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.

The Best 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 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

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.

Location: Pier Street and Harbour St, Darling Harbour 

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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.

Location: 1-5 Wheat Rd, Sydney

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.

Location: 1-5 Wheat Rd, Sydney

Botanic Gardens of Sydney

The Botanic Gardens of Sydney offer city tots the chance to completely immerse in an urban oasis perfect for a picnic and an afternoon of imaginative play amongst the almost mystical bushes. With three destinations—the Botanic Gardens Sydney at The Domain, the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan and Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah—to choose from, there's bound to be a bounty of botanic beauty on your doorstep! 

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.

Location: 31 Darling St, Abbotsbury

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 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.

Location: 5/1B Redbank Rd, Northmead

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 the onsite Plaster Studio.

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

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!

Location: Darling Harbour

3. Big Thrills for Little Ones

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. 

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.

Please note that Raging Waters closes for winter and usually reopens in October or November.

Location: 427 Reservoir Rd, Prospect

Indoor Playgrounds in Shopping Centres

If the weather is pouring down or you simply can’t be bothered to go on a gruelling 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

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 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 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 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.

Location: 140 George St, The Rocks 

Australian Museum

After undergoing a gigantic renovation, the Australian Museum is 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.

Location: 1 William St, Darlinghurst

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 school term, Mini Mariners invites 2-5-year-olds and their carers to discover the galleries and sing and dance in interactive tours with costumed guides. Enjoy creative free play, crafts, games, dress-ups and story time in a themed activity area. The Australian National Maritime Museum also runs Sea-side 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, enjoy catered refreshments and engage in adult-friendly conversations in the galleries and baby play time in a specially designed sensory space.

Location: 2 Murray St, Sydney

Art Gallery of NSW

If you have a flowering 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. 

Location: Art Gallery Rd, Sydney

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
   

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