You’re in Sydney, you’ve got the kids… what next? Luckily you’re in a city that’s packed with fun, child-friendly attractions. From top-notch museums to sun-soaked beaches, Sydney has something to keep the whole family happy. Here are five unmissable attractions to get you started.
Head down to buzzing Darling Harbour
Sure, it’s busy and a mecca for tourists, but Darling Harbour has so many things on offer for kids. There’s the ever-popular SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, brimming with spectacular Australian sea life and big enough to entertain little people for a few hours. Right next door is the WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, boasting a cute and cuddly collection of Australian wildlife, as well as the new Kangaroo Walk-About enclosure. Once you’re done, there’s also the IMAX Cinema and the Chinese Garden of Friendship to explore.
Cycle the avenues of Centennial Park
Sydney’s Centennial Park is a huge, glorious green space smack bang in the middle of the bustling eastern suburbs. It’s the perfect place to get some outdoor exercise and take in the best of Sydney. You and the kids can hire some bikes and go for a ride along the park’s tree-lined cycle paths. Drop into the park’s cafe and enjoy the adjacent playground, or pack a picnic and just laze around under the magnificent old trees.
Get close to wildlife at Taronga Zoo
This classic Sydney attraction is beloved by both locals and tourists, and it’s not hard to see why. With incredible enclosures, world-famous wildlife and jaw-dropping views of the harbour, Taronga Zoo really is a special way to spend the day. The easiest way to get there is by ferry from Circular Quay, then you can wow the children with a trip high over the zoo grounds in the Sky Safari gondola. All up it’s a big day, so pack a picnic, as well as hats, sunscreen and some good walking shoes.
Catch the historic ferry to Manly
If you’re up for an action-packed outdoor adventure, catch the ferry from Circular Quay over to Manly. The ride alone will score you points with the kids, but the best part waits for you at the other end. Walk along bustling Manly Corso to the beach, then follow the walkway until you reach precious little Shelly Beach. Children can fossick through rock pools, splash in the water and then go wild in the adjoining park. If being out on the water is more your thing, you can hire a kayak at Manly Beach Esplanade.
Be amazed at the city’s museums
If it’s rainy and grey and you need to keep the troops entertained indoors, check out some of Sydney’s impressive museums. The Powerhouse Museum is extremely kid-friendly, with lots of fascinating interactive exhibits and fun, educational play spaces. The Australian Museum is downtown overlooking Hyde Park and has a dedicated kids program for under-fives. Of course, you can’t go wrong with the Australian National Maritime Museum; boats, ships, and a full-size submarine for exploring…enough said.
Travelling with the kids takes lots of planning, organisation and a good sense of adventure. Start planning your escape to Sydney with the family.
Do You Have a Question to Ask?