Indoor Activities in Sydney | Find Air-Con and Rainy Day Activities for Kids

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If doesn’t matter if it is raining and you are seeking somewhere weather proof or it is far too hot and you are seeking places that are air-conditioned in Sydney, we have created the best list of indoor activities in Sydney for kids. These venues are all perfect for very hot or very rainy day activities over the Sydney school holidays.

When it is raining, these rainy day activities in Sydney will make sure that the kids are kept dry and highly entertained. If it is too hot to enjoy being outside, then this list of indoor activities in Sydney for kids that have air-conditioning will be your saviour.

Wet weather activities with kids

A lot of the places on this list of indoor activities for families, your kids can run, jump, skip and play to their hearts content while the grown ups can sit down with a coffee knowing the kids will be happily exhausted afterwards.

Our list is full of indoor play centres in Sydney including those in shopping centres, trampoline parks, Indoor animal adventures, heated pools, fun and kid friendly museums, and a whole bunch of rainy day activities in Sydney for kids that you probably haven’t even thought about! It doesn’t matter if you are trying to entertain toddlers in the wet weather or teenagers when it is hot and you are seeking air-conditioning, our list has something for everyone!

So, without further ado, below you will find an alphabetical, comprehensive list of indoor activities in Sydney for kids – whether they be toddlers, kids or teenagers!

Rainy day activities & air-conditioned places in Sydney

Getting out of the house doesn’t have to be expensive either! We’ve found plenty of things to do when it’s raining (or too hot) to keep those kids from getting bored (and let’s face it the kids rainy day activities and other indoor activities really helps us to reconnect as a family). 

Australian National Maritime Museum

Australian National Maritime Museum in Darling Harbour

This is a unique rainy day activity for kids to enjoy and a great way to learn about the Australian warships.  This will be of interest to a lot of members of the family, but there are plenty of interactive activities for the kids to enjoy during your visit.

Book here: Australian National Maritime Museum

Address:  2 Murray Street, Darling Harbour

Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq Alexandria

Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq has breathed life into arcade games across Australia. Roll on in to enjoy the Cirque Electriq experience and relive joyous memories from your childhood and share them with your kids over the school holidays or on a wet or hot day to escape the weather.

Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq is no ordinary arcade. Here, you will find state-of-the-art virtual reality games and thrill rides, bumper cars and some of your favourite video games including Dance Dance Revolution, NBA Hoops and a life-size Mario Kart race car driving game.

Find out more and buy your play pass here.

Address: 75 O’Riordan St, Alexandria

Axe-throwing

Well, a little axe-throwing activities will certainly notch up the adrenaline for your teenager!  This is a great way to get your teenager out of the online world and into a very different environment!  Yes, it sounds dangerous, and a little unusual, but that is the attraction.  The staff and venue ensure the activities are safe for all, so why not give this a go! Please note – children must be aged 16+ for this activity.

Book here: Axe throwing Experience Sydney

Address: 19 McCauley St, Alexandria

Bowling

bowling-is-a-cheap-school-holiday-activity

There are a number of various bowling activities in and around Sydney, we have selected this one as it has a number of other activities to try including an Escape room AND karaoke. So once the competitive bowling is out of the way, you can sing your heart out and escape (a wonderful activity on a rainy day for the kids AND family). It is also something you can do with kids when it is raining as a night time activity!

Website: Strike Bowling

Address: 22 The Promenade, King Street Wharf

Build a Bear

These are everywhere and my usual go to when its rainy outside.  If you haven’t yet experienced this, it is definitely worth a go.  They are situated in a number of locations, so please check the website for a place near you.  The whole experience is enjoyable from picking out the bear, to then making it come to life with a cute ceremony given by the staff – your kids will love this!

Website: Build a Bear

Address: Various locations.

B Lucky & Sons Gaming Arcade

A great activity for teenagers or for rainy day activities with tweens why not take them to a gaming arcade – so much going on with plenty of games to try from Dance Revolution, shooting some hoops, Mario Kart and some VR games to try out, such a fun place to enjoy!

Book here: B Lucky & Sons Funlab Game

Address: 200 Crown Street, Woolloongong

Chipmunks Playland & Cafe

A rainy day activity for toddlers = indoor playgrounds.  A great way to spend a few hours when it’s raining outside.  The kids will love this indoor playground – plenty to engage them with vibrant colours, soft structures to clamber over, slides, obstacles and much much more!

They have locations in Villawood and Prospect.

Website: Chipmunks Playland & Café

Cinema

warch a movie at the cinema these school holidays

Sydney wet season can be difficult to navigate through however there are any number of cinemas in and around the Sydney area and these are great, particularly in school holidays when there is always a number of film options for children.  Grab the popcorn and get the group together a movie extravaganza!

Website: Event Cinemas, Hoyts, Palace Cinemas, Ritz Cinema, Golden Age Cinema,

Address: Multiple, check websites

City of Sydney Library

Rainy day activities for babies and toddlers includes this wonderful place.  All libraries are very inclusive of kids of all ages including very young kids, with story times, events and workshops for kids and designated areas, this is a lovely place to spend some quieter time.

Website: City of Sydney Library

Extreme indoor go karting

Definitely one for the teenagers looking for a little adrenaline fun and speed – this extreme go karting facility has everything they could need – an indoor racing track which allows them to experience three different tracks which includes a sprint track!

Website: EXTREME Indoor Go Karting

Address: Unit 3, 66 Christina Road, Villawood

Flip Out Sydney

A rainy day in Sydney means …. bouncing!!  From trampolines to basketball to obstacle courses, we love these indoor trampoline parks for wet weather activities in Sydney – these places have everything a bouncy child could need!  Why not let them loose and enjoy the bouncy fun that this place has to offer for that rainy day session!

Website: Flip Out

Address: Many locations available, so please check the website for the location closest to you!

Holey Moley Putt Putt

This is putt putt with crazy challenges, shark infested waters and pop culture references such as The Simpsons or Harry Potter (putter).  All are welcome prior to 5pm when it then turns into an adult only facility.  Food and drink are available on site – set yourself a family challenge!

Website: Holey Moley

Address: 387 King Street, Newtown

iFLY

Ifly is great for teenagers

Why not experience the sky-diving experience (but without the need of a plane!).  This unique experience will give you the opportunity to sample what it feels like to sky-dive.  Great for all ages (apparently from 3-103!), the whole family can give this one a go!

Book here: iFLY Basic Indoor Skydiving

Address: 123 Mulgoa Road, Penrith

Jenolan Caves

If you are looking to get out of the city and do something that a little rain won’t stop, this is a great idea.  A guided tour of the Blue Mountains and Jenolan Caves – taking you underground into these magical caves to see spectacular natural structures.  Various stops are included to the famous Three Sisters rock formation and waterfalls – so have your cameras to the ready!

Address: Please check website as there are various pick up points in Sydney

Website: Find out more on their website here.

Lollipops Playland

This huge play area is great for kids of all ages.  There is everything you need and expect in an indoor playground and often there are toddler specific areas within.  An onsite café for you to enjoy some downtime while you let your kids run around, this is a wonderful place to enjoy on a rainy day.  There are various locations in and around Sydney, so please refer to the website for information on location.

Website: Lollipops Playland

Address: Various, check the website.

Ice rinks in Sydney

Perth Ice Arena

A great rainy day activity for the kids is indoor ice-skating across Sydney. We love the Macquarie Ice Rink as this location is great if you are wanting maybe to trial a new activity, with the equipment available to hire, and staff on hand to help. Once you have tired them out, why not then do a little shopping in the Macquarie Shopping Centre (in which the rink is located!) There are other indoor ice skating opportunities across Sydney, so the websites below.

Websites: Macquarie Ice Rink or Liverpool Catholic Club Ice Skating, or Canterbury’s Olympic Ice Rink.

Madame Tussauds

A fabulous rainy day activity with friends why not take off to this venue for a touch of celebrity and royalty!  Situated very centrally these lifelike exhibits are amazing. Movie stars, TV stars, members of the Royal family and iconic celebrities are all here to meet and greet in very realistic wax creations.  A great photographic experience!!

Website: Madame Tussauds Sydney

Address: Aquarium Wharf, 1-5 Wheat Road, Darling Harbour

Plaster Master Fun Centre

If your kids are not so interested in running around, this is a wonderful alternative. With everything included for the kids to get creative with figurines, plaster, canvas and paints they are sure to have a fun time!

Website: Plaster Master Fun Centre

Address: 333 Old South Head Road, North Bondi

Plaster Painting Studios

A great rainy day activity for toddlers (and adults!). A little art and craft goes a long way with kids and this is a little unique experience that can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike (including toddlers).  Let their creativeness go wild and enjoy with everything from paint to glitter included for them to use!

Website: Plaster Painting Studios

Address: Lang Road Moore Park, NSW

Putt Planet

A rainy day activity for the entire family! You will love the African inspired putt putt golfing experience for the entire family.  A little bit of competition on a rainy day will keep you going, and the kids will love this – it’s a room by room experience so a little different to the usual putt putt!

Website: Putt Planet

Address: Unit 1/205 Port Hacking Road, Miranda

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

SEA LIFE Darling Harbour Sydney

During Sydney rain season, a great rainy day activity for toddlers is a visit to the Aquarium.  Kids will love watching these majestic underwater creatures from the shark tanks to the aquarium which is divided into 14 different zones.  The Discovery Rock Pool will allow them to get a more hands on experience – a great day out for the family.

Get your discounted tickets here

Address: 1-5 Wheat Road, Sydney

Shopping centres with play centres

There are play areas at Westfield in Chatswood, Burwood, Miranda, Parramatta and Eastgardens – The Broadway Shopping Centre has a good one for under 6s – while The Homemaker Centre in Alexandria has a cute kids’ playground, the Macquarie Centre has the fabulous Chipmunks within the complex, and go to Ikea at Tempe for super cheap meatballs and a play in Smaland, their supervised play area. Marrickville Metro has a cute kids’ play area and Top Ryde City has a great enclosed play area with a cafe right next door! If you’re anywhere near Castle Hill, make sure you visit Jitterbugs Playcentre in Castle Towers. We also love Monkey Bar, the epic and FREE play at Rhodes Waterside!

Sydney Cricket Ground

If you have a sporting teenager in your group, why not take them behind the scenes of the Sydney Cricket Ground and Museum on a 90 minute guided walking tour. You will get to see private areas that members of the public generally don’t get the opportunity to visit such as dressing rooms, commentary boxes and even includes a tour of the museum.

Book here: Sydney Cricket Ground

Address: Moore Park Road, Moore Park

Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre

As the name suggests, built for the Olympics, this fabulous location is great for a rainy day activity.  There are four heated pools to choose from, coupled with giant water slides, rapid river ride and interactive cannons! 

Website: Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre

Address: Olympic Boulevard, Sydney Olympic Park

Sydney Opera House Show

Sydney Opera House

A great rainy day activity for kids, (if they are old enough to sit through a show) is something family friendly at the Sydney Opera House.  The famous Sydney Opera House is a wonderful experience in its own right, but to also enjoy a show within this fabulous iconic building is a must-do during your school holidays (or any time it is too hot or too wet!).  Dress up, enjoy the show and the performance.

Book here: Sydney Opera House Show

Address: Sydney Opera House, Sydney

Sydney Tower Eye

The view from Sydney Tower

If you have a bored teen, take them to see Sydney from the sky (almost!). The Sydney Tower Eye is the tallest building in Sydney and takes you to the highest point for breathtaking 360-degree views of the beautiful harbour city. With views to 100km away, your kids will be awestruck.

Read more about the Tower Eye or grab tickets before you go.

WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo

WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo

To avoid the rain during Sydney wet season why not take a trip to the zoo.  Situated right on Sydney Harbour, this is a great all weather activity, with many animals to see up close such as the Koala Sanctuary, Red Kangaroos in the Red Centre Habitat and explore the rainforest! So much to see, you are sure to have a great day out here for all the family.

Book here: WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo

Address: Aquarium Wharf, Sydney

The Ledge Climbing Centre

A little climbing, boulders and walls to be precise, with all levels of expertise covered – this is a great rainy indoor activity for all ages, but the teenagers will also be included.  Staff are on hand to assist and safety is taken very seriously here – but that doesn’t detract from the fun!

Website: The Ledge Climbing Centre

Address: Western Avenue, Camperdown

Tik Tocs

Situated approximately 40 minutes South West of Sydney, this large indoor play centre has features such as slides, mazes, ball pit and even laser tag.  Older kids have interactive games that they can get involved in so this will be great if you have older and younger kids in your family! 

Website: Tik Tocs

Address: 2/9 Enterprise Circuit, Prestons Sydney

Ultimate Sydney

As the name suggests, this is the ULTIMATE area in Sydney for kids to enjoy themselves.  With everything under one roof, you will be hard pushed to experience everything on offer in one visit.  From areas for the younger members of the family to enjoy such as slides and climbing apparatus, there is also a giant foam pit, interconnecting trampolines AND café!!  Have fun!

Website: Ultimate Sydney

Address: 51B Redbank Road, Northmead

Virtual Reality & Escape Rooms

Rainy day activities for teenagers can be tricky but this activity will definitely help.  With a number of virtual reality experiences to choose from, you can grab a small group and, by using the state of the art virtual reality gadgets, get them engaged in a very different gaming experience.

These venues have Escape Rooms & VR experiences across Sydney:

NUBO – sadly permanently closed

Indoor Activities in Sydney-Nubo

Play areas, arts and crafts designated areas, library, chill out zone – all for the kids – this is a fantastic location with everything your littlies will need on a rainy day.  If you are looking for something that satisfies those crazy run-around moments, coupled with something a little quieter and calmer, this is a wonderful place to spend a few hours on a rainy day in Sydney.

Address: Unit 201, Building 2, 160 Bourke Road, Alexandria

Indoor activities in Sydney for kids

Sydney air-conditioned places and Sydney rainy day activities are plentiful – and it’s easy when there is a place to start your research.  Hopefully this has helped you identify something that you can all enjoy from rainy day activities kids-style to places to take the kids to cool down on those stinking hot summer days. If we have forgotten your favourite, let us know! We’d love to add any new locations!

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Janine Mergler

Janine Mergler is a veteran Queensland teacher, graduating from QUT with a BEd majoring in Social Sciences. After many years in the classroom, Janine moved on to academia. She has proudly trained new generations of school teachers in her role as a lecturer at Queensland University of Technology Faculty of Education. She has also worked in the Queensland Government as an education specialist, developing education resources and delivering community awareness programs to help families conserve water. Currently she is the owner and editor of Families Magazine, an expert Queensland publication specifically targeted at parents who value a quality education for children including things to do with them over the school holidays. Janine leads a team of professionals who write about family lifestyle, early childhood, schools and education information and family-friendly events.

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