BEST THINGS TO DO IN
Penrith
with kids
Penrith in Western Sydney boasts a surprising array of fun family activities – from a tranquil cruise down the Nepean River on a paddlewheeler to adrenaline pumping experiences including whitewater rafting and indoor skydiving. Here are ten ideas for things to do in the Penrith area
Opening image: Try go karting at Luddenham Raceway © Destination NSW
1. Museum of Fire
See shiny red fire trucks and discover the drama and danger of firefighting at the Penrith Museum of Fire. Home to an impressive collection of vehicles and memorabilia from the 18th century up to the 1980s, there’s enough here to keep even the littlest firefighters entertained. There’s also a children’s play and activity area complete with a ride-on fire engine and interactive games. Enjoy a picnic near the outdoor playground before you hit your next Penrith stop.
Image: Museum of Fire Penrith © Destination NSW
2. Cables Wake Park and Cables Aqua Park
Looking to keep cool? Whether you’re travelling or day tripping with teens or a younger set, Cables has you covered! At Cables Wake Park you can try cable skiing, wakeboarding and knee boarding – perfect for beginners all the way up to experts – while at the Aqua Park kids aged six and up can have a blast on the on-water obstacle course with inflatable slides, trampolines, runways and more. Little ones will enjoy the playground and jumping pillow and parents are looked after with a café that looks over the lakes.
Image: Cables Aqua Park at Penrith © Adam Hollingworth-Destination NSW
3. iFLY Indoor Skydiving
At iFly you have no parachute, no jumping from a dizzying height and nothing attaching you to the Earth – it’s just you and the air… and a whole heap of fun! Kids as young as three and people of all abilities can enjoy the ultimate adrenaline rush at iFly Indoor Skydiving. Guided by experienced instructors, you enter the state-of-the-art vertical wind tunnel where you’re lifted up on a cushion of air. It’s safe for kids, exciting for teens and challenging for adults.
Image: A child learning to skydive at iFLY Penrith
4. Luddenham Raceway
Feel the need for speed? At Luddenham Raceway kids as young as eight can have a blast on the go karting rookie circuit, while for those 15 and up there’s an adrenaline pumping pro-circuit. The raceway also features four themed paintball fields, with games and missions that lead each team from one field to the next. On track days, the Motorsport Park is also open for drivers to test themselves and their cars, motorcycles and karts on a 1.4 kilometre circuit that’s perfect for hot laps and driver training.
Image: Play paintball at Luddenham Raceway © Destination NSW
5. Horizon Line
The Nepean River winds through Penrith and one of the best ways to experience this beautiful waterway is from a kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Horizon Line offer canoe, kayak and stand-up paddleboard hire and guided tours on request. Enjoy some quality family time as you take in the serenity and keep an eye out for birdlife as you glide down the river. Depending on the ages of your kids you can choose to hire for an hour, half a day or a full day.
Image: A family kayaking on the Nepean River
6. Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler
If you prefer someone else to do all the work, book a spot on the Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler. This charming old-world vessel is a wonderful way to explore and enjoy the Nepean River and Gorge. Based on the Mississippi stern wheelers, the Nepean Belle offers good food, a relaxing atmosphere and a truly unique family experience. You can enjoy Devonshire tea, lunch or dinner while onboard.
Image: The Nepean Belle paddlewheeler © Destination NSW
7. Great River Walk
Whether your kids are self-propelled or still in the pram stage, the Great River Walk is a must when you visit Penrith. The 6.4-kilometre loop takes you along the picturesque Nepean River and across the Yandhai Bridge. Take your bikes, pack a picnic, or enjoy a coffee or lunch at one of the riverside cafés along the way. Stop in at the Penrith Regional Gallery to take in the free exhibitions and check out the playgrounds on either side of the river – there’s even a flying fox!
Image: A family enjoying the Great River Walk in Penrith
8. The Log Cabin Hotel
The Log Cabin is a Penrith institution. While the original hotel was lost to fire a few years back, this much-loved café, restaurant and bar has risen from the ashes and is a great lunch or anytime stop when you’re out and about with kids. Set beside the Nepean River, it offers stunning views and has a family-friendly menu. It’s made all the more appealing by the ‘Loggie Train’ playground.
Image: The playground at The Log Cabin
9. Penrith Whitewater Stadium
Penrith is home to canoe slalom Olympian Jessica Fox, so it’s not surprising that it also has the only man-made rapids river in the Southern Hemisphere. At the Penrith Whitewater Stadium you get to experience the thrills and spills of extreme (but safe) rafting and kayaking. From guided rafting for beginners (12 years and over) to self-guided action (16 years and over), you’ll get on-water fun with the stunning backdrop of the Blue Mountains. There’s also a café where you can take in the sun.
Image: Enjoy a whitewater rafting experience at Penrith Whitewater Stadium © Destination NSW
10. Jetpack Adventures
Penrith is known as the Adventure Capital of NSW, and for good reason! Jetpack Adventures is just one of the many adrenaline-fuelled attractions you’ll find when you visit. It’s one for families with older kids, as pilots need to be 16 years and older to strap on a jetpack or flyboard and be propelled up, up and away! Inspired by James Bond and ticking all the superhero boxes, Jetpack Adventures is sure to entertain, whether you’re out on the water or watching from the shore.
Images: Jetback Adventures Sydney at Penrith © Destination NSW
In partnership with Penrith City Council
