From learning circus style acrobatics to riding the waves at Bondi Beach, there are so many things to do in Sydney when you’re thinking of ways to keep the little ones entertained. Take a look at our top picks of Sydney attractions and activities when planning your family holiday…

See the stars

Bring the family to the Sydney Observatory in the Rocks and you’ll all be able to explore the sky in the famous telescope domes. During the daytime you can observe the sun with special lenses, and at night you can gaze out on the planets in our solar system. There’s a 3-D space theatre here too, giving you a captivating glimpse into what it’s like to be an astronaut.

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Red Route, Stop: Barangaroo

Power up on science

Pay a visit to The Powerhouse Museum, inner Sydney's science and technology outpost of the Museum of Applied Arts & Sciences. The collection covers a broad variety of industries, including decorative arts, science, communication, transport, costume, furniture, media, computer technology, space technology and steam engines. There's truly something to appeal to everyone's niche interest at the Powerhouse.

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Red Route, Stop: Powerhouse Museum

Look out over the city

The Sydney Tower is the city’s tallest building, and you can take a lift straight to the top to look out at one of the best views in the world. If your little ones have got a head for heights, they might want to take a SKYWALK and step out onto a glass walkway. Don’t worry, they’ll be fully harnessed and perfectly safe.

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Red Route, Stop: Sydney Tower/Westfield Sydney

Play cops and robbers

The Justice and Police Museum at Circular Quay is home to a magistrate’s court, a police charge room and a number of cells too. You can read about notorious criminals from Australia’s past, and also see some of the weapons of legendary bushrangers like Ned Kelly.

Red Route, Stop: Sydney Opera House

Explore natural history

Dinosaurs, fossils, creepy crawlies, if your kids are excited and intrigued by the natural world then the Australian Museum will keep them spellbound for hours. The museum houses a vast collection of flora and fauna, and there are plenty of exhibits about man’s early history. There’s also a dedicated area for the under-5s.

Red & Blue Route, Stop: Australian Museum

Find your favourite celebrity

Fancy getting your photo taken with some of the A-listers? Everybody loves Madame Tussauds, and the Sydney version is a great day out. Come on over to Darling Harbour and walk the red carpet, sit on Oprah’s couch or stroll into the White House’s Oval Office. Pick up a Merlin Combination ticket through us and you’ll get access to 3 other family-friendly attractions.

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Red Route, Stop: Sea Life Sydney Aquarium

Watch the fish

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium has recently been updated, and there are now 14 themed zones for you and the little ones to explore. From mangrove swamps to the Great Barrier Reef, you’ll get to see all sorts of marine creatures against their natural backdrop. There are over 13,000 separate creatures here, and over 700 species. Entry is included in your purchase of the Merlin Combination ticket.

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Red Route, Stop: Sea Life Sydney Aquarium

Have fun at Luna Park

With Ferris wheels and roller coaster rides, this is how theme parks used to be. With a Big Top right in the centre, there’s always a party going on at Luna Park. Once you’ve walked through the big smiling mouth to get into the park, head for the Midway, the main thoroughfare through the Park. This is where you’ll find all the rides and attractions.

Red Route, Stop: Sydney Harbour Bridge

Go to the circus

If you’d like the kids to get active, Circus Arts is a great way for them to learn new skills, in a safe and secure environment. Let them have a go at being a trapeze artist under the careful eye of a specially trained instructor. There are plenty of fitness and skills sessions here too. You’ll find Circus Arts down at the Olympic Park Aquatic Centre.

Chill on the beach

We saved the best till last. Every child large or small loves to come to the beach, and there are plenty to choose from in Sydney. Balmoral Beach on the north side of Sydney is a good beach for families, as is Coogee, as the waves tend to be gentle. If the little ones want something a bit more adventurous than paddling, they can take snorkelling lessons at Shelley Beach and Chowder Bay too. Bondi Beach is a favourite amongst locals and tourists alike for a reason too, go here to learn to surf.

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Blue Route, Stop: Bondi Beach

Follow our guide and Sydney for kids can be full of excitement and amusement at every corner. Add any of these fun things to do in Sydney to your travel itinerary and the little ones are bound to remember this trip for years to come. Be sure to stop for a bite to eat at one the Best Restaurants in Sydney in between all the activities.