50+ cool things to do in Sydney for older kids [2024 updated]

Things to do in Sydney for older kids can feel few and far between. It can be tough entertaining tweens and teens who no longer want to visit Taronga Zoo (what’s wrong with them!?), and a ferry ride just ain’t cutting it any more.

By Amanda Nicholls

Whether you live in Sydney or are just visiting, Amanda Nicholls has got you covered. Amanda has visited Sydney from top to bottom with her kids, so she knows all the cool things for older kids to do in and around the city. Whether you’re cashed up or planning on going mega-cheap, there will be something here that will entertain your own tribe. Enjoy your adventures.

Sydney for older kids

1. Archie Brothers Cirque Electrique

Archie Brothers is a place for kids and kids at heart. It doesn’t matter what your age, the whole tribe will love a day out at Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq. Think old school arcade games as far as the eye can see. Plus there is a bowling alley, a retro diner with freak shakes, hot dogs and burgers (which by night converts to a bar so if you ever want to have a kid free night – option is there!). There is also a Flying Trapeze area up high, Spy School, Bumper Cars, Lasertag Frightmare and more. They’re located at either Alexandria in the inner west or out at Penrith (which is also handy for the Blue Mountains).

2. Skyline Drive in Blacktown

Taking the kids to see a movie is always fun but why not try a drive in movie? Skyline Drive In has a retro diner serving hot chips, ice cream and frozen cokes. Their waitresses and waiters are even dressed in 60s-themed uniforms to add to the fun. Enjoy a quick bite to eat before hitting up the candy bar and tuning in the radio for a movie in the car. If you have a car that allows for a bit of leg room, make sure you empty it out and reverse the car to the screen so you can all huddle in the boot together.

3. Treetops Adventure

Things in Sydney for older kids - Trees Adventure

Image: Amanda Nicholls

Treetops Adventure is a fantastic way to get the kids outdoors among nature and doing some physical exercise whilst having a truck load of fun. There are courses for all ages including a course that is for eight-years plus. There is everything from challenging climbs to rope bridges, zip lining and ropes courses. You get a two hour session, once you are harnessed up and have undergone the safety training, you’re free to explore the courses until your time is up. Booking ahead is recommended. There are Treetops Adventure parks at:

St Ives (Kuring-gai Wildflower Garden is also nearby)
Taronga Zoo (you might get your day out at the zoo after all!)
The Hills (shopping at Castle Towers is a good activity to go with)
Western Sydney (Raging Waters is just a 20 minute drive down the road_

4. MCA Young Creatives

The MCA (Museum of Contemporary Art) has a Youth Committee that run some amazing Young Creatives programs for teens. Genext is one program where on a couple of nights a year the teens take over the museum with dance, music and art workshops. If your 12-21 year old is into anything creative, don’t miss taking part in one of the events throughout the year.

5. iFly

Image: iFly

If you haven’t been to iFly it’s an absolute treat for the tribe. iFly is indoor sky diving based out in Penrith in Sydney’s west. You you can feel what a free fall from 14,000 feet in the air feels like without a parachute or even having to jump out of an airplane. Indoor skydiving has become so popular there are even now indoor skydiving championships. All you have to do to get started is lean into the giant glass wind tunnel and you’ll take flight. There are all-round viewing platforms for family to get comfortable and watch you soaring through the iFly tunnel.

6. Escape Hunt

Image: Amanda Nicholls

Escape Hunt is a thrilling mystery solving experience that the whole family can enjoy together. You might even want to invite some friends to join in! With six different rooms, there are four historic Sydney mysteries to be solved. Race against the clock to make your way out of a themed escape room by solving all the clues. Each Escape Hunt room is different, we guarantee once you’ve played once you’ll all want to play again!

7. Luna Park

Luna Park is an iconic part of Sydney and a great way to keep the kids entertained. You can even catch a Ferry there to make the experience even more fun. There are lots of rides including the iconic ferris wheel overlooking the Sydney Harbour bridge and harbour. Coney Island offers hours of fun with giant slides and potato sacks as well as sideshow themed games and attractions. Luna Park is also well known for participating in events. During summer you can enjoy the outdoor cinema on the roof, or in the cooler months look forward to Vivid Sydney by taking the kids for a night time visit to Luna Park.

8. Eastern Creek International Karting Raceway

Things for older kids to do in Sydney - Go Karting

Image: Eastern Creek International Karting Raceway

Go Karting is for families who love an adrenalin rush and a bit of friendly competition. Eastern Creek International Karting Raceway has some of the fastest go karts in Sydney and one of the biggest race tracks. Kids from 16 years and up are allowed to race in the adult sized go karts which give the driver a real taste of race car driving. But the kids won’t miss out – if they’re 8 years and up, they can hire a kids cart and ride solo! If you have younger kids or kids who aren’t confident behind the wheel but don’t want to miss out, there are double seater go karts available too.

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