Welcome to the Hello Sydney Kids guide to Sydney for families – a work in progress!
Here you will find information about planning your trip and then enjoying your visit, whatever the age of your children.
This section of the website is laid out rather like a traditional guidebook.
See below the Table of Contents, then click to the section you’d like to read.
Join my Facebook group to ask me any questions, just click the image!
Welcome and introduction to Sydney
Hey, you’re planning a visit to Sydney and you’re bringing the family, fantastic!
You will love our beach and harbour city. There really is something here for everyone and for every age. Yes, that means the adults too.
Sydneysiders are friendly and warm and they are passionate about their city. So join my family of six as we show you around our natural treasures, our historic sites and the best places to stay, eat and shop.
Let me introduce myself, my name is Seana Smith, I’m a mum of four and a writer, author and blogger.
Originally from Scotland, we’ve lived in Sydney for 20 years and I’ve written books about the city as well as running the successful Hello Sydney Kids website.
With four lively children, I have explored the best places in Sydney with the aim of wearing the kids out and having a moment’s peace and quiet. Although this venture failed spectacularly, at least we can share all the cool spots they found with you.
Hello Sydney Kids is the best website for families looking for healthy and fun activities with kids in Sydney.
Where to stay in Sydney with kids
Check out the post below to help you decide which area of Sydney you would like to stay in when you visit.
- Best areas of Sydney for families to stay
- Manly Beach hotels for families
- Manly Holiday Apartments and Apartment Hotels
Save Money On Sydney Attractions Tickets
I must recommend buying a Sydney Explorer Pass when you visit Sydney.
The Sydney Explorer Pass gives you entry to the city’s top attractions, a great money saver. You can choose entry to between three and seven different attractions. This is also useful for Sydneysiders keen to explore the city in school holidays or one their own Sydney staycation.
Click here to read more and buy the Sydney Explorer Pass.
Getting Around – Should we hire a car?
If you are in Sydney for a short time and you are staying in the city centre, I’d say that you do not need a car at all. The traffic is shocking in central Sydney and it’s hard to park.
However, if you are staying longer, or you plan to do a rod trip, then you’ll need the post below!
Australian Child Car Seat Laws
Sydney Itineraries: 2, 3 and 4 Days of Family Fun For Visitors
Read our post on day by day itineraries for families. There are many different options available!
Sydney Itineraries For Families
The 25 Best Things To Do in Sydney With Kids
This is my family’s list of what’s best for families in Sydney. I’m sure you will find plenty options that your family will enjoy!
The 25 Top Things To Do in Sydney With Kids
Kid Friendly Sydney Harbour Cruises
There are many options for cruises, my kids loved the tall Ships Cruises best though. I’ve written an article here listing various options with general advice on making a Sydney Harbour boat trip work well for your family.
The Best Kid Friendly Sydney Harbour Cruises – click here
Jenolan Caves and Blue Mountains Day Trips
If you have time to spend a day out of the city then a day trip taking in the Blue Mountains and Jenolan Caves is VERY interesting, beautiful and … long and tiring! Seriously though, the Blue Mountains are a stunning natural wonder, as are Jenolan Caves. Taking a tour makes this a manageable day trip.
Read all about day trips to Jenolan Caves and the Blue Mountains here.
Fun Things To Do in Manly With Kids
We do highly recommend staying in Manly (check out Manly hotels here and Manly holiday apartments here) but if you stay elsewhere then do have a day out at Manly. Hop over on the ferry from Circular Quay and then choose that would suit you family from this list of all the cool things kids (and adults) can do in Manly.
Things To Do With Teenagers in Sydney
If you are bringing older children and teenagers to Sydney, then this post is essential reading.
Click here: Things to do with teenagers in Sydney
How To Stay Sunsafe in Australia
If you are visiting Sydney from a country with a cool climate then you really must read this article about keeping children sunsafe. It all equally applies to adults too, of course!
Click here: How To Stay Sunsafe in Australia
Eating out in Sydney with kids
Find lists of terrific family friendly cafes and restaurants on these posts.
Outdoor active fun with kids
- Sydney’s best beaches for kids
- The Top 50 Playgrounds in Sydney
- Surfing lessons in Sydney: all you need to know
- Sydney water parks, water playgrounds and slides
- Kid-Friendly Sydney Harbour Cruises
Bush and Coast Walks In Sydney With Kids
There are lots of lovely walks by the Harbour, in the bush and along the ocean beaches, check out all of the options described in details on this post.
Hiring Baby Equipment in Sydney
Find our recommendations for baby equipment hire on this post:
Hiring baby equipment in Sydney
The Vivid Festival With Children
Vivid attracts more than a million visitors a year, which can actually make it quite tricky to visit with children, especially young ones. So do read this post to get great advice from other families.
Escape The City: Day Trips
There are dozens of places to escape to for the day, some truly delightful destinations just an hour or so beyond the sprawling Sydney suburbs. You’ll find many ideas on this post below.
Weekends Away From Sydney
You will find a couple of dozen options for easy weekends away from Sydney on this article below. Click from it to read detailed posts about things to do and where to stay in every destination.
PS This post contains some affiliate links meaning that, if you buy an item using the link, a small commission is paid to support Hello Sydney Kids, at no cost to you. Read my full disclosure policy here.