13 Awesome Things to do in Penrith

  • Family
    Kids

Whether you’re a Penrith local or Sydneysider looking to discover some fantastic new experiences in a different part of the region, the things to do in Penrith list is a long and action-packed one!

From open-air festivals and cultural events to thrilling activities, we’ve handpicked our favourite things to do in Penrith.

13 Awesome Things to do in Penrith

1. Walk and Picnic by the Nepean River

Things to do in Penrith
Outdoor adventures come easily along the Nepean River.


First up on our list of things to do in Penrith, take in the fresh air and gorgeous scenery on a walk along the Nepean River.

There’s a fantastic pram-friendly path that’s also great for bikes and scooters and you’ll find a playground at the end of Jamison Road near Tench Avenue. Start the walk on the eastern side via Jamison Road. Take a picnic, enjoy a barbeque at Tench Reserve or grab a takeaway from the Coffee Club. Have a look at the Great River Walk Map.

2. Visit the Museum of Fire 

Things to do in Penrith
A visit to Australia's largest fire museum is definitely on the cards!


Have you got a siren-obsessed, mini-firefighter in the house? You have to take them to the Museum of Fire - it's Australia’s largest Fire Museum!

The huge space is packed full of fire engines, firefighting equipment and, the highlight for our kids, a Junior Firefighters area with a fire engine simulator, activities, games and puzzles.

The Museum of Fire really has something for every age, and best of all, any profits are donated to educating families on the dangers of fire and preserving heritage.

Location: 1 Museum Drive, Penrith

3. Scale to New Heights at iFLY Downunder Indoor Skydiving

Things to do in Penrith
iFly Indoor Skydiving is as close to jumping out of a plane as you’ll ever get outside of the real thing!


One of the most thrilling things to do in Penrith, iFly Indoor Skydiving Centre has huge wind generators that propel you up into a large glass flight chamber!

You’ll be given a pre-flight training session by expert skydivers, a jumpsuit and safety gear plus two flights with an experienced instructor. Children as young as three years can take a flight – the wind generators are turned up or down depending on the age and ability of each skydiver.

For more, read our ellaslist review of iFLY Downunder.

Location: Panthers World of Entertainment, 123 Mulgoa Rd, Penrith

4. See a Show at The Joan

Things to do in Penrith
Looking for things to do in Penrith? You simply must catch a show at The Joan!


The Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre is the hub for performing arts in Penrith and hosts world-class music, dance and theatre performances.

Their engaging kids and families shows are full of magic and imagination, and there are fun, hands-on opportunities to discover, invent and create.

Location: 597 High Street, Penrith (next to the Penrith Plaza shopping centre and Penrith Library)
 

Sign up for our new Western Sydney Newsletter

5. Get Your Ninja on at Truninja Penrith

Things to do in Penrith
Calling all Ninja Warriors!


If you've got a little Ninja Warrior in the family just desperate to try their skills on a true Ninja obstacle course, Truninja in Penrith is the closest thing to actually competing on the real Ninja Warrior!

Kids can climb, run, jump, grab, fling and just about do whatever they desire at Truninja's ninja obstacle course that's got all the right padding in all the right places, so they shouldn't come home with any injuries.

Location: Shop 3, 120 Mulgoa Road, Penrith

6. Family-friendly Restaurants in Penrith

Things to do in Penrith
Log Cabin Hotel Penrith


Enjoy stunning waterfront views of the Nepean River from the Log Cabin Hotel Penrith. After burning down in 2020, the Log Cabin Hotel is back and better than ever with brand-new restaurants, event spaces, kids' entertainment and more!
Location: 20 Memorial Ave, Penrith

Treat the family to a scrumptious meal out at one of these dining spots that welcome families with open arms. Nutrition Station delivers not only a delicious healthy menu that appeals to even fussy kids – think protein-rich pancakes, tasty superfood smoothies and nutritionally rich brekkies and burgers.
Location: 13-19 Lambridge Place, Penrith

For a true taste of Penrith life, you can't go past Settlers Mulgoa. Situated on almost an acre, it's the perfect place to sit in the sun, and watch the kids play in a fully fenced yard while enjoying a rustic home-cooked meal, beer or wine in hand. 
Location: 1300 Mulgoa Road, Mulgoa

For chocolate lovers big and small, Zokoko Café offers made-on-the-premises chocolatey treats from chocolate crackles and fudge brownies to their signature ‘Ultimate’ chocolate cake. What’s more, the kids can watch these creations being made by the chocolate artisans through a large viewing window.
Location: Unit 3, 84–90 Old Bathurst Road, Emu Heights

The Penrith Regional Gallery is a delightful destination on the western side of the Nepean River. Once the home of a sculptor and painter couple, this venue hosts interesting exhibitions, regular children’s workshops and events. It also houses a fantastic cafe, Cafe at Lewers, set in the beautiful heritage gardens with great coffee and homemade cakes and a breakfast and lunch menu inspired by fresh, seasonal and local produce, including kids' dishes from $6.
Location: 86 River Road, Emu Plains

7. Jump Aboard the Nepean Belle

Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler
The Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler


Feel like you're stepping back in time when you step aboard one of Penrith's icons, the Nepean Belle.

The Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler has been paddling along the waters of the Nepean River for over 40 years. The timber boat's design is based on the Mississippi sternwheelers, so passengers get to steal a slice of history while also taking in the stunning views of the River. 

Cruises run throughout the year and are often themed, including Christmas, Australia Day, Easter, and more. 

Location: Tench Avenue, Jamisontown

8. Hit the Playground

Things to do in Penrith
Tench Reserve


Sydney's Western suburbs have some of the best playgrounds around, including in and around Penrith!

One of the newest ones to check out at Tench Reserve offers water views of the stunning Nepean River as well as a new playground, riding and walking tracks, barbecues, public artworks and more.

Regatta Park Playground is undergoing a massive million-dollar transformation, which includes a mega outdoor space, pavilion, playground, and more.

Jordan Springs Lakeside Playground should also be on your list - it's one of our favourite Livvi's Place spots. 

9. Visit Cables Wake Park

Things to do in Penrith
The kids can let off heaps of energy at Cables Wake Park.


Take two cable lakes, add some expert instruction and your family will be zipping around on waterskis or a wakeboard in no time!

Cables Wake Park, on the grounds of the Panthers League Club, is the ultimate destination for things to do in Penrith. Riders must be 10 years old, however, the Kids' Club also operates during school holiday periods and caters to ages six+.

There’s also an Aqua Park packed full of inflatable slides, trampolines and obstacles on the water, plus free facilities including a playground, jumping pillow, basketball and a beach volleyball court and BBQ.

Location: 405 Jamison Rd, Penrith

10. Let the Kids Go Bananas

Things to do in Penrith
Go Bananas at St Mary's Rugby League Club.


If the weekend weather is too hot, cold, or rainy, let the kids expel all that energy at Go Bananas!

Go Bananas at St Mary's Rugby League Club is the ultimate kids' zone split over three levels and includes indoor playgrounds, slides, obstacle courses, noodle maze, helicopters, and an amazing see-through floor!

Members can attend for free while non-members will need to pay general public entry fees.

Location: Corner Forrester Road & Boronia Road, St Marys

11. Hit High Speeds at Luddenham Raceway

Things to do in Penrith
Go-karting at Luddenham Raceway is serious adrenaline-kicking fun!


For adrenalin-seekers looking for high-speed things to do in Penrith, go-karting at Luddenham Raceway ticks the box!

Children aged eight years can get behind the wheel of specially engineered junior karts and test their skills on The Rookie Track. Unless you are pre-booking a group of 10 or more, you’ll need to do ‘Arrive and Drive’ – no minimum driver numbers and no bookings required. However, they do recommend you call beforehand to check on wait times. They also do go-karting and paintball! 

Location: 821-849 Luddenham Road, Luddenham

Find more go-karting tracks in Sydney.

12. Play Aqua Golf

Penrith Panthers Aqua  Golf
Where else can the whole family have fun hitting golf balls into a lake on purpose?


Aqua Golf is one of our favourite unique, fun and affordable things to do in Penrith.

Each family member gets their own hitting bay with protective netting on both sides and a gate ensuring only one person is in the bay at one time – safety is key here. For anyone who hits a target, there’s a two-for-one bucket of balls card up for grabs. If you score a hole-in-one, you win $10, $20 or $100!

Location: Panthers World of Entertainment, Mulgoa Rd, Penrith

13. Flex Your Muscles at Throw Axe

Things to do in Penrith - Throw Axe Penrith
Axe throwing, anyone?


Like 'darts on steroids', here is an ideal outlet for the mums and dads who want to blow off some steam! 

Axe Throwing is taking Penrith by storm... so go and unleash your inner lumberjack at Throw Axe. Hurling an axe down the fenced-in range and hearing it thud as it sticks to the wood is an extremely satisfying experience. The minimum age is 16 - sorry kids!

Location: 41-45 York Rd, Jamisontown

For more information on what to do, what’s on and where to go with the family in and around Penrith, check out Visit Penrith.

Want More Fun in Western Sydney?

The Best Family-Friendly Attractions in Western Sydney
The Brand-new Parramatta Aquatic Centre is Open
Western Sydney's Best Playgrounds
 

Sign up for our new Western Sydney Newsletter

 

 

Reviews