10 Rainy Day Activities in Sydney

So you have worked hard all week, striving to reach the weekend where you can enjoy the last few weeks of summer sunshine lazing about on the beach. At 3pm on Friday afternoon, you check the weather forecast for the weekend as you start planning your barbecue menu for both Saturday and Sunday only to see those horrible little cartoon rain clouds that can mean only one thing - it's going to be a wet weekend.

Rather than slump dejectedly in your chair, we here at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium think it's high time to seize back the weekend - regardless of the weather! 

 Whether it's coming to the Aquarium or just visiting some of the amazing sights that Sydney has to offer, here are 10 rainy day activities and things to do in Sydney on a rainy day.

1. The Calyx

Set in the heart of the Royal Botanic Gardens, The Calyx is a stunning glasshouse filled with beautiful displays, including the biggest green wall in the southern hemisphere! Inside, there are all-age activities based around horticulture and science, with interactive features to keep kids entertained. It’s a truly beautiful and unique venue.

 2. Have a Swell Time!

There are some fantastic waves to enjoy near Manly, but you don’t need a surfboard! Just get on board the Manly Ferry! As you travel past the heads of Sydney Harbour, the swell picks up, and the ride can get very exciting. It’s a thrilling experience that can be enjoyed equally from the inner or outer decks.

3. SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

Get out of the rain, and under the water at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium! Hang out in the penguin colony, get hands-on at the Discovery Rockpool, or wander around amazed, through the clear underwater tunnels as sharks and rays swim right above your head! The aquarium also houses the world’s largest Great Barrier Reef exhibit; guaranteed to brighten your day.

4. Head West

Need more rainy day ideas for Sydney? Well, this one’s a bit off the beaten track. Ironically, West Head is not located in Sydney’s west, but in the northeast. It’s a large headland in Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park with views that sweep from Palm Beach, all the way up to the Central Coast. If it’s raining, you can still enjoy the view from the car!

5. State Library

Never underestimate your local library as a source of rainy day entertainment. Apart from books, many libraries stock video games, board games, magazines, DVDs and audio books. The State Library of NSW holds storytime, Family Sundays, and always has exhibitions to see and activities to do.

6. Australian Museum

Entering the Australian Museum is like stepping into another world. Inside there are fascinating exhibits with huge dinosaurs, sparkling gemstones, exotic birds and more. The Kidspace Zone is packed with free activities and things for kids to do. Members get in free, and so do kids under 16. 

7. Playtime

Why stay home, when your local shopping centre has free play areas? Westfield Bondi Junction features a pirate ship, while Broadway’s playground is gated to prevent runaways. Chatswood Chase has iPads, Miranda Westfield has arcade games, and Parramatta Westfield has two play areas! Now, to find a parking space…

8. Powerhouse Museum

Free for under 16’s, the Powerhouse is a dreamland for kids who like to ‘do’ rather than simply watch or listen. It’s the perfect rainy day activity for the kids or the big kid in all of us. The newly updated Wiggles exhibit will impress the littlest of fans, with a chance to jump in the ‘big red car’ or pat Lachy’s teddy bear!

9. Rainy Runways

Visit the airport, with kids? No, we’re not crazy. Planespotting is fun when you’re not racing to be somewhere. With help from the FlightRadar24 app, you can see which planes are coming into land, in real time! The entertainment possibilities are sky-high.

10. Arty Party

Don’t know much about art, but know what you like? You’ll love the family activities on a rainy day at the Museum of Contemporary Art. It’s a Creative Kids Provider, which means you can use the NSW Government’s rebate scheme to access various programs and workshops. Check the MCA website to find out more.

 

Looking for more kid friendly things to do in Sydney on a rainy day? Check out this list of 10 amazing things to do in the rain that you and the family can enjoy together