TNQ Writer
Looking for what to do in Cairns with kids? This natural adventure playground is jam-packed with activities that are perfect for the whole family.
Cairns mum blogger @adventuremumma shares her must-do list for what do in Cairns with kids.
If Cairns is your destination and you have a kids in tow then you’ll find a heap of activities for that will entertain your family and guarantee fond memories for years to come.
Explore Cairns Esplanade
Splash into free family fun at Cairns Lagoon
Splash into free family fun at Cairns Lagoon
Muddys playground offers even more free fun
Muddys playground offers even more free fun
It’s a fun recreational strip that follows the city’s shoreline that you can easily explore on foot. First stop should be the Cairns Lagoon for its sandy beach, shade sails, fountains, and plenty of shallow sections for kids to play.
Two playgrounds worthy of a visit are Muddies, which has a splash park, climbing frames, swings, and a flying fox and the Figtree playground, an expansive treehouse located under a massive fig tree.
Dining
Munch on tree-fresh fruit from Rusty's Markets
Munch on tree-fresh fruit from Rusty's Markets
Say ahoy to fresh seafood at Prawn Star
Say ahoy to fresh seafood at Prawn Star
Photo by @adventuremumma
There is no lack of family friendly eateries around Cairns. On the weekend check out Rusty’s Markets for its diverse range of eateries plus the opportunity to purchase some fresh tropical fruit.
Dundee’s at the Cairns Aquarium has a large saltwater aquarium as its backdrop and down at the Cairns Marlin Marina are the Prawn Star Cairns trawlers, where you can channel your inner pirate and enjoy some fresh Aussie seafood.
Tropical Island Fun
Pull into paradise on Fitzroy Island
Pull into paradise on Fitzroy Island
Search for turtles off Green Island
Search for turtles off Green Island
Just off the coast lie a couple of islands that are only a short boat ride away. Pick Green Island and you can relax on the sandy beach, spot turtles off the jetty and explore Marine Melanesia which has one of the biggest crocodiles on display.
Fitzroy Island has a coastal rainforest walk that will take you to Nudie Beach, a turtle rehabilitation centre and a resort that is perfect for a family stay.
Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Choo choo choo-se the Kuranda Scenic Railway
Choo choo choo-se the Kuranda Scenic Railway
Soar over the rainforest canopy
Soar over the rainforest canopy
Photo by @adventuremumma
The iconic Kuranda Scenic Railway meanders up the range to Kuranda with views of Cairns and beyond, Stoney Creek Falls and Barron River Falls.
To complete the journey, hop onboard Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and cruise above the ancient rainforest canopy. Don’t forget to hop off and join a ranger-guided boardwalk tour.
Travel to the Outer Barrier Reef
Sunlover's pontoon features its own water slide
Sunlover's pontoon features its own water slide
Photo by @adventuremumma
With a semi-sub, glass bottom boat and more, it's great for kids of all ages
With a semi-sub, glass bottom boat and more, it's great for kids of all ages
Pontoons on the Outer Barrier Reef are a great place to visit if you have kids in tow. Sunlover Reef Cruises pontoon has a water slide that loops from their sun deck into the sea below. There’s also has an underwater observatory, a touch tank and a lunch menu catered by award-winning Palm Cove based, Nu Nu Restaurant.
Skipper on your own boat
Play captain for a day and hire your own boat
Photo by @adventuremumma
Down at the Marlin Marina is Cairns Boat Hire where you can hire out a pontoon boat and explore and fish the Trinity Inlet. These boats don’t require a boat license, have BBQ’s onboard and can easily fit up to 8 people.
Bike the Northern Beach Trail
Peddle your way from Palm Cove to Yorkey's Knob
Explore the sandy beaches north of Cairns at your own pace and hire some bikes and eScooters from Biked at Palm Cove. From here you can head south and follow the Northern Beaches Leisure Trail all the way to Yorkeys Knob.
Explore Cairns CBD
Meet marine life at Cairns Aquarium
There’s plenty of activities for families to do within a few blocks of Cairns CBD. The Cairns Aquarium features fishes of the Great Barrier Reef, and those living in the mangrove habitats and freshwater river zones.
Get up close with wildlife right in Cairns CBF with Cairns Koalas and Creatures. Discover the fascinating world of Australian wildlife, learning about the unique roles each species plays in their ecosystems. Don’t miss the chance to capture a memorable photo with a friendly koala.
Stay at a resort within walking distance of the sea
The large lagoon pool at Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort will be a hit with the little 'uns
Stay anywhere along Palm Cove Esplanade or Trinity Beach and you’ll have direct access to a tropical sandy beach. The Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort is a winner for its sandy lagoon and swim up pool bar (for parents).
Check out Bransfords Fishing Store
Cast a line off Palm Cove Jetty
Photo by @adventuremumma
Drive north to Palm Cove and you can’t miss the tail of a giant marlin on the roof of Bransford’s Fishing Store. Inside you’ll find the rest of the marlin’s impressive body and learn about the history of Cairns fishing. Purchase a family fishing kit and throw a line in at the Palm Cove jetty or off the fishing jetty near the Cairns Figtree playground.
