The Best Kid-Friendly Beaches in Sydney for Fun in the Sun

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.

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

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. There's also a beautiful footbridge that takes you on a short, 20-minute return circuit if you have adventurous kids. 

Parsley Road, Vaucluse

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

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.

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 Shaka 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

The calm, non-threatening waters of Little Manly 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.

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