Top Places to Visit With Babies and Toddlers in Sydney

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!) take a look at our list of action-packed baby and toddler activities in Sydney:

1. Nature Activities in Sydney

Centennial Parklands Bush School

Give your little ones a break from the urban jungle to reconnect with nature at Centennial Parks 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.

Fish Feeding at Chinese Gardens

A visit to the Chinese Gardens in Darling Harbour is a wonderful option for young kids 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 is a lot of water around so keep a tight hand on your toddler if they’re out of the pram.  Some of the pathways are rocky and steep and not pram-friendly so take a carrier instead if possible.

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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 harbour 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.

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

Right next door to WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo is SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium - a magical underwater world for little ones to explore and discover exotic aquatic creatures. Take a relaxed journey through the myriad themed zones including Day and Night on the Reef - a fascinating insight into the Great Barrier Reef with state-of-the-art technology; Dugong Island - home to the cheeky resident Dugong, Pig; and the hands-on Discovery Rockpool where curious youngsters can touch sea stars, shark eggs, shells, sea urchins and more. You can also come face to face with sharks and stingrays, and meet a colony of cute penguins.

Royal Botanic Garden

Sydney's Royal Botanic Gardens is an urban oasis perfect for a picnic and an afternoon of imaginative play amongst the almost mystical bushes. There are loads of events happening throughout the year so don't forget to check out their events calendar, and if you love flowers, stop by and visit the largest vertical garden in the Southern Hemisphere at The Calyx. 

Calmsley Hill City Farm

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

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.

The Entrance, NSW Central Coast

There’s so much to do in the 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 secret spots on the Central Coast. 

Bushwalking Trails

Sydney is surrounded by some beautiful, lush trails! Check out Sydney’s Best Bushwalking Trails and find a track for a fun outdoor adventure.

2. Fun Activities In Sydney

City of Sydney Pools

City of Sydney operates six world-class aquatic leisure centres offering quality and affordable swimming lessons for children from 6 months old. Their classes are fun and informative and will establish a great 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, Victoria Park Pool in Camperdown, Cook + Phillip Park Pool in Sydney City and the brand new Gunyama Park Aquatic and Recreation Centre in Zetland.

All City Of Sydney Pools offers the esteemed GOswim Learn To Swim curriculum - an effective swimming and water safety program focusing on contemporary experiential and activity-based learning. 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 is home to Australia’s largest indoor play centre, divided in two, so little ones are kept safe and secure. It's open daily.

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 to Plaster Painting Studios, which is open every day for fun plaster painting activities. Kids will love all the activities at the Wednesday and Saturday Cambridge Markets where there are gourmet goods, pony rides, jumping castles, a choo-choo train and lots more.

Darling Harbour for Toddlers

Darling Harbour is the perfect day out with your little one. Ride on the antique steam-engined 1892 carousel, which is stunning to look at and thrilling to ride. It’s located at Palm Grove near the Sydney Visitor Centre. Darling Quarter Children’s Playground is considered one of the best play parks in Sydney, with water games, climbing ropes, swings, slides, and a 21-metre flying fox. 

3. Best Big Thrills

Who says thrills are for big kids only? We’ve found the most exciting adventures for little ones from pony rides to bouncing sessions. They’re perfectly safe and tons of fun for toddlers who are eager to burn some energy. Check out Six of the Best Big Thrills for Little Ones.

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 and family-friendly.

Indoor Playgrounds in Shopping Centres

If the weather is pouring down or you simply can’t be bothered to go on a grueling trek, then 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. The bonus is that most of the indoor play areas are more suited for younger kids so the older ones get bored and leave very quickly.

Mums & Bubs Movies

Take your baby with you and watch a great movie in your local cinema without any worries about your baby getting restless and disturbing the audience. That’s what these movie sessions are designed for we’ve rounded up the Best Mums And Bubs Movie Sessions In Sydney.

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 fenced playgrounds across Sydney – they’re so good your little ones won’t even want to escape.

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 amazing 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

Museums of History NSW

Who says cool kid's activities can't be educational too? The gorgeous collection of Museums of History NSW properties offers sprawling lawns, fountains, animals and fascinating historic houses to explore. They are the perfect destinations for kids, encouraging hands-on activities like museum kids’ trails, cooking meals and lots of other exciting activities. 

Museum of Contemporary Art Australia

With its continually changing program of exhibitions and workshops, we never get tired of visiting the MCA - Museum of Contemporary Art Australia. Parents and carers with little ones can join the ARTplay multi-sensory creative play sessions for toddlers and preschoolers up to 5 years old. They will love engaging in stories and artmaking inspired by the MCA Collection. It's FREE and no booking is required.

Australian Museum

After undergoing a gigantic renovation, the Australian Museum is back better and bigger than ever before! Head on over and check out their new kid's learning and play space Burra, a new cafe, and plenty of exciting exhibitions.

Australian National Maritime Museum

Grab the Free Galleries Ticket at the Maritime Museum which covers the permanent galleries and the under 5’s play zone Mini Mariners Play. Mini Mariners is an interactive gallery and play space for kids under five, with free-play games, activities and displays specially designed to stimulate their growing minds and inspire their curiosity. 

Art Gallery of NSW

If you have a flowering artist or just a kid that loves to get their hands scribbling furiously, then they’ll love the Art Gallery. Admission is free, and so are the permanent galleries and most exhibitions and events. The Tours for Tots and Drop-In and Make sessions are great for kids 5 years and younger. See their free kids' activities.

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!

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
• Yummiest Chocolate Cafes
• Cafes by the Water
• Delicious Babycinos 
• Where to go for Yum Cha in Sydney
• Sydney's Yummiest Milkshakes
• Where Kids Eat FREE in Sydney

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