The Best Indoor Places To Take The Kids in Sydney

By: Phoebe Ackland, ellaslist

Whether it's the cold, the rain, the sleet, snow or heat you're wanting to hide away, these fantastic kid-friendly venues are sure to do the trick. The skies outside will in no way put a damper on your day at these exciting museums, play centres, and some venues we bet you'd never thought to go. Enjoy!

1. Australian Museum

Our top pick! The Australian Museum houses fun, facts and fascinating creatures to entertain and educate children of all ages. As well as exciting school holiday programs, Kidspace is the number one port of call when visiting the Museum. It's a FREE space for under 5s which encourages exploration of the natural world- they can touch, pick up, and play with absolutely everything, which is so rare in museums these days. They also host weekly Tiny Tots and Mini Explorers sessions based around current exhibitions, the perfect way for children to experience what's going on at the museum. 

2. Museum of Contemporary Art

Give your kids an age-appropriate culture fix this chilly season! They always have a calendar full of exciting family activities for families including school holiday programs set to spark your little one's imagination, dynamic Art Safari workshops, Art Baby for mums and bubs, and heaps more. Read about our awesome time at the MCA here. 

3. Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre

Not the first destination that would come to mind when you think of the chilly weather- but keep in mind, these pools are comfortably heated! The weather outside won't matter once you're inside and splashing about. There are pools and wading areas suitable for bubs and kids of all ages, and the highlight is without a doubt Splasher's Water Playground- full of cannons and jets and tipping buckets that will make kids feel like they're in the middle of summer. Read our review for more information here. 

4. Perfect Playcentres

When it's too cold outside for the local playground, a fabulous indoor play centre is the way to go! Nubo in Alexandria is a play centre like no other- with instrumental nursery rhymes playing in the background and a serene blue and white colour scheme, you'll feel like you've stepped into heaven. Read our review here. For a play centre where kids can be whatever they want to be, head to Wannabees in Frenchs Forest! Set out like a mini city, kids can have fun with dress ups and creative play in a fire station, beauty salon, police station, supermarket, and just about everything else. Read our review here. 

5. Kid Friendly Cafes and Sweet Treats

No matter the weather, one of these special treats are sure to keep little ones happy. For a frothy, creamy delight, check out one of our top picks for hot chocolates in Sydney. For kids with less of a sweet tooth, take a break from your day with one of Sydney's top babycinos. If you have a really little one, check out one of our favourite spacious, pram-friendly cafes, prepare for a chocolate overdose at a chocolate cafe, or indulge in an elegant high tea afternoon at one of Sydney's most luxurious kid-friendly spots. 

6. Get Bouncing

At these exciting trampolining venues, your little ones will literally be bouncing off the walls! Bounce on over 80 interconnected trampolines with a dedicated area called Tiny Tots for little ones at Boing Central (pictured) in Baulkham Hills. Sky Zone is another one of our favourites, located in Miranda and Alexandria where kids (and adults!) can get some serious air when shooting for hoops as Sky Slam. Head to Ultimate Sydney in Northmead which is complete with interconnected trampolines, a massive foam pit and a climbing wall! 

7. Powerhouse Museum

We just LOVE the Powerhouse Museum. See a diverse collection of objects spanning history, science, technology and design in this hands-on, interactive museum. A family favourite is the FREE Wiggles exhibition where you can take a ride in the Big Red Car and see memorabilia from the new cast including Emma's ballet slippers and Lachy's teddy bear.