The Australian National Maritime Museum is a must-do these school holidays, particularly for those with kids aged 2–12. With a mix of indoor and outdoor experiences, LEGO® building, creative maker spaces and real ships to explore, it’s well-suited to hot summer days and works just as well for a half-day visit as it does for a full day out. Everything is contained in one easy, waterfront location, making it simple to move between activities without feeling rushed.
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🏖️ The Beach (Exhibition & Play Space)
Until 1 Feb 2026 | 10am–4pm
A calm, sand-free summer space designed for all ages. Kids can explore shimmering digital projections, gentle seaside soundscapes, interactive rockpools and a soft, climbable “sandcastle” structure, with open-ended areas for quiet play and downtime. It’s particularly good for hot afternoons, mixed-age siblings or kids who need a sensory reset between more active experiences.
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🎨 Kids on Deck – Maker Space
Daily from 10:30am–4:30pm
Drop-in, included with entry | Ages 4–14 (adults welcome)
Kids on Deck is one of the biggest time-fillers on site, with families free to dip in and out all day. Activities include beach-inspired craft and design, badge-making using summer safety slogans, flag painting and windsock making, hands-on science experiments (including seaweed bio-yarn), marine debris upcycling, outdoor water play, dress-ups and a calm reading zone.
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🧱 Boatbuilding Bay (LEGO®)
A guaranteed hit, especially for primary school kids. Children can design and build their own miniature boats using LEGO®, inspired by the harbour outside or the museum’s fleet. It’s an easy drop-in activity with no session times, and finished boats become part of a shared display — perfect to slot in between galleries and ship visits.
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🚢 Explore Real Ships
Ship exploration is a highlight for many families. Kids can walk the decks of HMAS Vampire, descend below sea level inside the submarine HMAS Onslow, and step through history aboard HMB Endeavour. These outdoor experiences are great for burning off energy and breaking up indoor activities.
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🍽️ Eating & Drinking
Staying for lunch is easy, with waterfront dining on site and plenty of nearby options.
Ripples Café is a relaxed, family-friendly café located on the harbour side of the museum, serving breakfast, lunch, snacks and coffee. It’s pram-friendly and well suited to kids.
Open: 8am–6pm daily.
There are also shaded outdoor areas for snacks, plus easy access to Darling Harbour dining if you want more choice.
Members can take advantage of monthly café specials and enjoy free refreshments in the Members Lounge on the ground floor (opening times vary — check on the day).
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Entry Fees (School Holidays)
- Adult: $40
- Family: $99
- Child: $30 | Concession: $35
- Infant & Members: Free
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Getting There
- 🚗 $15 all-day validated parking (Star Casino or Harbourside Wilson)
- 🚋 L1 Light Rail from Central, stopping just across the road
- ⛴️ Ferry to Pyrmont Bay Wharf
- 🚆 Around a 20-minute walk from Town Hall Station
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