Fun Indoor Playgrounds in Sydney
This iconic 1km stretch offers everything from swimming and surfing lessons to the famous Icebergs complex, plus some fantastic kid-friendly spots we’ll show you. Families can learn about Aboriginal history and native wildlife at Kalkari Discovery Centre, which features a fun nature trail. It also hosts educational activities where kids can make a model wombat and burrow or play traditional games (bookings required). Nearby Bobbin Head picnic area has a fantastic playground and plenty of picnic tables. If you don’t want to bring your own lunch, there are several restaurants and cafes to choose from, like the scenic Waterside Bistro.
In fact, they’re the perfect excuse to explore some of the city’s best indoor attractions, unique experiences, and hidden gems. Whether you’re visiting Sydney, planning a date, organising a group outing, or just looking for something different, there are plenty of fun things to do in Sydney when it rains. From coastal adventures to cultural icons, Sydney offers one of the most diverse activity line-ups in the world. family activities sydney cbd Explore famous landmarks, relax on golden beaches, enjoy harbour cruises, discover local markets, walk scenic headlands or immerse yourself in arts, dining and nightlife. Visitors can opt to play five, ten or all 15 games, with the full course taking about two and half hours to complete.
Sydney is home to several indoor attractions where families can learn about marine life and wildlife while staying warm and dry. If your little ones are animal lovers, these locations will be a hit, rain or shine. Take your pick from surfing lessons to zoo expeditions and ocean pool dips. Here’s your guide to a family-friendly long weekend in the harbour city. Whether your family is wave-watching in beautiful Byron Bay or making a splash at Bondi and Maroubra beaches in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, Let’s Go Surfing offers experiences both in and out of the water. Explore the unrivalled 360-degree views of the city from Sydney Tower Eye Observation Deck and SKYWALK experience.
The Sydney Aquatic Centre has a brilliant family-friendly water play area, Splasher’s Water Playground – which is heated so great for colder days in Sydney. A visit to the Australian National Maritime Museum gives you full access not only to the museum itself but also to ten different vessels moored in the harbour. You can board the HMS Endeavour and experience what it was like for Captain Cook when he first circumnavigated the Australian coast, explore navy boats and even a submarine on the HMAS Onslow. The Powerhouse Museum is another family favourite; there is enough hands-on entertainment to keep the kids amused all day. Plus, if you become a Monkey Mania member, you'll unlock exclusive perks like discounted entry, free play visits, and special deals on food and drinks. With six fantastic locations across NSW, you can always find a Monkey Mania to turn an ordinary day into an extraordinary adventure.
Funtime is transformed for Laser Tag with UV Lights, laser beams and smoke machines – perfect for 5+. Situated in the Pittwater Sports Club, Sandbucket Play Centre offers 7 slippery dips, 3 levels, 2 ball pits, 2 flying foxes, and loads of soft play equipment. The Sand Bucket Play Centre is fully air-conditioned with Free Wifi.
It's a vibrant indoor world of trampolines, obstacle courses, and big-air excitement, purpose-built for kids who love to move. From high-flyers to cautious first-timers, every child finds their groove at BOUNCE, making it one of Sydney's most beloved indoor adventure zones. Some of the best tourist attractions in Sydney that you can visit with your family include the Powerhouse Museum, Madame Tussauds, and Sea Life Aquarium, among several others. The city is packed with a variety of experiences and entertainment zones which you can enjoy with your family such as mini golf, ice skating, and trampoline that can be enjoyed by the entire family. A great rainy day activity for the kids is indoor ice-skating across Sydney.
We love the Macquarie Ice Rink as this location is great if you are wanting maybe to trial a new activity, with the equipment available to hire, and staff on hand to help. Once you have tired them out, why not then do a little shopping in the Macquarie Shopping Centre (in which the rink is located!) There are other indoor ice skating opportunities across Sydney, so the websites below. When it is raining, these rainy day activities in Sydney will make sure that the kids are kept dry and highly entertained. If it is too hot to enjoy being outside, then this list of indoor activities in Sydney for kids that have air-conditioning will be your saviour.
Under Five YearsThe permanent Wiggles exhibition is a must-see for younger kids (and grown-up fans like me!). You can ride in the Big Red Car, see loads of Wiggles memorabilia, and try many musical inspired activities. Play Studio is a beautiful boutique space, decked out in custom-built furniture and immersive play areas designed for hands-on creative and sensory exploration. Thrillophilia works with multiple attractions in Sydney as a reseller. The Archie Brother Cirque Electriq in Alexandria is the ultimate destination for a sensory overload, with all the glowing neon lights and sounds you would experience at a circus, but indoors.
Also, sushi is very healthy, and Japanese children are said to have the healthiest diet in the world. This is a fun class for kids and an excellent way to teach them something. The famous kids’ sushi-making class should be reserved in advance if you’re seeking things to do with kids in Sydney on a rainy day. Simply catch a train from Sydney Central Station, and within two hours, you’ll arrive at Wentworth Falls, Leura, or Katoomba. Here, you can explore popular tourist attractions or enjoy a few bushwalks.
We’ve lived here for 8 years and have checked out all the best family fun activities in town. Prices range from $15 to $30 per session depending on the activity and location. We believe adventures can be global – and local – and are one part of our sustainable lifestyle, and raising children who are global eco-citizens.