The Ultimate Guide to Rainy Day Activities in Sydney

The Ultimate Guide to Family-Friendly Activities in Sydney on a Rainy Day

Rainy days in Sydney don’t have to ruin your family fun plans. In fact, our harbour city offers a wide variety of indoor activities that are perfect for keeping little ones entertained when the weather outside is less than ideal. Whether you’re looking to stay warm, burn off some energy, or indulge in a little culture, there’s something for everyone. From indoor play centres and museums to movie theatres and cooking classes, we’ve put together the ultimate guide to family-friendly activities in Sydney when the rain starts pouring – including some fantastic free options for families on a budget.

1. Indoor Play Centres and Trampolining Parks

When the rain is coming down in buckets, sometimes the best option is to let the kids burn off some energy in an indoor play centre or trampoline park. These places are designed to provide hours of entertainment and physical activity, so everyone stays happy and engaged, rain or shine.

• BOUNCE Homebush (Sydney Olympic Park)
  Located in the heart of Sydney Olympic Park, BOUNCE Homebush is the ultimate indoor adrenaline playground for kids of all ages. This massive venue combines trampolining, parkour elements, dodgeball, slam dunk lanes, and an indoor adventure challenge course. The Free-Jump Arena, Big Bag, Cliff Jump, and X-Park provide an exciting mix of fun and physical challenge, perfect for kids with energy to burn. There’s even a dedicated miniBOUNCE Zone for junior jumpers under 110cm. Parents can relax at the on-site café while the kids bounce, flip, and climb their way through the day — all without worrying about the rain outside.

• iPlay (Multiple Locations)
  With locations in places like Broadway Shopping Centre and Lidcombe, iPlay offers an excellent mix of arcade games, laser tag, and more. It’s a great place for families who want to have some competitive fun and enjoy an afternoon of indoor entertainment without worrying about the rain.

• Monkey Mania (Multiple Locations)
  Monkey Mania is a go-to for families with young children, offering huge indoor play areas with slides, tunnels, and ball pits. There’s also a cafe so parents can relax while their kids play. Perfect for rainy days when you need to keep the little ones entertained for a few hours.

2. Indoor Climbing 

For families with a bit more adventure in mind, indoor climbing is a great rainy day option.

• Sydney Indoor Climbing (St Peters)
  Climb Fit is Sydney’s largest indoor rock climbing centre, offering walls for climbers of all levels. It’s a great way to challenge kids’ strength and coordination. The centre also provides family-friendly classes and open climbing times, making it perfect for all ages. Plus, they have a cafe to keep you refreshed in between climbing sessions.

3. Museums and Cultural Centres

Sydney is rich in cultural heritage and when it’s raining outside, why not take the family to explore one of the city’s fascinating museums? Whether your children are interested in science, art, history, or design, there’s something for everyone.

• The Australian Museum (Darlinghurst)
  The Australian Museum is one of the best places in Sydney to take the kids on a rainy day. With exhibits that range from dinosaur fossils to Indigenous Australian culture, there’s plenty to see and learn. Don’t miss the interactive kids’ area where little ones can explore nature and science through play. (Entry is free for children under 16 years old)

• Art Gallery of New South Wales (The Domain)
  For families with older kids or those interested in art, the Art Gallery of New South Wales offers a range of exhibits that can appeal to various age groups. With rotating exhibitions and interactive programs for children, this museum is an excellent place to introduce your little ones to art and culture. Don’t forget to check out the gallery’s special family programs, which often feature art-based activities and storytelling sessions. (Free entry to the permanent collection)

• Museum of Contemporary Art (Circular Quay)
  Located at Circular Quay, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) is another excellent choice for rainy day activities. The MCA regularly features family-friendly art workshops and exhibitions that encourage kids to get creative and think outside the box. The museum’s family Sundays feature hands-on activities like printmaking, clay work, and drawing, allowing kids to create their own masterpieces while exploring contemporary art. (Free entry to the permanent collection)

4. Aquariums, Zoos, and Wildlife Parks

Sydney is home to several indoor attractions where families can learn about marine life and wildlife while staying warm and dry. If your little ones are animal lovers, these locations will be a hit, rain or shine.

• SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium (Darling Harbour)
  The SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium is a wonderful indoor attraction that allows you and your family to explore the world beneath the waves. The aquarium houses over 700 species of marine life, from sharks and rays to sea turtles and tropical fish. Walk through the underwater tunnels, watch the penguins swim, and discover the fascinating creatures that inhabit our oceans.

• Wild Life Sydney Zoo (Darling Harbour)
  For a family adventure that doesn’t require raincoats, head to Wild Life Sydney Zoo, located right next to SEA LIFE. The zoo offers a fantastic indoor experience where you can get up close with Australian animals, including kangaroos, koalas, and crocodiles. The zoo’s immersive enclosures give visitors a chance to learn about Australia’s wildlife while staying dry.

• Taronga Zoo (Mosman)
  While much of Taronga Zoo is outdoors, the Taronga Conservation Society offers excellent indoor exhibits and animal encounters. For example, the Wild Ropes experience is a covered area where you can enjoy an animal walk without worrying about the rain. Also, Taronga offers a wide range of animal talks and presentations that take place in sheltered areas, ensuring the rain doesn’t stop your visit.

5. Indoor Swimming Pools

Swimming indoors on a rainy day is a fantastic way to keep the family active and entertained. There are several heated indoor pools around Sydney that cater to families, with features like toddler play zones and water slides. Want a full list of local and Sydney swimming pools? Click here.

• Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre
  This Olympic-sized indoor pool features heated waters, making it a perfect choice for families looking to swim in comfort even on the rainiest days. The complex includes multiple pools, water slides, and a children’s splash zone, offering a variety of options for all ages.

• Cook + Phillip Park Pool (Elizabeth Bay)
  The Cook + Phillip Park Pool in Elizabeth Bay is an excellent indoor swimming option for families with kids. It boasts a spacious lap pool, a separate children’s pool, and even a toddler splash pool. With the rain outside, the heated waters here offer a warm, inviting escape.

• North Sydney Olympic Pool (North Sydney)
  If you’re looking for a family-friendly, rainproof way to enjoy the water, the North Sydney Olympic Pool is a great choice. Featuring an indoor heated pool and a designated children’s area, it’s a great place to swim no matter the weather.

6. Indoor Mini Golf and Bowling Alleys

Sometimes you want to add a little competitive edge to your rainy day. Indoor mini-golf courses and bowling alleys provide endless entertainment for families looking to bond over a little friendly competition.

• Strike Bowling (Various Locations)
  Strike Bowling offers family-friendly bowling alleys in Alexandria, Town Hall, and other locations. With bumpers for the kids, arcade games, and delicious food options, it’s a perfect way to spend a rainy afternoon. Many locations also offer karaoke, making it an even more fun experience.

• Holey Moley (Darlinghurst and Newtown)
  For something a little more unique, try Holey Moley Mini Golf. This indoor mini-golf venue is a fun and quirky way to spend time with the family. With a selection of themed holes and challenges, it’s an entertaining experience for both kids and adults. There’s food, drinks, and plenty of fun to keep everyone laughing all day long. Note this is probably better suited to big kids.

7. Free Family-Friendly Activities

Not all activities need to come with a price tag. Sydney has several free indoor attractions that are perfect for rainy days, particularly for families looking to enjoy the day without breaking the bank.

• Local libraries
  The Inner West is home to a number of fantastic libraries, many of which offer free children’s programs like storytime, craft sessions, and reading circles. Libraries like the Newtown Library, Pyrmont Library, and Darling Square Library offer indoor spaces where kids can engage in educational and creative activities, perfect for a rainy day. And of course, you can always borrow books and bring them home to enjoy. Want more check out our list of the best family-friendly libraries you can enjoy all year round.

• State Library of New South Wales When the weather turns wet, the State Library of New South Wales in Sydney offers a welcoming and enriching indoor experience for families. The Children’s Library, located in the Macquarie Street building, is a maze-like space filled with Australia’s best children’s books and cozy reading nooks, perfect for young readers up to 16 years old. For children aged 5 to 15, the library’s free Atlas Club provides a range of activities, including art, reading, and writing clubs, both onsite and online. Additionally, the Family Room offers a vibrant space with books, games, and activities curated for children under 5 years old. Read our review of the State Library here.

About Author

Francesca Millena

Writer, foodie and ideas-sponge, Francesca grew up in the Inner West and loves writing about all things IW related from playgrounds and podcasts, restaurants and retail, bubble tea and basketball courts. Mum to an active child, she also knows a thing or two about keeping a little one entertained on a rainy day.

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