos

Taronga Zoo is a great place to see the sights of Sydney, as it is situated on a hill overlooking the harbour. More than four thousand animals, including several native Australian species like koalas, bilbies, emus, and kangaroos and many exotic ones like lions, tigers, Asian elephants, black rhinoceroses, lemurs, and western lowland gorillas, are on display here for the enjoyment of young visitors.

After exploring all of the exhibits, little legs will need a rest, and that's when you can take a load off and watch one of the many live events, like the free-flight bird display or the seal show. Take a ride on the Sky Safari to see the animals from above, or let the youngsters burn off some energy on the Wild Ropes climbing course, complete with ziplines and suspension bridges.

Backyard to Bush is an additional exhibit geared towards children; it features a playground, interactive displays, water play area, a barn and garden with fragrant plants.

Close interactions with animals like giraffes and reptiles, for example, can be booked in advance for an additional price by aspiring zoologists.

The downtown Wynyard bus terminal is where you can catch a ride to the zoo. Ferry rides from Circular Quay are especially fun for kids (about 12 minutes).

Ride A Horse In Centennial Parklands

Located just ten minutes from the downtown area, Centennial Park is one of the few urban parks in the world that offer riding facilities, making it a great destination for young riders. The park has 210 stables and 5 riding schools where your kids can take lessons tailored to their age and ability. Everything you need to get started is supplied by us. A pony ride is a great way to ease into your first equestrian experience.

The park is home to the fantastic Ian Potter Children's Wild Play Garden, which features a playhouse, slides, and a magnificent bamboo forest, as well as a network of well-maintained cycling tracks for children who would prefer to ride bicycles than horses.

After a day of exploring, rest your weary bones with a picnic under towering trees or refuel at one of the many fantastic cafés or kiosks.

Visit Luna Park Sydney And Ride A Roller Coaster.

Located on the northern coast of Sydney Harbour and promoting itself as a "fun place for all ages," this landmark amusement park dates back to the 1930s.

The park reopened in 2004 after a troubled past with updated rides and new attractions, and it offers stunning views of the Sydney Harbour Tower and Opera House. It has had some of its structures added to the State Heritage Register.

Children will have a blast on rides like the carousel, Whirly Wheel, and Mirror Maze, as well as the rebuilt Ferris wheel. Roller coasters like the Rotor, the Wild Mouse, the Devil's Drop, and the Tango Train are favourites with children aged 12 and above in Coney Island and elsewhere.

Cotton candy, and dodgem vehicles create a nostalgic, fun vibe. Admission to the park is free if you plan to sit out, which is great news for parents with a fear of heights who are concerned about how much their children will spend on tickets based on their children's heights.

Enjoy The Day In Darling Harbour

Darling Harbour is one of the best places in the city to take kids if you're seeking for things to do. A kid's dream comes true, all their entertainment needs may be met here.

This waterfront pedestrian district is only a ten-minute stroll from the heart of the city, and it features a wide variety of kid-friendly establishments, including stores, restaurants, exhibition spaces, and entertainment venues. The WILDLIFE Sydney Zoo, which features an interactive tour across Australia's diverse ecosystems, is must-see.

Australian National Maritime Museum, where youngsters can learn about Australia's maritime history and board a model of Captain Cook's ship, the HMS Endeavor; Madame Tussauds; SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, home to the world's greatest collection of Australian aquatic wildlife, as well as the platypus and dugong; and SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium.

In addition to the 9D theatre and IMAX theatre, both of which feature the largest movie screens in the world, visitors may also enjoy laser tag, bowling, harbour jet boat excursions, virtual flights, and racing vehicle adventures.

The playground features swings, sandpits, slides, and ziplines; the water park is great for hot days; and if you're Sydney parent looking for kid-friendly activities, you should check out the new Caterpillar Lane interactive play area in Darling Harbour, which features digital displays, a soft toy play area, climbing equipment, and light projection games.

Take the youngsters for a stroll around the tranquil Chinese Garden of Friendship, complete with willows and koi ponds, once all the excitement of the day is over.

Sandcastle-Building At Balmoral Beach

The northern Sydney neighbourhood of Balmoral is home to some of Sydney's most family-friendly sands.

This beach is in a protected harbour, so the water is nice and calm, making it ideal for little swimmers. In the safe seas, youngsters can go snorkelling, learn to sail, play in the beach, or paddle a kayak.

You can take your older children on a stroll across the footbridge to Rocky Point or down the easy walking track from Balmoral Beach to Chowder Bay, both of which offer stunning views of Sydney Harbour and the surrounding headlands.

Pack a lunch to enjoy on the Esplanade or stop at one of the many nearby restaurants. Getting a parking spot can be difficult, so it's best to be there early.

Take A Junior Opera House Tour.

The Opera House is instantly recognisable to kids as a symbol of Sydney, but there's much to do in the city for all ages. The theatre has a great kids' programme, featuring events like Storytime Ballet and children's musicals, as well as plays geared towards toddlers.

The Danish architect Jrn Utzon constructed this architectural masterpiece, and during Australian school breaks, children and youth can take part in a special Junior Tour. Young visitors get to act as "Opera House experts" while participating in fun activities and games, donning some of the costumes worn by the performers, and discovering the unique aspects of the opera house.

During the school breaks, families can enjoy a special package that includes a junior tour, cheap show tickets, and a meal at one of the local restaurants that caters to children.

Have High Tea With The Kids

You and the kids have been out all day, shopping and exploring, and you need a pick-me-up. Refuelling at a high tea is easy, and there are plenty of fancy places to have a family-friendly event.

The Tea Room in the Queen Victoria Building is a famous and reasonably priced alternative among the many businesses and restaurants housed in this historic landmark. The Grand Ballroom's plush velvet chairs and sparkling crystal chandeliers will make your children feel like real-life royalty.

Delicious sweets such as scones with cucumber finger sandwiches, and a variety of teas (including 29 herbal varieties) are available, along with lots of cute and colourful sugary snacks for the youngsters.

Special children's high teas can be found at several Sydney hotels. During Australian school holidays, the Langham in Sydney treats kids to themed high teas just Like Tale of Mr. Rabbit afternoon tea, and the Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour hosts a Parisian high tea based on the children's book Claris, The Chicest Mouse in Paris; each child attending the tea will also receive a souvenir gift bag. Do you feel like getting dressed up? Kids in the City High Tea was created by kids, for kids, and is served at the Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel in Sydney.

The luxurious Park Hyatt Sydney has floor-to-ceiling windows that look out into the harbour and the iconic Sydney Opera House. Views of the crafts and ferries in the harbour will be a sight to behold for children.

Zoom To The Skydeck Of Sydney Tower Eye

Kids may ride an elevator to the top of Sydney's tallest structure, the Sydney Tower Eye, and take in breathtaking views in every direction. These breathtaking vistas of Blue Mountains National Park can be seen from the top of this 309-metre tower in the heart of the city, directly over the Centrepoint retail mall.

Included in the price of admission is a 4D cinematic tour of the city complete with spectacular effects as well as use of the observation deck's powerful binoculars and interactive touch-screen panels, so that families can teach their children all about the sights of Sydney from above.

Children eight and up can experience the thrill of the SKYWALK, an outdoor glass platform suspended 260 metres above the city, for an additional cost (taller than the Harbour Bridge by a factor of two). They'll still need to wear a harness and protective clothing and be supervised by an adult.

A snack or meal can be had at the tower's rotating eateries or at the café after your explorations.

Conclusion

Sydney's various attractions and activities make it a great family holiday choice. The seaside Darling Harbour pedestrian district has aquariums and IMAX theatres. World-class museums and amusement parks offer hands-on displays and rides like the Ferris wheel. Sydney's parks, beaches, and other outdoor attractions are among the nation's best. Children thrive in schools and parks.

Choosing Sydney's greatest family neighbourhood is difficult. The amusement park's Ferris wheel, roller coasters, and water attraction will have nine new rides by 2021. Australia's National Maritime Museum has a sailing ship and submarine replicas. The Sydney Harbour Bridge is a must-see in Australia. In addition, we recommend visiting the Blue Mountains and Jenolan Caves.

Hunter Valley and Hawkesbury tours are available. Western Sydney residents and visitors love Splasher's Water Playground's water activities. Circus Arts Flying Trapeze offers acrobat training. Families like biking the area's 35 km to exercise and bond. Centennial Park is the best city equestrian riding spot.

The park's five riding schools and 210 stables offer age- and skill-appropriate riding training. The 1930s Darling Harbour amusement park is perfect for height-afraid kids. Families should visit the Sydney Zoo, Madame Tussauds, and the Australian National Maritime Museum. Chowder Bay and Balmoral Beach are Sydney's top family-friendly attractions. Darling Harbour's new interactive playground, Caterpillar Lane, has digital displays and light projection games.

Content Summary

• Sydney, one of the world's most stunning cities, offers many outdoor activities and cultural experiences suitable for children.
• Visit Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House on a ferry cruise from a new vantage point.
• Exciting activities include horseback riding, trapeze classes, swimming at the "Rapid River" pools, and relaxing on the beaches.
• Finally, suppose you want to take the kids out for a day of sightseeing on a Sunday. Thanks to the Family Funday Sunday rates, which are valid for unlimited rides on the city's public transportation system, you can do so at a discounted rate.
• Check out our recommended activities in Sydney for families for additional suggestions.
• Sydney is an excellent destination for families, with many fun things to do and see that will keep the kids busy for days.
• Sydney is often seen as a fun destination for young people, but it's also a great spot to settle down with a family.
• Having some of the best parks, beaches, and other natural beauties in the country just outside your door makes for a picture-perfect setting for raising a family.
• It's a great place for kids to grow up because Sydney has some of Australia's finest educational institutions and other resources, such as parks and playgrounds.
• However, deciding where in Sydney is ideal for starting a family can take time and effort, given the abundance of available possibilities.
• Kids looking for a thrill should head straight to Luna Park, an amusement park that has entertained young visitors since the 1930s.
• Raging Waters features over 30 water slides and attractions, as well as beach and kid-friendly attractions.
• Take the kids to Sydney Olympic Park in the west to keep them busy with activities like the Archery Centre, Aquatic Centre and Circus Arts.
• There is so much to do culturally in Sydney that children will be spoiled for choice.
• Joining a tour group will make it simple to see all of Sydney's offers and more besides.
• Visit all the top attractions on a hop-on hop-off bus tour with Big Bus.
• Little horticulturists will find the Royal Botanic Garden in Sydney veritable sensory overload.
• One of the most iconic sights in Sydney is the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and no visit would be complete without seeing it up close.
• Amazing facilities include four heated indoor pools, a big water slide, and a Fast River ride at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre.
• In addition, Laser Tag and the Archery Centre offer loads of fun for kids of all ages during the Australian school holidays.
• Kids in the Park is a fantastic school vacation programme that runs throughout the Australian school holidays and offers activities as diverse as sand art workshops and creative writing classes.
• Taronga Zoo is a great place to see the sights of Sydney, as it is situated on a hill overlooking the harbour.
• The downtown Wynyard bus terminal is where you can catch a ride to the zoo.
• Located just ten minutes from the downtown area, Centennial Park is one of the few urban parks in the world that offer riding facilities, making it a great destination for young riders.
• Darling Harbour is one of the best places in the city to take kids if you're seeking things to do.
• The WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, which features an interactive tour across Australia's diverse ecosystems, is a must-see.
• The northern Sydney neighbourhood of Balmoral is home to some of Sydney's most family-friendly sands.
• The Opera House is instantly recognisable to kids as a symbol of Sydney, but there's much to do in the city for all ages.
• The Danish architect Jrn Utzon constructed this architectural masterpiece, and during Australian school breaks, children and youth can participate in a special Junior Tour.
• Young visitors act as "Opera House experts" while participating in fun activities and games, donning some of the costumes worn by the performers, and discovering the unique aspects of the opera house.
• Families can enjoy a special package that includes a junior tour, cheap show tickets, and a meal at one of the local restaurants that cater to children during the school breaks.
• Refuelling at a high tea is easy, and there are plenty of fancy places to have a family-friendly event.
• The Tea Room in the Queen Victoria Building is a famous and reasonably priced alternative among this historic landmark's many businesses and restaurants.
• The Grand Ballroom's plush velvet chairs and sparkling crystal chandeliers will make your children feel like real-life royalty.
• Kids in the City High Tea was created for kids and served at the Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel in Sydney.
• Kids may ride an elevator to the top of Sydney's tallest structure, the Sydney Tower Eye, and take in breathtaking views in every direction.
• Children eight and up can experience the thrill of the SKYWALK, an outdoor glass platform suspended 260 metres above the city, for an additional cost (taller than the Harbour Bridge by a factor of two).