Discover Interactive Events & Activities in Sydney, Australia
Bring a picnic as food options on the island are limited, and check the website for any events or exhibitions running during your visit. 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 games bring friends, families, school groups, and corporate teams together for unforgettable fun!
Situated on the North Head just south of Manly, Sydney's former quarantine station is now a hotel and corporate retreat. But try telling that to activities to do in sydney the many ghosts that supposedly roam its grounds. Q Station's ghost tours are hugely popular and pepper your scares with some fascinating local history. The gardens are broken down into themed areas that include a Japanese garden, complete with a pond, waterfall and ornamental bridges.
If you live in Sydney's north-west, you're in for hours of fun, splashing, and games at Livvi's Place Elara. The Inner City Amateur Dramatic Society welcomes you to their production of Scenes From Romeo and Juliet. An audio play, interactive performance and escape room that will leave you laughing. “These spaces aren’t just for gamers; they’re for friends, families, and even corporate groups to take fun to the next level." Free entry to Sydney Observatory exhibitions Thursday to Sunday, and free entry to Powerhouse Castle Hill on weekends.
The Royal Botanic Garden is a perfect CBD add-on for a picnic and open play. The Calyx exhibitions and garden tours are stroller-friendly and give structure without going back indoors. The australian national maritime galleries are free and include Shaped by the Sea with First Nations seafaring artefacts and navy-style interactive control stations.
Experience an exciting encounter with one of the world’s cutest primates. Hand feed a troop of cheeky squirrel monkeys and learn all about them from our passionate zookeepers. Join our zookeepers and get hands-on with one of the most elusive species in the world.
A peaceful green oasis beside the harbour, perfect for relaxing walks, picnics, and iconic city views. Sydney’s attractions are not just places to visit, they are experiences that define the city. This guide brings together the best Sydney attractions to help you plan your time, discover must-see highlights, and explore the city with confidence.
Bondi Beach is undoubtedly one of Sydney’s most famous destinations and is popular with visitors and locals all year round. Best known for its turquoise blue waters and pristine sands, this beach marks the... The scenic ferry ride from Circular Quay to the zoo adds to the experience and is often a highlight for families visiting Sydney. Don’t miss the newest addition to the park – Whirlwind – a first-of-its-kind slide that takes riders on a thrilling 206-metre-long journey. Kids of all ages (adult ‘kids’ included) can enjoy this Sydney activity. SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium takes you underwater (well, sort of) through nine special themed zones.
Hornby Lighthouse has been standing proudly since 1858 and is a fantastic free kids' activity for when the weather's sunny. Sydney Park was named the world's most innovative park back in 2020, making it not only one of the best parks in Australia but also in the world! Add this sweet spot to your list of free things to do in Sydney, and the whole family will thank you for it.
Consider guest demographics, physical capabilities, and social dynamics when selecting experiences. Mix high-energy activities with more relaxed interactive elements to accommodate different personality types and energy levels throughout your event. Most interactive experiences accommodate specific group sizes, requiring planning for optimal guest engagement. Escape rooms typically handle 2-8 people per experience, while larger venues like FREAK VR can accommodate up to 40 people simultaneously. Interactive entertainment is taking over in 2025, with quirky photo booths, karaoke machines, and custom party games leading the charge.
There are so many animals to see, including giraffes, lemurs and native wildlife. Before your visit, it’s worth planning which animals and shows you want to prioritise. Sydney has more than 100 beaches — but not all of them are suited to families with young kids.
A Manly ferry ride counts as both transport and the activity itself — the kids never stop loving it. If you're heading to Taronga, the aquarium, or anywhere with timed entry on a Saturday, book online by Thursday. School holidays compress this further — holiday programs at Sydney Olympic Park, Cockatoo Island, and the Australian Museum fill within days of bookings opening, so check school-term calendars about 4 weeks out.
Combine with the Aquarium and Sydney Tower Eye on a multi-attraction pass for the best value. A compact, well-designed zoo in the heart of Darling Harbour featuring koalas (including koala encounters), wombats, wallabies, kangaroos, platypus, a saltwater crocodile, snakes, spiders and frogs. The ferry from Circular Quay is a great option for families, followed by either a walk or a short bus ride up to the entrance. Bondi Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Australia, and it is a top spot to take the kids.
In fact, Sydney is the most visited city in the country and even the world-famous harbour featuring the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House doesn't fail to wow Australians who visit. Whether you're looking for aquariums, zoos, jet boat experiences & more, discover the best things to do in Sydney and book online today. Located in Thirlmere, just over an hour south of Sydney, the NSW Rail Museum is a must-visit destination for train enthusiasts.