Top Activities in Sydney for Babies, Toddlers and Preschoolers

By: Flora James, 09 January 2024

While the activities on offer for older kids in Sydney are abundant, if you're a parent with a baby, toddler or preschooler, you'll know what it feels like to have to scavenge for suitable attractions... until now!

To make your life a little easier, we've wrapped up the best Sydney attractions for babies, toddlers and preschoolers - so that each and every day with your little one is guaranteed to be full of fun, adventure and new friends (for you too!).

Top Activities in Sydney for Babies, Toddlers and Preschoolers

1. Seaside Stroller Tour At The Australian National Maritime Museum

Seaside Stroller Tour At Australian Maritime Museum
For sensory stimulation like no other, the Seaside Stroller Tours are the perfect activity to do with bubs under 18 months! 


Hop on an educator-led Seaside Stroller Tour with like-minded parents at the Australian National Maritime Museum. For babies up to 18 months, you'll stroll through and immerse yourselves in the latest exhibition before chilling out with some baby playtime in a sensory space. Front packs, baby slings and breastfeeding are more than welcome and the entry fee includes morning/afternoon tea and admission to the exhibition. 

For the slightly older tots, Mini Mariners invites 2 - 5 year-olds and their carers to sing and dance in interactive tours through the galleries with costumed guides. Then enjoy creative free play, craft, games, dress-ups and story time in a themed activity area.

Location: 2 Murray Street, Darling Harbour

2. Aquatic Adventures at Sea Life Sydney Aquarium

SEA LIFE Sydney
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium is bursting with the wow factor. 


Your little one will be wide-eyed at SEA LIFE Sydney, where they can get up close to an incredible collection of aquatic animals in their unique themed habitats, including Dugong Island where the famous, cheeky Pig The Dugong resides, and Shark Valley, home to awesome three-metre sharks and huge smooth rays.

Immerse yourselves in the wonders of sea life and discover 700+ Australian species there, and over 13,000 individual fish and sea and water creatures. Don't miss the Discovery Kids Rockpool.

Location: 1-5 Wheat Rd, Darling Harbour

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3. Discover Sydney's Past at Museums of History New South Wales

Museums of History New South Wales
Little ones will love exploring the Museums of History New South Wales.


It's never too early to introduce your little ones to the stories of Sydney's past.

The Museums of History New South Wales has a collection of beautiful and fascinating properties including intriguing museums and sprawling estates that you can explore with tiny tots.

There are exhibitions, tours and activities at the Museum of Sydney and Hyde Park Barracks, gorgeous gardens and grounds to explore at Elizabeth Farm and Vaucluse House and many more time-honored delights to discover in the Museums of History New South Wales collection.

Location: 11 properties throughout Sydney - visit the website to find exact locations.

4. Seedlings Nature School At Royal Botanic Gardens

Seedlings Nature School
Toddlers and preschoolers will love getting their hands stuck into nature at Seedlings Nature School.


Each Tuesday and Thursday during the school term a new garden-related theme is explored at Seedlings Nature School suited to children two to five years. 

Garden Educators will facilitate play-based activities and nature experiences from planting and harvesting to nature-based art and craft to songs, music and dance, plus garden discovery walks and plenty of playtimes. This is a special way for your little one to connect with nature and appreciate its beauty, all while having fun with other mini adventurers! 

Location: Botanic Gardens Cafe, Mrs Macquaries Road, Sydney
When: Tuesdays and Thursdays during the school term.

5. FREE Dance Classes at Bella Vista Pocket Park

FREE Dance Classes by Stage Door at Bella Vista Pocket Park
FREE dance classes for preschoolers every week! Can you Imagine?


Little ones can get moving and grooving this spring with The Stage Door Performing Arts. They are launching FREE dance classes for pre-schoolers at Bella Vista Pocket Park every Wednesday morning during the school term.

Created by the Australian Teachers of Dancing, Imagine is a dance program designed for little dancers aged two to five, full of music, movement and fun. They will be immersed in a world of dance with exciting activities that encourage them to explore their creativity and imagination. 

Registration is required.

Location: Bella Vista Pocket Park, 4 Mawson Avenue, Bella Vista
When: Every Wednesday during term time | 10am - 10:45am

6. A Trip to Taronga Zoo

Taronga Zoo
For a day out to remember, Taronga Zoo never disappoints! 


It's a true icon of the city for good reason; and Taronga Zoo appeals to all ages and stages—making it a surefire winner of a day with babies, toddlers, preschoolers and beyond.

For a super special visit, why not try an up-close Animal Encounter? Smaller kids are sure to get heaps out of these and really appreciate the experience! 

Location: Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman

Northside Montessori School

7. Amazing Animals at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo

WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
There's no end to the ways to engage little minds at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo!


WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo is a must-see attraction that showcases the best native wildlife, including the Aussie Big 5, right next door to SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, in Darling Harbour.

There are fascinating daily keeper talks, feeds and animal encounters all day, plus interactive displays and incredible walk-through habitats.

Little animal lovers will be in awe of their favourite Australian furry friends including the iconic koalas on the Koala Rooftop, where you have an opportunity to have a photo taken alongside one! Visit Wallaby Cliffs to interact with Ringo the wombat, hop on over to Kangaroo Walkabout to walk amongst the kangaroos and come eye-to-eye with three freshwater crocodiles at the new Crocodile Billabong.

Location: 1-5 Wheat Rd, Darling Harbour 

8. Burra Play Space at the Australian Museum

Burra Play Space at the Australian Museum
There is so much to discover at the brand-new play space Burra at the Australian Museum.


The exciting new state-of-the-art education and play space Burra will immerse you in Western science and First Nations knowledge on a fascinating journey through Country. 

Replacing the former Search and Discover zone and Pre-historic Playground, Burra continues the museum's commitment to offering children a hands-on approach to discovering the natural world. Little adventurers can immerse themselves in an exploration of the giant Burra (eel), discover the surrounding sensory walls and engage their imagination in the interactive play zone!

Location: Australian Museum, 1 William St, Darlinghurst 

9. ARTplay at the Museum Of Contemporary Art

ARTplay at the MCA
ARTplay at the Museum of Contemporary Art. 


The popular ARTplay program offers a warm and welcoming space on select mornings at the Museum of Contemporary Art.

You and your under fives can explore a range of exhibition-related games, toys, and sensory activities, plus join in for a fun sing-a-long! The event is free but booking is required and tickets are very popular.

Location: Museum of Contemporary Art, 140 George St, The Rocks

10. Kids Activities At Powerhouse Museum

Powerhouse Museum
Head down to the bottom level of the Powerhouse Museum and discover a wonderland for toddlers!


There really is so much to see and do at the Powerhouse Museum including some hands-on science experiments, block-building tables, and more.

If the sun is shining, there's also an outdoor play area that is great for blowing off steam!

Location: 500 Harris St, Ultimo

11. Playgrounds

Playgrounds for babies and toddlers
You might feel like you live at them sometimes, but playgrounds are the perfect activity to do with little ones.


If you'd prefer to get out and enjoy the sunshine with your little bubs, playgrounds are a great option and we know Sydney has plenty of them!

From sensory playgrounds to all-inclusive playgrounds, and playgrounds with special toddler and baby zones, your little ones will love exploring the great outdoors at these great facilities. Find more of Sydney's best playgrounds.

12. Play Centres

Planet Mino
One of our favourites is Planet Mino.


For beating rainy day blues and heat-induced meltdowns, Sydney’s best indoor play centres are the perfect place to let little ones burn off energy, rain, hail or shine. 

They are full of multi-sensory activities for kids to explore, and most have dedicated play spaces for babies and toddlers. 

13. PHIVE Parramatta

PHIVE Parramatta
PHIVE at Parramatta Square is the ultimate destination to while away a morning with young kids.


Complete with an exceptional new library, PHIVE Parramatta is also a meeting space and offers plenty of emotional benefits for Sydney families.

At PHIVE, families can access support services, take part in community events, meet new people, enjoy cultural events, and discover free activities that offer incredible opportunities to bring parents closer to their children (hello, Storytime!). Whatever the age of your kids but particularly for young ones, PHIVE is a must-visit. 

Location: 5 Parramatta Square, Parramatta

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