Fun Things To Do in Sydney in Winter with Kids

Yes, it’s getting cold, but it’s not all about fireplaces and hot cocoa. From kite flying to whale watching, there are lots of fun things to do in Sydney in winter with the kids.

Botanical Beauty

In the heart of the city is the Royal Botanic Garden. Part of this gorgeous Sydney spot is a truly unique venue – The Calyx; a stunning glasshouse filled with beautiful displays, including the biggest green wall in the southern hemisphere! Inside, there are activities for all ages, founded on science and horticulture, with interactive elements to engage the kids and is the perfect thing to do in Sydney in winter.

Encounter Majestic Giants

How lucky are we? Between May and November, more than 30,000 whales migrate from Antarctica all the way to the Pacific along the NSW coast. Can you believe they traverse more than 10,000km?

Who can spot a whale first? You’ll most likely see Humpback Whales, and if you’re lucky, perhaps Killer Whales and Blue Whales too. Catch them singing and swimming at prime whale watching spot Cape Solander in Kamay, Botany Bay National Park. Locals also look out from the famous clifftop trails between Bondi and Coogee, and along the Federation Cliff Walk. Bring hearty picnic food and organise active games to stay warm since these whales visit in the middle of winter in Sydney.

For more Whale watching information, visit Sydney’s official tourism site here.

Let’s Go Fly a Kite

You have two options: one, do it the easy way and buy a kite or two, if you’re feeling brave, make your own kite. Then, when the Sydney winter winds are high, grab your kite, kit yourself up for some bitey cold weather and head out somewhere with no high-flying obstacles, like a beach or a big oval. Kite flying is a timeless pastime for the whole family, and the best thing is – all you need is a breath of wind!

Get into the Wintry Spirit

There’s a sub-Antarctic penguin expedition in the heart of Sydney CBD. Yes, you read that right – SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium offers guests a ride on the Penguin Expedition Boat Ride is the world's first-of-its-kind penguin exhibit raft ride where you can get up close and personal to a spectacular colony of King and Gentoo Penguins. And guess what explorers, the Boat Ride is FREE with your general admission ticket to SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium!

Where Life is the Bubbles

Fancy a visit to SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium? Curious minds will be entertained and educated for hours. Good thing it’s warmer inside and completely undercover. Can you be squirmless while you touch slimy sea slugs at the Discovery Rockpool? Step back in time and learn about evolution at Jurassic Seas. With more exciting habitat zones, from Shark Valley to Dugong Island, there’s so much to see.

Tip: To make the most of your trip to the aquarium, note our feed and talk times so you can meet all your favourite sea creatures on the day.

Looking for more winter activities to keep the kids entertained in the school holidays? Check out some of these winter school holiday activities