5 Fun Attractions for Kids to Visit in Sydney If You’re Short On Time

Want To Find Activities To Amuse The Kids In Sydney But Only Have 1 or 2 Days? Here Are Our Picks For The Top 5 Fun Attractions To Do In Sydney If You’re Short On Time.

Sydney is Australia’s most vibrant city with a plethora of things to do for both adults and kids alike. Its list of attractions and activities are long but for those who are constrained by time, we would like to recommend these top 5 must do attractions for the family itinerary.

#01 – SEA LIFE SYDNEY AQUARIUM

Take yourself on an underwater journey with Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, one of the many popular destinations of Sydney which features 12 themed areas that will keep you and the kids entertained all the way from sharks to rays, reef fish, penguins and even dugongs. Amongst one of the largest aquariums, its 6 million litres of water is home to more than 13,000 animals, with the total number of species being over 700!

Not only will you and your family have fun, you’ll also learn lots about aquatic animals and their habitats for example, clownfish and their relationship with anemone displayed in the Clownfish Garden – think ‘Finding Nemo’ brought to life – the kids will love it. Plus, there’s a touch pool for the little ones to enjoy. They’ll be able to see and handle sea stars, shells, shark eggs and more at the discovery rock pool! There’s also the Art Aquarium which provides an interactive experience for kids where they can draw their own fish and watch their drawings come to life in a virtual tank.

#02 – TARONGA ZOO

Taronga Zoo is located north of Sydney, overlooking the harbour and is filled with so much variety of animal species from around the world such as tapirs, elephants and meerkats. You could spend the whole day here walking at a leisurely pace before heading back via ferry to Circular Quay. Take a map of the zoo and head out on an exciting adventure. Animal shows such as the seal show and the free flight bird show are bound to keep the kids entertained with their interactivity. There’s also plenty of photo opportunities especially with the giraffes during their feeding time! Taronga Zoo remains as the number 1 thing to do in Sydney with the family.

If the great experience at Taronga Zoo is not enough, there are plenty of other zoos located outside of the city centre such as Wild Life Sydney Zoo and Symbio Wildlife Park. If you finish up with the zoo early, why not get active with the Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay Walk which begins just outside the zoo and ends at a beautiful beach area?

#03 – DARLING HARBOUR

Hanging around Darling Harbour is a classic and free source of entertainment for the kids. Let them have the time of their lives running around and playing at the Darling Quarter Kid’s Playground which has been revamped over the years, while you sit back and relax on the benches while drinking coffee on-the-go from the nearby cafes. There are water games, ropes to climb and swing on, slides and even flying foxes.

You might be hit hard with feelings of nostalgia if you grew up in Sydney and remember the old days of what this precious playground used to look like. Nearby you can also find the iconic carousel ride which has been around for tens of years. There’s also a ferris wheel ride that sits just outside the Harbourside Shopping Centre, and during the summer season, there’s usually the wonderful daily fireworks display at 9pm. A great day out for the whole family and also a great Sydney destination if you’re on a bit of a budget.

#04 – AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM

The oldest museum in Australia, the Australian Museum is quite popular for the dinosaur exhibitions it features and is well-renowned for having one of best collections of anthropology and natural history. There’s so much to see and learn in the museum, and the kids will have a joyful time learning about dinosaurs, prehistoric animals and the history of things.

If you go during the school holidays periods, there are usually events and for kids such as the Critter Club and short film screenings. Kids under 16 get free admission to the museum, so a day trip to the Australian Museum is definitely affordable and worthwhile!

#05 – BONDI BEACH

One of the most popular tourist destinations in Australia, Bondi Beach is quite an iconic beach in that it the beach itself is beautiful, it is considerably safe compared to some other beaches (there’s lifeguards and even a TV show ‘Bondi Rescue’ which revolves around saving people at the beach), and there’s great food options nearby. Play in the water, dig in the sand, and lay on the beach… its guaranteed fun for everyone. Bondi Beach is high on our list of free things to do in Sydney with the kids.

Make sure to try the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk or at least the shorter Bondi to Tamarama Walk which lead to other beaches. The scenic coastal views are well worth it! Head back and end the exhausting but fun day by dining at one of the many restaurants and cafes in the area especially on Hall Street such as Trio and Sean’s Panaroma.

5 Fun Attractions for Kids to Visit in Sydney If You're Short On Time! Its hard to narrow it down but we don't always have the luxury of time! #sydneythingstodo #familytravel Click To Tweet

Sydney truly is a picturesque city with a great level of diversity. As evident by the 5 attractions above, it has a lot to offer all members of the family from the breathtaking harbour to the oldest Museum in the country. Make sure to also take advantage of the country’s very multicultural society and indulge in some culinary delights such as Pho in Surry Hills, sickly sweet baklavas from Gaziantep bakery in Auburn or indulge in exquisite sashimi at Tetsuya’s. Essentially our advice is simple. Enjoy the sights whilst eating your way through this glorious city! Enjoy our top 5 attractions to visit in Sydney when you’re short on time!

 

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Guest Post by Olivia Bourke.
Olivia Bourke is a writer currently living in Sydney, Australia. When she’s not working online, she loves exploring New South Wales and the greater parts of Australia, taking photos and relaxing on the beach.

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