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Playgrounds will always have their moment — the slides, the swings, the promise of burning off energy — but as Sydney kids get older, the monkey bars start to lose their shine. Bigger kids crave a bit more freedom, a bit more edge, and outdoor experiences in Sydney that feel cool rather than kiddish.

There's a whole world of outdoor activities in Sydney for tweens and teens that delivers far more stimulation than a set of swings, with tree-top adventures, Jet Boat rides, and hands-on activities designed to get kids exploring and moving. Ready to level up your time outdoors? These are the best outdoor activities in Sydney for older kids to savour the sunshine. 

Outdoor Activities For Sydney Kids Beyond the Playground

1. High-Flying Fun in the Treetops

Ready to soar to dazzling new heights? Treetops Adventure Park is the ultimate high-flying playground, with eight stunning locations across NSW.

This thrill-packed high ropes course and ziplining park caters to a wide range of ages, making it ideal for mixed-age families. Kids (ages 3+), teens, and even adults can climb, swing, and soar through the treetops — no experience required. Conquer sky-high obstacle courses, take on epic ziplines, and try Australia's first-ever Zipcoaster in Western Sydney!

Safe, eco-friendly, and packed with fun challenges, it's a unique, unforgettable and adrenaline-pumping kids' outdoor activity in Sydney.

Read about our experience at Treetops Adventure, Western Sydney.

Locations: Central Coast | Coffs Harbour | Newcastle | Nowra | St Ives | Taronga Zoo | The Hills | Western Sydney 

Opening hours: Open daily from 9 am to 5 or 5.30 pm

Pricing: 
Kids (Junior 3-7): From $29-$35 
Kids (8-15): From $49-$59 
Adults (16+): From $59-$69 

What's included: Access to treetop courses with aerial obstacles, ziplines and bridges. Safety equipment and a brief training session before you climb.

Tips: Arrive early to avoid crowds and intense UV exposure on extra-hot days. Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy, closed-in shoes. 

2. Ride Some Waves

If your crew is after outdoor fun that really makes them laugh (and maybe get soaked), a jet boat ride in Sydney Harbour is the perfect mix of speed, spins and scenic sights.

Operators like Thunder Jet Boat, Oz Jet Boating and Harbour Jet put the whoosh in waterfront fun with high-speed whirling past the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and more. Kids over 5 years old (or 120 cm tall) can feel the wind and waves through their hair as you slide, spin, and sweep from these powerful jet boats.

Location: Sydney Harbour

Pricing: 
Short thrill rides (under 30 min) typically cost $50-$80 per person.
Longer or more scenic adventures (45 minutes+): typically around $100-$195+, depending on the provider and any add-ons you choose.

Age and height guide:
Kids usually need to be at least 120 cm tall to ride. While there isn't a strict age limit, a suggested minimum of about 5 years helps ensure young children can hold on and enjoy the ride. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult, and anyone under 18 must have a parent or guardian sign a waiver before boarding.

Tips: You're going to get soaked! While ponchos and life jackets are usually provided, wear clothes you won't mind getting wet. Wear secure footwear (runners or sneakers — no thongs or Crocs); bring a towel and a change of clothes; leave valuables in the car or in the lockers provided. Arrive 20-30 minutes before departure to complete safety briefings and sign waivers.

3. Find Your Flow at a Skate Park

If your tweens and teens are extremely agile and coordinated, they might love trying out a grind at your local skate park.

Bondi Beach Skatepark is among the most popular half-pipes around, and Sydney Olympic Park's Monster Skatepark is also a favourite.

Check out more skate parks in Sydney for skater boys and girls of all ages.

Locations: Multiple throughout Sydney

4. Get Wet and Wild

Ok, ok, we said absolutely no playgrounds, but we didn't say no epic water playgrounds!

If you have a couple of full-throttle water kids who treat calm swimming like a warm-up, it's time to turn things up a notch. Sydney and surrounds are packed with high-energy water sports that deliver splashes, speed and serious bragging rights.

At Cables Wake Park in Penrith, kids can level up their lake skills with wakeboarding, waterskiing, tube rides, and the gloriously silly-sounding hot dog ride. It's fast, active and just the right amount of thrilling for confident water lovers ready for something bigger than the beach.

And if you're happy to clock a bit of car time, Central Coast Aqua Park is worth every kilometre. One of the biggest inflatable water parks near Sydney, it's a full-body obstacle course on water with climbing, bouncing, sliding and laughing your way through a giant floating playground that absolutely exhausts kids in the best possible way.

Raging Waters is Sydney's largest water park, with over 30 rides, slides, and attractions in the greater West. Kids can make a splash on thrilling slides like T5 and Bombora, or on the family-friendly Raging Waters JNR.

On the north side, Manly Waterworks is ideal for kids who can't get enough water, with pools, slides, and fun in the sun.

Locations:
Cables Water Park - 405 Jamison Rd, Penrith
Central Coast Aqua Park - 42 Masons Parade, Gosford
Raging Waters - 427 Reservoir Rd, Prospect
Manly Waterworks - Commonwealth Parade, Manly

5. Hop on a Horse

Horse riding is a fantastic outdoor activity in Sydney for kids because it gets them out amongst nature and builds confidence in the most natural way.

Learning to guide a horse, follow instructions and make decisions while riding helps kids feel capable and trusted. There's a huge sense of achievement that comes from mastering something big, powerful and alive — especially for kids who thrive when given responsibility.

There are many horse-riding spots across Sydney where kids can hop on a horse and enjoy the beauty of these regal creatures. Centennial Parklands Equestrian Centre offers horse riding from three riding schools in the beautiful inner-city parklands, so kids can enjoy an equestrian experience like no other. 

Palomino Riding School in Belrose offers trail rides, holiday programs, and lessons for beginners to advanced riders.

Check out more spots for horse riding in Sydney.

Locations:
Centennial Park Equestrian Centre - Grand Drive, Centennial Parklands
Palomino Riding School - 192 Forestway Rd, Belrose

6. Hit the Dirt on 4 Wheels

Designed for first-timers and confident beginners alike, quad biking lets kids trade screens for helmets and take control of their own automatic quad bike. They'll cruise along bush tracks, roll over gentle hills and power through open paddocks at Glenworth Valley, just over an hour north of Sydney, all while being guided by experienced instructors who know how to keep things fun and safe.

Everything kicks off with a thorough safety briefing and a practise session, so even nervous riders can ease into it and build confidence before heading out on the trails. The bikes are simple to handle, the pace is well-judged, and the guided ride strikes the perfect balance between excitement and reassurance.

Location: 69 Cooks Rd, Glenworth Valley
Opening hours: Quad biking sessions run from 10 am to 3.30 pm (last session)
Pricing: $130 per participant for 1.5-hour sessions

Tips: Dress for dust, not style! Long pants, closed-toe shoes and clothes you don't mind getting dirty are essential. Helmets are always provided, but tying back long hair and removing loose jewellery make riding more comfortable.

7. Tackle Olympic Rapids at Penrith Whitewater Stadium

If your kids are over about 12 and begging for serious outdoor activities in Sydney, a day of whitewater rafting at Penrith Whitewater Stadium is just the ticket.

You'll head about an hour west of Sydney to one of the world's few man-made whitewater rivers — originally built for the 2000 Olympics — where trained guides take you and your crew rafting through real rapids with all the splashes and thrills you'd expect from a wild river (but in a safer, supervised setting).

It's active, a little wild, and a brilliant way to get kids moving, laughing, and experiencing something totally different from a playground or beach day.

Please note: A minimum of 6 people is required per rafting trip.

Location: Penrith Whitewater Stadium, McCarthys Ln, Cranebrook

Opening hours: Open daily. Check the calendar for available booking days. 

Pricing: 
Rafting sessions: Approximately $135- $160 per person — this covers the raft, all equipment, instruction, and a trained guide on the water.
Wetsuit hire: Optional $15 on the day (great for cooler weather or extra comfort).

Tips: Pack smart! Wear secure footwear (runners or sturdy sports sandals — no thongs or Crocs); clothes you don't mind getting wet (swimmers and quick-dry layers); sunscreen and a towel; a dry change of clothes and shoes for after the rapids; and any personal medication you might need. Leave valuables in the car, such as phones, watches and jewellery.

8. Head Off on a Bush Adventure

Bushwalking might sound low-key, but for kids it can be surprisingly epic. It's fresh air, freedom and a choose-your-own-adventure vibe rolled into one — no screens, no schedules, just the promise of what's around the next bend.

Sydney's bushland is especially good at turning a simple walk into something way more engaging. There are creeks to hop over, rock steps to conquer, lookout points that feel like a reward, and plenty of sticks, leaves and "treasures" to collect along the way. For kids, it's less about the distance and more about the discoveries, like spotting lizards, listening for birds, or racing to the next marker.

Bushwalking also hits that sweet spot parents love: it's free, flexible, and a great option for multi-age families.

Check out Sydney's best bushwalks for adventurous families.

9. Grab Your Helmets

Bike riding is one of those outdoor activities that just works for kids. It's fast, freeing and feels instantly cooler than walking, especially once they're old enough to take off down a path with a bit of confidence and wind-in-the-hair energy.

Around Sydney, bike riding goes way beyond the local cul-de-sac. Families can cruise flat shared paths through parks and waterfronts, or level up with proper mountain biking tracks that give kids a taste of adventure without tipping into scary territory. Places like the Woodbury Reserve Pump Track in Glossodia is a favourite for confident riders, with a wide track, challenging climbs and just enough twists to keep things exciting. At Sydney Olympic Park, if you've got a tween or teen rider chasing more serious dirt action, the Monster BMX & Mountain X Track answers the call. This outdoor trail has real jumps, berms and downhill-style terrain that's perfect for confident bikers looking for something a bit more thrilling than your basic ride. In the West, Wylde MTB Trail is purpose-built and brilliant for kids and tweens who want to try mountain biking in a safe, well-designed environment.

Check out more cool mountain bike tracks in Sydney.

Locations: 
Woodbury Reserve Pump Track - Kentucky Drive, Glossodia
Wylde MTB Trail - Range Rd, Cecil Park 
Monster BMX - Hill Rd, Sydney Olympic Park

10. Play in the Pool

When the temperatures start to soar, there's no better place to be than in the pool.

Sydney is full of outdoor pools for kids to splash away an afternoon. From heated pools to pools with slides, inflatable water parks, and outdoor water play stations, we know the kids will be in pool heaven at these locations. 

Check out some of our favourite outdoor pools in Sydney.

11. Go Island Hopping

With a harbour as beautiful as Sydney's, why would you want to stay grounded on the mainland?

The many islands dotted around the harbour offer a wealth of historical sites, buildings, artifacts, and Aboriginal cultural experiences to explore. You can camp out at Cockatoo Island, discover the haunted history of Quarantine Station (Q Station), and cross a 130-year-old wooden bridge on a guided tour of Bare Island. 

And here's the best part: history actually lands with older kids when it's experienced like this. Wandering through real buildings, hearing stories that happened there, and touching places that have stood for generations turns learning into discovery. It sparks questions, fuels curiosity and gives tweens and teens something to think about long after the ferry ride home. When history comes with fresh air, freedom, and a sense of adventure, it suddenly feels less like a lesson and more like a proper day out.

Locations:
Cockatoo Island - Sydney Harbour (accessible only by ferry)
Q Station - 1 N Head Scenic Dr, Manly
Bare Island - La Perouse

Opening hours: 
Cockatoo Island - Island open daily for self-guided exploration from 6 am to 11.30 pm; Visitor Centre open daily from 10 am to 4 pm for enquiries, maps and tour tickets.
Q Station - Visitor Centre open daily from 9 am to 4 pm
Bare Island - Open daily for walking and exploring from 7 am to 8.30 pm (November to March) and 7 am to 7.30 pm (April to October)

Tips: Lean into the storytelling. Guided tours, especially at places like the Quarantine Station, help history come to life for tweens and teens. Dress for exploring, not just for photos, with closed-toe shoes and a hat. Pack plenty of snacks! While spots like Cockatoo Island have cafés, options can be limited or busy.

12. Suss Out a Secret Beach

You've probably ticked off Sydney's most popular family beaches more times than you can count. But once the usual spots start to feel a little same-same, it might be time to look beyond the obvious at a secret beach.

Sydney is dotted with secret beaches and tucked-away coves where crowds thin out, and the setting feels like a discovery. These hidden gems give kids the freedom to explore, climb rocks and splash about, while parents soak up the rare joy of a quieter beach day at some of the city's most beautiful — and surprisingly peaceful — coastal hideaways.

Locations: Multiple across Sydney — check out our favourite secret beaches.

13. Family-Friendly Events and Festivals

Outdoor festivals are an easy win for kids of all ages. They're relaxed, social, and often make use of Sydney's multifaceted outdoor offerings — from beaches to zoos and everything in between!

Sydney's outdoor festivals scene works well for families with kids at different stages. When you've got older kids who want independence, younger siblings who still need stimulation, and adults who'd like to enjoy themselves, too, outdoor festivals quietly solve a lot of problems. They offer big visual moments for teens, cultural or creative experiences for curious kids, and food, music and atmosphere that parents actually enjoy. 

So, what are the best family-friendly events and festivals to add to this year's calendar? Taronga Zoo's Twilight at Taronga is a seasonal favourite, when the zoo stays open later into the evening with music, themed activities, and special animal encounters. Sydney lights up with colour and culture during Lunar New Year, celebrating the Year of the Dragon with parades, lion dances, cultural performances, lantern installations, and markets. VIVID transforms the city into a giant canvas of light, music and ideas. Giant light projections, interactive installations, and soundscapes turn familiar landmarks into something extraordinary. And then there's one of our favourite outdoor festivals, Sculpture by the Sea, stretching along the famous Bondi to Tamara coastal walk, where families can explore large-scale artworks with breathtaking ocean views.

Check out more cool outdoor festivals for tweens and teens.

More Cool Kids' Adventures

Looking for more cool kids' adventures in Sydney? Keep the fun flowing with our ellaslist guides on Tween-Approved Things to Do in Sydney For Older Kids, Sydney's Best Go-Karting Tracks, and the Top Festivals for Tweens & Teens in Sydney.

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