Sydney doesn’t ask families to choose between kids’ fun and grown-up fun… it just piles it all on like a sumptuous buffet nobody can resist. The city has that rare quality of keeping both kids and adults entertained, without one side feeling like they’ve been dragged along. Whether the fam is into animals, adventure, history or just soaking in the sunshine, Sydney manages to tick all off the boxes. And if you want to experience the best of the city in a way that feels special, here are the best things to do in Sydney with family (tried-and-tested activities) you’ll want to put on your list…
Sydney Harbour Lunch Cruises
Let’s start with the obvious: Sydney Harbour is the beating heart of Sydney. But instead of squinting at the Opera House and Harbour Bridge from a crowded vantage point ashore, imagine sitting on a luxury catamaran or glass boat with your family, a delectable multi-cuisine meal in front of you, and the sun-lit skyline flexing its daytime beauty. That’s what lunch cruises on Sydney Harbour give you.
It’s not just about the views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge (though, honestly, that alone makes it worth it). While kids get a thrill spotting fish, ferries and boats gliding past from the outer decks, parents can relax near the bar 😉. And everyone ends up with their phone gallery full of photos that are wall-frameable!
iFLY Indoor Skydiving
If your family leans more towards adrenaline than ‘laid-back’, head over to iFLY in Penrith. The idea of throwing kids (your only chance to do so without a police enquiry) into a glass chamber with high energy wind generators might sound a bit crazy at first, but trust me—it’s safe, exhilarating and unforgettable.
Indoor skydiving makes everyone feel like a superhero. Kids love the novelty of floating in mid-air, parents secretly love it even more—it’s genuinely exciting for all ages. Plus, the instructors are pros at keeping first-timers calm, so you don’t have to worry about nerves getting in the way of the fun.
Luna Park
You can’t talk about family outings in Sydney without mentioning Luna Park. Yes, it is the grinning moon face at the entrance that invites you, not people in costumes… but hey, that’s part of the Luna Park package! Once inside, it’s that retro amusement park joy: ferris wheels, dodgem cars, joyrides and fairy floss that leaves your kids sticky for hours.
The best part is its location. Right by the harbour, rides like the Ferris Wheel give you mesmerising views of the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge—basically, your kids get to have fun and you get the Instagram shots.
Australian National Maritime Museum
When kids hear the word ‘museum’, they think it is boring. But the Australian National Maritime Museum debunks that stereotype. It’s full of stories, and most importantly, it has actual historic ships you can board. Imagine clambering onto a real submarine or exploring a tall ship—suddenly, history is no more a school lesson, but an adventure. For parents, there’s the satisfaction of sneaking some education into the outing. For kids, there’s the thrill of pretending to be Jack Sparrow.
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
If your family loves animals but also hates outdoor treks and muddy shoes, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium is the perfect fix. The highlight? Walking through glass tunnels with sharks, rays and schools of fish swimming overhead—it’s like stepping into another world.
You’ll also meet penguins, dugongs and all sorts of marine creatures that kids will talk about for weeks afterwards. The aquarium does a brilliant job of making you feel close to the animals without it ever feeling cramped or overly zoo-like.
Bondi to Coogee Walk
Sometimes the best family activity is simply stretching your legs together, and the Bondi to Coogee walk is as scenic as it gets. This coastal trail is more than just a walk—it’s about rock pools, hidden coves, cliffside views and beaches that beg for a swim.
It’s a flexible activity too. You don’t have to complete the entire stretch—pick a section that works for your family’s energy levels and stop for a picnic along the way. With the ocean as your backdrop, even the kids who usually complain about “going for a walk” end up having a blast.
Taronga Zoo
It’s almost like an unwritten rule, any family outing will somehow include a visit to the zoo. And in Sydney that is the Taronga Zoo. Perched on a hillside with panoramic views of the harbour, it houses incredible animals and incredible natural beauty. In Aboriginal language, ‘Taronga’ translates to ‘beautiful view’.
Kids will be delighted by giraffes, elephants and tigers, while adults will probably find themselves quietly appreciating the thoughtful conservation work the zoo is known for. Don’t miss the bird shows or the chance to interact with koalas, giraffes and meerkats.
Raging Waters Sydney
Finally, for those hot summer days when everyone just wants to cool off, Raging Waters in Prospect is the ultimate answer. It’s Sydney’s biggest water park, with slides that range from kid-friendly to downright terrifying. The lazy river is perfect for those who’d rather float than fling themselves down a tunnel, while the wave pool, which also happens to be Australia’s largest wave pool, guarantees plenty of giggles.
It’s the kind of place where the kids burn energy, parents get to relax (or join in, if they’re feeling brave), and everyone leaves happily exhausted. Just remember the sunscreen—you’ll need it.
So, Sydney has a way of making family days out feel effortless. From cruising past world-famous landmarks to walking coastal trails, from theme park thrills to underwater encounters, the city caters to every type of family mood. Sydney keeps kids entertained and the parents sane. And it becomes a family trip where nobody complains!
