Kids Activities in Sydney
Trying to find new kids activities for you and your child to do can be challenging. This page will give you a few ideas of fun, free (or cheap) places you can go in Sydney, Australia.
Parks | Water | Libraries| Museums | Bushwalks | Activities
Best Parks For Kids in Sydney
Sydney has heaps of fantastic parks for kids. Those without a cafe are often visited by a mobile coffee van.
Blaxland Riverside Park, Newington Armory, Jamieson St Newington
This is a must visit park for kids of all ages. The newly opened play equipment (May 2011) is truely unique, with its tunnels, webs, rock climbs, huge slides, flying foxes and swings - your kids will love exploring it. Bring your bikes for a beautiful riverside ride, have a meal at the cafe, or an ice-cream at the kiosk (open weekends only) and play giant chess with your little one. Parking is limited, but worth it.
Baby Hands & Feet Sculptures - Sydney Family Business
Livvis Place, Timbrell Park, Henley Marine Drive Five Dock
This park was voted "Best Playground in Australia for 2010" so it is worth a look! This is a gated playground, with BBQ's and tables within the gate and public toilets close by. It has a merry go round, netted swing (photo above), sun shades, sand pit, equipment suitable for a large age range of children and children of all abilities. It has a great area of low to the ground play equipment for under 2's.
Sydney Park, Sydney Park Rd St Peters
Probably one of the best parks I have been to, with equipment for all ages. A great sand & water play area (bring a change of clothes), good slides, a cafe and bike track with traffic lights!
Blenheim Park, North Ryde
Excellent flying fox, kids cycleway, special circuit for remote control cars, enclosed off leach dog play area, BBQ's and toilets. Lots of scattered play areas to explore.
Ryde Park, Argyle Ave Top Ryde
I love a well designed park that has a cafe on site! Win win for the parents and the kids! Ryde park is a great park in a large garden setting, there is new play equipment a basketball court, picnic tables, an oval, toilets and a great cafe. The cafe is called Cheeky2 Cafe and is open 9.45am - 2.45pm Monday to Friday and 8.30am - 4pm on weekends. It has a reasonably priced menu and lots of options for kids.
Water Activities for Kids in Sydney
Greenwich Baths, Albert St Greenwich
A netted swimming area in Sydney Harbour. With lots of sand and water toys to play with. Cafe, sun lounges and change rooms. $3.40 Adults. $2.30 Children over 3 years.
Aquatic Centre, Sydney Olympic Park Homebush
This pool has a great play area for kids, big slides for older children and a water playground for younger ones. Watch out for the large tipping bucket of water! Cost $5.70 children, $7 adults.
Putney Park, Pellisiner Rd Putney
If your little one wants to have a splash, go to Putney Park, situated on the Parramatta River, a great place for a picnic or BBQ and has a water play area (more like a shallow pool so bring swimmers). It also has a huge tower slide and large climbing frame. And best of all it is free!
Library Rhyme Time for Babies and Toddlers
An outing to the library is always a great activity. Many libraries have specific sessions for babies or toddlers that are free to attend and include nursery rhymes, songs, books and often arts and crafts. Ask at your local library if they run these sessions. They are often run during school term only.
Museums in Sydney That are Good for Kids
Maritime Museum
Mini Mariners for 2 - 5 year olds, every Tuesday during school term. Craft, games, books, dress-ups and story time. $7 bookings necessary. Visit the Australian National Maritime Museum site for more information.
Bushwalks In Sydney for Toddlers and Kids
Cumberland State Forest, 95 Castle Hill Rd West Pennant Hills
One of Sydney's hidden secrets, a beautiful forest for kids to explore. Three short bushwalks to choose from, all well sign posted and colour coded. Suitable for 3+ year olds. Picnic areas, cafe, visitors centre, weekend and school holiday activities (bookings required and small cost). Free entry to the forest.
Activities
TAFE Playsession, Meadowbank, Petersham, Crows Nest plus more locations....
It is well worth your while to contact your local TAFE or College to ask if they run a playsession for toddlers. These are weekly activity sessions where students from early childhood courses at TAFE run various activities including craft, music, sport, puzzles, pretend play and much more. The kids love these sessions as there is such a variety of activities to do and so much attention from the students.
Mainly Music
This is a fun music group for parents and toddlers, there is 30 minutes of music, movement and fun, followed by refreshments for the kids and adults and the session finishes with toys and free play - and all for $5 (does vary in different locations). You can attend casually, a great place to go and meet other parents in your local area. Have a look at the Mainly Music website to find a location in your area. This is a church run group so keep in mind there are a few songs about god etc.
