Things to do in Sydney for older kids can feel few and far between. It can be tough entertaining older kids who no longer want to visit Taronga Zoo (what’s wrong with them!?), and a ferry ride just ain’t cutting it any more.
By Amanda Nicholls
Whether you live in Sydney or are just visiting, Amanda Nicholls, Editor-in-Chief of Entertain My Tribe, has got you covered. Amanda has visited Sydney from top to bottom with her kids, so she knows all the cool things for tweens and teens to do in and around the city. Whether you’re cashed up or going mega-cheap, there will be something here that will entertain your own tribe. Enjoy your adventures.
Sydney for older kids
1. Archie Brothers Cirque Electrique
Archie Brothers is a place for kids and kids at heart. It doesn’t matter what your age, the whole tribe will love a day out at Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq. Think old school arcade games as far as the eye can see. Plus there is a bowling alley, a retro diner with freak shakes, hot dogs and burgers (which by night converts to a bar so if you ever want to have a kid free night – option is there!). There is also a Flying Trapeze area up high, Spy School, Bumper Cars, Lasertag Frightmare and more. Plus you can even host birthday parties here.
Click here for all the details
2. Skyline Drive In Blacktown
Taking the kids to see a movie is always fun but why not try a drive in movie? Skyline Drive In has a retro diner serving hot chips, ice cream and frozen cokes. Their waitresses and waiters are even dressed in 60s-themed uniforms to add to the fun. Enjoy a quick bite to eat before hitting up the candy bar and tuning in the radio for a movie in the car. If you have a car that allows for a bit of leg room, make sure you empty it out and reverse the car to the screen so you can all huddle in the boot together.
3. Trees Adventure
Image: Amanda Nicholls
Trees Adventure is a fantastic way to get the kids outdoors among nature and doing some physical exercise whilst having a truck load of fun. There are courses for all ages including a course that is for eight-years plus. There is everything from challenging climbs to rope bridges, zip lining and ropes courses. You get a two hour session, once you are harnessed up and have undergone the safety training, you’re free to explore the courses until your time is up. Booking ahead is recommended.
4. Sky Peak
Sky Peak is another thrill seeking activity that involves climbing and navigating at great heights. Sky Peak is an aerial adventure park which features more than 80 high ropes, aerial and zip line challenges. Sky Peak has tree top swings, a bungee-like leap and a barrel run. If your kids think they’re ninja warriors, schedule a visit to Sky Peak. You can even have a family ‘suspended picnic’ in the sky.
5. iFly
Image: iFly
If you haven’t been to iFly it’s an absolute treat for the tribe. iFly is indoor sky diving where you can feel what a free fall from 14,000 feet in the air feels like without a parachute or even having to jump out of an airplane. Indoor skydiving has become so popular there are even now indoor skydiving championships. All you have to do to get started is lean into the giant glass wind tunnel and you’ll take flight. There are all-round viewing platforms for family to get comfortable and watch you soaring through the iFly tunnel.
6. Escape Hunt
Image: Amanda Nicholls
Escape Hunt is a thrilling mystery solving experience that the whole family can enjoy together. You might even want to invite some friends to join in! With six different rooms, there are four historic Sydney mysteries to be solved. Race against the clock to make your way out of a themed escape room by solving all the clues. Each Escape Hunt room is different, we guarantee once you’ve played once you’ll all want to play again!
7. Luna Park
Luna Park is an iconic part of Sydney and a great way to keep the kids entertained. You can even catch a Ferry there to make the experience even more fun. There are lots of rides including the iconic ferris wheel overlooking the Sydney Harbour bridge and harbour. Coney Island offers hours of fun with giant slides and potato sacks as well as sideshow themed games and attractions. Luna Park is also well known for participating in events. During summer you can enjoy the outdoor cinema on the roof, or in the cooler months look forward to Vivid Sydney by taking the kids for a night time visit to Luna Park.
Head to Luna Park for more info
8. Eastern Creek International Karting Raceway
Image: Eastern Creek International Karting Raceway
Go Karting is for families who love an adrenalin rush and a bit of friendly competition. Eastern Creek International Karting Raceway has some of the fastest go karts in Sydney and one of the biggest race tracks. Kids from 16 years and up are allowed to race in the adult sized go karts which give the driver a real taste of race car driving. But the kids won’t miss out – if they’re 8 years and up, they can hire a kids cart and ride solo! If you have younger kids or kids who aren’t confident behind the wheel but don’t want to miss out, there are double seater go karts available too.
More info at Eastern Creek International Karting Raceway
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More things to do in Sydney for older kids
9. Do a Harbourside Walk (make a playlist to listen to before you go)
10. Do the Bondi to Bronte walk (have at milkshake at the Bogey Hole Cafe before heading back)
11. Visit Newtown and watch the colourful street parade
12. Learn to Surf at Manly
14. Spend the day at Wet ‘n’ Wild
15. Go kayaking on Middle Harbour
16. Take a bike tour of Sydney highlights
17. Shop at Glebe Markets one Saturday
19. Visit Wendy’s Secret Garden
20. Eat Pho in Chinatown
22. Take a Work-Shop class
23. Try a dance class at the Sydney Dance Company
24. Tour behind the scenes at the Opera House
25. Swim in a unique and special pool
26. Climb the wall
27. Stargaze at the Sydney Obervatory
28. Go skating at Penrith Skatel
29. Or Macquarie Ice Rink if ice is more your thing
30. Go bushwalking in the Lane Cove National Park
Image: Gertrude and Alice
31. Buy a book at Alice and Gertrude in Bondi
32. Try some hardcore Putt Putt Golfing
33. Head to some of Sydney’s lesser-known beaches for fish + chips
34. Learn to sail
35. Take a picnic to the Botanical Gardens
36. Enjoy a free tour of The Rocks
Image: Doughbox
37. Eat at a replica 50s Diner
38. Take a harbour jet ride
39. Visit the Police + Justice Museum
40. Go for Yum Cha
41. Tour the Sydney Cricket Ground
42. Swim at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre
43. Play at Birriwa Reserve Outdoor Youth Space
44. Try Barefoot Bowling
45. Take a cryptic treasure hunt through the city
46. Ride a horse in Centennial Park
47. See a shark at Sydney Aquarium
48. Scare yourselves senseless on a ghost tour
49. Bike around Narabeen Lakes
50. Climb through the canopy at Treetops
51. Play on the beach as the sun goes down at Watson’s Bay
52. Select your own picnic lunch at a Farmer’s Market
53. Play ping pong at the Coogee Pavillion (while mum has a much-needed bevvie!)
What’s your favourite activity in Sydney for older kids?
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