Whether you're sheltering from the rain, escaping the stinking heat or just want to help kids get creative and use their imaginations, a family trip to one of the best kids' museums in Sydney will do the trick!

Little ones are never too young to be introduced to a bit of art, culture and history, and Sydney is alive with unique and exciting museums to explore, every day of the week. The best part is that most of these museums are free to enter! 

19 of the Best Kids' Museums in Sydney & Beyond

1. Museums of History NSW

Families are always welcome to explore the gorgeous heritage properties under the Museums of History NSW umbrella. 

Elizabeth Farm, Vaucluse House, Rouse Hill House & Farm and Elizabeth Bay House each boast beautiful grounds and a story from Australia's past at every turn.

Hyde Park Barracks is another highlight in the roster of kids' museums in Sydney, with a popular audio trail. The Museum of Sydney promises engaging stories from the site of the first Government House, and the Justice & Police Museum uncovers Sydney's criminal past.

Locations: Visit Museums of History NSW for the full collection of historic houses and museums.
Cost: Entry is FREE to the above Museums of History venues.

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2. Australian National Maritime Museum

It's Australia's national centre for maritime collections, exhibitions, research, and Archeology, but you might know it as the museum with the Endeavour replica out the front!

At the Sea Museum (commonly known as the Australian National Maritime Museum), your kids can get hands-on with Captain Cook's ship and relive his voyage to Australia. Earn your sea legs as you climb and play on board real-life tall ships, warships and even a submarine, the HMAS Onslow.

The kid-friendly museum down at Darling Harbour presents a rotating schedule of stimulating exhibitions, including the annual Wildlife Photographer of the Year photography exhibit, plus a host of family-friendly events like Seaside Stroller Tours, Mini Mariners, Kids on Deck, and The Beach.

Location: 2 Murray St, Sydney
Opening hours: Daily from 10 am to 4 pm
Cost: General admission to permanent galleries is FREE; special exhibitions and workshops may incur a fee

3. Museum of Contemporary Art Australia

One of the ultimate family-friendly museums in Sydney is the MCA Australia!

As a defining platform for contemporary art and ideas, they are committed to creating engaging experiences for young ones with their friendly team of hosts and expert artist educators.

We recommend their ever-changing family activity space during major exhibitions, dedicated school holiday programs and their Access Social program for children with Autism. There's something to inspire the whole family at the MCA, plus, they have free entry for under-18s and Australian students!

Location: 140 George St, The Rocks
Opening hours: Friday to Monday from 10 am to 5 pm; Thursdays until 9 pm; closed on Tuesdays
Cost: FREE entry for under-18s and Australian students

4. Australian Museum 

The heritage-listed museum is Australia's oldest and has hosted some of the most incredible family exhibitions. From dinosaurs to ancient explorers, the deepest darkest Africa, and even the famous Pharaohs, the Australian Museum plays host to some of the most exhilarating displays for Sydney families.

This one is a complete and utter winner for kids — complete with the awesome Burra playspace and an ever-changing rotation of exhibits for families to enjoy, including the super-popular Dinosaurs exhibition.

Location: 1 William St, Darlinghurst
Opening hours: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm
Cost: FREE general admission; special exhibitions and events may incur a fee 

5. Art Gallery of New South Wales

Providing a vibrant and enriching environment where children and families can explore the world of art together, the Art Gallery of New South Wales is one of Australia's leading art museums, housing an extensive collection of traditional and contemporary art from across the globe.

The gallery hosts regular family-friendly events, including art-making workshops, storytelling sessions, and guided tours tailored to younger audiences. Drop by the welcome hub to learn about their free family-focused activities, including children's trails and activity sheets, and check out the Ashley Dawson-Damer Children's Art Library while you're here, too.

During the school holidays, you'll find drop-in workshops and roving art-making tours. The Art Gallery is free to enter and has amenities that make it easy for families to visit.

Location: Art Gallery Rd, Sydney
Opening hours: Thursday to Tuesday from 10 am to 5 pm; Wednesdays until 10 pm
Cost: FREE general admission

6. Powerhouse Museum

*Please note that the Powerhouse Museum (Ultimo) will be closed for up to three years from February 2024 for building and conservation work.* 

Powerhouse will continue to present programs at Powerhouse Castle Hill and Sydney Observatory during the construction of Powerhouse Parramatta and the revitalisation of Powerhouse Ultimo.

The Powerhouse Museum is the perfect place for inquisitive kids to have a hands-on, interactive experience. This kids' museum in Sydney boasts a unique and diverse collection of objects that spans history, science, technology, and design, with exhibitions and programs designed to engage children and young people. Plus, it's FREE.

Train buffs will love getting up close to Locomotive No. 1 and learning about New South Wales’ first train, while The Lab is a brilliant immersive multimedia space to expand your imagination and explore digital technologies. 

Location: 500 Harris St, Ultimo
Cost: FREE general admission

7. Sydney Observatory

Also part of the Powerhouse Museums group, Sydney Observatory feels a little like stepping into a different pace of Sydney — slower, curious, and full of big questions about the sky.

For kids, it hits that sweet spot between hands-on and mind-blowing. Inside, there are interactive exhibits that break down big ideas — like how the Earth moves or why the Moon changes shape — into things they can actually see, touch and play with. It's not overly technical, so younger kids can get involved, but there's still enough depth to keep older ones interested.

The real highlight, though, is the chance to look through a telescope. Whether it's spotting the sun during the day or heading back for a night session to see stars, planets and the Moon up close, it's one of those experiences that sticks. 

There's also a nice mix of history woven in, with stories about how people used Sydney Observatory in the past to track time, map the stars and navigate. It adds context without feeling like a history lesson.

Location: 1003 Upper Fort St, Millers Point
Opening hours: Thursday to Saturday from 12 to 7.30 pm
Cost: From $24 per visit

8. Justice And Police Museum

The fascinating Justice and Police Museum is one you may not have considered, but it is definitely worth a visit!

Kids and parents will be truly fascinated learning about Sydney's past, and sometimes seedy underbelly — schemes devised, tempers lost, deals done... and laws broken! The interactive elements of the museum make it one of the most kid-friendly museums in Sydney in our book!

Please note that the Justice and Police Museum is only open on weekends.

Location: Corner Albert and Phillip Streets, Circular Quay, Sydney
Opening hours: Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm
Cost: FREE general admission

9. Museums Discovery Centre

The Museums Discovery Centre is a collaboration between the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences, the Australian Museum and the Museums of History, New South Wales.

Inside the Museums Discovery Centre, you will find millions of treasures, with hundreds on display for you to explore, and thousands more waiting to be discovered through booked tours of the deep collection stores. There are amazing permanent exhibitions as well as programs for babies up to two years old and for kids aged three to five. This is the perfect spot for any family with kids who ask 'why' one too many times!

Please note that the Museums Discovery Centre is only open on weekends.

Location: 172 Showground Rd, Castle Hill
Opening hours: Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm
Cost: FREE general admission

10. The Rocks Discovery Museum

 

How about one of the best FREE kids' museums in Sydney?

If you find yourself around Circular Quay with the family, don't forget to check out the FREE Discovery Museum at the Rocks, set in a gorgeous restored sandstone warehouse.

The Discovery Corner is also a great quiet place to rest little legs, colour in, browse the kids' fact sheets and describe what artifacts you'd put in your own museum! Our verdict? This kids-friendly museum sparks questioning, conversation and imagination for curious little minds.

There are four fascinating permanent exhibitions, a unique collection of images and archaeological artifacts, plus fun, interactive audio and visual elements that bring the history of the area to life. Join a free daily guided tour of the museum and learn about the area's rich history.

Location: Kendall Lane, The Rocks
Opening hours: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm
Cost: FREE general admission

11. The Campbelltown Steam & Machinery Museum

Nestled in the heart of Campbelltown, The Campbelltown Steam & Machinery Museum showcases a diverse collection of steam-powered machinery and antique engines, providing all train enthusiasts with a fascinating glimpse into the bygone era of steam power.

As you explore the museum's spacious halls, you'll encounter beautifully restored locomotives, mighty steam engines, and a remarkable array of machinery that once powered industries and revolutionised transportation. The museum's knowledgeable staff eagerly (all volunteers!) share stories and insights, offering visitors a deeper appreciation for the ingenuity and craftsmanship of these historical marvels. 

Please note that the Campbelltown Steam & Machinery Museum is only open on weekends.

Location: 86 Menangle Rd, Menangle Park
Opening hours: Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 3.30 pm
Cost: Between $8-$40, depending on the event and ticket type

12. Sydney Tramway Museum

 

An awesome museum for train enthusiasts, the Sydney Tramway Museum stands as a cherished homage to the city's iconic tram network.

From the elegant wooden carriages of the early 20th century to the sleek and modern designs of later years, the museum offers a comprehensive journey through the evolution of tram transport. The Sydney Tramway Museum is Australia's oldest tramway museum and the largest in the Southern Hemisphere, but that's not even the best part... you'll even have a chance to ride on one of the historic trams during your visit!

Please note that the Sydney Tramway Museum is only open on Wednesdays and Sundays.

Location: 2 Pitt St, Loftus
Opening hours: Wednesday from 10 am to 3 pm and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm
Cost: $25 for adults; $12.50 for school-aged kids; $62.50 for Family (2 adults & 2 children); preschoolers go FREE

Further Afield

13. NSW Rail Museum

If you've visited all the best kids' museums in Sydney many times over, it might be time to hit the road for something new. For all Thomas-loving and train-loving fans, a visit to the NSW Rail Museum is a must!

Located in Thirlmere, just over an hour south of the Sydney CBD, the NSW Rail Museum houses real-life steam trains from bygone eras.

Along with housing one of the largest collections of rail heritage in NSW, the NSW Rail Museum runs real-life steam train rides every weekend for the whole family to hear the toot-tooting of a vintage steam train. Plus, Thomas fans will get a kick out of their annual Day Out With Thomas and the Thirlmere Festival of Steam is a family favourite every year.  

Location: 10 Barbour Rd, Thirlmere

14. Questacon

If you're looking for a family-friendly museum where kids don't have to be quiet, still, or careful, Questacon is exactly that place!

It's less "look but don't touch" and more "please touch everything!" In fact, that's kind of the whole point. With 200+ interactive exhibits spread across multiple galleries, kids are encouraged to press buttons, spin wheels, test reactions and see what happens.

What makes Questacon such a hit for families is how physical it all is. You're not just reading about science — you're feeling it. One minute, kids are experiencing a simulated earthquake, the next, they're racing to beat a reaction timer or sliding down a giant drop slide. It keeps them moving, which means they stay engaged.

There's also something for every age group. Little ones have their own dedicated space (Mini Q) designed for sensory play and early learning, while older kids can dive into more complex challenges and experiments. You don't need to worry about siblings getting bored; it's built for mixed ages.

Location: King Edward Terrace, Parkes, ACT
Opening hours: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm
Cost: $23 per adult; $17.50 per child (4-17 years); $70 for Family (2 adults & up to 3 kids); under 4s go FREE

15. National Museum of Australia

Also in Canberra, the National Museum of Australia serves as a captivating gateway into the nation's rich history and cultural identity. With its striking architecture and thoughtfully curated exhibits, the museum invites visitors on a journey of exploration and understanding.

Step into its halls and immerse yourself in the stories of Australia, from the ancient Aboriginal cultures to the early European settlers and the nation's diverse present. Through interactive displays, multimedia presentations, and a vast collection of artifacts, the museum brings to life the triumphs, struggles, and moments that have shaped Australia's past and present. 

Location: Lawson Cres, Acton ACT

16. Bundanon

If you're passing through the Shoalhaven region, we highly recommend stopping off at NSW's subterranean Art Museum offering at Bundanon. 

Bundanon's new Art Museum and Bridge for Creative Learning offers a world-class creative learning centre with guest accommodation, dining facilities and sweeping views over the Shoalhaven River. The 500m² Bundanon Art Museum, designed by Kerstin Thompson Architects (KTA) , is a destination in itself. The exquisite bridge structure has been embedded into the landscape to make the most of its lush natural surroundings while housing Bundanon’s extensive $46.5-million collection of viewable items.

Contemporary exhibitions, unique cultural experiences, events, animal encounters, concerts, and learning programs are on offer at Bundanon, along with contemporary accommodation and on-site dining at the Ramox Cafe. 

Location: 170 Riversdale Rd, Illaroo

17. Newcastle Museum

Located just 2 hours from Sydney, the Newcastle Museum offers fascinating insights into the region's history, culture, and industry.

Engage with interactive displays, learn about the city's coal mining heritage, and discover exhibitions that highlight the diverse stories of its people. Newcastle Museum has an exciting calendar of events that change regularly and include free exhibitions and kids' activities. 

Location: 6 Workshop Way, Newcastle

18. Early Start Discovery Space

Early Start Discovery Space is a vibrant and dynamic destination for children and families.

This unique museum in Wollongong is specifically designed to engage young minds and ignite their curiosity through interactive exhibits and hands-on learning experiences. From the moment you step foot inside, you'll be greeted by a kaleidoscope of colours, playful installations, and a sense of wonderment.

The Early Start Discovery Space offers a diverse range of themed zones, each carefully crafted to encourage exploration, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Children can embark on imaginative adventures in the Discovery Garden, unleash their inner scientists in the Experimentarium, or indulge in artistic expression in the Creative Studios.

Location: Building 21, University of Wollongong, Northfields Ave, Wollongong

19. Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum

If you've got a kid who's even slightly into dinosaurs, rocks, or anything that sparkles, the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum is one of the best kid-friendly museums that over-delivers.

First up, it's genuinely impressive the moment you walk in. Right in the middle of the museum is a full T. rex skeleton, towering over everything else, and it tends to stop kids (and adults) in their tracks. It's not tucked away either, you're right up close, which makes it feel a lot more real than anything you've seen in a book or on a screen.

What makes the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum work so well for kids is how visual and tangible everything is. There are thousands of fossils and minerals on display — over 5,000 pieces from around the world — so there's always something new to spot. One minute it's fossilised dinosaur eggs, the next it's crystals that look like they belong in a jewellery store. It keeps kids moving and curious without needing a strict "follow this path" approach — love!

Location: 224 Howick St, Bathurst

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