Sydneys 10 Best Activites for Kids
Want to keep the nippers happy? Roadtest our ten best boredom killers
Sydney's Taronga Zoo is a must see. Reptiles, giraffes, elephants, bears and monkeys - there's an animal for every one. Regular shows happen all year round - in fact the seals stop by twice daily for a dramatic show (1pm and 2.15pm), while there's two free flight bird shows (12pm and 3pm) every day. Either take a guided tour round the zoo or for an exciting gold class option, book in a Zoosnooz - where you can sleep under the
stars surrounded by native wildlife. Now that's awesome!
Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman 2088. (02 9969 2777) Mon-Sun 9am-5pm. Adult $39; concs $23; child $19; family $98.50.
When you're a kid, it's all about interaction. Pulling, pushing, throwing, chewing - which is exactly the smorgasbord on offer at the Powerhouse Museum, Australia's oldest and Sydney's most kid-friendly museum. All year long and through the school holidays the Museum programs diverse exhibitions and collections that span technology, history, science and design - but don't forget to drop by Zoe's House, the kids-only zone, a unfinished building site just waiting for budding builders to put it together. And pull it apart.
500 Harris St, Ultimo 2007 (02 9217 0111) Mon-Sun 10am- 5pm. Adult $10; child $5; concs. $6; family 25.
Sydney's last surviving amusement park, and one of the city's most recognisible icons, has managed to escape the clutches of redevelopment and remain a no-brainer for a family outing; and the regular ferry services from Milsons Point to Darling Harbour and Circular Quay provide scenic bookends to the experience.
1 Olympic Drive, Milsons Point 2061. (02 9033 7676) Mon & Thurs 10am- 6pm; Fri 11am-11pm; Sat 10am-11pm; Sun 10am-5pm. Unlimited ride pass 130cm and over $43; 106-129 cm $33; 105 and under $20.
There's literally something for everyone at the Olympic Park - especially for the family that likes to get out in the sun and get active. Hire or BYO your own bike and take advantage of the Park's tracks; book in for a workshop or clinic (there's even activities for the artsy kids); try your hand at mini golf; take a dip at the pool; learn to skateboard, trapeze and discover all about the frogs of the area. And that's not even during the school holidays.
Cnr Showground Rd & Murray Rose Ave, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127. (02 9714 7888)
There's a reason why the Wiggles are one of Australia's richest entertainment export - they rock. And you can rock at Wiggles World, an indoor children's playground featuring jumping castles, mazes, themed party rooms, ball pits and a cafe for adults.
1A Stanton Road, Seven Hills NSW 2147 (02 9838 961) Weekdays 9.30am-5pm weekends 9.30am-6pm. Adults $4; child $9.90.
An Olympic sized arena, lots of function and party rooms and even more cafes and shops, kids can take either private lessons with coaches, or just skate for fun during public sessions. It's also home to Sydney Ice Dogs, Emperors Ice Hockey Club and Flyers Hockey Club, meaning you can watch all the great ice hockey action, or borrow a stick, helmet and puck and give the game a shot.
11 Solent Circuit, Baulkham Hills 2153. (02 9659 5557) Mon-Thur & Sun 10.30am-5.30pm; Fri 10.30am-10.30pm; Sat 10.30am-10pm. Child under 5 $13; child (6-12) $15; concs $16; adult $18.
OK, it might not be the best time of the year for swimming but Manly's Waterworks is hell-for-leather excitement when you're a kid. Giant water slides, safe harbour swimming, boardwalks and a hands-on aquarium - good, wet family fun.
Cnr West Esp & Commonwealth Pde, Manly 2095. (02 9949 1088) Weekends and school holidays 10am-5pm; 6pm-9pm on Sat Dec-Feb. Prices for all day passes: individuals $19.50; family $60; group of 10+ $17.
8 Go-Karting - Star tracks!
The website offers a warning: go-karting is addictive. It is. A good option for the older kids, the Indy 800 Kart Track is one of Sydney's longest (800 metres), giving drivers a chance to put the pedal to the metal.
Indy 800 Kart Track 446 Wilberforce Rd, Wilberforce 2756. (02 4575 1955) Everyday 10am-5pm. Individual kart hire $24-99.
9 Horse Riding - Get the kids addicted to horse!
Centennial Park offers endless green space for working off all that young people energy but also a world of horses with lessons every day of the week, pony leads and trail rides through the park. And if the kids want a more in-depth experience, you can send them to Holiday Camp.
Centennial Parklands Equestrian Centre 114-120 Lang Rd., Centennial Park, NSW 2021 (02 9332 2809) Everyday 5am-9pm; park ride $65; private $90.
10 Nutcote - Home of May Gibbs
The work of the late May Gibbs has given Australian children wondrous fantasies for years with Snugglepot and Cuddlepie. Nutcote is where she wrote her books and long-running cartoon strip Bib and Bub. Reminisce about Gumnut babies and Banksia men in that childhood fantasy world.
5 Wallaringa Ave, Neutral Bay 2089. (02 9953 4453) Wed-Sun 11am-3pm. Adult $8; child $3; concs. $5; family 17