Penrith with Kids
Now Penrith may seem an unlikely place to explore but I love heading out west to explore this area of Sydney. There is plenty to do in Penrith with kids! You just need to know where to go. It is an expansive area and you may get lost if you don’t know where you’re aiming for.
We’ve spent a great day in Penrith, on the Nepean River, eating at a child friendly restaurant and visiting on of Sydney’s great heritage museums.
This list of family activities in Penrith includes those items as well as a few others.
Please do check with the service provider or the facility in advance to make sure that they are open and running the day of your intended visit.
I look hearing to hear about your adventures so if you do go on an unusual adventure, please let us know at AllThingsMomSydney.
All the basics of Penrith
Penrith is meant to be 50 minutes from Sydney but I gather that is from the CBD. For those of us on the Northern Beaches, it is over an hour to get there. So its best that you plan a whole day out to get the most of the travelling time.
One of our all time favourite activities is cruising the river on the Nepean Belle. You can read all about our experience which contains all the details over at our Nepean Belle Review Post. It is great fun and you can do it in good weather or slightly miserable weather. You must book in advance and when you do, check if there are any special events happening.
Penrith with Kids – Outdoor Activities
1. Penrith Whitewater Stadium
Penrith Whitewater Stadium is home to guided kayaking and rafting. You can choose to do an unguided experience though, if you would prefer. Just note that it is only open from September to June. There are age restrictions as to who can enjoy this activity so be sure to check it out online first (Penrithwhitewater.com.au) or give them a call on 02 4730 4333.
2. Aqua Golf
This is a great activity for the whole family as each family member will get their own hitting bay. It’s at Panthers World of Entertainment, Mulgoa Road and starts at just $7 for a bucket of balls.
3. Jetpack Adventures
How high will you go? This is that amazing thing where you strap a jetpack on your back and it propels you into the air. You actually can get 10m up in the air. There are limitations as to weight. You can find Jetpack Adventures at Gate A, Sydney International Regatta Centre, Old Castlereagh Road, Penrith.
Cables Wake Park allows you to wakeboard, cable ski or knee board. This is in the same complex as Aqua Park.
4. Aqua Park at Cables
It’s a floating water park with inflatable slides, runways and obstacles. It is open seasonally so give them a call before you visit to make sure they are open. You can contact them on 024722 2537 or check our the Cables website. Cables is in the Panthers Complex, 123 Mulgoa Road, Penrith.
5. Livvi’s Place
The best playgrounds are the Livvi’s Place playgrounds, all inclusive playgrounds where all kids can have a great time. There is one of these in Penrith at 1 Discovery Way, Jordan Springs.
6. Sydney International Regatta Centre
Sydney International Regatta Centre is home to walking and cycle paths. They have a few programs and activities through the year so check out their website for more information before your visit.
7. Skypeak Adventures
Adventures up high! Skypeak does have a kids course which has 12 challenges which are close to the ground. You can walk alongside your child while they complete the course. You can find them at 215 Forrester Road, St Marys or give them a call on 02 9677 7758. For more information their website is skypeak.com.au.
8. The Great River Walk
The Great River Walk is a seven km walk between Penrith and Emu Plains. Given the distance, this may be better for older kids. You can get the Penrith Great River Walk Map here (pdf 620KB) to find out about parking, picnic areas, lookouts and sites of interest.
The Rock Lookout or Riley’s Mountain are two shorter walks. The former is only a few hundred meters and the latter 2.5 kms. You can find the start of the walks on Fairlight Road, Mulgoa.
Penrith with kids – Indoor Activities
1. iFly Indoor Skydiving
This skydiving is something I’ve had on my list for a long time. I would love to do it and still haven’t been able to. There is also iFly for Kids which is suitable for 3 years and up. You don’t need to have any experience apparently. Give them a call on 1300 366 364 or check our their website – ifly.com.au. You can find iFly in the Panthers Complex, 123 Mulgoa Road, Penrith.
2. Ice Skating
Penrith Ice Palace. You can find the Ice Palace at 7 – 10 Patty’s Pl, Jamisontown. For more information, their website is penrithicepalace.com.au.
3. Unreal Mini Golf
You get to play mini golf in a forest, the ruins of Egypt or a toxic lab! How cool does that sound. Next time we’re in Penrith, we will definitely be doing this! Unreal Mini Golf is an indoor golf course in South Penrith at Unit 10/69 York Road. You can find them online at unrealminigolf.com.au.
4. Chocolate Obsession!?
Check out chocolate being made at Zokoko Chocolate and Morgans Café. You can find them in Emu Heights. They are also online at zokoko.com.
Rock Climbing at the Climbing Centre. Unit 3/16 Borec Road
5. Go Karting and Paintball
Luddenham Raceway has go-karting and more recently paintball. It is better suited to older kids though. There is a junior circuit for kids aged 8 to 14 years old. They are online at luddenhamraceway.com.
6. The Model Museum
The Sydney Society of Model Engineers Inc is open on the last Sunday of every month, except December and is the oldest model engineering club in Australia. It is also the oldest continuously operating Model Engineering Club in the world. Spend some time looking at their model steam, diesel/electric or electric powered locomotives or ride on the Passenger Steam Railway. There’s BBQ and canteen facilities, a playground and all for just $15 entry per car.
7. Check out a play
Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre often has a great line up of performances with a few special ones for the kids. You must check out their website and book in advance of your trip to Penrith.
8. Explore the Sky Above
The Observatory at Western Sydney University. Yes, there is an observatory in Penrith. Astronomy nights are held monthly. You can phone them at 024736 0135 or have a look at their website.
9. Escape Room 51
There are a number of rooms, each one being themed. In each you need to follow clues to crack puzzles and problems. According to them, it is best for ages 16 years and older. Check out the Escape Room Website here.
10. The Museum of Fire
We loved the Museum of Fire is a really interesting place to visit. I loved the history of it and the old vehicles. My kids loved playing on the fire engines set up for sitting in. You can read our Museum of Fire Review Here. We really loved it, just make sure you take a jumper. You can find them at 1 Museum Drive, Penrith.
11. Sum Masamune
Maybe not with the little ones in tow, but for the adults, the Sum Masamune may be fun. It’s Australia’s only sake factory.
12. Naval Museum
The Nepean Naval Museum is located at 40 – 45 Bruce Neale Dr, Penrith. It’s open on the weekends and the cost is a gold coin donation.
Playtime Penrith at 123 Mulgoa Road is an Amusement Centre with high reviews from parents.
Penrith with kids – Eating Out
1. Ice cream anyone?
Cold Rock Ice Creamery. My kids can’t go past an ice cream! You can find this spot at 2/191 High Street Penrith.
2. Best Pizza in Sydney?
Naked Flame Pizzeria comes very highly recommended with people even suggesting it is the best pizza in Sydney. You can find it at 81A Smith St, South Penrith.
High Street Depot has been voted the best café in Western Sydney so you have to try it.
3. Cafe Lewers
Café Lewers at the Penrith Regional Gallery is known for its breakfasts. It is also in a stunning location – the heritage gardens of the gallery. There are also easels for the kids to draw on.
4. A healthy option perhaps?
Nutrition Station at 7/16 – 19 Lambridge Place, Penrith. Not only does it have healthy food but an outdoor area too!
5. Spur
This is one of our favourites as an expat family. Spur is huge in South Africa. My husband and I were raised with dinner and birthday parties at Spur being a special treat. Spur is definitely a lunch time or early dinner venue and has a small indoor play space for kids.
6. Jamison Hotel
The Jamison Hotel has a indoor play room for the kids and is a pub with a bistro. You can find them at 186 Smith Street. Penrith.
7. Sweet Treats and Good Coffee
Waffle Co is also a good spot for another treat. Apparently their waffles are brilliant. You can find them at Shop 2, 134 – 138 Henry Street, Penrith.
8. Outback Jacks
This sounds great for kids but I haven’t check it out yet! Outback Jacks has a playroom and a kids menu. You can find them at Centro Nepean, Shop FS1, 122 Station Street, Penrith.
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