Things to Do in Cairns with Kids
Family-friendly adventures in tropical North Queensland
Planning a family holiday to Cairns? You’re in for a treat! With a perfect mix of nature, wildlife, water play and educational fun, Cairns is bursting with unforgettable things to do for families with kids of all ages. From reef snorkelling to rainforest exploring – and a few shady playgrounds in between – here’s our ultimate list of family-friendly fun in the tropics.
🌊 Explore the Great Barrier Reef
Introduce your children to one of the world’s natural wonders with a Great Barrier Reef family tour. Whether you’re snorkelling over colourful coral gardens, taking a semi-submarine ride, or staying dry in a glass-bottom boat, there are plenty of safe and exciting options for kids. Many tours include floating pontoons with water slides, kids’ snorkel gear, and even touch tanks for little marine explorers.
👉 See Cairns reef tours for families
Cairns Koalas & Creatures
Cairns Koala’s and Creatures is a fun and educational wildlife experience located right in the heart of the city — perfect for families exploring Cairns with kids. This interactive attraction showcases Australia’s diverse landscapes and unique animals, from cuddly koalas and reptiles to colourful birds and marine displays. Children can learn about conservation, meet native creatures up close, and even snap a souvenir photo with a koala. It’s a great way to introduce young travellers to Australia’s incredible wildlife in a safe, engaging environment that’s just a short walk from the Esplanade.
🐠 Cairns Aquarium
Just a short walk from the Esplanade, the Cairns Aquarium is a fantastic rainy-day option and a must-do with kids. Discover creatures from the Great Barrier Reef, the Wet Tropics Rainforest, and the mysterious Coral Sea. With over 15,000 animals and interactive exhibits, your little ones will love spotting turtles, sharks, and luminous jellyfish.
🚂 Skyrail & Kuranda Scenic Railway
Soar over the treetops on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and glide into the village of Kuranda. On the return, ride the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway, passing waterfalls and deep rainforest valleys. It’s a magical day trip for families, and Kuranda offers wildlife parks, market stalls, and kid-friendly cafés.
👉 Visit Kuranda with kids
🦋 Australian Butterfly Sanctuary & Birdworld Kuranda
While you’re in Kuranda, don’t miss two of its top family attractions. Wander through the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, home to thousands of fluttering tropical butterflies, or get up close with colourful parrots, lorikeets, and cassowaries at Birdworld Kuranda. Both are gentle, interactive experiences perfect for young kids and nature lovers.
🛝 Cairns Esplanade Lagoon & Muddy’s Playground
One of the best free things to do with kids in Cairns! Let the kids cool off at the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon, a safe, shallow saltwater pool overlooking the ocean. Right nearby is Muddy’s Playground, a water-themed play space with splash zones, climbing nets, slides and more. There are BBQs, picnic tables, toilets, and shaded spots – so you can settle in for hours.
🐢 Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures
Just 40 minutes north of Cairns, Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures is a wildlife park with a wow factor. Cruise through crocodile-infested wetlands, watch feeding shows, and say g’day to wombats, snakes,cassowaries, koalas and more. A must-do for any animal-loving family!
🌴 Cairns Botanic Gardens
For a relaxing outing, head to the Cairns Botanic Gardens. Wander the shady trails, spot butterflies and turtles at Centenary Lakes, and let the kids explore the nature play areas. The Gardens are free to enter and make for a peaceful escape from the city buzz.
🌳 Goomboora Park Adventure Playground
A local favourite! Set along a freshwater creek, Goomboora Park has a flying fox, large open spaces for a picnic, and shallow swimming spots for cooling down. With natural bush surrounds and adventurous play structures, it’s ideal for families wanting a mix of nature and outdoor fun.
🛶 Rainforestation Nature Park, Kuranda
Hop aboard an Army Duck tour, cuddle a koala, and learn about Indigenous culture all in one place. Rainforestation Nature Park offers a range of hands-on experiences from wildlife encounters to cultural dance performances, making it a full and exciting family day out.
👉 See Rainforestation tours
❤️ Family Tips for Visiting Cairns
- 👒 Stay sun-safe: Wear reef-safe sunscreen, hats, and swim shirts
- 🧃 Stay hydrated: Keep refillable water bottles handy
- 🚻 Plan for breaks: Choose attractions with toilets, shade, and picnic areas
- 📸 Bring a camera: You’ll want to remember these smiles!
🎒 Plan Your Cairns Family Holiday
Whether you’ve got toddlers, teens, or all ages in between, Cairns is packed with activities that combine fun, learning, and the beauty of nature.
Ready to start planning your trip?
👉 Explore more Cairns family tours
👉 See where to stay in Cairns
👉 Book reef and rainforest packages
Cairns Tourist Information
