Kids' Activities
There is a lot for kids to enjoy at our harbourside parks. Check out the activities below for some great ideas for family outings.
North Head Sanctuary
Kids will love wandering along the Gunners' Walk which showcases protected heathland, diverse birdlife, military remnants and stunning views of the city, harbour and ocean.
Bring along binoculars or magnifying lenses so you can get a close-up look at the plants and animals that you might spot during your walk.
Keep a close eye out for bandicoot diggings in the sand and the huge golden orb-weaver spider webs! A brochure is available from the Gatehouse Visitor Centre to help guide you.
Before your walk, stop by the Gatehouse Visitor Centre to see the exhibition about North Head Sanctuary. You can also visit the free Kids' Discovery Room to make a flannel flower, construct a bandicoot mask or create a discovery map of the area. (All children must be supervised by an adult).
North Head is open every day during daylight hours, except Christmas Day and Good Friday. The Gatehouse Visitor Centre including the Kids Discovery Room is open 10am to 4pm.
Information: Plan your visit to North Head Sanctuary
Self-guided tour brochure [PDF 1287kb]
Headland Park
Incorporating the areas between Chowder Bay and Georges Heights, Headland Park offers a range of spaces that kids and families can enjoy.
Adjoining Chowder Bay, the beach and playground at Clifton Gardens are ideal spaces for kids to run around, enjoy the playground equipment or build a sand castle. And the waters of Chowder Bay are calm enough for swimmers of all capabilities. Snorkelling gear can be hired from the local dive shop
For active families, why not take the kids for a bushwalk along the track that runs between Balmoral Beach and Chowder Bay. The views are amazing and you can stop for a drink or snack at one of the Cafés at either end of the walk, or at the Artists' Precinct along the way.
Kids will love running around the open space at the top of Headland Park and peeking inside the gated entrances to the old military gun emplacements. The Park also features a number of sculptures that children will enjoy observing and interacting with.
Information: Plan your visit to Headland Park
Headland Park brochure [PDF 635kb]
Macquarie Lighthouse
Take a tour with your children to climb the 100 steps to the top of Macquarie Lighthouse! See an amazing view of the coast and harbour, and imagine what life as a lighthouse keeper would have been like.
The lighthouse is still used as a guiding light for sailors showing the way to the harbour entrance so it is only open to the public once every two months at special open days.
During the open days, kids can pick up a free Kids Trail brochure to explore in and around the lighthouse. If you finish the trail, you can go into the draw to win a prize!
Information: Plan Your Visit to Macquarie Lighthouse
Macquarie Lightstation brochure [PDF 479kb]
Events: check out upcoming open days
