Customs House (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Customs House?
Kids can walk the glass-floor model, join free storytime or makerspace sessions and use toilets with change tables; the small children’s zone and few hands-on exhibits cap the appeal.
Positives:
- Free entry: All main exhibits, model and library areas are free for families.
- Family-friendly facilities: Baby-change tables, highchairs at Café Sydney and children’s play corner make visits smooth.
Challenges:
- Limited play space: Beyond the library corner, there’s no open play area for very active toddlers.
- Workshop availability: Ideas Lab sessions fill up fast; unreserved walk-ins may miss out.
What is so special about Customs House for with kids?
- Free indoor exhibits and giant glass-city model.
- Dedicated children’s library area with storytime.
- Hands-on makerspace workshops with advance booking.
- Spiral staircase lookout and interactive displays.
- Self-guided walking tour linking Customs House to The Rocks.
Recommended visit duration: 2–3 hours
Why 2–3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Gives time to explore exhibits, play in the library and join a workshop without tiring younger kids.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Customs House
Glass-floor Sydney model:
Walk over the 4.2×9.5 m scale model of downtown Sydney in the atrium.
Tip: Point out landmarks kids know and let them guess where you’ve been.
Library children’s area & storytime:
Borrow picture books or join free Rhymetime sessions in the children’s corner.
Tip: Check the weekly schedule online and arrive 10 minutes early to grab a good seat.
Makerspace workshops at Ideas Lab:
Book a free session where kids build, tinker or craft with provided materials.
Tip: Reserve spots online at least a week before to secure places.
Helix staircase lookout:
Climb the spiral stairs for a bird’s-eye view of the model and atrium.
Tip: Hold younger children’s hands and take photos through the glass floor.
Self-guided Rocks walking tour:
Pick up a free brochure or use the Culture Walks app to explore The Rocks and Circular Quay.
Tip: Start at the Visitor Information Centre and plan a 1–2 km route with short snack stops.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Entry, model & exhibitions | AUD 0 |
| Ideas Lab workshop | AUD 0 |
| Self-guided walking tour brochure | AUD 0 |
| Adventure Clues trail (optional) | AUD 100 |
| Snacks at ground-floor café | AUD 40 |
| Total Estimated | AUD 140 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
When is the best time to visit Customs House?
In summer, use the air-conditioned library and early workshops to beat the heat. In winter, stay indoors at the exhibits and grab a hot chocolate at the ground-floor café.
How to Maximize Your Visit to Customs House
- Book workshops early: Reserve Ideas Lab and storytime slots online to avoid disappointment.
- Arrive at opening: Beat crowds and secure seating for children’s activities by arriving when doors open.
- Use info desk: Grab maps and app recommendations at the Visitor Information Centre to plan your family route.
Map of Customs House
Address: 31 Alfred St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
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Reviews of Customs House
Le Hoang Giap
Customs House is the kind of place that surprises you even if you have walked past it a hundred times on the way to Circular Quay. The sandstone façade looks suitably grand from outside, but step through the doors and the foyer opens into a bright atrium with a glass floor that reveals a detailed scale model of Sydney. You can spend ten minutes just tracing familiar streets with your eyes while fe...
bohg9999
“Customs House in Sydney is a historical building located in Circular Quay, now a vibrant public space and visitor information center. The building has a rich history, originally serving as a customs house where import duties were collected. It became the head office for customs operations in New South Wales in 1887 and continued in that role until 1990. Now, Customs House is a multi-faceted publi...
Anusha M
The building is lit up during vivid Sydney. There's continuous music and animation going on during vivid Sydney. We couldn't go inside this building, not much sure about this place.
Ankur Mehta
Nice calm place to relax. There is library for you to enjoy
H E
Amazing building with amazing staffs. I’ve been here almost every weekend, visiting Circular Quay and enjoying leisure activities. This place welcomes tourists from all backgrounds and cultures, and I wondered if there could be a quiet room for visitors to pause for a short prayer. I asked around but couldn’t find one. My suggestion is to provide a small space for this purpose. Thank you.
About Customs House
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+61 2 9265 9779See available options
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