Last Updated on October 18, 2022 by Jason Nguyen
Are you planning to embark on a whirlwind adventure to Sydney sometime in the near future? Whether you’re simply crossing state borders or traveling from across the world, Sydney is one of the world’s most incredible holiday destinations for people of all ages and walks of life.
If you are setting off on a family holiday with your little ones, Sydney is home to numerous activities, sights and sounds for everyone in the family to enjoy. If you’re looking for a list of kid-friendly activities to enjoy on your upcoming adventure to the iconic Harbour City, you’ll want to stick around for the rest of this article.
Today, we share 10 family friendly activities to enjoy in Sydney on your next vacation away from home, so sit back, relax and read on to find out more!
1. Chomp Down On Some Of The City’s Best Burgers
Name us a kid who doesn’t enjoy chomping down on some delicious burgers – we dare you! For the ultimate in family friendly meals, nothing beats hunting down the best burgers in Sydney with your little ones.
Some of Sydney’s most iconic burger destinations include the Mister Gee Burger Truck, Soul Burger, Mary’s Circular Quay and more. No matter your dietary requirements, preferences or how picky your kids are, there is guaranteed to be a burger that satisfies everyone in the family at one of the many burger joints around the city.
PS: Don’t forget to end your meal with a delicious thick shake if you are looking to treat the little ones to something truly special!
2. Enjoy A Day Of Fun At Luna Park
For a day that the kids are sure to never forget, head down to the iconic Luna Park for an afternoon of carnival rides, snacks and endless fun. Originally built in 1935 and inspired by the first Luna Park in Coney Island, this iconic Sydney attraction is stacked with local history. Treat the kids (and yourself) to a number of different carnival rides, games, and of course — fairy floss, burgers and other deep-fried delights.
Location: 1 Olympic Dr, Milsons Point NSW 2061
Opening Hours: Monday – Thurs: 11am – 4pm, Friday and Saturday: 11am – 11pm, Sunday: 11am – 6pm.
FYI: All guests require a ticket to ride and must book a date at purchase. Prices change daily. Tickets purchased on the day of visit are $65 children/ $75 adult.
3. Explore Contemporary Chinese Art at The White Rabbit
Full of vivid colours and glorious artwork, The White Rabbit gallery (located near Sydney’s Central Station), has become one of the world’s most significant collections of Chinese contemporary art.
The origins of the collection go back to the late 1990s, when Judith Neilson engaged Wang Zhiyuan, a Chinese artist then living in Sydney, as her art tutor. For kids who are budding artists or parents who are fans of contemporary Asian art, nothing is better than spending a peaceful afternoon gazing at some of the best artwork you’ll ever set your eyes on.
Location: 30 Balfour St, Chippendale NSW 2008
Opening Hours: Wednesday – Sunday: 10am – 5pm
FYI: Don’t forget to pop by the gallery’s tranquil tea house to sample some exquisite chinese tea and mouth watering freshly made dumplings.
4. Ride The Famous Manly Ferry
For an easy going day out, look no further than the iconic Manly Ferry. Since 1855, Sydney Ferries’ famous Manly Ferry has been a “must do” for visitors and makes regular 30 minute trips day and night, every day of the week.
If you are looking to experience the glorious Sydney scenery in style, this voyage is an impossibly beautiful treat. Glide by the famous Sydney Opera House, Taronga Zoo, Shark Beach and Camp Cove, and don’t forget to hop off at the Manly to Spit walk for spectacular views of the north and south headlands.
Location: Belgrave Street and, West Esplanade, Manly NSW 2095
5. Explore The Sydney Opera House
It goes without saying that no trip to Sydney is complete without visiting the world-famous Sydney Opera House at least once. Located on the foreshore of Sydney Harbour, this iconic destination hosts 1,600 performances every year including ballet, opera, theatre, dance, music and comedy as well as children’s shows and more.
Why not book a couple of tickets for The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show (13 Dec 2022 – 23 Dec 2022), or perhaps get stuck in a hands-on workshop courtesy of Wild City? While you’re there, don’t forget to snap an iconic selfie or wefie with the kids, in front of one of the 20th century’s greatest architectural works.
Find out more about the activities, sights and sounds at the Sydney Opera House here.
Address: Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 9am – 5pm
6. Watch A Movie At A Retro Drive-In Cinema
For a fun-filled day of movies and popcorn with the family, head down to one of Sydney’s many retro drive-in cinemas for the ultimate movie marathon. Blacktown’s Skyline Drive-In is one of the city’s most popular drive-in cinemas, and will instantly travel you back in time to the 1950s.
Other popular drive-in destinations include Mov’in Car, Argyle’s Openair Cinema and more. Depending on your time of travel, you may even be lucky enough to catch a classic children’s flick at the Disney+ Drive-In, located at the Northern Private Carpark of CommBank Stadium.
Explore the best outdoor and drive-in cinemas to experience in Sydney here.
7. Treat Yourself To High Tea At The Gunners Barracks
For those with a sweet tooth, look no further than an amazing afternoon of world-class delights at the Gunners Barracks delicious high tea.
Savor freshly baked scones with clotted cream and preserves followed by finely cut sandwiches, savory pastries and delectable petit cakes all created daily by a highly skilled team of chefs. You may end up with a handful of kids on a sugar-high. but we guarantee it will be well worth it!
Address: End of Suakin Dr, Mosman NSW 2088
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 9am – 5pm
FYI: Reservations are highly recommended and please note a 15% surcharge on all Public Holidays.
8. Sample The Legendary Cheesecakes At Lorraine’s Patisserie
If you thought the sweet treats ended at high tea, think again! No trip to Sydney is complete for the foodie family without a visit to Lorraine’s Patisserie.
For one of the creamiest, dreamiest cakes that your tastebuds will ever experience, we highly recommend grabbing yourself a slice of pastry chef Lorraine Godsmark’s sublime cheesecake, found exclusively at her CBD patisserie. It’s a world-class confection, light as a cloud, with the faintest hint of lemon and a crisp, cinnamon-toned crust.
Don’t stop there, though — while you’re at it, treat yourself to a variety of different sweets, ranging from coconut macaroons to rosebud marshmallows and everything in between. This one is definitely kid-approved.
Address: Shop 5, Palings Lane, 320 George St, Sydney NSW 2000
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Friday: 8:30am – 6pm, Saturday: 9am – 4pm
9. Explore Wendy’s Secret Garden
For a serene stroll in nature with the family, look towards none other than Wendy’s Secret Garden. Located in Lavender Bay on the lower North Shore of Sydney Harbour, this garden oasis is part public, part private land at the foot of artist Brett Whiteley’s home in Lavender Bay.
In this picture-perfect nook of town, you’ll find Bangalow palms, figs, and lilies with glimpses of the harbor between glorious green ferns. This one is definitely one of Sydney’s most picturesque nature walks, open to the public round the clock, 7 days a week.
Address: Lavender St, Lavender Bay NSW 2060
Opening Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week
10. Step Into The Wildside At Taronga Zoo
Last but not least, we encourage all families visiting Sydney to spend a day at the amazing Taronga Zoo. Taronga Zoo is a not-for-profit zoo with harbourside views featuring 4,000 animals from koalas and echidnas to giraffes and Asian elephants.
As an added bonus, there are a myriad of different kids activities for the little ones to enjoy, most of which you can find out here. Overlooking the magnificent Sydney Harbour, Taronga Zoo is just 12 minutes from the city by ferry, making it easily accessible for families of all sizes.
Address: Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman NSW 2088
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:30am – 5pm
And there you have it – the 10 must-see attractions, destinations and experiences for families visiting Sydney in 2022. Will you be visiting any of these attractions on your next trip to the Harbour City? Be sure to leave your thoughts in the comments section below!
