Things to do in Parramatta with Kids – Visiting Sydney’s Second CBD

Parrmatta is eel country. There’s no escaping it. There’s also a plethora of things to do in Parramatta with kids, a bumper selection of Parramatta accommodation offerings, and some of the best places to eat.

Until recently, I worked in the Parramatta CBD but never uncovered all of its secrets – there are just so many waiting to be uncovered. On my way home I took different routes just so I could glimpse different aspects of the suburb. There was always something new, something exciting to see in Parramatta.

Whilst Westfields is often the drawcard for many families, Parramatta has many sites waiting to be explored that will excite everyone in the family.

Family Friendly Adventures in Parramatta, Sydney’s Second CBD

As Sydney’s second CBD, there are so many things to do in Parramatta with kids that explore nature, history, play and more. With som many offerings, it’s hard to know where to start so we have done the research for you.

Elizabeth Farm

Built for John Macarthur and his wife Elizabeth back in 1793, Elizabeth Farm is one of our family’s favourite Living Museums. It is a history museum where children are encouraged to jump on the beds to gain a real experience of the mattresses used back in the Farm’s heyday. In fact, everything at Elizabeth Farm can be touched – there are no barriers.

To visit Elizabeth Farm head to 70 Alice Street, Rosehill. The site is open each Friday and Saturday 10.00 am – 4.00 pm. It is Closed Good Friday & Christmas Day. A family ticket is currently FREE.

Lancer Barracks

This is a site steeped in military history. It is the oldest continuously used military barracks on mainland Australia with building commencing back in 1818 under the orders of Governor Macquarie. Open every Sunday, families can explore the grounds which served as the barracks for British regiments stationed here during the convict days.

Lancer Barracks and Museum are open for inspection every Sunday from 10:00 am to 4.00 pm. A family ticket current costs $25.00. There is usually FREE parking on site.

Riverside Theatre

Riverside Theatre was the very place we introduced live shows to the kids. The Riverside Theatre loves kids and offers a bumper crop of live theatre and music during both the school holiday period and school term.

The Riverside Theatre is located on the corner of Market and Church Streets in Parramatta. The Spot On Children’s Festival is held each year, and there are always School holiday activities. Check our Sydney School Holiday Activities for their latest shows.

Old Government House

Old Government House in Parramatta is one of the 11 UNESCO Australian Convict Sites. It is the oldest surviving public building in Australia, with it and the neighbouring garrison buildings built between 1799 and 1816.

Tours are offered Tuesday to Sunday (and on most public holidays), between 10am and 4pm. You can book your ticket here.

The Dairy & Rangers Cottages

The Dairy Pecinct can be found within Parramatta Park, not far from Old Government House. It is an area of great historic significance, revealing rare and intact structures, technology and materials from the earliest years of the European settlement.

We took the Dairy and Rangers Cottages Tour. You can explore the Dairy and Rangers Cottages via one of the regular guided group tour of the cottages which take place on Monday and Saturday once a month.

Parramatta Park

Parramatta Park has been considered a People’s Park since 1858. Today it is 85 hectares (around 210 acres) in size and contains over 100 archaeological sites relating to Aboriginal and early colonial history.

For families, Parramatta Park has a number of lovely picnic spots, a couple of great playgrounds, a flying fox colony that the kids will find fascinating, and a bike loop all around if you like cycling.

If you are on foot, Parramatta Park is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week; but there are no lights in most of the park so it is very dark at night. For vehicles, Macquarie Street gate is open 6am–6pm (8pm during daylight saving). Entry to the park is free. Parking fees may apply.

Parramatta Lake

Parramatta Lake is a heritage-listed man-made reservoir a mere 2 kilometres from the Parramatta CBD. Situated on 70 hectares (around 173 acres), it is the perfect spot for a bushwalk, a swim in the lake or just a picnic.

Parramatta Lake is a significant place for the Darug people. The Burramattagal clan occupied and used this space for thousands of years before Europeans arrived. You can still find shelter caves, hand-stencils, stone flaking, tree scars and midden deposits as you wander around the site.

We visited Parramatta Lake with our puppy and enjoyed a walk around the lake.

Experimental Farm

Situated on the site of the first land grant, where James Ruse proved self-sufficiency was possible, Experimental Farm is an Indian-style bungalow that was built by Surgeon John Harris in 1835 after he purchased the land grant from Ruse for £40. It is one of Australia’s oldest standing European properties.

Kids tend to love exploring the hands-on sensory garden where they can explore the Ruse family and learn about self-sufficiency.

Experiment Farm Cottage is open on the first and third weekend of each month. Please note entry is only permitted with pre-purchased tickets. You can book a ticket here.

Little India at Harris Park

We had to add Little India which includes the area within Wigram, Marion and Station Streets in Harris Park. It includes 20 eateries, a variety of shops selling colourful saris, glittering arm bangles and Indian spices, and is a fascinating place to visit with kids.

Playgrounds

Parramatta boasts a handful of childrens playgrounds which are perfect spaces for the kids to play. Make sure to check out the best playgrounds in Sydney.

James Ruse Waterpark

The James Ruse Waterpark area is a great space for kids as it not only includes the waterpark, but a playground, a skate park and picnic facilities. The waterpark is shaded which provides some shade protection.

The James Ruse Waterpark is open from September to May from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm each day. It closes from June to August.

Domain playground

The Domain Playground is found in Parramatta Park and includes trampolines, climbing nets, flying foxes, modern see-saws, a teeter tunnel, merry go rounds and fixed musical instruments.

Ollie Webb Reserve

Ollie Webb Reserve is an all-inclusive play space with tunnels, slides, swings, a sandpit, trampolines and a water play area.

FInd it at Glebe Street Parramatta.

Parramatta Aquatic Leisure Centre

Construction on the new aquatic and leisure centre is still in progress. We will update as soon as it is open.

CommBank Stadium

CommBank Stadium is a brand new 30,000 seat stadium that hosts NRL and soccer games throughout the season.

Parramatta Rivercat

The Parramatta Rivercat provides a ferry services from Parramatta into Darling Harbour and Circular Quay. It offers an exciting day out for families. We love catching the Parramatta Rivercat to visit Cockatoo Island.

Accommodation in Parramatta

Parramatta, Sydney’s second CBD, has a number of accommodation options for families.

Meriton Suites – Church Street

Soaring over the banks of Parramatta at an impressive 36 levels tall, Meriton Suites Church Street offer 5 star luxury accommodation in Western Sydney’s tallest hotel. The 2 and 3 bedroom suites cater to all family sizes and groups, with the inclusion of extra benefits such as a full second bathroom and HD flat screen TVs in every bedroom.

Novotel Parramatta

Recently refurbished, the Novotel Parramatta is a family friendly hotel where the buffet breakfast is always free for kids. For families, the double room will offer enough beds for 2 adults and 2 children, or you can reach out to the Novotel for connected room options.

Holiday Inn

The Holiday Inn offers both hotel rooms and suites. They also love families! Kids aged 12 and under stay for free when sharing their parents’ room. Up to four kids ages 12 and under eat free any time of the day in any Holiday Inn on-site restaurant.

Rydges Parramatta

For families needing access to Rose Hill Racecourse, this is probably your best bet as it is directly across the road. The deluxe twin room provides space for a family of four.

Mercure Hotel Parramatta

The Mercure Hotel is conveniently located and offers twin rooms which are suitable for small families.

Best Restaurants in Parramatta

If you are visiting Parramatta there is no doubt that you will be on the hunt for the best places to eat. Parramatta boasts quite an array of choices from casual take away to more formal dining experiences. Here are some of our choices: