Looking for ways to keep the kids active and entertained outside these school holidays? From enchanting miniature worlds to thrilling adventure playgrounds, there are family-friendly outdoor spaces right across Australia where you can let the kids (and their imaginations) run free. Here’s our round-up of the best parks for kids to explore these holidays.
Ian Potter Foundation Children's Garden
Image courtesy of Visit Victoria.
In the heart of Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens is a natural world made just for kids. A hit with families, the Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden has been designed with different habitats and special features, encouraging kids to run, climb, dig and play. Explore the treehouse with its spiral staircase, and the kitchen garden with its edible delights, and look for the ancient grandmother tree deep in the rainforest. Closed over winter, the garden is best in full bloom in the spring and summer months - and during the school holidays, it’s open every day.
Accommodation in Melbourne
You’ll find a range of accommodation options in and around Melbourne to suit all tastes and budgets, from boutique hotels and heritage-style apartments to family-friendly hotels.
Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens
Image courtesy of Destination NSW.
Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens
Set over 22 acres in Turvey Park, Wagga Wagga in NSW, the magnificent Botanic Gardens has plenty to keep the kids entertained these school holidays. There’s a children’s adventure playground suitable for all ages, with a labyrinth and cable car ride, while the fenced Kidsville playground is perfect for younger kids. Visit the garden’s mini zoo to see dingoes, camels, kangaroos and farm animals, and walk among the birds in the free-flight aviary. Afterwards, take a ride on the Willans Hill Miniature Railway that weaves merrily through the gardens and woodlands.
Accommodation in Wagga Wagga
Stay close to the beautiful Murrumbidgee River at the modern Quality Hotel Rules Club Wagga and enjoy spacious, peaceful accommodation with complimentary bike hire.
Cockington Green Gardens
Image courtesy of VisitCanberra.
Another fun ‘miniature’ experience is the much-loved Cockington Green Gardens in Canberra’s Gold Creek Village. Set in beautiful landscaped grounds, kids can feel like giants as they stride the lanes winding between pint-sized cottages and Elizabethan houses, dotted with tiny figurines, all lovingly crafted by hand. Even the trees and flowering shrubs are pruned petite, adding to the magical storybook atmosphere. Hop aboard the miniature steam train and try to spot the houses and monuments from over 30 different countries, including the 34-room doll's house ‘Waverly’.
Accommodation in Canberra
Relax in modern, well-appointed accommodation in the heart of Canberra at Quality Hotel Dickson.
Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden
Image courtesy of Tourism Australia.
In Tasmania’s northwest, south of Burnie, the Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden bursts into kaleidoscopic bloom in spring and summer. An award-winning private garden maintained by volunteers, it’s a tranquil space spread across 11 hectares of meandering paths, ornate pavilions and pristine waterways. Listen to the warbling birdsong as you wander through woodland groves, keeping an eye out for the resident platypluses around the lakes. There’s also an on-site cafe serving up home-baked cakes, muffins and biscuits for an afternoon treat.
Accommodation in Devonport
Stay in the nearby port city of Devonport and enjoy cosy and comfortable accommodation at the Comfort Inn Devonport.
Albury Botanic Gardens
Image courtesy of Destination NSW.
The planting of a single elm tree in 1877 was the beginning of something beautiful growing in the heart of Albury, NSW. More than 130 years later, the heritage charm of ancient trees, seasonal floral displays, and historic buildings completes that early vision. Take the Heritage Walk and discover 19 historic sites and over 1000 native and exotic plant species, while the Children’s Garden has hidden delights for kids to explore, including a fairy temple, a life-sized dinosaur and a secret troll cave.
Accommodation in Albury
The family-owned Quality Resort Siesta in Albury offers spacious rooms, a landscaped lagoon swimming pool and lush gardens for the perfect, relaxing stay.
South Bank Parklands
Image courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland.
The cultural heart of Queensland’s capital city, South Bank Parklands Brisbane is a bustling entertainment precinct on the banks of the river, packed with fun things to do. A standout is the Riverside Green Playground, one of the best playgrounds Brisbane has to offer, with a life-sized hamster wheel, rope-based Skywalk, tube slides and a boat-shaped fort in the toddler zone. Also at South Bank, discover Brisbane’s iconic Streets Beach, complete with warm sand and palm trees, and the tranquil Rainforest Walk.
Accommodation in Brisbane
You’ll find plenty of quality accommodation options in Brisbane, with the city’s attractions, parks and gardens all within easy reach.
St Kilda Adventure Playground
Image courtesy of Benjamin Goode.
For epic fun in Adelaide these school holidays, you can’t go past the St Kilda Adventure Playground Adelaide, 45 minutes north of the CBD. Not to be confused with Melbourne’s own St Kilda Adventure Playground, this is one of the best playgrounds in Adelaide for older kids, with huge play structures sprawling over four hectares. Climb the towering three-level castle on the hill, ride the thrilling flying fox and lose yourself in the maze. There’s even a giant volcano with lava slides and a special playzone for younger kids.
Accommodation in Adelaide
You’ll find plenty of premium hotels in Adelaide, from stylish and historic boutique hotels to family-friendly inns and suites.
Elizabeth Quay Playground
Image courtesy of Tourism Western Australia.
This maritime-themed island playground at Elizabeth Quay on Perth’s city waterfront is an ideal outdoor playground for kids, especially the younger ones. Perched atop a man-made island on the Swan River, the playground has a three-storey climbing tower with rope bridges, slides and lookouts. Kids can pretend to be pirates by ‘walking the plank’ and ringing the ship’s bell. Also worth a visit is the nearby water playground at the BHP Water Park and the beautiful old-world Elizabeth Quay Carousel, straight out of Mary Poppins.
Accommodation in Perth
Stay in comfort at the modern and chic Ingot Hotel Perth, ideally situated near Perth Airport and the CBD and the best of the city’s sights and attractions.
Traralgon Miniature Railway
Image courtesy of Everyday Nicky.
Enjoy a scenic ride aboard a miniature steam or diesel train at the Traralgon Miniature Railway in Victoria’s Gippsland region. Run by the Gippsland Model Engineering Society on the last Sunday of each month, the tiny trains are perfect for kids and grown-ups alike, winding leisurely through picturesque gardens and over bridges at Traralgon’s Newman Park. The park also has a huge playground with different play spaces to explore, including a climbing castle, flying fox and its own ‘Newman Park train station’.
Accommodation in Traralgon
Opposite the Traralgon Golf Course, the Quality Inn & Suites Traralgon has great value accommodation and is perfectly located for holiday travellers.
Darling Harbour Playground
Image courtesy of Destination NSW.
This scenic waterside playground in Sydney’s vibrant Darling Harbour is a wonderland for kids. After a recent expansion and upgrade, it’s now one of the largest free family entertainment attractions in Sydney, covering 4000 square metres. Featuring giant slides, tunnels, climbing structures and a 21-metre flying fox, there’s something here for toddlers and teens alike.
On a hot day, the kids can cool off in the water play area with fun jets, pumps and water wheels, inviting exploration and hands-on play.
Accommodation in Sydney
After a big day at the playground at Darling Quarter, relax in Sydney accommodation close to the action - from boutique and historic hotels to apartments and hotels with home comforts.