Planning a trip to Sydney? Darling Harbour, in the Sydney CBD is bursting with activities for families to enjoy. We recently spent a week in Darling Harbour. Here is my own pick for the top ten things to do there with children (in no particular order).
(1) The Australian National Maritime Museum
This unique museum was featuring a pirate display when we visited. One ticket gave the boys unlimited access in the school holidays and they went back twice. I was moved by a display honoring the victims of the Titanic (an endless list of names). General entry is just $7 (more to board some display boats in the harbor).
At the National Maritime Museum
(2) Darling Quarter Playground.
This amazing playground and interactive wet play area has just taken out a top gong at the Kidsafe 2012 National Design Awards. In summary it is a giant area of free, safe, kid fun.
Water play in the Darling Harbour playground
(3) The Sydney Sea Life Aquarium.
I am an aquarium aficionado, and this is my favourite aquarium anywhere. Located on the city side of Darling Harbour it hosts a wide array of marine life. The beautiful, ugly, dangerous and just plain weird are all on display here. The interactive educational displays ensure you are able to teach your children as you progress through the varying marine environments. Read more about our experiences at the Sydney Sea Life Aquarium here.
Meeting an amazing smalltooth sawfish at the Sydney Sea Life Aquarium
(4) San Churro Chocolatoria
Indulge in a touch of delicious Spain on the ground level of Harbourside Shopping Centre at San Churro Chocolatoria. Churros dipped in melted chocolate, for the kids, Spanish hot chocolate for myself. It was divine.
The San Churro Chocolataria in Harbourside Shopping Centre
(5) The Chinese Garden of Friendship
The Chinese Garden of Friendship was closed to the public when we were there due to filming of the movie Wolverine. I have visited before however and it offers a space of beauty and serenity at the southern end of Darling Harbour. Admission is $6 for adults and $3 for children under 12. Even though we weren’t allowed in this time we enjoyed peaking into the pond at the giant goldfish.
Chinese Garden of friendship in Sydney
(6) Imax Theatre
Ten times larger than the traditional theatre experience, the IMAX cinema immerses you in the movie. Short films, such as the nature documentary we watched, and which are ideal for children with lesser attention spans are cheaper than feature films. Keep a lookout as well for dining-IMAX cross promotions at restaurants around Darling Harbour.
(7) People mover trains
Small people mover trains operate from 10am-5pm (6pm in summer) daily. Most kids love train rides and they are a pleasant way to escape the city pace for a few moments, sit back and people watch.
(8) Ride the carosel
An old style carosel is a long term fixture at Darling Harbour. Tickets cost $4.
(9) Monorail
Darling Harbour hosts a number of Sydney Monorail stations. Riding the monorail after dark was a great way to introduce our country kids to the bright lights of the clty. A tip, research which is your best ticket before you go as staff will not always sell you your most inexpensive option.
(10) Enjoy the fountains.
There are a few beautiful feature fountains in Darling Harbour that allow children to get their feet wet while playing. Don’t underestimate how long your children may want to spend in these. Once again, safe, free fun.
Darling Harbour, Sydney Australia
