The Best Kid-Friendly Beaches in Sydney for a Day of Family Fun
When it comes to the best kid-friendly beaches in Sydney, we're truly spoiled for choice.
One of the best things about Sydney is that you can head to the beach all year round. Our stunning harbour city sure knows how to turn it on 365 days a year but there's something really special about Sydney in spring. While the water is still fresh, you can literally smell summer in the air and know that it's just around the corner. And if you're game, you can still have a dip!
If you've got little ones, nothing beats letting them run wild at the beach, it's the best kind of playground possible and the ultimate battery drainer.
So, what are the best kid beaches in Sydney? Well, the truth is we're spoiled for choice. And, what's even better is there are so many kid-friendly beaches with playgrounds close by too. What a win! Pack a beach bag and picnic and settle in for the day at one of Sydney's best kid-friendly beaches.
Best Kid-Friendly Beaches in Sydney: Lower North Shore
Clifton Gardens
The calm waters of Chowder Bay, a large playground and open parkland make this a popular spot for locals and Sydneysiders alike. Whether you’re here for the water, a barbeque by the harbour, or a meandering bushwalk through adjoining Chowder Head and Sydney Harbour National Park – when the sun is out, this is the spot to be for the day.
Morella Road, Mosman
Balmoral Beach
At the southern end of Balmoral’s picturesque promenade, in the shade of Moreton Bay Fig trees, is a nautically-themed playground. Children clamber all over the play equipment, climb the trees and dig tunnels on the adjoining beach. Steps away is the rustic chic The Boathouse café where you can choose to takeaway or sit outside on the deck which overlooks Hunters Bay.
The Esplanade, Balmoral
Chinamans Beach, Mosman
Located a kilometre away from the bustling Balmoral Beach, Chinamans Beach is a beautiful 250m stretch of sand that’s one of the best kid beaches in Sydney. Once you’re there, you won’t want to leave, so bring snacks, sunscreen and drinks to last the day. The unpatrolled beach is known for its flat water, making it perfect for water sports, while the playground keeps kids entertained between swims.
McLean Crescent, Mosman
Best Kid-Friendly Beaches in Sydney: Eastern Suburbs
Parsley Bay
A secluded harbour-side gem, Parsley Bay is a firm favourite for families thanks to its gentle waters, enclosed swimming area, kiosk, playground and shade aplenty. It really ticks all of the family-friendly boxes. There's also a beautiful footbridge that takes you on a short, 20-minute return circuit if you have adventurous kids.
Parsley Road, Vaucluse
Murray Rose Pool
Accessed through the Woollahra Council Building and previously known as Redleaf, this harbourside netted pool is part of Seven Shillings Beach and nestled next to Blackburn Gardens. Recline on the boardwalk that runs along the top of the shark nets or swim out to one of the floating pontoons. Busy on weekends, get down early to snag yourself a spot on the sand and pop over to the kiosk for a cold drink and some classic hot chips.
536 New South Head Rod, Double Bay
Maroubra Beach
Maroubra’s one-kilometre stretch of beach is renowned for its surfing culture and colourful promenade that hugs the coastline. Adjoining Maroubra Beach is Arthur Byrne Reserve. Home to the pavilion, an enclosed and shaded nautically-themed playground, barbeque facilities and a skate park, all of which are part of an expansive green space that has a vibrancy that keeps locals loyal.
Marine Parade, Maroubra
Bronte Beach
Rugged foreshores, ocean baths and the promenade make Bronte Beach a popular hangout year-round. The parkland that flows up the hill from the beach is a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. Barbeque and picnic facilities, a beautiful playground and a miniature railway for the kids to ride on, all of which is across the road from a cluster of cafés.
East end of Bronte Road, Bronte
Tamarama Beach
A small coastal suburb but come those sunny days, Tamarama packs a real punch. Tamarama Park, which flows down to the much-loved beach, is regarded by locals as their own private reserve. A beautiful picnic area and playground adjoin the small beach, and although parking is very limited, Tamarama Park is easily accessible by the iconic Bondi to Bronte coastal walk.
Tamarama Marine Drive, Tamarama
Best Kid-Friendly Beaches in Sydney: Northern Beaches
Newport Beach
Lush vegetation and rugged headlands, this is one good-looking beach and a popular stomping ground for surfers. Newport Beach is also a great spot for children to wade along the water’s edge. The adjoining Bert Payne Reserve has a fenced-in shaded playground and plenty of shaded parkland which is a great spot to picnic with fish and chips from Ocean Master Seafood.
Barrenjoey Road, Newport
Clontarf Reserve
When it comes to the best kid-friendly beaches in Sydney, Clontarf Reserve is a total haven! This is where Sydneysiders come to swim in the waters of Middle Harbour and laze beneath leafy treetops.
Families gather along the sandy shores to play in the calm waters, launch their small boats and kayaks or play at the large nautically-themed playground which underwent a huge refurbishment in 2021. This is a popular spot to settle in for the day so arrive early to ensure you get a car park.
Sandy Bay Road, Clontarf
Collaroy Beach
This well-equipped stretch of coastline caters to people of all abilities, from the ocean pool to the enclosed playground. Collaroy’s Accessibility Precinct is at the southern end of the beach, it has an ocean pool and rock pools for exploring marine life, a large enclosed and shaded playground with sensory elements and wheelchair-accessible play equipment.
Pittwater Road, Collaroy
Freshwater Beach
One of the top spots along the Northern Beaches to bring the family, Freshwater Beach has an ocean pool at the northern end of the beach, and the adjoining park has a small playground with views over the beach. Freshwater Reserve, just behind the beach, is perfect for social gatherings beneath the trees – for a bite to eat Pilu Kiosk is just up on the hill or Shucka is right behind it.
Moore Road, Freshwater
Manly Beach
A popular surfing beach that attracts people from all around the world, Manly Beach has a vibrancy from the beach to the fenced-in North Steyne playground. Situated along the adjoining promenade, families can cycle or scoot their way around. There is no need to pack a picnic lunch here, Manly is brimming with endless food options!
Beachside at North Steyne, Manly
Little Manly
Little Manly is one of the best kid beaches in Sydney. The calm, non-threatening waters are perfect for little ones to splash around in and there's also plenty of shade on the grass. Further up the hill at Little Manly Point there's a bigger playground that had a recent revamp. Think an in-ground trampoline, a twisty tubed slippery dip, a huge boat and more baby-friendly equipment too.
Plus if you get peckish, there's also an on-site Ripples which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and is all about affordable beachfront dining with contemporary cuisine.
Stuart Street, Manly
Avalon Beach
This popular surf beach has it all. Families love to linger around the ocean pool at the southern end of the beach exploring marine life and wading in the pool. The adjoining Des Creagh Reserve has a shaded playground that is surrounded by a large grassy area and a skate park for the older kids. There's also plenty of room if you fancy having a picnic.
Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach
Finished working your way around the best kid-friendly beaches in Sydney and already planning your next family adventure? Take a squiz at our round-up of the best family-friendly holidays in Australia. Then, check out our round-up of Sydney's best plagrounds with cafes.