What can i do with in Sydney with teens?

Finding things to do in Sydney with teens can feel like a full time job. Even more so if you have kids who constantly say things like ” i do not want to do that”, “this sounds boring and so on.

This sort of talk can really put a downer on your travel planning for a Sydney holiday. We created this article specifically so as a parent you could give your brain a rest and get back to planning an enjoyable trip for a fun activities for teens in Sydney Australia.

Here’s what you can expect in Sydney with Teenagers

Sydney is full of fun things to do with teens, both indoor and outdoor. From amazing beaches to interactive museums and wildlife adventures, we have suggestions to keep your family happy in Sydney. Read on for a whole list of things activities that you can do in a weekend or a week in Sydney.

Planning Tips for Things to Do with Teens in Sydney:

Sydney is a big city of over 5 Million and the more research your put into your vacation in Australia’s second largest city the more you will get out of it.

Sit your teens down, call a family meeting, open the computer and start researching Sydney. Actually look at a few different websites both professional such as Visit NSW and personal like Sydney Expert to get a rounded opinion on what you might want to do.

Do not let A.I plan your trip, get your kids to jump on YouTube and watch some videos about Sydney. Plan a balanced itinerary that has something for all of the family and plenty of down time so you can discover places as well.

Travelling with teens can be amazing and painful if you don’t get it right. We have been to Sydney on a number of occasions with our kids and have always left wishing we had more time to do more things in this wonderful city.

The Sydney Harbour Bridge

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is a must-see, and there’s a perfect way for every teen to experience it. There are 3 cool ways for teens to experience the bridge that will fit into any families budget.

The cheapest way for families is to just walk over the bridge, which is free.  There is a pedestrian walkway which you can get to from either side of the bridge (south side) from The Rocks (Cumberland Street) or Milsons Point (Broughton Street) on the north side. Other more options include the Pylon Lookout and the well know Bridge climb which can be done during the day or at night.

The Sydney Opera House

Sydney’s crown jewel, the Sydney Opera House, it is what everyone associates Sydney with. I bet if you asked anyone about Sydney Australia they would either mention the Opera House or the Harbour Bridge, it is a must-visit for any Sydney adventure, especially with teenagers!

Completed in 1973, the Opera House’s iconic sail-like design is a global symbol of Sydney. . A guided tour offers a unique perspective of the Opera House. Maybe you can catch a concert or a show there while your in Sydney.

Guided tours typically last around an hour and are a fantastic way to learn about the Opera House’s history and cultural significance to the city. You can even do a photoshoot at the Opera House.

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SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

Save money in Sydney: Why not book a combo ticket with entry to both SeaLife Sydney and Wildlife Sydney and save some money on entries

While this attraction might cater more towards younger children, teens can still appreciate the stunning exhibits featuring penguins, sharks, stingrays, and tropical fish.

For a more in-depth experience, consider participating in a paid animal encounter program, like diving with the sharks (restrictions apply).

Plan your visit around the daily talks and feeding demonstrations, offering a chance to witness animal behaviour up close and gain insights from knowledgeable zookeepers.

While SEA LIFE Sydney might not be the sole focus for teens, it can be a fun and educational stop, especially if combined with other activities. Located in Darling Harbour, boasts over 13,000 fascinating creatures representing 700 unique species.

Walk through a transparent underwater tunnel surrounded by sharks, from sleek grey nurse sharks to majestic wobbegongs.

Tickets can be bought online in advance or upon arrival at the entrance.

Insider Tip: Consider purchasing a Sydney CityPASS or Explorer Pass, which may include discounted entry to SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and other attractions.

Families should book a Sydney Attractions Pass featuring entry to SEA LIFE Aquarium, Sydney Tower Eye, WILD LIFE Zoo and Madame Tussauds

Wildlife Sydney – things to do with kids in Sydney

Save money in Sydney: Why not book a combo ticket with entry to both SYdney Hop On Hop Off Bus and Wildlife Sydney and save some money on entries

Australian animals are fascinating to international visitors to Australia. Sydney has you covered here and you don’t even have to leave the city centre. Calling all animal lovers! WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, conveniently located in Darling Harbour just near Sea Life Sydney

This zoo offers a unique opportunity to see a diverse range of Australian animals, from iconic koalas and playful kangaroos to cuddly wombats and Tasmanian devils. Explore immersive exhibits like:

WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo goes beyond just viewing animals. From 11 am to 3 pm daily, informative keeper talks about Australia’s unique wildlife.

Looking for an extra special experience? Book a “Breakfast with the Koalas” session and enjoy a delicious meal while learning about these gentle giants from a zookeeper.

WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo is open daily, Book your tickets online or purchase them at the entrance.

Insider Tip: Combine your visit with WILD LIFE Sydney with nearby SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium for a full day of ocean and land animal encounters!

Madame Tussauds!

Madame Tussauds Sydney, a must-visit for families with selfie lovers!

This world-famous wax museum lets you get up close and personal with incredibly life-like wax figures of celebrities, historical icons, and even fictional characters. For many of us it might as close as we ever get to our favourite celebrities.

Located conveniently in Sydney’s center you can Book your tickets online or purchase them at the entrance.

Insider Tip: Combine your visit with nearby attractions like SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium or WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo for a full day of entertainment in Darling Harbour!

Australian National Maritime Museum

If you have teens who are interested in history and boats then the The Australian National Maritime Museum (ANMM) in Darling Harbour will be a good choice. Along with the history stuff you can go full-sized boats such aS the Cold War submarine HMAS Onslow and the replica of Captain Cook’s tall ship HMB Endeavour.

The ANMM at Darling Harbour is open daily and offers a variety of ticket options to suit your interests. Consider purchasing your entry tickets online.

Highspeed jetboat on Sydney harbour

Experience one of the most unforgettable experiences on Sydney Harbour. How does a jet boat ride that reaches up to 75 kilometres per hour. sound. This unique Sydney experience smashes it’s way around Sydney Harbour.

Choose from 30-minute or 45-minute rides to fit your family. Booking online in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons. Make sure you bring a spare set of clothes, we were not prepared for how wet we would get. They have lockers you can leave bags in.

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Taronga Zoo – things to do in Sydney with teenagers

Taronga Zoo is a must-visit for families with teenagers in Sydney. This world-famous zoo offers a unique blend of breathtaking harbour views, wildlife encounters, and activities, making it a perfect half-day or full-day thing to do in Sydney.

Taronga Zoo has a variety of Australian animals, including koalas, kangaroos, saltwater crocodiles and Tasmanian devils. Get the kids to try something, The Wild Ropes Tree Top Adventure is fun and a great way to see the Zoo from above

The best way to get to Taronga Zoo is by ferry, across the harbour. Your best bet is to buy a Taronga Zoo entry ticket with a return ferry ticket included.

The Beach

Sydney’s beaches are one of the reasons many people flock to Sydney. If your kids love the water, want to experience the surf culture and just like sunbaking then Sydney is a great place to come.

Bondi Beach

Bondi is often jam packed and it is super popular with locals and visitors to Sydney. Always make sure if you go swimming at Bondi that you swim between the life saving flags. If you want you can take a surfing lesson . Bondi has a good promenade for people who don’t want to swim but just want a look at Bondi. You can grab public transport from Circular Quay (around 15 minutes) to Bondi.

Manly Beach

Manly offers a more relaxed scene than Bondi, not as many tourists at Manly. You will see people walking along the beachfront, swimming and enjoying the nearby shops, cafes, and restaurants. Once again this is patrolled beach and please only swim between the flags in an area patrolled by lifesavers. You can get to manly by ferry from Circular Quay.

Mind you these two are not the only great beaches in Sydney. More beaches to check out include Shelly Beach for hidden coves, Palm Beach for a luxurious feel, Coogee Beach for its coastal walk, or Bronte Beach for a chilled atmosphere.

Skywalk at Sydney Tower Eye

Is your teen a thrill seeker? Besides having a restaurant and bar at the top of Sydney tower there is also the Sydney Tower Skywalk!

Imagine stepping out onto a glass walkway suspended 268 meters above the city with nothing but breathtaking views below! That what you can expect with the the Sydney Tower Skywalk

Skywalk tickets can sell out, especially during peak seasons. Book online in advance to secure your spot. Combine your Skywalk experience with a meal at the revolving Sydney Tower restaurant for a truly unforgettable day (or night) out!

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Fun things to do in Sydney with teens – Crown Sky Deck

The Crown Sydney Sky Deck offers breathtaking 360-degree views of Sydney’s iconic skyline, making it a must-visit for families. A dedicated elevator whisks you up to the 83rd floor, one of the city’s highest vantage points. You will see the Opera House the Sydney Harbour Bridge and more.

The best part? Entry to the Crown Sydney Sky Deck is completely free! However, booking a reservation in advance is essential to secure your spot. Head to crownsydney.com.au to secure your spot for this free experience. Slots can fill up quickly, so plan ahead, especially during peak seasons.

Teenage activities Sydney — Visit Luna Park

Luna Park Sydney, is a heritage-listed amusement park offering a blend of classic amusements and modern rides.

Luna Park Sydney opened its gates in the 1930s and drawing inspiration from Coney Island’s Luna Park (there is also a Luna Park in Melbourne). Find rollercoasters like the Big Dipper for older teens while the little nipper suits younger kids. Try classic rides like the Ferris Wheel or Carousel or try the Mirror Maze and the wonky walk.

In all honesty there is too much to mention but we loved our time here, it was just so much fun. Located on Sydney’s North Shore you can get to Luna Park by ferry or even walk over the bridge.

Considered staying in a hostel with teenagers when you travel? Read why we love staying in hostels with our teens

Holidays with teenagers – Boat ride on the Harbour

A Sydney Harbour ferry ride is more than just a mode of transport, it’s a way of life for Sydneysiders who use it everyday. From going to work to going to the beach and more.

To experience a ride on the water, you can get on a Sydney ferry. We recommend you jump on board the Manly Ferry and head to the beach, or the Taronga Zoo Ferry and combine your ferry ride with a visit to Taronga Zoo. Maybe a ferry ride to Darling Harbour where Sealife is located. No matter there is plenty of chances to catch a ferry in Sydney.

Download the Sydney Ferries app and buy tickets online or at terminals. Consider day passes if you using the ferry a few times in one day.

Sydney up high and down low

A Sydney helicopter tour would be amazing we think, we haven’t done one yet because they are pretty expensive but it would be a perfect way to see the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and Sydney Tower from above. Going to the other extreme there are plenty of Kayaking tours that put you just a few centimeters from the Sydney harbour water.

Ghost Tours in Sydney!

Maybe one of the best things to do at night with kids, in saying that you need the right type of kids for these tours. Our two daughters love this kind of stuff. I am not sure what says about us as portents! Sydney, with its convict past, is a perfect location.

Guides often dress in period attire, which makes the tour much like a show as well. The night time darkness also adds an extra layer of spook to the fun tours, plus it is a backhanded way of your kids learning some history of Sydney.

Big bus tour in Sydney for teens

Sydney is a big city and almost impossible to see everything. For families looking for a easy way to see the sights in Sydney, the Sydney Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour is worth considering

The Sydney Big Bus will has two routes with over 23 stops around the city that you can choose to see from your bus seat with commentary or you can jump off the bus and see more before getting on a latter bus.

We have found these type of tours to be a hit and a miss in the past, for them to be successful it really depends on the traffic as to how fast you can get around the route

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Indoor Skydiving in Sydney

Indoor skydiving in Sydney offers a safe and fun way to try this sport out

Indoor skydiving facilities use powerful vertical wind tunnels to simulate the feeling of freefall without jumping from an airplane.

Live it Up! Event Tickets for Teens in Sydney

Planning a vacation to Sydney with teens? Don’t miss the chance to experience live entertainment! You can go to concerts and musicals or sporting events and comedy shows

Search reputable platforms like TicketNetwork + Ticketmaster. These established websites offer a safe and secure way to purchase tickets.

Top Snapchat TikTok and Sanpchat Spots in Sydney!

Social media is a big deal for teens, and capturing Snapchat and TokTok shots is likely high on their agenda. Luckily Sydney is very and i mean very photogenic

From The Opera House to Bondi Icebergs Swimming Pool and the Strand Arcade, you will easily find a variety of teen-approved backdrops. Imagine taking a photo on the Harbour Bridge or running into the beach at Bondi.

Axe Throwing in Sydney

Axe throwing is a fun activity, it is also a little different which is something teens love.

 Experienced instructors give you a run down before letting loose with an axe ensuring everyone’s safety. Take aim and toss that axe at the target. This is a good way to ramp up some family competition. I hope you do not have any sooks in the family who crack it after loosing! In Sydney head to Kiss My Axe

Escape Rooms in Sydney

We know that teenagers in themselves are a mystery, but an escape room is a mystery for the whole family. All escape room are different but you may need to crack codes and solve puzzles to escape within a time limit.

There are many popular Escape Rooms in Sydney such as

• The Cipher Room –  640 King St, Newtown NSW 2042

• Escape Hunt – 4/393 George St, Sydney NSW 2000

• Paniq Room – 13 Cambridge St, The Rocks NSW 2000

Cinemas for Teens on Your Sydney Vacation

Family vacations need a mix of activities, and movies are a teen favourite! Sydney boasts state-of-the-art cinemas perfect for catching the latest movies.

Beyond Hollywood hits, explore hidden gems! Many cinemas showcase independent and arthouse films, offering a unique experience.

Use this guide to find the best cinemas in Sydney with user reviews and ratings, or head to United Cinemas Opera Quays and Hoyts Entertainment Quarter Fox Studios

Travel with confidence: Search here for all the very best travel products for your family vacation to Sydney and beyond!

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Shopping in Sydney: Fun for Teens (and You!)

Shopping with teens can be fun or downright terrible, but in Sydney it can be a bonding experience! Here’s the key:

Head to Pitt Street Mall or Westfield Sydney for major brand names. Newtown has vintage finds, quirky boutiques, and independent stores offering unique streetwear and accessories. In the Rocks pick up handcrafted souvenirs, Aboriginal art, and unique Sydney Souvenirs at The Rocks Markets.

Free things to do in Sydney with teens

Sydney doesn’t have to be expensive to be exciting for teenagers! The city boasts a variety of free experiences that will keep your teens entertained and engaged.

Sydney’s beautiful parks and gardens are perfect for a relaxing picnic lunch. Good choices are Hyde Park, the Royal Botanic Garden, or Darling Harbour.

Many Sydney museums offer free entry on specific days. Research upcoming events at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the Australian National Maritime Museum, or the Powerhouse Museum for a fun and educational outing.

Window shopping on Sydney’s streets like Pitt Street Mall or Oxford Street is a free activity that allows teenagers to browse the latest trends and window shop to their heart’s content.

 Annual Events in Sydney

Sydney is a big city with a population of over 5 million people. This means their is always something happening in the city. Sydney hosts some big annual events that you might like to attend if your in Sydney at the same time.

• Sydney Festival (vibrant arts and culture celebration)
• Mardi Gras (iconic LGBTQIA+ pride festival with a massive parade)
• Vivid Sydney (spectacular light festival transforming the city)
• Easter Show (iconic agricultural show with rides, animals, and shows)

Research other events happening during your visit using the official Sydney tourism website.

Book a day trip from Sydney with teens

Sydney offers fantastic day trip options for families with teenagers seeking adventure beyond the city. Explore two exciting possibilities:

Blue Mountains National Park makes a great day tour with its lookouts and panoramic views. There are bushwalks to scenic spots with lookouts to waterfalls where you can go swimming.

See native birds and animals at the Featherdale Wildlife Park, it is a sanctuary that specializes in Australian animals. So if you really want a look at what Australia offers come here for a look. Australia is my than deadly snakes and poisonous spiders.

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Where to go to eat in Sydney with teenagers

Family dinners on vacation are a chance to unwind and talk about the day you just had. Sydney offers a variety of options to keep everyone happy including Chat Thai in Circular Quay for thai food or Guzman y Gomez for Mexican food or how about ramen at Ramen Noodle Bar in Darling Harbour. Grab some classic pub food at Bondi Beach Public Bar, nothing more Australian than a Chicken Parm.

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Packing Tips for Teens who travel:

• Pack sunscreen and a hat to protect everyone from the sun’s rays.
•  Bring a water bottle and fill it with plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout the day.
• A waterproof bag protects belongings from unexpected showers.
•  A portable charger ensures your devices stay powered up.
•  Comfortable shoes are essential for walking and exploring.

Know Before You Go: Sydney with Teens!

Working together with your teens to research Sydney will make your trip smoother. Dont just rely on A.I, read some blogs and watch some YouTube.

Accommodation:
The best hotel for you will depend on your budget and priorities. Decide how much you are comfortable spending and consider how close you want to be to the attractions you want to visit. Then, consider what features are important to you, such as a pool, spa, or fitness centre.

• There are many hotel options for all budgets & needs including:
  • Luxury: The 5-star Hilton Sydney features an indoor heated lap pool, spa, sauna, coffee shop, concierge, and laundry service
  • Mid Priced: Ibis Sydney World Square has rooms fitting up to 4 people, with close access to Darling Harbour and Chinatown.
  • Budget: Book your room at Sydney Harbour YHA for family rooms with views of the famous bridge.
• Consider Expedia or Tripadvisor for deals.
• Apartments offer more space – try VRBO for family-friendly choices.

If you’re looking for something fancier, discover Plum Guide’s exceptional luxury apartments, handpicked for their stunning views, prime locations, and indulgent amenities. With meticulous quality checks and a focus on unique experiences, they offer the perfect blend of luxury and comfort. Experience the extraordinary and create unforgettable memories in these exceptional accommodations.

Getting To Sydney:

• Sydney, Australia, is well-connected by air, rail, and bus – easy access for families.
• Fly into Sydney Charles Kingsford Smith Airport. Research flights with Hopper
• Book airport transfers to your accommodation or relax in lounges with services like Priority Pass.
• Catch a train to and from Sydney or book a bus ticket.
• Book a rental car, drive to Sydney, or pick up a car at Sydney Airport.

Getting Around Sydney:

• Efficient public transportation system (metro, train, bus, ferry or light rail service)
  • Consider purchasing an Opal card for cashless travel.
• Taxis & Uber are also available.
• Research options based on your needs.

Weather:

• Pack for the season (Sydney has warm summers and mild winters).

International Visitors:

• Travel insurance is a must (quote through Insurance Masters).
• Visa or ETA requirements – check iVisa for details.
• Manage currency exchange with Wise Travel Money card.
• Stay connected with international SIM cards or buy a pocket modem.
• Secure your data with a VPN (VPN Surf Shark).
• Locate medical facilities (hospitals, urgent care centres).

Travel Accessories for Teens:

• Pack essentials like a powerbank, action camera, and bluetooth speaker.
• Consider a travel journal, neck wallet, and an anti theft back pack.

We hope this article from us here at Wyld Family Travel has you inspired to visit Sydney with teenagers. There are so many things to do in Sydney with teenagers that will have you entertained for your family’s whole stay in Sydney.

We know because we vacation with teens and tweens: Looking for first-hand travel with teen’s experiences from all over the world? Need expert travel with teenagers tips for planning a holiday with young adults?

Our detailed, travel with teens destination guides will help you plan epic vacations with teens that will be perfect for the whole family.

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For more amazing ideas on where to holiday in Australia click through to our Australia Destination Guide page for more brilliant inspiration.

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