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Looking for something to do with babies and toddlers in Sydney? Finding activities for babies and toddlers is a little bit different from finding kids' activities - they're still too little to go rock climbing and too old to rely on those 4 hours of naptime every day!

To keep boredom at bay (for you too!), we've compiled a list of action-packed baby and toddler activities in Sydney - from nature activities to indoor fun, splash-tastic adventures, and everything in between.

The Best Baby and Toddler Activities in Sydney

1. Nature Activities in Sydney

Sydney is a city where nature sneaks into everyday life in the most magical ways. From bushwalking trails away from the city buzz to hidden rock pools, secret gardens, and wildlife encounters, your little ones will want to revisit again and again, Sydney is basically one giant outdoor playground. Breathe in that eucalyptus-scented air and discover your next favourite nature spot with these fun nature activities for babies and toddlers.

Centennial Parklands Bush School

Give your little ones a break from the urban jungle to reconnect with nature at Centennial Parkland's Bush School.

The exciting weekly program will give them a chance to explore and discover the great outdoors with play activities inspired by the seasons. Designed to stimulate their creativity and confidence, little ones will be led by Education Rangers on a fun woodland adventure that includes storytelling, nature-based games and activities, art-making, and free play.

Location: Grand Dr, Centennial Park
Pram-friendly? Yes
Toilets/baby change rooms nearby? Yes, toilets and baby change rooms are on-site at Queens Park Fields.

Fish Feeding at Chinese Gardens

A visit to the Chinese Gardens in Darling Harbour is a popular thing to do with toddlers in Sydney, and parents will love it too. It's a magical oasis of waterfalls, lakes, and exotic plants in the heart of the city. Don't miss the fun dress-ups and the chance to feed the Koi fish at 11.30 am daily! Then enjoy some treats and tea at the tea house.

Note: There's a lot of water around, so keep a tight hold on your toddler if they're out of the pram. Some of the pathways are rocky, steep, and not pram-friendly, so take a carrier instead if possible.

Location: Pier Street and Harbour St, Darling Harbour 
Pram-friendly? Yes, the Gardens are partially pram-friendly; however, the lower pathways are rocky and steep, so take a carrier instead if possible.
Toilets/baby change rooms nearby? Yes, there are toilets and baby change facilities at the Gardens.

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WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo

Little animal lovers can come face-to-face with some of their favourite furry friends at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo.

The intimate animal sanctuary is right in the centre of the city, in vibrant Darling Harbour, and is home to a family of iconic native animals and exotic endangered species. The easy, self-guided journey through the zoo is the perfect duration for little legs, and they'll discover an incredible array of fauna along the way, from diverse reptiles to cute koalas, plus the amazing, interactive Kangaroo Walkabout.

Location: 1-5 Wheat Rd, Sydney
Pram-friendly? Yes
Toilets/baby change rooms nearby? Yes

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

Right next door, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium is another hit with toddlers who are constantly mesmerised by glowing tanks, sharks gliding overhead, and colourful reef fish. The moving walkway through the ocean tunnel is especially fun for prams and wobbly walkers.

Location: 1-5 Wheat Rd, Sydney
Pram-friendly? Yes
Toilets/baby change rooms nearby? Yes

The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney offers city tots the chance to completely immerse themselves in an urban oasis perfect for a picnic and an afternoon of imaginative play amongst the almost mystical bushes.

Toddlers will be instantly drawn to the colourful displays, oversized flowers, and interactive elements at The Calyx. Wander towards the rainforest walk where they can hear water trickling, spot huge leaves overhead, and enjoy that magical, shady, jungle-like feeling. The succulent and cactus garden is another hit for little ones (perfect for teaching "look but don’t touch"), while the Herb Garden offers lovely scents at toddler-nose level.

Don't forget the friendly wildlife. The gardens are full of ducks, ibis, sulphur-crested cockatoos, and water dragons sunbaking on rocks. Picnic spots are everywhere, so you can stop for snacks whenever tiny tummies demand it, and there's plenty of space to toddle, crawl or practice those wobbly runs.

If you can't get enough of these majestic gardens, there's also the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan and Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah to discover.

Location: Mrs Macquaries Rd
Pram-friendly? Yes 
Toilets/baby change rooms nearby? Yes, toilets are available at the Garden Shop, the Palace Rose Garden, and the Visitor Centre. 

Calmsley Hill City Farm

There's always something hands-on to do at the ever-popular Calmsley Hill City Farm. From animal petting to cow milking, a farmyard nursery, tractor rides, a stock whip show, a working dog show, and a koala talk, your little one will seriously fall in love with animals.

Spread across 500 acres of rolling pastures and bushland, there are loads of spaces for kids to explore, and a playground for climbing and sliding.

Location: 31 Darling St, Abbotsbury
Pram-friendly? Yes
Toilets/baby change rooms on-site? Yes

The Basin

Hop on a ferry to The Basin in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and let the kids explore the beaches and parks! Tread quietly through the natural bush to spot any kangaroos.

Location: Ferries to the Basin leave daily from Palm Beach Wharf - check the schedule.
Pram-friendly? The Basin is not pram-friendly
Toilets/baby change rooms nearby? Yes, there is an amenities block at the Basin Campground.

The Entrance, NSW Central Coast

If you feel like hitting the road for a few hours, there's plenty on offer in this beautiful coastal region.

Perched on Tuggerah Lake, The Entrance is a popular spot for families. Visit the gorgeous Vera's Water Garden, a fun kids' splash pool, throw some crumbs to the pelicans at the waterfront and let the kids run around Memorial Park. When you're done, explore more family activities on the Central Coast. 

Bushwalking Trails

Sydney is surrounded by some beautiful, lush trails just waiting to be explored. With epic water views, animal spotting, and gorgeous florals at different times of the year, bush walking is understandably one of our favourite things to do in Sydney with toddlers. 

Check out Sydney's Best Bushwalking Trails and find a track for a fun outdoor adventure.

2. Fun Activities in Sydney

Whether you've got a crawler, a new walker or a wildly enthusiastic toddler, there's always something little-person-friendly happening somewhere across the harbour city. Here are some of our favourite pram-friendly days out, soft-play escapes, sensory adventures, and simple outdoor moments that spark joy without the stress.

City of Sydney Pools

City Of Sydney operates five world-class aquatic leisure centres, offering quality, affordable swimming lessons for children from 6 months old. Their classes are fun and informative, and will establish an excellent foundation for little swimmers.

You can take your pick from Prince Alfred Park Pool in Surry Hills, Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre in Ultimo, Andrew Boy Charlton Pool at The Domain, Cook + Phillip Park Pool in Sydney City and Gunyama Park Aquatic and Recreation Centre in Zetland.

City Of Sydney Pools offer classes that follow Swim Australia and AUSTSWIM guidelines, ensuring a focus on water safety, confidence, and skill development from the very first lesson. Join anytime. Check out the City of Sydney Pools programs.

Ultimate Sydney Indoor Play Centre

Ultimate Sydney in Northmead is a huge entertainment venue, launched in 2016 by two mums who have seven children between them! 

It's home to Australia's largest indoor play centre, divided into two areas to keep little ones safe and secure. There are over 750 square metres of trampolines, plus foam pits, an in-house cafe, and a special section for toddlers - need we say more? 

Location: 5/1B Redbank Rd, Northmead
Pram-friendly? Yes
Toilets/baby change rooms on-site? Yes

Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park

EQ Moore Park has two excellent outdoor playgrounds to explore, or you can take the kids inside for a creative treat at the on-site Plastered Unicorn.

Kids will love all the activities at the Wednesday and Saturday EQ Markets, where there are gourmet goods, pony rides, jumping castles, a choo-choo train, and lots more.

Location: 122 Lang Rd, Moore Park
Pram-friendly? Yes
Toilets/baby change rooms nearby? Yes, there are multiple toilets around EQ and a parents' room near The Showring.

Darling Harbour for Toddlers

Darling Harbour is the perfect day out with your little one. 

The new adventure playground is considered one of the best play parks in Sydney, with climbing ropes, swings, swirly slides, bridges, and more - there's something for every age and stage! 

Over in Palm Grove, toddlers can go for a merry spin on a traditional carousel! The Darling Harbour Carousel is open on Saturdays and Sundays and during the school holidays and costs $7 per ride.  

If it's a hot day, let your little splashers splash about in the free water play area at Darling Quarter. When snack time rolls around, family-friendly cafes with highchairs and kids' menus are dotted throughout the precinct, making pit stops a breeze. And if your little Tasmanian Devil has too much energy to sit in a restaurant, grab something to go and enjoy a picnic at nearby Tumbalong Park. 

Location: 1-25 Harbour St, Sydney
Pram-friendly? Yes
Toilets/baby change rooms nearby? Yes, there are toilets at Tumbalong Park, Palm Grove, and near the Chinese Garden of Friendship.

3. Big Thrills for Little Ones

Who says thrills are for big kids only? We've found some thrilling things to do in Sydney with toddlers, from pony rides to bouncing sessions. They're perfectly safe and tons of fun for toddlers who are eager to burn some energy. 

Summer Fun

If your little one is hot and bothered, a trip to Raging Waters might just be on the cards!

Although there are heaps of super slides and rides for bigger kids and adults, what most parents don't know is that Nickelodeon Beach, Dinosaur Lagoon, and The Beach are all totally toddler-friendly.

Please note that Raging Waters closes for winter and will reopen for the 2025-26 season on Saturday, 1 November 2025.

Location: 427 Reservoir Rd, Prospect
Pram-friendly? Yes
Toilets/baby change rooms on-site? Yes

Indoor Playgrounds in Shopping Centres

If the weather is pouring down or you simply can't be bothered with a gruelling trek, pop into your local shopping mall! You can do some shopping, get a coffee, and let the kids go wild in the Best Indoor Playgrounds In Shopping Malls - win-win!

The bonus is that most indoor play areas are better suited to younger kids, so the older ones get bored and leave quickly.

Mums & Bubs Movies

In the mood for a movie? Sydney's Mums and Bubs movie sessions are the perfect place to take little ones to watch their favourite characters on the big screen , and where mum and dad don't have to worry if they get a little fussy!

If you've got a particularly wriggly little one, why not take them to a movie-slash-playground combo?! That's right, movie playgrounds are a thing in Sydney and are quickly becoming our favourite go-to activity for toddlers.

4. Fenced Playgrounds & Bike Parks

As mums of toddlers will know, finding a playground that is fenced makes the whole outing so much easier! You're not worrying constantly about your mini-Houdinis wandering off onto roads or other trouble. Take a look at some of our favourite playgrounds across Sydney for your next playground adventure - there are over 60 to choose from!
 

If it's a hot summer's day, scrap the adventure playgrounds and head straight to a FREE water play park, or there are some fantastic bike and scooter trails and dedicated learner rider parks around Sydney. Here are some much-loved bike parks for the under-5s.

5. Awesome Educational Activities

Sydney is bursting with fun, hands-on experiences that sneak a little learning into your toddler's day - the best kind of education, if you ask us! Whether your tiny scientist loves poking around in nature, your mini artist thrives on colour and creativity, or your curious tot is happiest pressing buttons and watching things light up, these educational things to do in Sydney with toddlers are right up their curious alley.

Museums of History NSW

Who says cool kids' activities can't be educational, too? The gorgeous collection of Museums of History NSW properties offers sprawling lawns, fountains, animals, and fascinating historic houses and museums to explore. These treasure troves are brimming with captivating stories, hands-on activities and exciting adventures designed to spark curiosity in kids.

With seven vibrant museums scattered across Sydney, you're guaranteed to find the perfect spot to turn a day out with your little one into an enthralling journey through time.

Location: Various venues across Sydney, including Vaucluse House & Gardens, Elizabeth Farm, Rouse Hill Estate, Museum of Sydney, Hyde Park Barracks, Justice & Police Museum and Susannah Place Museum.

Museum of Contemporary Art Australia

With its ever-changing program of exhibitions and related activities, we never get tired of visiting the MCA Australia.

Inspired by their current exhibitions, grown-ups with 0-5-year-olds can take part in free, unstructured creative sessions at MCA Art Play, and there's even a dedicated parents' room equipped with changing facilities, accessible bathrooms, a microwave, and seating.

Location: 140 George St, The Rocks 
Pram-friendly? Yes
Toilets/baby change rooms on-site? Yes, there are toilets and a parents' room on-site.

Australian Museum

The Australian Museum is always on our list of things to do with toddlers in Sydney because it's free, indoors, and loads of fun for the whole family. Head on over and check out their kids' learning and play space, Burra, that's open daily and free to explore. There's also an on-site cafe and plenty of exciting exhibitions.

Location: 1 William St, Darlinghurst
Pram-friendly? Yes
Toilets/baby change rooms on-site? Yes, there are baby change facilities on the Lower Ground floor and in the Parents' Room on Level 2. 

Australian National Maritime Museum

The Australian National Maritime Museum hosts engaging activities for little ones and their families throughout the year, plus there is an amazing fleet of tall ships, navy vessels, and historic boats to explore.

During the school term, Mini Mariners invites 2-5-year-olds and their carers to discover the galleries and to sing and dance during interactive tours with costumed guides. Enjoy creative free play, crafts, games, dress-ups, and story time in a themed activity area.

The Sea Museum also runs Seaside Stroller tours and play sessions for tiny tots 0-18 months and their carers. You'll embark on an educator-led tour through new exhibitions, engage in adult-friendly conversations in the galleries, and enjoy baby play time in a specially designed sensory space.

Location: 2 Murray Street
Pram-friendly? Yes
Toilets/baby change rooms nearby? Yes, there are toilets throughout the museum and a parents' room on the lower ground level.

Art Gallery of NSW

If you have a flourishing artist or just a kid who loves to get their hands scribbling furiously, then they'll love the Art Gallery of NSW.

Admission is free, and so are the permanent galleries and most exhibitions and events - score!

Location: Art Gallery Road
Pram-friendly? Yes
Toilets/baby change rooms nearby? Yes, there are toilets throughout the gallery and parents' and carers' rooms in the Naala Badu building on lower levels 1, 2, and 4. 

Powerhouse Museum

The Powerhouse Museum offers so many fun things for little ones - visiting the trains, exploring the outdoor playground and let's not forget awesome exhibitions!

*Please note that the Powerhouse Museum (Ultimo) will be closed for 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.

Check out more kid-friendly museums in Sydney.

6. Eating Out With Kids

Treat your kids (and yourself) to a fun meal out. Here are a few delicious and kid-friendly cafes and restaurants in Sydney:

• Kid-Friendly Cafes with a Play Area
• Playgrounds in Shopping Centres
• The Best Cafes Near Playgrounds
• Yummy Chocolate Cafes
• The Best Hot Chocolates in Sydney
• Sydney's Best High Tea for Kids
• Mouthwatering Cinnamon Scrolls in Sydney
• Cafes by the Water
• Where to go for Yum Cha With the Kids
• Sydney's Prettiest Cafes
• Where Kids Eat FREE in Sydney
• Our Favourite Sushi Trains
• Sydney's Best Buffets
• Where to Take the Kids for Dumplings
• Kid-Friendly Pubs to Enjoy as a Family
• Sydney's Favourite Pancakes
• Sydney's Most Over-the-top Desserts
   

The beauty of Sydney is that there's always something new and exciting to do, play, and see with your growing toddlers. So keep this guide handy and come back to it whenever you need fresh inspiration. As your toddler discovers new interests (and new levels of confidence!), you'll find endless places around Sydney ready to spark their curiosity and connection.

More Sydney Fun

Families looking for even more outdoor adventures can explore some of Sydney's most loved natural spots, including gentle walking tracks along Sydney's Best Bushwalks, quiet stretches of coastline featured in our guide to Secret Beaches in Sydney, and shallow tidal pools perfect for toddlers showcased in our list of the Best Rock Pools in Sydney.

 

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