Sydney CBD with a 4 year old...

[giantpenguinmonster]

DH has just persuaded me that we should hop the ditch from Auckland for a week at the end of May and come to a conference in Darling harbour with him. We've been to Sydney a few time and have friends and family there. But I am concerned about entertaining DD - who will also be turning 4 while we are there.

So, oh wise Sydney MNers, what should I do to entertain DD? We were thinking of spending her birthday at the zoo with her cousins. I'm also slightly concerned about car seat issues. She is 13kg so not quite ready for a booster but carting a 12kg car seat around the city with me is a bit impractical. I'm happy to take public transport but worried about getting to and from the airport etc. Anyone any advice?

[Ouchywawa]

You don't need a car seat in a taxi - but you could book a car service with one. I wouldn't bother with a car seat if you are based at Darling Harbour - do you have a lightweight pram you could bring in case your DD gets tired walking?

We spent our first 3 months in Sydney in the CBD so I know all about how to entertain a 4 year old there! Firstly the Zoo is extremely easy to get to from Darling Harbour without a car. There are ferries which go direct from outside the Aquarium or from Circular Quay. There is a great playground and water park at Darling Harbour which will entertain your DD for hours. There is also the Aquarium, Wildlife Centre and Chinese Gardens although they all cost money. Very short walk to Haymarket for cheap Asian food (my DD loves noodles and dumplings). Paddy's Market can be entertaining although quite busy.

Um...the big Dymocks book store on George Street has a great kids section downstairs with reading areas and kids movies playing. Then it is a little walk across town to the Botanic Gardens to see the bats.

Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre is also very close to Darling Harbour and has a nice kids pool, albeit without slides or anything like that. Cook + Philip pool in Hyde Park has a better kids pool.

Oh - the Australian National Maritime Museum at Darling Harbour is also quite good for kids. And I can't believe I forgot the Powerhouse! And maybe IMAX? Also check out what's on at the Sydney Opera House as they have excellent kids programmes.

So I don't think you need to stress about being able to entertain a 4 year old! Hope that helps. Will post again if I think of anything else.

[giantpenguinmonster]

Thanks you Ouch. That is exactly the sort of advice I was hoping for! DD has refused to use a buggy for ages now so I probably won't bother. We have a pass for the aquarium here that I think works in Sydney too. I'm feeling much less worried now. Hopefully I can squeeze some shopping time in too....

Let me know if I can return the favour for Auckland!