Six Of The Best Animal Themed Adventures For Kids

By: Tamarin Vaughan, ellaslist explorer

Next time the kids are pacing the house like caged lions why not set off on a real animal adventure? Whether you want to come face to face with the King of the Jungle, meet some Australian legends or simply see some super cool sea life, there is something for everyone! Set off on your own animal safari with these six animal themed activities for kids!

1. Taronga Zoo – Bradleys Head, Mosman

If your kids are captivated by all things that slither, hop, crawl and stampede then you can’t go past Taronga Zoo. Located a short but scenic 12 minute ferry trip from the city, the Zoo boasts over 4000 creatures and plenty of keeper talks, tours and special events to entertain young and old. For an additional fee you can try your hand at the Wild Ropes (for ages 10+, pre-booking is recommended) or have an animal encounter and take home the photo as proof! A day at the zoo can be a strain on little legs so you may want to pack the pram!
MORE INFO ON TARONGA ZOO.

 

2. Calmsley Hill City Farm – Abbotsbury

Bring ‘Old MacDonald’s Farm’ to life for your children by taking them on a trip to Calmsley Hill City Farm. Located in Abbotsbury, approximately 40 minutes from the city, the farm gives kids the opportunity to experience being a farmer for a day. Learn how to milk a cow, take a ride on the tractor and feed the animals in the Farmyard Nursery. Bring a picnic lunch or take advantage of the free electric BBQ facilities. To take advantage of all the fantastic opportunities at the Farm, read all about my trip to the Farm here!
MORE INFO ON CALMSLEY HILL CITY FARM.

 

3. Featherdale Wildlife Park – Doonside

Say g’day to some Australian native animals and birds at Featherdale Wildlife Park. Located in Sydney’s western suburbs, the Park is home to some of Australia’s most iconic creatures- you can hand feed a Kangaroo, pat a Koala or encounter an Emu. The park is also popular with visiting celebrities- you never know who you might see!
MORE INFO ON FEATHERDALE WILDLIFE PARK.

 

4.  SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium – Darling Harbour

If sea creatures are more your scene then scoot on over to SEA LIFE Sydney  Aquarium in Darling Harbour. The aquarium houses over 12,000 animals from sharks to sea anemones and everything in between. Walk through the underwater glass viewing tunnels as sharks, rays and turtles swim serenely over head. Book your tickets online to snare a discount.
MORE INFO ON SEA LIFE SYDNEY AQUARIUM.

 

5. Symbio Wildlife Park - Helensburgh

Just 45 minutes south of Sydney in a beautiful natural bushland setting, you’ll find Symbio Wildlife Park, a smaller, more intimate zoo experience. Animal highlights include getting up close and personal with their wallabies, red pandas, lemurs, meerkats, reptiles and koalas. Make sure you check out their daily keeper presentations and feeding times at various animal enclosures. Symbio Wildlife is growing! Recent developments include a new koala breeding sanctuary, a new reptile house and a new covered picnic area – this really is a fantastic spot to take a picnic.
MORE INFO ON SYMBIO WILDLIFE PARK.

6. Australian Reptile Park – Somersby

Not for the faint of heart, the Australian Reptile Park is home to many of the venomous creatures that Australia is famous for! Where else can you see funnel web spider and venomous snake milkings? Or come face to face with a very cranky crocodile? The kids will love the thrill of getting up close to some fearsome fauna, and there are plenty of furry and feathered friends to see too. The park also has a great reptilian themed adventure playground where the kids can burn off some energy before the drive home.
MORE INFO ON AUSTRALIAN REPTILE PARK.