Sydney is a very diverse city with plenty of things to see and do both during the day and at night. The day time can be spent exploring many of Sydney’s local cafes, enjoying beautiful food, catching a sports event or theatre show and plenty of parks dotted around to take the family.
However what happens when the sun goes down – what evening Sydney activities for families are available? With businesses being available for more unusual and unsociable hours, families are often struggling to find a balance. You can however use this to your advantage in the Sydney school holidays to find some awesome kids activities at night in Sydney.
What can you do in Sydney at night? Some of the best things to do in Sydney at night with kids are listed below – we know in some cases trying to find time with the family means thinking outside the box. Why not try nocturnal activities? There is PLENTY of fun to be had later in the day. Why not find time with your kids to enjoy the activities that Sydney can offer when the sun goes down.
If you find yourself in Sydney visiting places, the Sydney public transport is a great way to get around the city and explore.
Looking for things to do in Sydney? Look no further – we have organised an adventure list for you of things to do at night in the city. Grab the family. Gear up for some fun in the dark. No matter the age and no matter the preferred activity – there is sure to be something on this list that will be worth a go!! Sydney things to do at night………..
We have broken our list into ages groups, but of course this is not a hard and fast rule. I know teens who would love to stuff their face with ice cream and toddlers who would be bang up for some of the ideas on the teens list…
10 best things to do in Sydney at night with toddlers
If you want to entertain toddlers with activities at night in Sydney, then these are the ideas we recommend:
Luna Park Sydney
Open again, after the pandemic, this is one of the most iconic theme parks in Sydney. Good old fashions fairground rides, entertainment and food – your little one is sure to have fun!
Address: Luna Park, Sydney
Ultimate Sydney
As the name suggests, this is the ULTIMATE area in Sydney for kids to enjoy themselves. This is one of the top things to do in Sydney at night – 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!
Address: 51B Redbank Road, Northmead
For details on the fun activities, reach out here!
Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre
As the name suggests, built for the Olympics, this fabulous location is great fun. For family things to do in Sydney at night, this is a great option! There are four heated pools to choose from, coupled with giant water slides, rapid river ride and interactive cannons!
Address: Olympic Boulevard, Sydney Olympic Park
Pool information can be found here
Ice Cream
While on your travels, why not stop into one of the many ice cream parlours/shops in Sydney. RivaReno is a hugely popular gelato shop with many flavours to choose from and enjoy. Enjoy a sugary treat. Your toddler will absolutely love trying out some of these.
Check out their website and locations here
Picnic in the park
A popular thing to do in Sydney at night is a visit to one of the many many parks situated in and around Sydney inner city and the suburbs – you are literally spoilt for choice! This is a wonderful idea to see Sydney at night and one of the many free things to do.
The Royal Botanic Gardens are beautiful but so are the Centennial Gardens and Hyde Park. Outdoor activities don’t come much better than a little park time. Why not grab the picnic basket or grab a few items on your way to the park and enjoy watching the sun go down, playing in the park, throwing a ball around – the options are endless!
Local taverns for dinner
Night activities around Sydney can mean a visit to one of the many taverns that now cater for the younger members of the family. A lot have little play areas designed for toddlers and older children so they can have fun and let off a little steam. Menus will also cater to younger kids with their very own children’s options.
Often there is a combination which includes drinks and dessert. Designated rooms or play areas are a great way to combine your family meal with a bit of fun and they are literally everywhere. Look up your local tavern, wherever you may be, and see what fun activities are available for your youngsters!
Find some family friendly restaurants in Sydney here.
Barangaroo Reserve
Another place to visit in Sydney at night is this former industrial site which has been transformed into a huge recreation parkland on the foreshore of Sydney’s iconic and beautiful harbour, with a spectacular view of the famous skyline – affording the best views of Sydney at night.
A great picnic spot, but there are also options for picnics to be pre-ordered from local picnic creators Pop Up Picnic so you don’t even have to worry about organising the food! A great place to indulge in some food, take in the views as the sun goes down and play a ball game with the younger ones! What a spectacular way to end your day!
Address: Hickson Road, Barangaroo
Check out more information about the location
Darling Harbour
One of the popular things to do in Sydney at night is a visit here! Darling Harbour is a centrally located harbour area within Sydney that has many aspects to it including multiple restaurants. If you are looking to have a dinner date with your family there is sure to be something that will satisfy all tastes. The place has a great vibe and the kids will be fascinated with the twinkly lights and epic playground. Once the tummy is full, why not wander round and take in the sights!
Address: Darling Harbour, Sydney
More information about the area can be found here
Moonlight cinemas
Moonlight cinemas offer a different perspective for watching movies. During the summer months, they put on an outdoor cinema setting with a variety of movies and genres to enjoy. The lead up to Christmas will see a Christmas movie option. You can grab a blanket of your own, or purchase a bean bag on site with snacks available too. Relax and unwind with the family under the stars!
Various locations
Program & Tickets – Moonlight Cinema
Shopping Malls in Sydney
There are so many shopping malls to choose from BUT a lot of them also have playground areas for the toddlers of the group. If you need to pick up a few essentials on the way home, bring the kids and make it a fun trip for them too. That way you can do all that you need to, but the kids will enjoy hanging out and letting off steam.
10 best things to do in Sydney at night with young kids 5-12
If your kids are a little bit older and can stay up later than your little toddlers, then we have found that these Sydney kids activities are perfect for night time!
Escape Hunt
Open until 10pm nightly, this is a fun activity the entire family will enjoy. There are four adventures to choose from including The Young Wizard’s Quest. Grab your friends and family and solve the clues – the perfect end to the day!
Address: Escape Hunt Sydney (Level 4) – 393 George Street, Sydney, NSW 2000
Grab your tickets ahead of time!
Flip Out
Looking for fun things to do in Sydney at night? Let off a little steam after work/school and enjoy …. Bouncing!! From trampolines, to basketball to obstacle courses, this place has everything a bouncy child could need! Why not let them loose and enjoy the bouncy fun that this place has to offer!.
Address: Many locations available, so please check the website for the location closest to you!
Look up locations and times here
Macquarie Ice Rink
A great activity for the kids – 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!)
Address: Waterloo Road, Sydney
Bowling
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. This is a fun activity any day of the week but especially when looking for things to do in Sydney on Friday, Saturday or Sunday evenings before going back to work!
Address: 22 The Promenade, King Street Wharf
Further info including times and booking available here
Cinema
Looking for things to do in Sydney this weekend – 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!
Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq, Alexandria
If you have kids that love their devices and will play on them forever (if allowed), then this is for you. The arcade has plenty to get excited about with Dance Dance Revolution to try out, Mario Kart racing, Virtual Reality games and plenty more. A fun activity to spend during the evening.
Address: 75 O’Riordan Street, Alexandria
You can find out the prices here Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq Alexandria
Sydney Bus Tour
See Sydney from a different perspective and explore various locations on your travels. This hop on and hop off get around is a wonderful way to explore the city without the need to drive. Discovering information enroute and even being able to jump off if you want to have a bit more of an in-depth adventure!
Sydney Observatory
Although currently closed for refurbishments, it is however due to reopen in 2022. It is possibly one of the best places to see the sunset in Sydney! If your kids are fascinated with the planets, stars and everything outer space this is a great location to visit and learn. Looking through telescopes, learning the solar system and even grabbing a small gift for the journey home – fantastic fun!
Address: 1003 Upper Fort Street, Sydney
Art Gallery of NSW
The Gallery is now open until 9pm so this is a wonderful idea for a visit after work/school. Wander through the many and varied exhibitions and enjoy a snack at the café on site.
Address: Art Gallery Road, The Domain, Sydney
More information from the website can be found here
10 best things to do in Sydney at night with teenagers
Teenagers! They are pretty tricky to keep entertained at the best of times, but we have found some awesome ideas that will definitely keep them happy these school holidays. (We have a huge article dedicated to things to do on the Sydney with teenagers if these ideas don’t work!)
Sydney Opera House Show
Why not catch up in one of the most iconic buildings in Australia, let alone Sydney. An opera show in the beautiful and iconic Sydney Opera House is a great experience for all the family. Fabulous surroundings and an excuse to dress up!
Address: Sydney Opera House, Sydney
Grab your tickets and package here!
Sydney Ghost Tours
If your teenager is up for a little ghostly experience, this is a wonderful way to connect and enjoy an evening together. Lasting approximately 1.5 hours and covering around 2 kms around the city, you will take in long ago opium dens, public execution sites, Sydney’s slums and more.
Address: Lantern Ghost Tours – 69 George St, The Rocks, NSW 2000
Find your tickets here – Sydney Ghost Tours
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.
Address: 19 McCauley St, Alexandria
Axe throwing information is available via this website
Sydney Bridge Climb
Climbing the Harbour Bridge in Sydney is a world renowned activity and at night adds to the excitement, being able to see the city all lit up in all its glory. The team are super helpful and will point out the many attractions. A fabulous evening is guaranteed!.
Address: 3 Cumberland Street, The Rocks
B Lucky & Sons Gaming Arcade
Fun night activities in Sydney for teenagers – this is a great fun. 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!
Address: 200 Crown Street, Woolloongong
iFLY
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!
Address: 123 Mulgoa Road, Penrith
The Ledge Climbing Centre
A little climbing, boulders and walls to be precise, with all levels of expertise covered – this is a great 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!
Address: Western Avenue, Camperdown
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!
Address: Unit 3, 66 Christina Road, Villawood
All the information you need can be found right here
Zero Latency VR
This is another great location for teenagers who are into the online world of gaming – with VR games to choose from, particularly if zombies are your thing, this is definitely a place they will enjoy!
Address: 219 O’Riordan Street, Mascot
For more information, please click here
Take in a Theatre show
If visiting, one of the best things for visitors to do in Sydney at night is to catch a show. There are many great shows and musicals around at the moment and any number of theatres in which to enjoy them. Sydney is very lucky to play host to some big travelling shows and they are ever changing. The theatres include the Belvoir Theatre and Griffin Theatre company, so why not check them out and see what you can enjoy on your evening.
Best things to do in Sydney at night with kids
We hope this helps with a few ideas as a good place to start your night time adventure with your family. Plenty of things to do at night in the city but we would love to hear from you as to how these worked out or any fabulous ideas to share with others trying out those after dark get togethers!!
Even more NSW school holiday ideas:
If you are heading north these school holidays check out these helpful guides:
- Newcastle & Central Coast school holiday activities
- Port Macquarie school holiday activities
- Coffs Harbour School holiday activities
- Byron Bay school holiday activities
If you are heading south these school holidays, these holiday ideas might help:
And if you are heading to our nations capital, we have listed he best school holiday activities in Canberra too!
