Parramatta isn’t just one of those rare success stories of urban sprawl, though it certainly is that too. It’s where the Burramattagal people, a clan of the Darug, called home for some 60,000 years.

Geographically, Parramatta the centre of Greater Sydney, culturally it’s home to a thrillingly diverse community where over 70 percent of locals speak a language other than English. This is a precinct that celebrates Diwali, Lunar New Year, and Christmas with equal excitement. 

Parramatta is also a playground for families looking to venture a little off the beaten track.. but who still want a train that gets them to Sydney’s Central Station in under half an hour. Here are all the best things to do in Parramatta with kids. 

Parramatta Park

The first thing to know about Parramatta is that it takes its parklands very seriously. It’s the family escape for those after acres of free, and screen-free, play. The big drawcard here is Parramatta Park. 85 World Heritage listed hectares of rolling lawns and lush gardens, sandstone monuments and playgrounds. 

Old Government House

Close to the Pitt Street entrance, Old Government House is the oldest public building still standing in Australia, which once housed the first ten colonial governors of this land. Visiting gives kids a real-world understanding of Australia’s forced convict migration, moving the stories they learn in school off the screen and into reality. The nearby Rumsey Rose Garden is the perfect place to reflect afterwards, with one of the largest collections of heritage roses in the country. 

Burramatta Aboriginal Landscape Trail

For a family bushwalk, the Burramatta Aboriginal Landscape Trail on the Parramatta Park’s western side showcases 40,000 years of Darug land management and seed collection. The trail has been lovingly restored through an Aboriginal cultural planting program, and the interpretative signage tells stories of connection between the land and its fauna.

Parramatta Park Playgrounds

For the littlies, Parramatta Park has three separate playground areas. Pavilion Flat Playground, by the Instataworthy storybook structure of the George Street Gatehouse, is a gentle start for the youngest of explorers. Then there’s the Domain Creek playground on the Westmead side, a nature-first arena where there are mazes, water pumps and a pod of sunken trampolines that look like secret portals to another world. Over at Paperbark Playground, accessibility remains a priority with familiar favourites like a carousel that’s a hit among kids with varied mobility needs. 

Lake Parramatta Reserve

The area is also home to Lake Parramatta Reserve - a serene green escape of gumtree fringed water and gentle bushwalking trails. The designated swimming area is patrolled during the warmer months, offering a safe spot for the kids to cool off. If you’re up for a bit of adventure, there are paddle boats and kayaks for a loop around the lake.

Locals love: James Ruse Reserve, it’s a huge interactive play area and skatepark. It has a gorgeous, free entry water playground where tipping buckets and cascading fountains thrill toddlers without anyone having to wonder why the Burramattagal name for Parramatta means, “place where the eels lie down".

Address: James Ruse Reserve, 109 Harris Street, Parramatta 2150

Cabarita Beach

There are quite a few Parramatta experiences that fly under the radar which offer a real peek into the suburb’s quirky personality. Jump aboard the Parramatta RiverCat and take the kids for a day at the criminally underrated Cabarita Beach. Dating back to 1789, this ferry line holds the honour of being Sydney’s very first.

When you disembark at Cabarita - the closest beach to Parramatta - head to the right end of the wharf where you’ll discover shady nooks, play areas and rock pools perfect for exploration. Ferry ticketing is simple, just swipe a contactless bank card (credit or debit), and children aged three and under ride free. 

Little India at Harris Park

If you’re after a little horizon broadening, Harris Park's Little India takes you to the subcontinent without having to find all the kid’s passports. This cultural corridor, centred around the vibrant Wigram Street, is a sensory journey that transports you to the colourful lanes of Mumbai, with shops spilling over with beautiful saris, spices, jewelled bangles and Bollywood tunes.

Archery & Laser Clay Pigeon Shooting

Or for something completely different, hop a 15 minute Uber to Olympic Park Archery Centre for a spot of laser clay pigeon shooting. It’s the modern spin on that very British sport, authentic 12-gauge shotguns retrofitted with harmless infrared beams. The centre is flanked by two striking 'pole forests’ made from 185 recycled timber electricity poles, repurposed into an sculpture garden ode to nature.
 

Locals love: Riverside Theatres in Parramatta’s CBD puts on more than a thousand live events each year, and redefines what family entertainment can be. Their quirky Children's Theatre seasons are hand-picked so that every production resonates with both kids and their parents.

Address: Riverside Theatres, Corner Market and Church Street, Parramatta 2150

A natural extension of family friendly community planning, Parramatta’s food scene also has plenty of places to eat with kids in mind. For breakfast Lil Miss Collins is a pastel fever-dream that kids go wild for. Sitting beneath the neon signs and floral walls, the dishes are colourful and fun, with a thoughtful kids’ menu and an outdoor section for prams and wandering toddlers.  

Stop by The Container for lunch for juicy burgers, chunky sweet potato fries, incredible cannolis and Allpress Espresso coffee.There’s plenty of space both inside and out so it’s ideal for families looking to enjoy a casual meal, plus it’s set up right by a big playground at Sherwin Park.

For dinner, book in at the super cute Fratelli Pulcinella, which has the vibes of a big party in someone’s backyard because that’s exactly what it began life as. In 2022, Alessio Zullo turned his Parramatta backyard into the suburb’s first real wood-fired pizza joint. The setup of wooden garden tables and twinkling fairy lights set against the warm glow of a big, red pizza oven was so popular they had to relocate to a sprawling three-level restaurant on Church Street.

Locals love: Lollipop’s Playland and Cafe is a full scale play centre that has one of the rarest attractions these kiddy wonderlands are ever blessed with - truly good coffee and a menu that goes beyond hot chips and cupcakes.

Address: Lollipop's Playland & Cafe Parramatta, 175 James Ruse Drive, Camellia 2142

Perched by the river Novotel Sydney Parramatta is just a few minutes walk from Westfield Parramatta, the third largest shopping centre in Sydney, and Commbank Stadium. There’s a big, family-friendly pool, and the suites are extra roomy. 

The hotel sits on Parramatta’s famous “Eat Street” strip so you’re spoiled for dining options, and kids under 16 eat breakfast (and stay) free of charge.

Address: Novotel Sydney Parramatta, 350 Church Street, Parramatta 2150

How far is Parramatta from Sydney Airport and how do I get there?

Parramatta sits about 30 kilometres from Sydney’s Kingsford Smith Airport. The most straightforward option is to catch a train from the airport station to Parramatta Station, which is both affordable and family-friendly.

How far is Parramatta from Sydney Central and how do I get there?

It’s about 23 kilometres from Sydney Central to Parramatta, and the train services between Central Station and Parramatta Station run frequently throughout the day.