Sydney, Things to do
Companies like Thrill Team Events, with experience delivering over 7,559 programs, understand how to create sustainable, engaging experiences that achieve specific outcomes while ensuring 100% staff participation. Sydney's entertainment landscape continues evolving with cutting-edge technologies. Immersive experiences like Bubble Planet at Sydney Olympic Park demonstrate how VR technology, themed rooms, and fantastical landscapes create multi-sensory adventures. Indoor gaming experiences like Archie Brothers provide virtual reality rides and interactive gaming in climate-controlled environments.
The Darling Quarter Playground at Darling Harbour is the standout for CBD days — recently upgraded with a 21-metre flying fox, water play, giant slides, a teen zone and climbing structures for all ages. It’s free, surrounded by food options and right next to the Maritime Museum and Chinese Garden. Blaxland Riverside Park at Sydney Olympic Park is one of the largest playground and water play facilities in NSW — well worth the trip west, especially on a hot day. Centennial Parklands has the Ian Potter WILD PLAY cool things to do in sydney Garden, a nature-based playground that encourages free exploration through bushland-inspired design.
The walk will take you through the beaches of Tamarama, Clovelly, and Bronte, showcasing stunning cliffs and rock formations, as well as the hauntingly beautiful Waverley Cemetery. The Botanic Gardens also runs free guided tours run by volunteers. Ramble over 30 hectares of lush greenery while the kids explore fascinating plants and resident wildlife. Lie back and watch the light dance through the foliage or pound the pavement for some exercise with breathtaking views. Sydney is home to loads of free, family-friendly museums that go above and beyond the usual museum setup. The hanging birdcages (aka Forgotten Songs) are famous in Sydney and represent the call of 50 birds that used to live in the city before the arrival of Europeans.
Take the high-speed double-decker lift from street level to the Sydney Tower Eye’s observation deck for stunning views in all directions. From here, you can see amazing views of the Sydney Harbour, watch the planes touch down at Sydney Airport 10 kilometres away and spot ships at sea two hours before they can be seen from Sydney beaches. Jump on board the Manly Ferry at Circular Quay for one of Sydney’s most iconic experiences – a trip to Manly for a day at the beach.
Race to the top of the rope rocket, run around the large grassy park or sit down for a quiet picnic in the shade. It's close to the Annette Kellerman Aquatic Centre, so bring your swimmers. The playground also has swings and slides, a climbing net and a see-saw. Georges River Council have delivered a much-needed playground for the local community at Meade Park, and we love that it's inclusive of all children.
The foundations of the Sydney Cricket Ground date back to the 1850s and some of the country's greatest sporting triumphs have taken place on its pitch. Behind-the-scenes access includes a visit to the dressing rooms, so you can imagine the pre-match anticipation of players stepping out for their game. The brainchild of award-winning artist E.L.K., Edge of Chaos is a traditional art gallery on one floor and a mind-expanding virtual reality experience on another.
Popular activities include Survivor challenges, Amazing Race adventures, and Project Pipeline construction challenges that require entire teams to work together toward common goals. Snappy Photobooths takes innovation further with experiential installations, including AI Wizard technology that generates customized AI images for viral social media sharing. Their SnapBot offers immersive robotic interactions with instant email and SMS sharing of branded content.
Pack a picnic full of good food and head to one of Sydney’s seasonal outdoor cinemas for a leisurely evening activity with the kids in Sydney. The permanent science and transport exhibitions are particularly appealing for families, but generally, the non-permanent exhibitions are thought-provoking and fascinating. The Grounds of Alexandria is one of Sydney’s most Instagrammable eateries, with vine arches and twinkling lights. Teens will be occupied getting their reel for TikTok and younger kids will love meeting the resident farm animals, Lady Baba and Selena Goatmez. Disney-themed laneways are featured throughout the year and are a massive hit with all ages. The telescopes in the observation deck are free to use on this Sydney activity with kids, and your entry ticket includes admission to a 4D Cinema Experience and a digital photo pass.
Coogee Beach has a more relaxed family vibe than Bondi with a large park and playground adjacent. The F1 Manly Ferry crossing is one of the best value experiences in Sydney — 30 minutes past the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Kirribilli House and the heads of the harbour, for the price of a standard fare. Sit outside at the stern for the best views as you leave Circular Quay. The walk from Circular Quay along the harbour foreshore through the Botanic Garden to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair takes around 30–45 minutes and is flat, pram-friendly and scenic the whole way. Mrs Macquarie’s Chair itself gives you the classic postcard view — Opera House and Harbour Bridge together across Farm Cove — and it’s worth the walk even if you only stop for photos.
Our unique Virtual Reality Sydney Escape Rooms are perfect for birthday parties, hens/bucks nights, corporate team building events, and educational VR experiences. With a variety of games, customizable difficulties, and we can tailor the experience to fit any event. Visitors can also enjoy arcade games, sideshow attractions and stunning harbour views throughout the park.
Families, tourists, school groups and curious explorers can engage with exhibits, uncover hidden details and experience the unexpected around every corner. Across two levels, guests explore 11 immersive environments and more than 75 interactive exhibits created by over 20 local and international artists. From upside down trains and mirror mazes to holographic moon rooms, perception puzzles and illusion installations, every space is designed to surprise, challenge and delight. Featuring 9 uniquely themed game rooms and 50+ interactive game challenges, Power Play Sydney combines physical activity, strategy, speed, and teamwork into one unforgettable adventure.
Open from 10 am to 3.30 pm in spring and autumn, and 9 am to 6.30 pm in summer (closed in winter), it's the perfect spot for free seasonal fun. One of the highlights of the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium is the Shark Walk, where you can walk through a glass tunnel surrounded by sharks and other sea creatures swimming overhead. The aquarium also has a touch pool where kids can get up close and personal with starfish, sea urchins, and other creatures. With so much to see and do, the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium is a fun and educational activity in Sydney for kids of all ages. Get ready to explore VR worlds, 9D cinemas, and interactive spaces designed to transport you beyond reality.
Scroll down to explore the full attractions map and begin planning your Sydney journey through beaches, harbour views, cultural icons and natural beauty. Beautiful outdoor spaces and gardens such as the Royal Botanic Garden, Mrs Macquaries Chair, Hyde Park, Centennial Parklands and Barangaroo Reserve are shown throughout the map. These green areas offer iconic harbour views, walking tracks and picnic spots, and the map highlights entrances, pathways and scenic viewpoints. Sydney is an easy city to explore with children, offering attractions that entertain and inspire all ages. Set on Sydney Harbour, Taronga Zoo offers incredible harbour views alongside world-class wildlife experiences and conservation programs.