10 Sydney Family Activities

Oh, Sydney. When it’s sunny, it’s really sunny, and when it’s rainy? Well, it’s really rainy. Everyone knows that kids trapped inside for more than a few hours a day do not a happy, calm, or clean household make. So, with the aim of avoiding stir-crazy meltdowns, I’ve tracked down some epically fun things to do instead. Here are my favorite things to do with kids in Sydney when the weather is bad.

Check them out in the slideshow.

More activities to add to your list:

10 Things to Do With Kids in Sydney When the Weather Sucks

Gawk at a gallery.

Get your dose of culture at the MCA, Art Gallery of NSW, or White Rabbit Gallery. You’ll find lots of open space and special school holidays activities too.
Locations: Sydney City

image: Getty/Oliver Strewe
Get Lego-inspired.

Previously a self-described “slave” in the corporate world, Ryan "The Brick Man" McNaught is now proud to be one of only twelve LEGO Certified Professionals in the world. This school holidays he brings his collection of sixty incredible LEGO works to Sydney.
Location: Town Hall

image: Getty/Rick Rudnicki
Get your ice skates on.

OMG I had a good time at the ice skating disco as a kid! From the cheesy music to the thrill of finally letting go of the edge, who knew you could have so much fun going round and round in circles?
Locations: Macquarie Ice Rink, Canterbury Ice Rink, Sydney Ice Arena

image: Getty/Christopher Futcher
Flip out on a trampoline.

It started with Alexandria’s Sky Zone, but thanks to the Flip Out Sydney franchise, you’ll find trampolining has arrived on a corner near you.
Locations: All across Sydney

image: Getty/Deanna Pritzker
Head under water.

Cold, rainy days have got to be the best time to visit Sea Life Sydney Aquarium or Manly Aquarium. There’s something about the wild weather on land that makes immersing yourself in quiet, colourful visions of the sea so soothing.
Locations: Sydney City or Manly

image: Getty/Rudi Van Starrex
Get your togs on.

It might seem counter-intuitive, but when you think about it a rainy day is the perfect time to hit an indoor pool: they’re temperature controlled, they're not likely to be crowded, and you don’t need to worry about getting wet when you come out because you’ll already be soaked.
Locations: Sydney Olympic Park, Sutherland Leisure Centre, Ryde Leisure Centre, and more

image: Getty/Tatyana Tomsickova Photography
Bowl A Rama.

Did someone say glow-in-the dark bowling? Sold!
Locations: Strike and AMF have locations all over Sydney.

image: Getty/Jonathan Kim
Climb your way to the top.

Little ones bouncing off the walls? Get them to an indoor rock climbing centre and they can do it literally---and safely to boot.
Locations: Sydney Indoor Climbing Centre, Climbfit, Rockhouse Brookvale, Climboz

image: Getty/Henn Photography
Build a bear.

There are ordinary teddy bears. Then there are Build-a-Bear teddy bears: the Rolls Royce of teddy bears, complete with birth certificates, leather jackets, rainbow skates, and more. Now featuring Minions.
Locations: Build-a-Bear Workshops near you

image: Getty/Gustavo Caballero
Become a plaster master.

Paint? Check. Glitter. Uh-huh. Gloss? Why yesssss! If this sounds like all the ingredients your little ones need for a good time, then get them to a Plaster Master workshop STAT.
Locations: Plaster Painting Moore Park

image: Getty/BrianAJackson