The best activities with kids in Darling Harbour

There’s plenty of fun to be had with the kids outdoors in Darling Harbour. You could pack a picnic and find a shady spot in Tumbalong Park, or go for a stroll along the waterfront. If the kids are competitive there are even free table tennis tables at Darling Quarter. 

Get more ideas for outdoor fun with kids in Darling Harbour. 
 

Speaking of outdoors, Darling Harbour also happens to be home to one of Sydney’s best playgrounds. There are water pumps, streams and jets, a giant 8 metre tall slide, and a huge flying fox. 

Check out the playground. 

Sorry babysitter, the kids are coming out tonight. There are countless kid-friendly restaurants in Darling Harbour that make it easy to eat together as a family. You could get authentic wood-fired pizzas at Fratelli Fresh, a giant stack at Pancakes on the Rocks, or Sydney’s best burger at Betty’s. 

Check out more kid-friendly restaurants.
 

If you need to bribe the little ones with something sweet, you’ve got options in Darling Harbour. We’ve got gelato as good as you’ll find in Italy at Messina, fluffy Japanese pancakes, and epic donuts - with great coffee for the adults. 

Discover Darling Harbour’s best desserts.

Parenting can be hectic. If you and the family need a moment of serenity visit the Chinese Gardens of Friendship. You’ll find a peaceful oasis, with meandering pathways, floating pavilions, and lush greenery, soundtracked by the sounds of gently flowing water. 

Buy tickets to the Chinese Gardens of Friendship ($8 for under 12s and free for under 5s)
 

If your kids love movies they have to see one at IMAX Sydney - it’s one of the world’s largest IMAX screens, and it shows all the latest and greatest stuff. If you’re feeling fancy, book a Coca Cola Private Box and you’ll get your own section in the cinema for up to four, plus unlimited popcorn and self-serve drinks. 

Darling Square is home to one of the country’s most beautiful libraries over two stories in the Exchange Building. There’s a kids area, plenty of nooks to curl up with a book and a sun-drenched open air terrace. 

When you need to bring out the big guns to keep the kids entertained, or treat them and yourself to something special, visit SEA LIFE. Short of driving up to the Great Barrier Reef, there’s no better way to get up close and personal with Australia’s most colourful marine life, from waddly penguins, to scary sharks and silly seals. 

To get up close and personal with the biggest characters in the Australian animal kingdom, book tickets to WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo. This iconic attraction is home to monster crocs, bouncy wallabies, naughty Tasmanian devils and much more. Plus for just $30pp you can get up close with koalas with the koala photo experience!
 

Have your kids got stars in their eyes? A trip to Madame Tussauds is the best way for them to (sort of) meet their idols, from Harry Styles, to Batman. There are figures of all your favourites, including legends of the past like Mahatma Gandhi and modern day icons like Beyonce. 
 

There’s always something on at Darling Harbour. From free music and play sessions in the parks, to fireworks, cultural festivals and live music. So before you decide on your plans for the day check the Darling Harbour event calendar just in case!

Furry friends are always welcome in Darling Harbour, as long as they’re on a leash! So why not bring the kids and the pooch and have a day out in Darling Harbour, enjoying one of many pet friendly activities in the precinct.
 

If your little ones love boats then the Australian National Maritime Museum can not be missed! Visit to learn all about our country’s fascinating history on the sea, board a real life submarine, enjoy educational workshops and see a replica of the Endeavour - the ship from which Captain James Cook first saw Australia.