10 Family-friendly things to do in Sydney

1/10
Spend the day at the beach
Sydney comes alive in spring and summer thanks to its vibrant beach culture. There are many things to see and do by the waters with your family. Building sandcastles, diping in the water, snorkelling, diving, running along the sand, and using the playground are some of the long list of options in Sydney’s beaches.
The popular Bondi Beach offers an enclosed playground for younger children and Bondi Skate Park for the older ones. Many attractions have school holiday deals that give you and your family a chance to venture around for special package offers.
Photo: Getty Images
2/10
Picnic at the Royal Botanic Gardens
Prepare a picnic and head down to the Royal Botanic Gardens with your family. There is heaps of space for children to run and play around.
The Royal Botanic Gardens, an area of 30 hectares in the heart of the city, boasts a stunning view of the Sydney Opera House on the harbour. The Gardens provides a retreat for relaxation, tranquility and even education about horticulture. A permanent exhibition space opened up earlier in June on the ongoing horticultural discovery and conservation.
Photo: Getty Images
3/10
Take your kids to Cook Park
The Cook Park along the Western foreshore of Botany Bay is the perfect family spot which offers everything under the sun for a great day out. This park is dotted with playgrounds, cafes, restaurants, bike and skateboard tracks, BBQs and picnic areas.
There is a themed playground at the Ramsgate Beach area of Cooks Park with swings, slide and a pirate ship imaginative play zone. Cook Park is also ideal for cycling with your kids since it has a bike and footpath.
Photo: Getty Images
4/10
Explore the Rocks Discovery Museum
The Rocks Discovery Museum is packed with thousands of years of history. Located in a restored 1850s sandstone warehouse, this museum illustrates the story of the Rocks area from pre-European days. It is home to a unique collection of photographs and archaeological artefacts found in The Rocks – some of which you are allowed to hold.
Children are sure to be fascinated with the interactive fun where they can use touch screens and audio and visual elements that bring the history of the area come alive. The best part is that the museum entry is complimentary.
Photo: Getty Images
5/10
IMAX Theatre at Darling Harbour
Head down with your family to the IMAX Theatre for the ultimate 3D movie experience. Located in the heart of Darling Harbour, the IMAX Theatre is home to the world's biggest cinema screen.
A vast variety of movies and selected blockbuster feature films are shown here. You will not only find entertaining but also educational movies, suiting all ages and interests.

Photo: IMAX Sydney
6/10
Visit the Museum of Fire
With engines going back as early as the 1800s, the Museum of Fire houses a vast collection and extensive display. Children will have an extraordinary time here discovering the house fire simulation, the Junior Firefighter's Zone (a play area for children) and a ride on a historic fire engine.
Don’t underestimate the time to explore the fascinating collection. There are over thirty displays which houses the Museum's collection. If time is on your hands, consider merging the trip with the Blue Mountains.
Photo: sydney.com
7/10
Feed the ducks and explore bushland at Manly Dam
Hailed a family favourite for over 50 years, Manly Dam is a perfect spot for a picnic with a recreation area. The dam was originally used to supply water to Manly and the nearby areas. The surrounding natural bushland is ideal for taking strolls and cycling.
There are a plethora of activities to do at the dam including water skiing, paddle boarding, swimming and bush walking. You can also walk across the dam’s bridge and feed the ducks. The shaded playground is situated in the middle of the reserve with heaps of parking, toilets and BBQ areas close by.

Photo: Getty Images
8/10
Snorkelling at Chinaman’s Beach
Tucked away behind Rosherville Reserve, Chinaman’s Beach is mostly patronised by locals and their families. Since the beach is sheltered, there are no waves, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling even for young kids.
Chinaman’s Beach is scattered with white sand and clear blue waters. Kids will enjoy collecting shells, building sandcastles and exploring the rock formations.
Don’t forget to bring plenty of water and snacks as there are no nearby eateries.
Photo: Getty Images
9/10
Visit the Sydney Tower Eye
Play tourist and head over to the Sydney Tower Eye for a panoramic 360 degree view of the harbour city. From the stunning beaches to the distant Blue Mountains, you'll be awestruck by the view. The ticket to the Sydney Tower Eye includes a 4D movie with in-theatre effects including wind, bubbles and water.
Challenge your kids to spot the city’s icons such as the Harbour Bridge, Opera House and Powerhouse Museum when you are atop the tower eye. Bring a pair of binoculars for the challenge.
Photo: Getty Images
10/10
Macquarie Ice Rink
Sydney’s landmark Macquarie Ice Rink is a haven for those who love to skate, as well as a training facility to all levels of skating. Macquarie Ice Rink also provides ice skating parties.
Ice skating parties at Macquarie Ice Rink are a fun and unforgettable way to celebrate children’s' birthdays.
Photo: Macquarie Ice Rink

The school holidays are upon us. Trying to figure out how to keep your children preoccupied or entertained during school holidays can be an uphill task.

Fret not. Sydney is full of exciting and fun-loving attractions for children: beaches and parks, zoos and aquariums, and interactive museums and wildlife parks. There is plenty to explore and visit with your family during these holidays – just head up to the gallery to check out 10 free (or low-cost) things to do in Sydney that the whole family will enjoy!

Roshni Kapur

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