Family Fun in Bondi During Sydney Marathon Week

Discover the best family-friendly things to do in Bondi during Sydney Marathon week — safe swimming spots, playgrounds, cafés, short walks, and rainy-day ideas.

The Sydney Marathon is one of Australia’s premier running events, attracting thousands of participants from around the world. For many runners, it’s also a family affair — partners, children, and friends often travel together, turning race week into a mini holiday. If you’re staying in Sydney with your family, Bondi Beach is the perfect base for pre- and post-race fun.

Just a short trip from the city centre, Bondi offers a mix of kid-friendly beaches, playgrounds, cafés, and easy walks, all wrapped in a laid-back coastal atmosphere. Whether you’re the one running 42.2 km or cheering from the sidelines, you’ll find plenty to keep everyone entertained and happy.

1. Safe Swimming for Kids

Bondi Beach might be famous for its surf, but it also offers calm, shallow spots perfect for little ones.

North Bondi Rock Pool: Located at the northern end of the beach, this shallow, sheltered pool is ideal for young swimmers. It’s protected from waves, with gently sloping entry points and space to splash around. Parents can relax knowing lifeguards are stationed nearby on the main beach.

Bondi Icebergs Children’s Pool: Just below the main Icebergs ocean pool, the kids’ pool is small, shallow, and sheltered from strong currents. It’s a great spot for toddlers and preschoolers to cool off while you enjoy the panoramic coastal view.

Top Tip: Pack hats, rash vests, and reef-safe sunscreen. Sydney’s UV index can be high even in cooler months.

2. Bondi Beach Playground

Right next to the Bondi Pavilion and just metres from the sand, the Bondi Beach playground is a hit with families. It features climbing frames, swings, slides, and shaded seating areas for parents. The location couldn’t be better — you can grab a takeaway coffee from a nearby kiosk and watch your kids play against the backdrop of the ocean.

The playground’s central position also makes it a perfect meeting point if different family members are doing separate activities. Older kids can safely explore the beach or promenade while younger ones enjoy the play equipment.

3. Kid-Friendly Cafés

Bondi’s café scene isn’t just for hip brunch-goers — many venues cater brilliantly to families.

Speedos Café: Known for its colourful smoothie bowls and ocean views, Speedos also offers high chairs, a kids’ menu, and space for prams.

Harry’s Bondi: A relaxed, airy café serving fresh, wholesome meals. Their pancakes and toasties are popular with kids, and staff are welcoming to families.

Porch and Parlour: Slightly more tucked away at North Bondi, this café has a community vibe and is less hectic during peak times.

Pro Tip: Many Bondi cafés get busy on weekends — if you’re visiting after the marathon, aim for an early lunch to avoid queues.

4. Mini Coastal Walks

The famous Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk is beautiful, but the full route can be a bit much for young kids. The good news is that you can enjoy shorter sections without missing the best scenery.

Bondi to Tamarama: This 1 km stretch is mostly flat with a few gentle inclines and offers stunning views of the cliffs and ocean. Tamarama Beach is small and picturesque, with a café and playground.

North Bondi to Ben Buckler: An easy stroll along the northern headland, with lookouts over the ocean and, in winter, possible whale sightings.

Safety Tip: Always keep young children close on cliff-top paths and avoid the walk in wet or windy conditions.

5. Beach Play Without the Surf

If you’re wary of taking younger kids into the waves, Bondi’s wide sandy expanse is perfect for sandcastle building, kite flying, or a casual game of beach cricket. Bring buckets, spades, and a picnic rug for a relaxed afternoon.

6. Rainy-Day Activities

Even in sunny Sydney, it pays to have a wet-weather plan.

Bondi Pavilion: This heritage building often hosts art workshops, kids’ theatre performances, and community events. Check the schedule during marathon week for family-friendly options.

Bondi Junction Indoor Play Centres: A short bus ride away, Westfield Bondi Junction has indoor play areas and family facilities, making it a good backup plan for rainy days.

Local Libraries: Waverley Library has a great children’s section with books, toys, and occasional storytime sessions.

7. Watching the Sydney Marathon as a Family

If you’re not running, consider heading into the city on race morning to cheer on the runners. The start and finish areas have an electric atmosphere, and kids love holding signs or ringing cowbells to encourage participants.

After the race, head straight to Bondi for a celebratory swim or meal. Public transport from the city is straightforward, with direct buses (333 or 380) or a train-and-bus combination via Bondi Junction.

8. Making the Most of Race Week

Bondi is compact enough to explore without a car, and public transport links make it easy to combine city-based marathon events with beach downtime. If you’re staying in Bondi, you can build your own routine around the race: morning beach play, lunch at a café, an afternoon coastal walk, and early nights to ensure everyone’s rested.

Suggested Family Itinerary for Marathon Week

Day Before the Marathon: Easy morning at the playground, lunch at Harry’s Bondi, afternoon rest at your accommodation, early dinner.

Race Day (if you’re running): Family watches start, heads to Bondi for beach play, meets you post-race for a swim and fish-and-chips dinner.

Day After the Marathon: Sleep in, gentle stroll to Tamarama, brunch at Speedos, afternoon at Bondi Pavilion or Icebergs kids’ pool.

Bondi Beach is more than just an iconic Australian landmark - it’s a place where families can slow down, connect, and create their own marathon-week traditions. From safe swimming spots to scenic walks and rainy-day activities, there’s something for every age and energy level.

So whether your Sydney Marathon trip is about breaking a personal best or simply enjoying time together, Bondi is ready to welcome you with open arms, a wide stretch of sand, and a thousand little moments that will make your family’s visit unforgettable.