Looking for things to do in Western Sydney? You've come to the right place! 

Sydney is loaded with exciting attractions, and one particular destination holds the lion's share. Western Sydney is a mecca for adventurous families looking to soak up fun-filled experiences, animal adventures, delicious cuisines, nature escapes and plenty more. With so many attractions in Western Sydney, trust us when we say you'll never get bored!

Whether you're looking to explore uncharted territory less than an hour outside the Sydney CBD, or you're keen to rediscover your own backyard, we've got 38 highlights of Western Sydney we know you'll love.

Family-Friendly Highlights in Western Sydney

1. Visit Powerhouse Castle Hill

Powerhouse Castle Hill offers a free weekend day out for families, with guided tours, the famous Locomotive No. 1 and exhibitions on fashion, housing and furniture design, all included in free entry (booking required). It’s open 10am to 4pm, until 6 January 2027.

Location: 2 Green Road, Castle Hill

2. iFly Penrith: Indoor Skydiving

Discover one of the top things to do in Western Sydney with iFly Penrith's indoor skydiving, an exhilarating experience suitable for ages three and up.

Choose from various flight packages, including the popular iFly Value, and soar in the wind tunnel under the guidance of a dedicated instructor.

Open daily until late, this adventure offers a unique blend of thrill and safety, making it a must-do activity in Western Sydney.

Location: 123 Mulgoa Rd, Penrith

3. Treetop Adventures: Aerial Challenges

Embark on a treetop adventure with over 100 challenges and 20 flying foxes catering to all ages. 

Treetops Adventure offers an eco-friendly, award-winning natural playground with special courses for younger kids and varying levels of difficulty to suit everyone.

Book your 2.5-hour session and enjoy zip-lining, climbing, and swinging through the trees, with safety training and equipment provided for a thrilling yet secure experience in the great outdoors.

Location: Western Sydney Parklands

4. Outdoor Go Karting: High-Speed Thrills

 

Do you feel the need for speed? If you're looking for things to do in Western Sydney with a touch of adrenaline, you can't go past go-karting! 

The Picton Karting Track offers a high-speed racing experience with three x 10-minute intervals for individuals aged 14 and above. Challenge your friends and family on one of the best tracks in Australia.

Location: Eastern Creek

5. Indoor Go Karting: Put Pedal to the Metal

Got a speed demon in the family? PowerPlay Sydney in Northmead is taking indoor go-karting to a whole new level!

Australia's only rally-inspired indoor karting venue features a thrilling two-storey track with ramps, bridges, elevation changes and slippery corners designed for some seriously fun drifting. With powerful electric go-karts, personalised coaching and an on-site arcade, it's a brilliant outing for competitive families and budding racers. Kids aged 10 and over can join the action, making it a top pick for older kids and teens looking for an adrenaline rush!

Location: Unit 3/1B Redbank Rd, Northmead

6. Electric Picnic Boat Hire: Serene Waterways

Set sail on a family-friendly adventure with Electric Picnic Boat Hire along the Parramatta River. With options for one-, two-, or three-hour hires, it's the perfect outing for families of all sizes. No boating license is needed, so even the littlest captains can take the helm under supervision.

Pack a picnic, bring along your furry family members, and enjoy quality time together surrounded by the stunning views of the Parramatta River. It's an ideal way to create lasting memories with your loved ones. Ready for your family's nautical escapade? 

Location: Parramatta River, Cabarita Point

7. Immerse Yourself in History at the Museum of Fire

Calling all fire engine fans! Kids love exploring the Museum of Fire in Penrith and learning all about the history of firefighting.

Discover vintage fire engines, interactive displays, and educational exhibits that will captivate both kids and adults.

Location: 1 Museum Dr, Penrith

8. Spend the Day at Nurragingy Reserve

Nurragingy Reserve is a picturesque park in Blacktown that's perfect for a family picnic or outing. 

Explore the stunning gardens, enjoy a barbecue, wander through the picturesque Chang Lai Yuan Chinese Gardens, or simply relax amidst the tranquil surroundings. Kids will love the many playgrounds within the grounds, including the Nurragingy Reserve Water Park and the brand-new Nurraging Reserve Playspace.

Location: Knox Road, Doonside

9. Catch a Flick at the Retro Skyline Drive-In Cinema

One of the best things to do in Western Sydney for movie fans - get ready to experience the nostalgia of a traditional drive-in cinema at Skyline Drive-In Blacktown.

Snuggle up in the car and enjoy the latest blockbusters under the stars, and don't forget to grab a bite to eat at the retro diner. 

Location: Cricketers Arms Rd, Blacktown

10. Meet Some Animals at Sydney Zoo

 

Venture to Sydney's newest zoo, aka Sydney Zoo in Bungarribee, and witness a diverse range of animals from all around the world.

The incredible zoo is one of our favourite things to do in Western Sydney, with interactive experiences, educational talks, wildlife encounters, Ferris Wheel rides and plenty more on offer. Make sure you check out their calendar for exciting special events. 

Location: 700 Great Western Hwy, Bungarribee

11. Explore Parramatta Park

World Heritage-listed Parramatta Park is a must-visit destination for families with 85 hectares of lawns and gardens, historic monuments, outdoor event spaces, and sporting and leisure facilities. There are loads of things to see and do amid

Take a stroll through the lush gardens or cycle along the pathways, soak up the exquisite colours of the Wistaria Gardens, join a guided tour at the historic Dairy Cottage​​​​​, or take the kids for an energy-fuelled play at the popular playgrounds. 

Location: Cnr Pitt and Macquarie St, Parramatta

12. Visit Old Government House

For things to do in Western Sydney with a historical touch, Old Government House is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a prized building in the West.

Take a guided tour to learn about its rich history and discover the beautiful gardens surrounding the historic house.

Location: Cnr Pitt and Macquarie St, Parramatta

13. Experience Thrills & Spills at Sydney Action Park

Western Sydney's favourite water park has a new name! Formerly known as Raging Waters, Sydney Action Park in Prospect is back with over 40 slides and attractions for the ultimate summer adventure.

From adrenaline-pumping waterslides and the epic Bombora wave pool to splash zones for little water lovers and family-friendly rides, there's plenty to keep everyone cool and entertained. Whether you're chasing high-speed thrills or a lazy day by the water, this is one Western Sydney attraction worth diving into!

Location: 427 Reservoir Rd, Prospect 

14. Go for a Play

From Plough and Harrow Park in Abbotsbury to Fairfield Adventure Park, Bungarribee Park, and Nurragingy Reserve Playspace, the Western suburbs are chock-full of awesome playgrounds to hit up with the kids on the weekend, or anytime they need to use up all that energy! 

Check out 30 of our favourite playgrounds in the West.

15. To Market, to Market!

Speaking of shopping, Western Sydney is the destination for market shopping.

From the famous Blacktown Markets to Parklea Markets and Fairfield Markets, and everyone's favourite Camden's Fresh Produce Market, there are plenty of places to stop off for your weekly haul of fresh produce and homemade treats.  

Check out more of the best markets in Western Sydney.

16. See at Show at Riverside Theatres

Catch a family-friendly show or performance at the legendary Riverside Theatres.

From live theatre to dance and music events, there's always something captivating on offer at one of Sydney's favourite theatres.

Location: Corner Market and Church St, Parramatta

17. Spend a Day on the Farm at Calmsley Hill City Farm

Looking for things to do in Western Sydney away from the hustle and bustle?

Escape to Calmsley Hill City Farm in Abbotsbury and immerse yourself in a true rural experience. Sydney's favourite city farm offers animal feedings, tractor rides, farm education, sheep shearing, kids' birthday parties, overnight camping and more. 

Location: 31 Darling St, Abbotsbury

18. Arcades Galore

Challenge your family to a game of mini-golf, arcade games or bowling at the combined Holey Moley and Archie Brothers Cirque Electric in Penrith. 

The epic indoor arcade will keep families entertained for hours with nine holes of crazy indoor golf, nostalgic arcade games and tenpin bowling. Replenish your energy with delicious snacks and drinks before your next game.

Location: Shop MM102/585 High St, Penrith

19. Spook Yourself on a Ghost Tour

One of the best things to do in Western Sydney for courageous families (aged 12 and above) is a Ghost Tour at Parramatta Gaol after dark! You can learn about the city's haunted history as you explore the eerie streets and buildings, and you might even spot a ghost or two!

Check out more ghost tours in Sydney.

Location: O'Connell St, North Parramatta

20. Hop on a Ferry Ride

See Western Sydney from the water on an exciting ferry ride! Kids will love hopping aboard the Parramatta River Ferry, aka Sydney's first-ever ferry service, and travelling the Parramatta River waters all the way up to the harbour. 

Location: Parramatta River Ferry departs daily from Parramatta Wharf.

21. Make Some Waves at the Pool

Looking for indoor things to do in Western Sydney? Temperatures can soar pretty high during the summer months out west, which is why we're so thrilled to have so many amazing indoor pools to cool off in!

There are loads to take your pick on any day of the week, and here are a few of our favourite indoor pools and leisure centres:

Splasher's Playground
Ripples Leisure Centre
Fairfield City Leisure Centres
Blacktown Leisure Centre
Parramatta Aquatic Centre

22. Bounce it Out at Flip Out

Bouncing it out at some of Sydney's largest indoor trampoline parks is one of our favourite things to do in Western Sydney.

Flip Out has locations dotted across the west, including Blacktown, Caringbah, Penrith, Villawood, and Revesby, for active kids to bounce their hearts out. Flip Out also runs ninja classes, kids' birthday parties and more.  

Locations: multiple throughout the Western suburbs

23. Explore the Australian Botanic Garden

Discover the wonders of nature at the Australian Botanic Garden in Mount Annan.

Covering over 400 hectares of natural woodland, stunning gardens and wide open spaces, the Australian Botanic Garden is a treasure trove of science, gardens, plants and horticulture.

A day out at the Australian Botanic Garden is always a good idea. You can take a leisurely walk through the stunning gardens, pack a picnic, or attend one of the many family-oriented events and workshops.

Location: Narellan Road, Mount Annan

24. Say Hi to PHIVE

With a library, community centre and cultural hub, PHIVE at Parramatta Square is a must-do on our list of the best things to do in Western Sydney.

Opened in 2023, PHIVE is a community hub in the heart of Parramatta for families to learn and engage with the community. Our favourite spot is undoubtedly the Parramatta Library, which boasts 65,000 books, a dedicated children's space, and modern parents' facilities. Check it out asap!

Location: 5 Parramatta Sq, Parramatta 

25. Indulge in a Food Safari on Eat Street

Western Sydney is renowned for its delectable array of cuisines from around the globe, and Eat Street in Parramatta brings it all together in one delicious spot.

Let your taste buds savour the flavours of pho, banh mi, Lebanese, Italian and more, and don't forget to finish it all off with a yummy dessert!

Location: 34-36 Albert St, North Parramatta

26. Visit Sydney Olympic Park

Experience the legacy of the 2000 Olympics at Sydney Olympic Park. 

A destination for entertainment, sports, dining, discovery, and family fun, Sydney Olympic Park has it all. Enjoy cycling, explore the giant Brickpit Ring Walk, traverse a centuries-old mangrove forest, grab a bite to eat, cool off at Splasher's Playground, go for a play at Blaxland Riverside Park, see a show at Qudos Bank Arena, have a gymnastics party and loads more.

Location: Olympic Boulevard, Sydney Olympic Park

27. Unwind at Lake Parramatta Reserve

One of our favourite things to do in Western Sydney on a lazy afternoon is to escape the hustle and bustle of the city by visiting Lake Parramatta Reserve.

Take a refreshing dip, enjoy a family picnic, or explore the walking trails around the picturesque lake.

Location: 28 Bourke Street, North Parramatta 

28. Embrace Active Fun at Inflatable World Oz

Jump, bounce, and slide your way to laughter-filled memories at Inflatable World Oz.

The mega indoor play centre features a variety of inflatable structures and obstacle courses that guarantee hours of active fun for children of all ages. With multiple venues dotted throughout the west, Inflatable World Oz is the perfect rainy day activity or an energetic escape from the heat!

Locations: multiple throughout the Western suburbs

29. Get Your Adrenaline Going at Cables Wake Park

Head to Cables Wake Park in Penrith for a day of water fun and adrenaline.

Try wakeboarding, kneeboarding, or even cable skiing — an exhilarating experience for water sports enthusiasts.
 

And for the Little water lovers, KIDS' Cove Aqua Park is Cables' brand-new inflatable water playground designed especially for children aged three to five. Forget watching the big kids have all the fun – preschoolers can now climb, splash and explore their very own aqua adventure, with a supervising adult joining them in the water. Sessions run for 50 minutes, and older siblings aged six and over can tackle the main Aqua Park next door. It's a fantastic summer outing for families with little adventurers ready to make a splash!

Location: 405 Jamison Rd, Penrith

Check out more things to do in Penrith.

30. Indulge Your Sweet Tooth at The Dessert Lab

Satisfy your cravings for something sweet and oh-so-sugary at The Dessert Lab in Camden. 

The adorable cafe on Argyle Street peddles incredible desserts and other sugary concoctions for the masses. We highly recommend ordering their famous Dutch pancakes or mermaid waffles - yum!

Location: 1/125 Argyle St, Camden

31. Learn at the Experiment Farm Cottage

Step back in time at the Experiment Farm Cottage, the site of Australia's first land grant.

Families can take a guided tour, explore the gardens, and learn about early Australian farming.

Location: 9 Ruse St, Harris Park

32. Step Inside a Tropical Rainforest at Auburn Botanic Gardens

The Auburn Botanic Gardens are an incredible place to visit at any time of the year.

One of our favourite spots is the lush Rainforest Garden, where you can feel like you're deep inside a tropical rainforest right in the heart of bustling Western Sydney.

If you're visiting during spring, the Cherry Blossom Festival at Auburn Botanic Gardens is a top priority when it comes to things to do in Western Sydney. Usually held in August every year, the festival celebrates the iconic cherry blossoms that flower in the gardens, giving Sydneysiders a chance to experience a slice of Japan's prized cherry blossoms.

Location: Auburn Botanic Gardens, Chiswick Road, Auburn

33. Go for a Splash at Aquatopia

Aquatopia Water Park at Prairiewood Leisure Centre is the ultimate destination for splash-tastic things to do in Western Sydney.

Kids and families can splash around on the 10- and 20-metre-high giant slides, climb the adventure aqua tower, make waves in the toddlers' pool, try out the Wave Rider bodyboard simulator, and splash all day in the new, gigantic 55-metre Wave Pool!

Location: Prairie Vale Rd and Moonlight Rd, Prairiewood 

34. Go for a Ride at the Largest BMX Hub in Australia

The Wylde BMX and Mountain Bike Trail is the largest BMX hub in Australia AND the biggest bike track in the Southern Hemisphere!

Located in Western Sydney's sprawling Parklands, the Wylde BMX and Mountain Bike Trail is adventure heaven for biking and scootering enthusiasts. The 86-hectare park has rides, jumps, loops, pump tracks, scooter zones and plenty more.

Location: Range Rd, Cecil Park

35. Play Laser Tag at Zone Bowling

Engage in an epic laser tag battle at Zone Bowling.

With 11 Zone Bowling locations to choose from and bowling, laser games, arcades and more to revel in, it's always a good time to team up with your family and friends and experience the thrill of laser tag in a futuristic arena!

Locations: multiple across Sydney

36. Immerse in all the Art at the Penrith Regional Gallery

Visit the Penrith Regional Gallery and immerse yourself in contemporary art and exhibitions.

Take part in interactive workshops, explore the sculpture garden, and ignite your family's artistic side.

Location: 86 River Rd, Emu Plains

37. Catch a Live Event

The West's events calendar is a busy one, with loads of family events, kids' shows, live music, festivals and plenty more happening throughout the year.

38. Go Back to the 80s at Penrith's Retro Cafe

Take the kids on a totally rad trip back to the 1980s at High On the 80s, Penrith's quirky retro cafe that's bursting with nostalgia!

Tucked away in Henry Street Plaza, this colourful cafe is packed with vintage memorabilia, movie posters, vinyl records and an old-school jukebox playing all the greatest hits. Even the menu is a blast from the past, with dishes like Take On Me Big Brekkie, Karma Chameleon chicken burgers and Pour Some Sugar on Me Pancakes. It's a fun spot for breakfast or lunch, where parents can relive their childhood while the kids discover what life was like before smartphones!

Location: Shop 8, Henry Street Plaza, 92-112 Henry Street, Penrith

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About ellaslist

ellaslist is a trusted local guide for families across Sydney and NSW, written by parents and family lifestyle editors who understand what makes an outing with kids genuinely work. Our team researches and curates the best family-friendly events, attractions, playgrounds, restaurants and school holiday activities, with practical details on age suitability, accessibility, parking, public transport, facilities and family-friendly tips.

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