Sydney: Top Interactive and Educational Spots

Find the best tours, experiences, and local favourites all in one place. They’re ideal for keeping children engaged while offering parents an enjoyable cultural experience as well. For a stellar view of Sydney, take the pedestrian walkway over the Harbour Bridge. North to south starting from Milsons Point gives the best views of the Opera House and CBD.
With a shallow kids pool, full 50-mete Olympic pool, sun interactive attractions sydney lounges and cafe, you could spend a whole afternoon here entertaining both little kids and big kids. In this two-hour class, you’ll be taught by a professional chef and you’ll be able to get stuck into learning new cooking techniques with your kids. We recommend checking our discount offers page or subscribing to our newsletter to hear about exclusive promos when they become available. For even more value, you can book a Sydney Big Ticket, which combines SEA LIFE with attractions like Madame Tussauds Sydney, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, and the Sydney Tower Eye - saving you up to 60%. While SEA LIFE Sydney doesn’t typically use public promo codes, you can still save up to 30% simply by booking your tickets online in advance.

But the one they all fight over is the all-abilities tripod swing. The playground is at the water’s edge in Rozelle, and there are sports fields, toilets, water bubblers and dog-friendly paths nearby. In the middle of two major roads in Sydney you’ll find a 9-hectare park that feels like a calm oasis… That is until you spot the children’s playground. Head to the west end of the park, away from the pond and the open play areas, and you’ll find squealing children, joyfully making the most of the exciting play equipment at Victoria Park. There’s a long flying fox, a really fast bowl spinner, climbing nets, swings and springing riders for little ones.
While walk-up tickets may be available, they are subject to capacity and availability. Pre-booking is especially important during weekends, school holidays, and peak periods when the aquarium can reach capacity. Many displays are designed to be hands-on, helping keep younger visitors entertained while learning. If you’re looking for a fun-filled family day out for the whole family, this museum offers the perfect backdrop to explore the history of science, technology and Australian culture. For families wanting to wander towards Mrs Macquaries Chair and those iconic harbour lookouts, entering near Mrs Macquaries Road works well, especially if you're planning a longer scenic stroller walk. Tailored to current exhibitions, the Museum offers a range of free activities for all ages to make the most of their visit, including tours, a dedicated family space, and online resources on its mca.art platform.
Story time encourages conversation and makes room for mixed ages. Follow it with a slow look at a favourite object to deepen the discovery. That high-energy start helps younger visitors stay engaged and curious. Highlights include convict tales at Hyde Park Barracks, detective trails at the Museum of Sydney, mock trials at the Justice & Police Museum and garden games at Vaucluse House.  We give quick, scannable details — where, when and what you’ll do — so planning takes minutes on your phone. All ages are welcome – children under 12 to be accompanied by an adult.

This is definitely an Instagrammer’s dream, but it’s fun for everyone. Each hotel wing is home to fun game rooms that you need to work together to solve. You can also combine your visit with a combo pass that gives you entry to Madame Tussauds, Sea Life Aquarium and Sydney Tower Eye. You may find various types of native Australian animals here in the 10 interactive zones, including koalas, Tasmanian devils, platypus, wombats and kangaroos. And finally, get ready to fall in love with Sydney all over again at a magical sunset experience.
Yes – Sydney is one of Australia’s most family-friendly cities, with beaches, parks, attractions and easy transport options. There is a dedicated kids’ program for children ages seven to 16 years but you can book a private family lesson to learn together. This is a great activity for kids to report back at  school when they return from their fun Sydney trip.
However, unlike other arcades in Sydney, Timezone also has bumper cars and Pixel, an interactive floor game that requires players to be lighting-fast on their feet. Blacktown, Castle Hill, Dee Why, Illawarra, Liverpool, Penrith, Revesby, Sylvania, Top Ryde, Villawood, Rooty HillBowling, laser tag and a fully packed arcade are all available at Zone Bowling. Families can enjoy a friendly competition on the lanes, or the kids can hash it out in the laser tag arena. Those keen for a little ticket-winning fun can hit up the arcade, where you’ll find everything from air hockey to driving simulators and VR experiences. When everyone is tuckered out, you can drop into the onsite restaurant to refuel. If you’re looking for arcades in Sydney that do birthday parties for kids and teens, this one is a winner.

Forgotten Songs is a permanent free art installation and can be viewed any day of the week. For those seeking outdoor relaxation, Sydney’s lush parks and gardens are ideal for picnics, strolls, and scenic views. The Royal Botanic Garden is a beautiful oasis in the heart of Sydney, with lush gardens, exotic plants, and stunning views of the harbour. The gardens are free to enter and are a great place to take kids for a picnic or a stroll.
To receive the discounted rate, ensure you pre-book your parking and use the promo code MERLIN during the booking process. Please note that these discounts are only available at the specified car parks and are subject to availability. For the most up-to-date information, we recommend checking our opening hours page before your visit.
If you’re looking for a large venue to hang with pals, head to Kingpin. With full air conditioning cranked up, you’ll find all the old-school fun of your younger years. Challenge the group to a game of bowling or a laser gun battle, or try your hand at an escape room, karaoke, or a range of arcade games. This soul-warming workshop at Angel Aromatics’ gorgeous Balmain homewares store makes for the ultimate wholesome activity, ideal for a birthday party, team building, or just a fun outing with your pals. This hands-on class lets you create personalised candles adorned with crystals. Blend fragrances and dye-molded candles, then tuck into a delicious high tea while they solidify.

The garden also hosts school holiday activities that suit primary ages and offer creative outdoor sessions. Shaped by the Sea showcases dug-out canoes, handwoven fishing baskets and sculpture. These artefacts connect children to pre-colonial life on sydney harbour and give context to local history. Entry to attractions is subject to availability; we highly recommend booking entry times in advance, especially during peak times or if combining visits into one day. Several museums offer specialized programs for children with disabilities.
Scroll down to explore the full attractions map and begin planning your Sydney journey through beaches, harbour views, cultural icons and natural beauty. Beautiful outdoor spaces and gardens such as the Royal Botanic Garden, Mrs Macquaries Chair, Hyde Park, Centennial Parklands and Barangaroo Reserve are shown throughout the  map. These green areas offer iconic harbour views, walking tracks and picnic spots, and the map highlights entrances, pathways and scenic viewpoints. Sydney is an easy city to explore with children, offering attractions that entertain and inspire all ages. Set on Sydney Harbour, Taronga Zoo offers incredible harbour views alongside world-class wildlife experiences and conservation programs.