10 of the best Sydney day trips for children
Bikes and water fights -- now, that's a winning combination at Sydney Olympic Park.Sure, Sydney may be a cosmopolitan place known for its smart eateries, pubs and colorful nightlife, but don’t be totally fooled. By day, this family-friendly city also offers loads to do to keep its most-demanding residents happy too.
Here’s our pick of the top 10 things to do with the kids. And even if you don’t have children, many are still worth a visit.
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1. Splash the dugongs at Sydney Aquarium
Set in the heart of Sydney on Darling Harbour, Sydney Aquarium showcases more than 12,000 marine animals from 650 species in habitat displays, including platypuses, seahorses, giant turtles, jellyfish and thousands of tropical fish.
But the main drawcard is a series of underwater, see-through tunnels, where sharks and giant stingrays glide overhead and alongside visitors.
Also on top of the must-see list -- a pair of native dugongs, or sea cows, called Pig and Wuru, who were taken into captivity after being found washed up on different beaches in Queensland.
Tickets start at $20 per child and $35 per adult. Children under three are free.
Sydney Aquarium, Aquarium Pier, Darling Harbour. Open daily from 9 a.m.-8 p.m., +61 (0) 2 8251 7800.
2. Go native at Taronga Zoo
Set on a sloping hillside above the harbor, and boasting panoramic views of the city to go with the animal displays, Taronga Zoo is an iconic Sydney landmark.
Officially opened in 1916, the zoo is currently undergoing a massive overhaul, with some areas closed for renovation.
Still, some mega-exhibits have already opened, including the jungle-themed Rainforest Trail and a new Tasmanian Devil display.
Wildlife tours, around-the-clock bird and seal shows and keeper talks are also on offer.
Fancy something a bit more adventurous? Camp overnight at the zoo in safari tents and wake up to the sound of lions as part of the zoo’s “Roar and Snore” stay.
Children, $22; adults $44; under fours free.
Taronga Zoo, 1 Bradley’s Head, Mosman. Open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., +61 (0) 2 9969 2777.
3. Ride the rollercoasters at Luna Park
It’s hard to miss the iconic Luna Park, with its 9-meter-wide smiling clown face entrance staring out over the Harbour.
Tucked behind Coney Island, the recently restored 1930s amusement park now includes a Big Top auditorium, along with popular rides such as the Tumble Bug and Flying Saucer.
Entry is free and tickets are sold for single rides, which suits a family with kids under five. For the older ones, it’s probably worth buying an unlimited pass, which lets them on all the rides all day. Day passes start at $24.95 during peak season.
Luna Park, Olympic Drive, Milsons Point 2061. Opening hours vary, +61 (0) 2 9922 6644.
4. Mount a pony in Centennial Park
Nothing puts a smile on a kid’s face faster than the chance to go on a pony ride -- and there are many opportunities to do so at Centennial Park.
On the first weekend of every month, the park offers hand-led, 10-minute pony rides for children aged two-11 from the corner of Parkes Drive and Grand Drive in the park.
Tickets ($13 per ride) are sold at the nearby visitor counter, next to the kiosk. Another option is to book through one of Centennial Parklands Equestrian Centre’s five riding schools.
Finally, the My Little Ponies program, an ongoing initiative specially designed for two-five year olds, teaches kids where the horses live, what they eat and how to care for them.
Don’t worry -- a hand-led ride is also included. Bookings are essential.
Centennial Park Equestrian Centre, 114-120 Lang Road, Centennial Park. Opening hours vary, +61 (0) 2 9339 6699.
5. Get a charge at the Powerhouse Museum
Chase fish in a digital pond as part of an interactive Magic Garden or experience the illusion of weightlessness in the Zero Gravity Space Lab. All this and more is in store at the Powerhouse Museum.
The former power station was converted into a buzzing museum in 1988 and now houses 250 interactive exhibits, many of which are geared specially for under-eights.
Recent highlights included a high-tech Wiggles exhibition to mark the kids' song-and-dance group's 20th anniversary. It featured photographs and memorabilia, along with a Big Red Car for kids to ride.
Harry Potter fans also won’t be disappointed with an exhibition showcasing hundreds of props, sets and costumes from the movie until March 18.
And if that’s not enough to keep your kiddies amused, check out the museum’s new outdoor playground. Entry starts at $6 per child and $12 per adult.
Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris St., near Carling Harbour. Open daily from 9.30 a.m.-5 p.m., +61 (0) 2 9217 0111.
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