Looking for things to do with your little ones that are fun, affordable and toddler-friendly? Whether you’ve got a baby in the pram or a busy preschooler to keep entertained, we’ve rounded up 10 great outings for 1–5 year olds. From free museums and duck feeding to splash zones and wildlife parks, there’s something here for every family—plus all the details you need like prices, parking and pram access. Here’s our reel on it, too!
1. Seaside Strollers (under 18 months) & Mini Mariners (ages 2–5) – Australian National Maritime Museum, Darling Harbour
📍 2 Murray Street, Sydney
- Seaside Strollers: $26 per adult (babies free). Runs Wednesdays, includes a gentle museum tour and baby sensory play.
- Mini Mariners: $12 adults, $8 children (2–5yo). Runs Thursdays, with songs, games, storytelling, and crafts themed around the sea.
- Both programs are interactive, designed especially for under 5s, and include museum entry for the day.
- 🚗 Parking at Harbourside Car Park (validated rates with museum ticket). Or catch the ferry/light rail/train to Town Hall and walk.
2. Clifton Gardens Playground & Beach – Mosman
📍 Morella Road, Mosman
- Perfect for toddlers: calm, shallow waters with a netted swimming enclosure, shady grass for picnics, and a fenced playground right next to the sand.
- Cost: Free.
- 🚗 Parking in the adjacent car park (paid). Gets busy on weekends—arrive early.
- Café kiosk nearby for snacks.
3. Taronga Zoo Sydney – Mosman
📍 Bradleys Head Road, Mosman
- The Backyard to Bush farmyard is a hit with littlies—meet baby lambs, goats, chooks, and rabbits.
- Kids love the red zoo train that loops around to save little legs from long walks.
- Tickets: Adults $53, Children (4–15) $31.50, Under 4 free.
- 🚗 Parking $22/day, or take the ferry from Circular Quay (pram-friendly).
4. Parramatta Aquatic Centre
📍 7A Park Parade, Parramatta
- The indoor splash play zone has water jets, slides and shallow areas—perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.
- All-weather activity and great year-round.
- Tickets: Adult swim $8.50, child swim (3–15yrs) $6.50, under 3 free. Family passes available.
- 🚗 On-site car park with 2 hours free parking.
5. Australian Museum – Sydney CBD
📍 1 William Street, Sydney
- Free entry! Kids adore Burra, the First Nations-led play and learning space for under 5s. The Dinosaur Gallery is another must-see.
- Perfect outing if you’re catching the Metro (alight at Martin Place or Central and stroll up).
- Café, baby change rooms, and lifts for prams.
6. Duck Feeding at Macquarie University Lake
📍 Macquarie University Campus, University Avenue, North Ryde
- Walk around the lake, see ducks, turtles and eels. Pack frozen peas, oats, or bird seed (no bread).
- Cost: Free.
- 🚗 Park in Visitor Car Park West 3 (hourly paid parking, weekends free in some areas).
- Great for a short stroll and morning tea.
7. West Ryde Library – West Ryde
📍 2 Graf Avenue, West Ryde
- Newly renovated! Includes interactive play zones, sensory toys, and child-friendly furniture.
- Regular Rhyme Time and Story Time sessions (free, bookings required during school terms).
- Cost: Free entry.
- Pram parking space available, plus lift access.
8. Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park
📍 217 Kildare Road, Doonside
- Great flat paths for prams, with hands-on animal encounters—feed wallabies, pat a koala, or see dingoes, wombats, and birds up close.
- Tickets: Adults $38, Children (3–15) $25, Under 3 free.
- 🚗 Free onsite parking.
9. Sydney Zoo – Bungarribee (Western Sydney Parklands)
📍 700 Great Western Highway, Bungarribee NSW 2767
- Designed for prams—wide, flat paths and compact layout. Kids love the giraffe feeding, lion viewing platforms and reptile house.
- Tickets: Adults $44.99, Children (3–15) $27.99, Under 3 free.
- 🚗 Free parking onsite.
10. Auburn Botanic Gardens
📍 Chiswick Road & Chisholm Road, Auburn NSW 2144
- Free Fauna Reserve with kangaroos, wombats, emus, wallabies and peacocks roaming around.
- Japanese Garden with bridges and koi ponds, plus a children’s playground.
- Cost: Free entry for Cumberland residents (bring ID), $5 per adult for non-residents, kids under 16 free.
- 🚗 Free car park onsite.
