Top things to do in Sydney with kids on your first visit
Heading to Australia with family and eager to learn about all the top things to do in Sydney with kids? We asked a local expert for her advice and this is her guide to the perfect first timer’s itinerary to Sydney, Australia.
Sydney is a gorgeous city that has much to offer to both first-time visitors and long-time citizens.
Whether you’re traveling alone or with your family, you’re bound to have a great time.
However, if you are visiting it for the first time, it might be a bit more challenging to choose the right places to visit considering all the options.
So, to help you have the time of your life, here’s what you should see and do in Sydney.
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Top things to do in Sydney with kids on your first visit
Go for a walk from Bondi to Bronte
One of the best things to do in Sydney is to start your morning with a walk from Bondi to Bronte beach.
The shortest route is about 1 km long, which is around 20 min on foot, but it might take you a bit longer if you’re going with your kids.
They will love exploring the area, and you will surely enjoy taking lots of stunning photos of the environment.
Enjoy the beach
In case you can’t get your kids to get up that early, you can always simply enjoy your time at the Coogee beach after they wake up.
There are many friendly restaurants near the shore, and your kids will love playing in the sand.
Moreover, you and your partner can grab a coffee and enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and practicing water sports.
Also, if you’re looking for a peaceful family suite, and you’d like it to be close to the Coogee beach, there is great accommodation in and near Randwick that would be perfect for you.
Visit the Taronga Zoo
A must see in Sydney for kids is the Taronga Zoo. It is located in a natural bushland environment on Sydney Harbour and it one of the best places to see koalas in Australia – how much more kid-friendly that this can it get?
There are many different animals, keeper talks, shows, and opportunities to get close to some of the animals.
All these things make this zoo great for some family bonding moments.
Check prices and get tickets for Taronga Zoo here.
Walk across Sydney Harbour Bridge
If you are adventurous, you can climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge, which you should definitely do at least once in your lifetime.
On the other hand, if you prefer something a bit “safer”, you can simply go for a stroll across the bridge and take some amazing photos.
While there, you should also check out the Pylon Lookout for some fantastic views of the city’s famous landmarks, including the Sydney Opera House, or take your children to the Luna Park located at Milsons Point.
Luna Park Sydney
Luna Park Sydney is an iconic Sydney attraction and a sure success with kids of all ages.
The first thing that welcomes you is the huge smiling face marking its entrance and inside there are tons of fun rides from kiddie ones to the giant slides.
Do not miss a ride on the Ferris Wheel for incredible views over the city!
You can combine a visit with another great top in the Lavender Bay area: Wendy’s (not so) Secret Garden, a lovely (and free) oasis on Sydney’s North Shore.
Spend some time at Darling Harbour
You can’t really say that you’ve been to Sydney if you didn’t spend some time at Darling Harbour.
It is very lively, and it has something for everybody, from great restaurants and cafés to large playgrounds.
Even just wandering around can be a fulfilling activity.
Moreover, Darling Harbour is home to Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, IMAX theatre, and the Wildlife Park, so you should try to dedicate at least one day to explore this lively precinct.
Visit Sydney Opera House with kids
A family trip to Sydney would not be complete without visit to the most iconic buildings in the world: Sydney Opera House!
The place is simply fantastic for children: the fun starts outside, where you’ll join the many other families taking iconic Sydney family photos and the real treat inside.
The Opera House has lovely tours for kids that are perfect for school age kids and will make the place come alive for them (and you!)
If you have time to see a show, the Opera House has an extensive range of shows and activities are on throughout the year for children too. You can check out the program here.
Click here to see prices and book a Sydney Opera House Tour
Have a picnic in the Royal Botanic Gardens
The Royal Botanic Gardens are some of the most beautiful gardens in the world, and you should not miss out on the opportunity to have a nice picnic there.
You’d be surrounded by serene nature, and you’d get a chance to enjoy breathtaking views of the city.
After you’re done with the picnic, you can walk around the gardens and take photos of the fantastic plants.
There’s also plenty of room for kids to run around, and you’d feel very relaxed after spending time in this small paradise.
Traveling to Sydney should be on everybody’s bucket list, as it’s an amazing city with much to offer.
So, if you are planning on visiting it for the first time, make sure to check out some of the above-mentioned attractions, and it’ll definitely be a trip to remember!
Where to stay in Sydney with kids: top Sydney family hotels
Great accommodation is key to a successful city break with kids. To help you plan your family stay in Sydney, we have here >>> a selection of great family hotels for you, chosen by a local!
Visting Australia with kids soon? You may also enjoy our guides: What to do in Melbourne with kids and Canberra with kids, written for us by local families in love with their area!
About the author
Marie Nieves is a lifestyle blogger who loves unusual trips, gadgets and creative ideas. On her travels she likes to read poetry and prose and surf the Internet. Her favourite writer is Tracy Chevalier and she always carries one of her books in her bag. She spends most of her free time at home walking her Labrador Retriever named Max. She is an avid lover of photography and a regular author at High Style Life.
