Immersive Experiences That Turn the City Into a Playground

Good for all ages including toddlers, who tend to be completely absorbed by the underwater tunnels. Combine with WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo next door on a combo ticket — valid for 30 days, so you can spread it across multiple visits if the kids don’t want to leave. Welcome to underwater life with all of its fascinating inhabitants.
Hop into the studio and learn how to paint one of their many set artworks with expert guidance from a supervising artist. The best part is that it’s BYO, and you can drink it throughout 9d cinema the lesson. The studio provides all the materials you’ll need, including wine glasses, and takes three hours in total. Brix offers a full distillery experience in the heart of the city and it’s not just any old spirits that are made here. Boutique, and made using locally sourced and native ingredients, get ready to meet your favourite new spirit. Exploring Australia’s biggest city is easy with options for visitors of all abilities.

The walk will take you through the beaches of Tamarama, Clovelly, and Bronte, showcasing  stunning cliffs and rock formations, as well as the hauntingly beautiful Waverley Cemetery. The Botanic Gardens also runs free guided tours run by volunteers. Ramble over 30 hectares of lush greenery while the kids explore fascinating plants and resident wildlife. Lie back and watch the light dance through the foliage or pound the pavement for some exercise with breathtaking views. Sydney is home to loads of free, family-friendly museums that go above and beyond the usual museum setup. The hanging birdcages (aka Forgotten Songs) are famous in Sydney and represent the call of 50 birds that used to live in the city before the arrival of Europeans.
Take the high-speed double-decker lift from street level to the Sydney Tower Eye’s observation deck for stunning views in all directions. From here, you can see amazing views of the Sydney Harbour, watch the planes touch down at Sydney Airport 10 kilometres away and spot ships at sea two hours before they  can be seen from Sydney beaches. Jump on board the Manly Ferry at Circular Quay for one of Sydney’s most iconic experiences – a trip to Manly for a day at the beach.
With a series of  glass viewing tunnels, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium in Darling Harbour is a must-do family attraction. It allows you to descend underwater and view marine creatures up close. It’s the perfect venue to introduce kids to sea life without getting wet.

You'll get to explore the theatres (providing there isn’t a show in session) – from the majestic Concert Hall to the quaint Drama Theatre. You’ll be regaled with the secrets and stories that go on behind the curtain. There's even an immersive experience that celebrates the past, present and people of our city's most famous building. For nine decades, Luna Park has surprised and delighted the fun-seekers of Sydney. The Department of Legend and Myth (D.L.M) was a popular secret pop-up bar during VIVID, giving people a taste of the epic experience of ETERNITYLAND that was to come.
Sydney's party scene is flourishing with interactive entertainment options that transform ordinary celebrations into unforgettable experiences. One for all ages, round up your squad for an electrifying session of laser tag at Strike—a guaranteed adrenaline rush that even Grandma won't want to miss. Step into Strike’s state-of-the-art arenas, where you'll find yourself immersed in a world of excitement and adventure. With foolproof weapons and immersive environments complete with fun props and a legendary soundtrack, every moment is primed for pulse-pounding action. And with a leaderboard and top spot to be challenged for, you're sure to battle it out to the end against friends and family in the chase for an all guns blazing top spot!
There are many things Sydney does well and immersive experiences are at the top of the list (looking at you Vivid). With bright flashing lights, vibrant colours, and cutting-edge technology, these events will transport you to another time. From the fascinating world of Ancient Egypt to a techno rave at Luna Park, these one-of-a-kind experiences are a must-see. Transport yourself to another time with some trippy immersive experiences and more around Sydney.

Older children often prefer visits that pose questions and invite them to solve a mystery. These venues suit curious minds who enjoy darker themes, problem-solving and real-life stories. The chak wing museum also displays birds, mammals, fish and insects. Children who love animal facts will enjoy studying feathers, skeletons and tiny preserved specimens up close. Museum holiday events list practical dates and bookings to plan ahead.
It’s the main ferry hub, walkable from the CBD, and the views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge from the waterfront are as good as anywhere in the world. Most families are happy just walking the foreshore and watching the ferry traffic which costs nothing and takes about as long as you want it to. We’ve covered the best paid attractions worth the money, the free experiences that rival anything ticketed, and the practical information that makes a day out with kids actually work.
Younger kids will marvel, while older ones will be happy about the many selfie opportunities. Darling Harbour PlaygroundDarling Harbour, daily, free, darlingharbour.comThis has to be one of the best playgrounds in Sydney, with kids able to roam for hours while parents can savour a sneaky coffee. It’s particularly nice on a sunny day as it has an impressive water play area with aquatic contraptions and fountains to splash about in. In 2024, a new area was also added to cater for tweens and teens, with super-sized slides and more challenging climbing structures.

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.
It’s partially shaded, and there are picnic benches around the outside for weary adults. And best of all, there’s lots of natural plants, landing chips, rocks and trees to explore. Explore one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World—an archaeological treasure trove and a monumental testament to Egyptian architectural genius. The experience allows visitors to physically move and interact within a shared virtual reality space, providing a deeply emotional and engaging dive into the heart of Egyptian culture.