Are you looking for fun and engaging activities to do with your kids in Parramatta? Look no further! We have compiled a list of the best kids’ activities that are sure to keep them entertained.
From educational experiences at museums and art galleries to outdoor adventures like hiking and biking, there are so many fun things to do in Parramatta with kids that you can start planning not one but many visits.
With plenty of parks and recreational spaces nearby, you can easily find a spot to relax while your little ones explore their environment. For those rainy days, we’ve also included some great indoor options that are perfect for families with toddlers or school-aged children.
So grab your hat and sunscreen (or umbrella!) – it’s time to explore all the amazing things Parramatta has to offer!
Best Things To Do in Parramatta With Kids – Contents
Children-Friendly Parks and Playgrounds Around Parramatta
1. Parramatta Park
Parramatta Park is right in the heart of the city of Parramatta and is a place families can easily spend a whole day. Whether you’re looking to set up a picnic, celebrate a special family occasion, get active or educate yourself and the family about Australian history, Parramatta Park has it all.
The park has 14 barbecues which are offered on a first come, first served basis for free and can be used for small gatherings. There are also numerous regular events and festivals. You can do a lovely stroller walk at Parramatta Park too and there are two large and excellent playgrounds, called Domain Creek playground and Paperbark playground there too.
Other Features:
- Sensory Play
- Splash Play
- Baby Change Table
2. James Ruse Reserve
James Ruse Reserve has so much to keep kids entertained, there’s a playground, skate park and interactive water play area all in one spot. You can be sure that there’s something that your little ones will love.
The best part? Trees and umbrellas completely shade every amenity, so you don’t need to worry about the hot summer sun getting in the way. Bring your kids to James Ruse Reserve for all the fun activities they can enjoy!
Other Features:
- Play Equipment
- BBQ
- Splash Play
3. Ollie Webb Reserve
Ollie Web Reserve is a children-friendly playground with a baby change table. The playground also features several fun activities for kids, such as slides, swings, sandboxes and a variety of climbing structures.
Additionally, Ollie Web Reserve is equipped with all the necessary safety precautions to ensure that your children are safe while they play. There’s even a dedicated area for parents to relax and supervise their children from afar.
With plenty of shade and seating, you can rest assured that your children will have a great time in the playground.
Other Features:
- Sports Field
- BBQ
- Fitness Station
4. James Ruse Reserve
James Ruse Reserve has so much to keep kids entertained, there’s a playground, skate park and interactive water play area all in one spot. You can be sure that there’s something that your little ones will love.
The best part? Trees and umbrellas completely shade every amenity, so you don’t need to worry about the hot summer sun getting in the way. Bring your kids to James Ruse Reserve for all the fun activities they can enjoy!
Other Features:
- Play Equipment
- BBQ
- Splash Play
5. Lake Parramatta Reserve
With lovely walks, a lake where you can splash and swim, lovely playgrounds and beautiful sculptures, Lake Parramatta reserve is a place where families can easily spend a full day. One of the best things to do in Parramatta with kids!
- Cafe within the park
- BBQs and picnic shelters
- Toilest and change tables
6. Parramatta Stadium Playground
Alongside the huge sports stadium, on O’Connell Street, you will find the very modern and fairly challenging playground. With large slides and cool climbing equipment, this is a fab spot to blow off some steam. Kids will enjoy the climbing ropes, and the rock climbing areas.
- Plenty of afternoon shade
- Excellent for older children
- Basketball courts and adult fitness stations
7. Parramatta Riverside Playground
The play equipment building into the sloping sides of the Parramatta Riverside Walk are a huge hit with kids when exploring the Parramatta River. There are long and short slides, rope walkways and sand play and water play areas.
This playground is not fenced so you need to watch your little ones very closely. It’s a fab playground for school-aged children though.
- Cafes and toilets just across the river
- Climbing walls
- Artworks along the river
Here are Some Other Parks and Playgrounds in Parramatta – Tick off those things to do in Parramatta with kids:
- Fenced Kids Play Area
- Play Equipment
- Baby Change Table
- Play Equipment
- Baby Change Table
- Parking
- Play Equipment
- Baby Change Table
- Play Equipment
- Picnic Tables
- Baby Change Table
- Play Equipment
- Baby Change Table
- Fitness Station
- Play Equipment
- Baby Change Table
- Fenced Kids Play Area
- Sports Field
- Baby Change Table
- Play Equipment
- Baby Change Table
- Play Equipment
- Baby Change Table
- Play Equipment
- Baby Change Table
- Fitness Station
- Sports Field
- Play Equipment
- Play Equipment
- Sports Field
- Baby Change Table
- Play Equipment
- Fitness Station
- Sports Field
Moore Park on Mathew St. in Merrylands is a fantastic spot for families with children to gather and have some much-needed fun. Not only does it feature a wonderful playground, but it’s also equipped with a sunshade to protect your child when enjoying the outdoors in those scorching temperatures. Making it one of the great things to do in Parramatta with kids.
The park matters to many people in the local area, and what’s more, is that it’s also a designated no-smoking zone, making it an even healthier environment for our little ones. This makes it easier for parents to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature with their loved ones.
Other Features:
- Play Equipment
- Table/Bench
- Baby Change Table
Acacia Park in Telopea is an ideal destination for Sydney families looking for a fun and enriching day out. With plenty of playground equipment designed to stimulate children of different ages, it’s the perfect spot for parents to watch their little ones as they explore and have fun.
There are also sunshades in place to protect them from Australia’s harsh summer rays. For a more relaxing day out, Acacia Park has plenty to offer too. There’s a sensory play area where kids can experience and explore different sounds and textures in a safe environment.
Parents are also welcome to take advantage of the BBQ facilities located within the park for an easy yet delicious lunch or dinner option.
Other Features:
- Baby Change Table
- Imagination Play
- Picnic Tables
With its child-friendly atmosphere and plethora of amenities, there’s something for everyone at Leawarra Reserve. It has a large open playground where kids play all day long. The area is surrounded by lots of trees which act as a natural shade to prevent kids from getting sunburn.
Whether you’re looking for an active day or a more laid-back one, Leawarra Reserve can provide it. It is situated right next to Chester Street. So why not gather your family and head to Leawarra Reserve for some well-deserved quality time together? You won’t regret it!
Other Features:
- Play Equipment
- Table/Bench
- Baby Change Table
Lawson Square Park in Merrylands has fun equipment for children who will love its wide range of activities.
The expansive play area is fitted with countless attractions that keep kids busy while they’re having the time of their lives! Whether it be on the playground structure with slides, swings and climbing walls, Lawson Square Park is sure to deliver an unforgettable experience.
Both exciting and educational, there’s no shortage of things to do at this park for your little ones.
Other Features:
- Table/Bench
- Sunshade
- Baby Change Table
At top of Church Street, there’s a large square which you cross to get to the Station and to Westfields. But this is also a terrific place to tarry with kids. There are several cafes around what is really a very Italian-style piazza. There are fun water play fountains, a table tennis table and a huge chess set, plus some groovy food trucks.
Where to Eat With Kids In and Around Parramatta?
Parramatta is a great place for families to meet up, relax and enjoy some quality time together. There are plenty of eateries nearby catering specifically to those with little ones. These cafes offer a variety of delicious snacks and drinks that will please both adults and children. Eating locations make up some of the best things to do in Parramatta with kids!
Cafes and Restaurants in and around Parramatta
1. Eat Street
Parramatta’s ‘Eat Street’ is the central thoroughfare, Church Street which is wall-to-wall cafes and restaurants. Just have a wander along Church Street between Phillip Street and the Parramatta River and you’ll be bowled over with the choice. And don’t forget there are more cafes and restaurants further up Church Street too. Trust me, you will NOT go hungry.
2. Chow Bella
Chow Bella in Lidcombe is a casual and friendly restaurant that you can visit for a delicious Sunday brunch or something to satisfy your late-night craving. The menu is packed with fresh, flavorful dishes that will tantalize your taste buds.
Besides, their all-day breakfast gives you the assurance that you’ll get your bacon and egg fix whenever you’re feeling peckish. The friendly staff are always on hand to answer any questions you may have and ensure your all-day breakfast experience is as smooth as possible.
Since everyone has their own tastes, they provide you with the freedom to customise your orders and make mealtime more enjoyable.
3. Little Rock Cafe
Little Rock Cafe is a vibrant, popular restaurant situated in the Hills Shire, renowned for its friendly service and relaxing atmosphere. They strive to provide an enjoyable experience for everyone who dines with us.
Their extensively varied menu provides something to have please even the pickiest of eaters, with daily specials ensuring that there’s always something new to try.
The cafe is located near Woolworths at Stockland Baulkham Hills and has both indoor and outdoor dining areas to suit your needs. Little Rock Cafe is perfect for special occasions or business meetings.
4. Misc Parramatta
Situated within Parramatta park, Misc Parramatta is a lovely cafe which welcomes families. there is plenty of space and lots of indoor and outdoor seating. Misc is open Tuesday – Sunday from 8am – 3pm. You can simply enjoy a coffee, or add in some cakes, or have a full breakfast or lunch. Misc is an excellent spot to meet up with family or friends.
Sadly the old Gatehouse High Tea Rooms at Parramatta Park are currently closed, though there is often a takeaway coffee cart in that area, handy for the playground!
5. Lil Miss Collins
Lil Miss Collins is located just a few steps away from the bustling Parramatta Station. It is a charming and cozy cafe that offers its customers an unforgettable Mediterranean dining experience.
The café boasts an array of delicious dishes made from the freshest ingredients sourced from local farmers, ensuring that customers can enjoy a meal filled with robust flavours. They also offer a selection of kid-friendly meals that will surely be for children of all ages.
The café has created a space for children, where they are free to let loose and do what comes naturally to them, such as playing in the designated toy corner or interacting with the baby animal.
6. The Bells Road Social
The Bells Road Social is a beloved cafe located in Oatlands, near Parramatta. It’s a place where people of all ages and backgrounds can come to enjoy great coffee, food, company, and atmosphere.
Here you’ll find delicious fresh-baked pastries, a range of homemade cakes and slices, plus daily specials. Relax in the comfortable outdoor seating area or cosy up inside with the warm fireplace.
Everyone is welcome at The Bells Road Social, and the staff is always ready to welcome new customers with a smile. With its welcoming atmosphere and delicious food, it’s no wonder that The Bells Road Social has become so popular.
7. NBC Sports Club
The Kids Backyard at NBC Sports Club in Northmead is the perfect place for family fun and special occasions. From the amazing Tiki Island, one of Australia’s largest jumping castles, to the exciting Kangaroo Jumper jumping pillow, your little ones will have so much to explore and enjoy.
With its convenient undercover verandah dining area, parents can be sure that the kids are safe and close by while they relax and enjoy a meal.
This family-friendly venue is also perfect for family gatherings. NBC Sports Club offers a delicious menu of breakfast, lunch and dinner options with something to satisfy everyone’s palate.
Indoor Play Centres In Parramatta
Indoor Playgrounds are some of the best things to do in Parramatta with kids!
1. Lollipop’s Playland Parramatta
Lollipop’s Playland Parramatta is the perfect place for any kids to enjoy an active day of fun! With plenty of activities to choose from, including a three-storey play frame, trampoline area, ball pool and more, kids will never be bored.
The centre is also equipped with a range of amenities, including a cafe and baby-changing facilities, giving parents the chance to enjoy themselves as well.
Come along and experience the fun with us at our play centre! With exciting attractions and activities to keep your children entertained, it’s guaranteed to be a day they won’t forget. So come on down and let them explore, play, and have the time of their lives!
2. ChouChou Bebe
Chouchou Bebe at Merrylands is the ideal spot for family members and children to come together, have fun and indulge in great food, all of which is halal. The venue has safe, clean and well-maintained play areas for children.
They also have a range of fun activities such as inflatables, games and toys that the kids can enjoy while the adults can relax in the comfortable seating area.
The staff are friendly and always eager to help, ensuring that your visit is pleasant. So come by Chouchou Bebe’s indoor play centre and restaurant for an enjoyable day with friends and family! Let the kids have fun while you relax in the cozy atmosphere.
3. Timezone Parramatta
Experience a world of entertainment at Timezone Parramatta! Located in Westfield Parramatta, Timezone Arcade provides an unforgettable experience with over 100 arcade games, Spin Zone bumper cars, short lane bowling and the Winners Vault prize shop.
If that isn’t enough to get you excited, then prepare to take your entertainment experience to the next level – literally! The newly refurbished Laser Tag Arena is located on the second level of Timezone Parramatta and offers an intense, thrilling and action-packed adventure.
4. Ultimate Sydney
Ultimate Sydney at Northmead is an incredible family-oriented entertainment venue that caters to patrons of all ages. From the moment you step inside, you are surrounded by a huge network of interconnected trampolines and a massive foam pit with a climbing wall.
They also have multiple party rooms, complete with seating areas, perfect for birthday parties and special events. The indoor play centre has plenty of activities to keep your child entertained all day.
With Australia’s largest collection of inflatables, children can bounce, climb, slide and tumble for hours. The café provides refreshments and snacks to keep everyone fueled during their visit. See why Ultimate Sydney is a parent’s favourite when looking for things to do in Parramatta with kids!
Swimming Around Parramatta – Great things to do in Parramatta with kids
Although there is no swimming pool in Parramatta, you can take your child for a swim in a lake situated right in the neighbourhood. Lake Parramatta Reserve is a wonderful, secluded pocket of nature tucked away in the bustling region of Western Sydney.
Taking your family for an adventure here can be an unforgettable experience. Apart from swimming in the lake, you can also explore the area’s local wildlife, flora and fauna while participating in exciting activities like kayaking and rowing.
If you choose to cool off in the lake, lifeguards are on duty during summertime for peace of mind.
Cycle Routes Around Parramatta
Cycling is a great way to get around Parramatta, especially for younger kids due to the flat terrain. Parramatta Park offers a great cycling and walking track that is perfect for an afternoon stroll or bike ride.
There’s also a cycleway located along the Parramatta River, making it easy to take a leisurely ride all the way to Sydney Olympic Park. So take advantage of Parramatta’s great cycling paths and get around in a healthier, more fun way!
You can find cycle maps at the Tourist Information Centre and also on the City of Parramatta Cycling webpage here.
Walking Trails Around Parramatta
If you want to take your children for a walk in the Parramatta area, we recommend you visit these two trails. They are great adventures for pram walks and ball bike missions. definitely something to consider when thinking about things to do in Parramatta with kids.
1. Parramatta Park Stroller Walk
Parramatta Park, an idyllic getaway from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, is a perfect destination for those looking to enjoy an invigorating walk. Spanning an impressive 85 hectares, the park offers several kilometres of winding roads that feature dedicated lanes for pedestrians.
Along the walk, visitors can expect to stumble upon numerous attractions, such as the Old Government House and various memorials of historical significance. Check out the Parramatta Park website here.
2. Parramatta River Walk
The meandering Parramatta River is a peaceful and serene place. Taking a walk along its banks from Lennox Bridge to the wharf by the weir is a truly rewarding experience. It’s a relatively short trail, but one that offers plenty of sights and sounds to enjoy.
Along the way, you’ll pass a number of heritage-listed sites, including Elizabeth Farm and Experiment Farm Cottage. You’ll also get to take in some of Parramatta’s most iconic landmarks, such as All Saints Church and the imposing walled fortress.
Historic Buildings in Parramatta
A hidden gems when thinking about things to do in Parramatta with kids!
Old Government House
Within Parramatta Park, this is the oldest public building left standing in Australia. Guided tours are run from Tuesday – Sunday, you need to do a tour to visit. Learn about early colonial times and see the unique colonial furniture within.
Read more about Old Government House here.
Elizabeth Farm
Tucked into a corner of suburbia, Elizabeth Farm is Australia’s oldest surviving homestead. It was built for John and Elizabeth Macarthur in 1793 with extensions over many years until it became a fine colonial bungalow. Visitors can explore all areas, plus the garden which is planted as it was in the 1830s. There are often children’s activities on offer in school holidays.
Elizabeth Farm is a short drive from Parramatta city centre, or a 20 – 25 minute walk from the ferry or train station. There is free parking on Alice Street.
Theatres & Cinemas Around Parramatta
Parramatta is home to some of the best theatres and cinemas in the greater Sydney area. Whether it’s watching the latest blockbuster or attending a live performance, the options available in Parramatta are sure to please any movie or theatre-goer. Cinema’s are fun things to do in Parramatta with kids – especially when the latest Disney movie is out!
1. Event Cinemas Parramatta
Event Cinemas Parramatta is an ideal destination for movie lovers, offering a variety of viewing experiences. With three luxurious Gold Class cinemas and one VMax cinema, guests can enjoy the latest movies with a selection of reclining leather chairs and private tables.
The seven regular cinemas offer a more traditional experience with 35mm and 3D compatible projectors, along with Dolby Digital sound. Event Cinemas also features a Candy Bar where guests can purchase snacks and drinks to enjoy during the movie.
Event Cinemas Parramatta offers a variety of ticketing options to suit any budget, including discounted Child tickets, Senior tickets and Family packages.
2. Riverside Live Theatre and Cinemas
Riverside Theatre is at the heart of performance culture in Parramatta. As one of the most well-known and highly respected venues in the country, it has become a celebrated cultural hub. It offers unique life experiences that cannot be replicated at home.
The venue hosts a variety of live performances, including theatre shows, comedy gigs, musicals, contemporary dance, symphonic concerts and children’s plays. Your child will surely have an exhilarating experience here.
Shopping Place in Parramatta
The vibrant Westfield Parramatta shopping centre located at 159-175 Church Street, is conveniently close to Parramatta train station, promising hours of retail therapy for shoppers.
Not only does it have numerous stores and eateries, but Church Street also consists of uniquely specialised boutiques and pawn shops that add an element of discovery.
Catch the Rivercat and Explore
The Parramatta Rivercat travels between Parramatta Wharf and Circular Quay, with many interesting stops along the way.
Check out the F3 timetable on the Transport NSW website here.
Parramatta Wharf is very close to the centre of town, just a 5 – 10 minute walk along the river.
There’s a lovely article listing fun things to do with children at many stops along the Rivercat journey on this post from the local website Parraparents. The River cat is a good adventure to consider when mixing up your things to do in Parramatta with kids.
You could have a look at this article we wrote about visiting Parramatta by Rivercat.
What’s On + Events in Parramatta
Check this website to find out what is happening in Parramatta at the time you’d like to visit.
Parramatta Visitor Information Centre
Ask questions, find lots of leaflets and check out what’s on at the Visitor Centre.
The Visitor Information Centre also runs school holiday programs and education activities and sits alongside a local research and family history library, Council’s archives and cultural collections.
Address: 346A Church Street, Parramatta, right on Lennox Bridge
Phone: 02 8839 3311
Opening Hours: Mon to Sun: 9 am – 5 pm, closed Good Friday and Christmas Day
Parraparents Website
Written by local families, there are heaps of information about living in Parramatta with kids, lots of fun ideas too. There’s also a Facebook group which would be a terrific place to ask any questions you may have.
Are You Ready to Explore Parramatta With Your Kids?
Parramatta has a wide variety of activities for kids of all ages and interests. From the stunning Parramatta Park to the exciting Sky Zone indoor trampoline park, there is something here to keep your family entertained.
Whether you’re looking for educational experiences or just want some fun in the sun, these are some of the best kid-friendly activities that Parramatta has to offer. So why not plan an adventure today? With so much on offer, you can be sure that everyone will have a blast!
Finally, don’t forget to check out the great family accommodation options in Parramatta to stay with your kids. You can have a staycation in these awesome places during your kids’ school holidays.
There are heaps of reasons to visit Parramatta, it’s got so much to see and do and it’s compact. So if you are a Sydneysider looking for an interesting – and easy – staycation or a simple day trip, start planning!
