Welcome to Sydney! Travelling as a family with kids can sometimes be difficult, but we’ve put together a list of fun activities for the whole family. What’s more, each location is easily accessible via public transport, or within a short walk from both Meriton Suites Kent Street or Meriton Suites World Tower.
How to get there: Simply walk approximately 500m to Town Hall and either catch the L2/L3 light rail or the T8 train to Circular Quay. Once there, just head to Wharf 6 and catch the ferry to Taronga Zoo!
One of the best parts about getting to Taronga Zoo is catching the ferry to get there. Approximately 10 minutes, you and the kids will get to see some amazing views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge as you enjoy the wind in your hair and sun on your face. The real fun begins, however, when you step foot into the zoo.
Kids will love exploring the different “lands” in the zoo and seeing over 4,000 different animals, but don’t forget to check the website beforehand! Taronga regularly hosts over 20 keeper talks and shows every day where little ones can learn about meerkats, giraffes, penguins, and more. Other fun and free experiences include discovering the powerful Sumatran Tigers on the Tiger Trek, getting up close and personal with Squirrel Monkeys on the Jungle Walk, and playing right next to lemurs on our Lemur Forest Adventure.
Because of the current COVID-19 safety restrictions, all visitors to Taronga Zoo are required to purchase tickets online and attend the Zoo on their selected date only. Tickets will NOT be available for purchase at the gate.
How to get there: It’s just a short 15-minute walk to the aquarium from our Kent Street or World Tower hotels
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium is a definite must-see for families and kids. There’s much to see and do at the aquarium, and we particularly love wandering through the aquarium’s different habitat zones.
The South Coast Shipwreck mimics a beached shipwreck environment and is home to the adorably popular Little Penguins, while Dugong Island is home to “Pig” who is famous for being Sydney’s most popular dugong. For something a little bit more daring, head over to the Shark Walk which takes you into an underwater tunnel where you can marvel at some of the world’s biggest aquarium sharks.
Don’t worry mum, there’s also lots to make sure that your kids receive an education too! The Discovery Rockpool lets kids see and touch various forms of sea life including sea stars, shark eggs, shells, rays and more. On the other hand, the Jurassic Seas will transport kids to the depths of the ocean and teach them about evolution, jellyfish and lungfish.
Make sure you purchase tickets online and book a visiting timeslot as only a certain number of visitors can enter due to the COVID-19 safety restrictions, and tickets may not be available to be sold on the door.
How to get there: Just catch the T1 train from Town Hall to Milsons Point.
Luna Park is perfect for any adrenaline junkies in the family, or simply those who love the feeling of old fairs and carnivals. Honestly, it’s hard to choose what to do at Luna Park because there is so much on offer. A ride on the Ferris Wheel offers stunning views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House, while the Wild Mouse rollercoaster is 61 seconds of dips, dives and nerve-wracking turns. The Tumble Bug is another ride that will challenge your stomach as you’re flung in every direction, whereas the Rotor will spin you at ridiculous speeds, leaving you pressed against the walls.
Want something a little less terrifying? Head over to the beautifully-restored Coney Island. This old-school funhouse is home to classic gags like the Joy Wheel, Mirror Maze, Giant Slide… and let’s not forget Australia’s largest collection of pinball machines!
How to get there: It’s a short 15-minute walk to the museum!
No trip to Sydney is complete without a visit to The Powerhouse Museum. They are constantly hosting new exhibitions (our favourites over the years have featured Sherlock Holmes, DC Comics, LEGO, and Star Wars) so make sure you check their website to see what’s currently on show.
However, that’s not to say that their permanent exhibition is any less impressive! The museum features a wide array of interactive games and educational tools that are aimed at both big and little kids alike. Does little Jane dream of being an astronaut? Then head over to the Space exhibition which includes a Zero Gravity Space Lab where you can experience the illusion of weightlessness. Does young Mike want to become a scientist? Make sure they visit Experimentations where they can learn how a battery works, why the sky is blue, and why lightning occurs. The Tinkering Zone will also let them get really hands-on and play with cool machines that spout light and sound waves.
Booking entry tickets in advance on their website is strongly encouraged.
How to get there: It’s a short 15-minute walk from our Kent Street or World Tower hotels
The Sydney Tower Eye offers breathtaking 360-degree views over the beautiful Sydney Harbour and will thrill children aged 8 and over. The observation deck is the perfect place to take in the picturesque views, which span from the beautiful golden beaches to the distant Blue Mountains and beyond. Take part in the SKYWALK tour to absorb the full experience, which includes a 60-minute, fully-guided tour and access to the 4D cinema pre-show experience.
Booking entry tickets in advance on their website is strongly encouraged.
Travelling in Sydney with kids can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. Meriton Suites is one of the only accommodation providers in Sydney with two or three-bedroom suites, so reserve your suite today and start planning your holiday!
