Are you planning a trip to Sydney with the kids? Then you’re in for a treat. There is a reason why The Harbour City is considered one of the best family-friendly holiday destinations on the planet.
Packed with world-class attractions and plenty of areas of outstanding natural beauty, there is so much to see and do in New South Wales that you’ll need to be organised.
But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Here is our recommendation of what to do in Sydney with kids over a seven-day period. Strap yourself in because you’ll be very busy!
Before outlining the itinerary, it is worth briefly mentioning Sydney’s food scene, which although enjoying a reputation for being outstanding, can come at a cost.
The price of food in Sydney is expensive, and while you will want to try a few cafes and restaurants out, funding breakfast, lunch, and dinner can cause your budget to spiral out of control. Therefore, it is good to have some options up your sleeve.
One, of course, is to self-cater. But if you don’t fancy cooking, why not have Macros ready-made meals delivered straight to your hotel?
That way, you can enjoy delicious meals without having to cook yourself or drag tired and moany kids out to a restaurant.
Here is our recommendation for a 7-day itinerary for visiting Sydney. Of course, you can switch things around as you see fit. But this will give you an idea of how you can entertain your little ones.
Circular Quay is the heart of the city, so what better way to start your Sydney adventure than by exploring this harbour?
Here the kids can marvel at the world-famous Sydney Opera House, walk across Sydney Harbour Bridge (which they can even climb if they are game enough), and enjoy the playground at First Fleet Park.
You can also explore The Rocks, take some family photos at Mrs. Macquarie's Chair, and jump on a ferry in the afternoon to Manly Beach, where the kids can splash around the shimmering waters of the South Pacific Ocean until they are ready to go back to your accommodation.
If the kids enjoyed the ferry ride to Manly, then let them take another one to Taronga Zoo, which is just 12 minutes from Circular Quay,
Home to over 5000 animals from 350 species, they will be able to see kangaroos, koalas, and giraffes up close, as well as African lions, zebras, elephants, and hippopotamuses.
While the animals are no doubt the main attraction, make sure you take the time to check out the breathtaking views of the city skyline.
Once you’ve finished at the zoo, why not continue the animal theme by visiting the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, where kids can explore underwater worlds filled with sharks, dugongs, and brilliantly coloured tropical fish?
Alternatively, head to Darling Quarter Playground, which is one of Sydney’s best play areas for kids, complete with water play features, climbing nets, and swings.
You can’t come to Sydney and not visit Bondi Beach, so you will want to set aside some time to do this. Just make sure you pack your swimsuits!
Overall, Bondi is great for families, with lifeguards patrolling the beach and plenty of shallow areas for kids to paddle around in safely.
When you’ve had your fill of the water, why not tackle the incredible Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk? This 1.5 km trail offers stunning ocean views with plenty of spots to stop, rest, and take photographs.
At Bronte Beach, there is an ocean pool that you can all cool down in, and there are plenty of places to watch the sunset if you are so inclined.
If you fancy a break from the fast-pace of the city, head on over to the Blue Mountains, which is just a 90-minute drive or train ride from Sydney.
A good starting point when you get there is Scenic World. Here, you can ride the world’s steepest railway, glide above the rainforest canopy on the Scenic Skyway, and enjoy the Scenic Cableway.
At the Echo Point Lookout, you will see the iconic Three Sisters rock formation and learn about the Aboriginal legends behind this natural wonder.
You can also check out several cascades and swimming holes in the area, such as Wentworth and Katoomba Falls, and check out villages like Katoomba, Leura, and Blackheath.
Luna Park is another must-visit destination in Sydney for those visiting with children.
Located at Milsons Point, this heritage amusement park features classic rides like the Ferris Wheel and the Carousel, as well as modern thrills for adventurous kids. The park is free to enter and you either choose to pay per ride or get an unlimited ride pass for the day.
Not far from Luna Park is Wendy’s Secret Garden, which is a whimsical spot that feels rather like a storybook. This is a lovely place to enjoy peaceful harbour views while exploring the beautiful flora.
On the way back to your accommodation, stop in for a swim at the North Sydney Olympic Pool if you are feeling hot and bothered. It is located right under the Sydney Harbour Bridge and offers incredible views of the skyline.
The Australian Museum is the oldest in the country and is known for being both an educational and entertaining experience.
Your kids will love its interactive exhibits, especially the Dinosaur Gallery and the hands-on activities in the Kidspace area.
In a similar vein, the Powerhouse Museum in Ultimo is an excellent place to go for those interested in science, design, and technology. It has plenty of exhibits that will capture kids’ imaginations, ranging from space exploration to steam engines.
If you would like to go to a restaurant for dinner, there is no better place than Chinatown Dinner. The kids can try dumplings, noodles, or the famous custard buns from local eateries like Dixon Street Food Court or Din Tai Fung. There are also several shops in the district they can browse.
Spend your final morning in the city by exploring the exquisite Royal Botanic Garden, one of the best family friendly things to do in Sydney.
Whether you join one of the child-friendly tours or simply wander the gardens at your own pace is up to you, but there is plenty to see there, including the impressive living wall at the Calyx.
After visiting the Royal Botanic Garden, make your way over to the Centennial Parklands, where you can rent bikes, ride horses, or enjoy a picnic by the ponds. For families, the Ian Potter Children’s Wild Play Garden is a real highlight, as it has climbing structures, water play areas, and a bamboo forest to explore.
For a magical finale to your Sydney adventure, head to Barangaroo Reserve to enjoy the breathtaking experience of watching the sunset over Sydney Harbour.
