Things To Do With Kids

School Holiday Ideas: 30 Of The Best Things To Do With Kids In Sydney

Written by: Urban List Writers
best things to do with kids sydney taronga zoo

Whether it's the weekend or school holidays, every parent needs a go-to itinerary packed with fun, family activities to keep their kids entertained and amazed for hours on end. From underwater adventures to artsy fun and magical treetop sights, Sydney/Eora has it all going on. 

Urban List has wrapped up the most heart-racing, mind-boggling, and eye-opening kid-friendly adventures that will also bring out your own inner big kid. 

Here are the best things to do with kids in Sydney in 2025. 

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The Best School Holiday Activities In Sydney

Bubble Planet

Paddington Pavilion, Sydney Olympic Park

best school holiday activities with kids sydney bubble planetImage credit: Bubble Planet | Supplied

A family-friendly, multi-sensory experience has sprung up at Sydney Olympic Park just in time for the school holidays. Bubble Planet features 10 rooms of wow-factor, from a humongous bubble bath ball pit and a soapy bubble room to an LED bubble ocean and Yayoi Kusama-style infinity room. There’s heaps to wander through with the fam, and plenty of photo ops along the way. Tickets start at $26.90 for children (3-12 years), $33.90 for adults, and are free for children under two. 

Insider Intel
  • There’s even a completely immersive virtual reality experience room where you’ll step into a bubbly planet. 

Book online

 

Sydney Zoo Quokka Experience

700 Great Western Highway, Eastern Creek

sydney zoo quokka experience best school holiday activities with kidsImage credit: Sydney Zoo | Supplied

Get up close with the cutest quokkas at Sydney Zoo’s brand-new immersive quokka encounter—now half price in July 2025. You’ll step into the enclosure with a zookeeper, feed the friendly marsupials leafy treats and snap some selfies while you’re at it. Tickets are normally $149.99 per person (or $134.99 for members), with a minimum age of 8 years, maximum three people at a time, and just a handful of timed sessions at 9.30am or 11.30am.

Insider Intel
  • To redeem 50% off during July, use the code QUOKKAJULY at checkout (for a limited time). 

Book online

Darling Harbour Ice Skating

Palm Grove Forecourt, Darling Harbour

darling harbour ice skating sydney best things to do with kidsImage credit: Darling Harbour | Website 

Embrace the winter chill these school holidays with a magical ice skating session. The pop-up, open-air Darling Harbour ice rink sits right on the water at Palm Grove with twinkly lights and winter treats galore. A 45-minute session starts at $15 for toddlers (2-4 years), $20 for concession and children (5-14 years), and $28 for adults (15+). 

Insider Intel
  • You can hire penguin skating aids for little ones (or those with two left feet) for $10. 

Book online

Code Camp

Various Locations

code camp best school holiday activities for kids sydneyImage credit: Code Camp | Supplied

After an award-winning school holiday program that kids will love? Code Camp has you covered. The hands-on camp offers a range of fun craft and coding activities, perfect for ages 5 to 13. There are heaps of super convenient locations scattered across Australia and two- or three-day options from 30 June to 18 July, with prices starting at $275. 

Insider Intel
  • The brand new Robotic Masters camp is a fresh challenge for little creators, with fun problem-solving activities and synchronised robot dancing. 

Book online

The Twits

Playhouse, Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Circular Quay

Roald Dahl’s novel The Twits is taking to the stage at the Sydney Opera House’s Playhouse by one of Australia’s leading theatre companies, Shake & Stir. Starring the terribly troublesome duo we all know and love—and their hilarious pranks and mischief—the play is suitable for ages 5 and up and only on for a limited time, between Saturday 5 to 19 July. Tickets start at $39.95 + booking fee. 

Insider Intel
  • Check out Sydney Opera House’s school holiday program for more performances, music playtime, workshops, and kid-friendly activities. 

Book online

 

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The Best Zoos To Visit With Kids In Sydney

Taronga Zoo Sydney

Bradleys Head Road, Mosman

best things to do with kids Sydney Taronga Zoo
Image credit: Taronga Zoo | Facebook

Lions and tigers and bears oh my, Taronga Zoo is home to over 4,000 animals and Sydney’s only cable car; the Sky Safari. For countless hours of family fun, explore the zoo’s grounds and meet the zoo’s adorable animals like Blair (an endangered Australian Sea Lion) and young Koala joeys Eugene, Busta and Yanada, catch a crawly critters, bird or seal show, and take a ride on the Wildlife Express electric train (free for members or $5). Perfect for the aspiring zoo keeper, Taronga Zoo is open every day of the week, all year round. For the full experience, catch a ferry across Sydney’s sparkling Darling Harbour from Circular Quay.

Insider Intel
  • Keep the fun going by staying the night at this epic wildlife treat with views of koalas and Sydney Harbour right outside your window. 

Book online

Sydney Sea Life Aquarium

1-5 Wheat Road, Sydney CBD

sea life sydney great barrier reef experience
Image credit: SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium | Website 

Dive into a magical underwater world at Sydney's SEA LIFE Aquarium in Darling Harbour. As one of the world’s largest aquariums, there are nine breathtaking aquatic zones to journey through, home to over 13,000 animals. Get up close with the most adorable penguins at the Penguin Expedition, discover the unmissable Great Barrier Reef experience and face your fears at Shark Valley as sharks and stingrays soar over you in SEA LIFE's submerged tunnels. 

Insider Intel
  • You can’t leave without meeting Pig, the adorable, rescue, lettuce-hungry dugong. 

Book online

WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo

1–5 Wheat Road, Sydney CBD

Take a walk on the wild side at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo located in Darling Harbour where you’ll be able to spot and learn about some of Australia's iconic native and endangered species. Cue Tasmanian Devils, numbats and adorable koalas all in one convenient location. Tickets start at $28.80 for children (2–15 years) and $39 for adults. 

Insider Intel
  • Amazing walk-through habitats such as the Kangaroo Walkabout and Butterfly Tropics are included in your ticket. 

Book online

Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park

217 Kildare Road, Doonside

featherdale sydney wildlife park
Image credit: Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park | Website 

Those wanting to get out of Sydney and visit a zoo with fewer glass barriers should head to Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park in Doonside, just 45 minutes from the CBD. The zoo is smaller and far more interactive, including an open space enclosure of roaming kangaroos and wallabies, giving kids the opportunity to get up close with some of Australia’s cutest native wildlife.

Insider Intel
  • Ticket sales support the conservation of endangered animals like Tasmanian Devils and Greater Bilbies. 

Book online

The Best Outdoor Activities To Do With Kids In Sydney

Archery Centre at Sydney Olympic Park

Bennelong Parkway, Sydney Olympic Park, Parramatta

archery for kids sydney olympic park
Image credit: Sydney Olympic Park Archery Centre | Facebook

For all the Robin Hoods running around at home, take them to Sydney Olympic Park Archery Centre. There are awesome weekend and school holiday programs where kids and adults with any skill level can get in on the action. 

Young Archers sessions are perfect for ages 7-9, or get the whole family together (ages 10+) for a beginner-friendly one-hour Sharp Shooters session. Tickets start at $22.50 and are available in July 2025. 

Insider Intel

Book online 

Biking In Western Sydney Parklands

Between Blacktown and Leppington

There’s plenty of room for everyone to play at the Western Sydney Parklands, which expand across 27 kilometres. It’s also perfect for bike riding, making it the ideal spot for the kids to have a crack sans training wheels (or not). 

Insider Intel
  • For the little adventurers, Cecil Park also offers mountain biking and BMX racing grounds. 

Centennial Parklands Horse Riding

Centennial Park

Beginners and pros are all welcome to join in on the many riding trails Centennial Parklands has to offer. There's something for everyone from riding lessons to show-jumping and leisurely meanders across the leafy park, plus junior jockey school holiday programs.

Insider Intel
  • Head to Centennial Homestead for a family-feed before or after your riding session, they have a specific menu for youngsters under 12. 

Book online 

The Best Indoor Play Centres To Take Kids To In Sydney

Planet Mino Kids Club

10 Smith Street, Chatswood and Shop 272/145 Old Pittwater Road, Brookvale

indoor play centre for kids sydney
Image credit: Planet Mino Kids Club | Facebook

Perfect for littlies needing to burn some energy or host a party, Planet Mino Kids Club is the ultimate indoor playground with two Sydney locations at Chatswood and Warringah Mall. Three internal levels, ball pits and an indoor volcano slide are all bound to produce some excited screams while parents can sit back with a cuppa at the cafe. Entry starts at $12 for under 12 months (or free with sibling), $14.50 per hour for 1–2 years and $16.50 per hour for kids aged 3+. There’s also unlimited, weekend and school holiday sessions, plus memberships that cost extra. Buy tickets on arrival. 

Insider Intel

Indoor Rock Climbing

Various locations

Good news for parents, for kids who won't stop climbing the furniture—there are a ton of indoor rock climbing centres in Sydney that are kid-friendly. Honourable mentions include Climb Fit Sydney, Sydney Indoor Climbing Gym and Northern Beaches Rockhouse

Insider Intel

Entertainment Park

361 Milperra Road, Bankstown

Open 10am to 10pm daily, Entertainment Park Bankstown is guaranteed fun for everyone. With 3,500 square metres of indoor go-karting tracks, bowling lanes, virtual reality arenas and racing car simulators, there isn't a better place we could think of for a fun day out in Sydney. 

Insider Intel
  • If you work up an appetite, there’s the Hangry Cafe on-site slinging pizzas, burgers, kids' bites and drinks. 

Book online

The Best Hands-On Workshops For Kids In Sydney

Children’s Workshops At The MCA

140 George Street, The Rocks

art workshop for kids and families sydney
Image credit: MCA | Facebook

The Museum of Contemporary Art isn’t just for high-profile art buffs—families of all ages and art lovers are welcome too. The MCA has an array of free children’s workshops and school holiday programs to spark kids' creativity, like Artplay, an unstructured creative play session for 0-5-year-olds. You never know, you might have the next Picasso on your hands. 

Insider Intel

Book online

Class Bento Kid-Friendly Workshops

Various locations

Get crafty with Class Bento, offering a wide range of workshops and classes with a whole section on its website of activities that are specifically designed for kids. From art workshops to guided meditations, you’ll be amazed by the range on offer. 

Insider Intel
  • This kid-friendly pottery workshop in Bondi is a great school holiday activity, suitable for ages 5-12 and starting at $45 (with a second decorating class for just $15 extra). 

Book online

The Best Adventure Activities With Kids In Sydney

BridgeClimb Sydney

3 Cumberland Street, The Rocks

bridge climb sydney
Image credit: BridgeClimb Sydney | Instagram 

Kids over the age of eight and in need of something a little more exciting than Lego can join the adults on the famous BridgeClimb Sydney. Ascend as a family up the Harbour Bridge (aka the world’s largest steel arch) and take in 360-degree views of the spectacular harbour. There’s also family bundles and school holiday deals that are a great bang for your buck.

Insider Intel
  • The Pylon Lookout and Museum is also perfect for younger kids not old enough to climb the bridge. 

Book online

Raging Waters Sydney

427 Reservoir Road, Prospect

With over 40 rides, slides and attractions, Raging Waters Sydney is the ultimate outdoor theme park destination to cool off during warmer weekends. A tonne of the slides also have relatively low height requirements, meaning everyone can take part in the action. Day passes start at $54.99 or season passes from $89.99. 

INSIDER INTEL
  • Raging Waters Sydney is open from early November until the end of March and closed in Winter. 

Book online

TreeTops Adventure Western Sydney

Plough & Harrow East, 749 Elizabeth Drive, Abbotsbury

treetops adventure course sydney
Image credit: TreeTops | Facebook

Provided the kids (or the adults) don’t have a fear of heights, a day at the TreeTops Adventure Western Sydney should definitely be on the family bucket list. Sessions run for just over two hours, and are suitable for ages eight and up. 

Insider Intel
  • Junior Courses are even available for those aged between three and seven, from $38. 

Book online

Sydney Tower Eye Skywalk

Level 5/108 Market Street, Sydney CBD

Taking you to the highest point in Sydney where you can catch 360-degree views of the entire city, the Sydney Tower Eye Skywalk is a 60-minute guided tour not for the faint-hearted of families. Kids won’t feel so small anymore, as they’ll be able to spot landmarks from as far away as the Blue Mountains. 

Insider Intel
  • This one is suitable for ages 10 and up (with an adult over 18 for support) but there’s plenty of fun to be had inside Sydney Tower Eye for younger kids including a virtual reality roller coaster for ages 5+. 

Book online

Luna Park Sydney

1 Olympic Drive, Milsons Point

Tick off an adrenaline rush as well as visiting one of Sydney’s most iconic attractions with a visit to Luna Park Sydney. In operation since the 1930s, the nostalgic theme park to this day is still beloved by both kids and adults. It’s also perched right on top of Sydney Harbour, so you can lap up the cracking views. Entry to the park is free, but to go on unlimited rides you'll need to purchase a day pass from $55 per child and $65 per adult.

Insider Intel
  • Tickets include entry into Coney Island with unlimited sliding sack races and fun carnival games. 

Book online

The Best Museums And Galleries To Visit With Kids In Sydney

Australian National Maritime Museum

2 Murray Street, Sydney CBD

Located on the waterfront of Darling Harbour, the Australian National Maritime Museum hosts a range of Australia's largest and most diverse naval fleets—including a replica of Captain Cook’s ship the HMB Endeavour. Six permanent galleries, ongoing exhibitions and the kid-friendly Ripples Cafe makes it the perfect weekend family activity. 

Insider Intel
  • Explore the Maritime Museum’s winter school holiday program with interactive exhibitions, kids workshops, films, collaborative LEGO building and more. 

Book online

Children’s Workshops At The Art Gallery Of NSW

Art Gallery Road, Sydney CBD

Not only are children under five years admitted free into the Art Gallery of NSW, but the gallery offers activity sheets, specialised children’s trails and art labels—making the experience accessible for the whole family. 

Insider Intel
  • There’s kids storytelling sessions every Friday, plus plenty of free interactive workshops (no bookings required), just in time for the school holidays.

The Australian Museum

1 William Street, Darlinghurst

the australian museum sydney
Image credit: Australian Museum | Facebook

Showcasing the most fascinating parts of both science and nature, the Australian Museum has heaps of free, inspiring exhibitions like humongous dinosaur displays, and regularly hosts new exhibits that are super kid-friendly. From interactive school holiday workshops to First Nations storytelling play spaces, kids can get hands-on in exploring and learning about the world around them—and we wouldn’t be surprised if the adults learned a thing or two as well. 

Insider Intel
  • Check out the program of kid-friendly events and book online, or walk on in and explore. 

The Best Gardens To Visit With Kids In Sydney

Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney

Mrs Macquarie's Road, Sydney CBD

Situated right next to the Sydney Opera House are the Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney, aka the ultimate family picnic spot come a sunny day. Roam through the grounds and you might even learn a thing or two about some of Australia’s native flora. 

Insider Intel
  • The gardens also regularly host a range of free and ticketed kids workshops and events—check them out and book online

Centennial Parklands

Centennial Park

Aside from the horse riding, the leafy grounds of Centennial Parklands make it a perfect inner-city location for family picnics and strolls. Kids will love the Wildplay Garden, a free, nature playground amid the lush surrounds of the park, open daily from 10am ‘til 5pm. 

Insider Intel
  • The park is also bike-friendly and offers an array of school holiday programs and workshops.

The Best Historic Sites To Visit With Kids In Sydney

Cockatoo Island/Wareamah

Sydney Harbour

Just a short boat ride from Circular Quay, Cockatoo Island is renowned for its rich history of housing convicts—making it a perfect day trip to learn of Sydney’s settlement history. Kids' maps and treasure hunt activities are also bound to make it feel less like a history lesson and more like an adventure.

Insider Intel

Hyde Park Barracks

Macquarie Street, Sydney CBD

things to do with kids sydney hyde park barracks
Image credit: Hyde Park Barracks | Facebook

If you’re wanting to stay on shore, Hyde Park Barracks is a great option for families looking to brush up on their knowledge of Aussie convicts and penal settlements. Kids can plug into a tailored audio guide and activity trail, cosy up in a hammock amid a heritage building, and see how life was lived back then at the Elizabeth Farm, hand-washing laundry and all. 

Insider Intel
  • Head to the Justice & Police Museum open on weekends 10am–5pm (or daily during school holidays) to unlock secrets and solve mysteries. Kids can dress up in costume, earn a police badge and perform a mock trial for some family fun. 

Sydney Opera House

Bennelong Point, Circular Quay

The iconic Sydney Opera House is not only an attraction worth visiting in itself, but the institution also hosts an array of kid-friendly performances and productions throughout the year. 

Insider Intel
  • Stay up to date with what’s on to see what works for the whole family. 

For more family-friendly Sydney inspiration, check out

Main image credit: Urban List | Supplied

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