Cairns, Queensland is a well-loved by all, especially to escape winter! It has it all, from sandy beaches to underwater coral reefs and dense rainforests. Thanks to its abundant greenery, Cairns is also blessed with diverse wildlife and several zoos and wildlife centres that seek to preserve them.
Whether you're a local or visiting from out of town, there are plenty of Cairns family activities your kids will surely enjoy! Here are our top picks of things to do in Cairns with kids:
- Swim in Cairns Lagoon
- Visit four of the best parks in Cairns
- Play at the Cairns Esplanade playground
- Conquer the ropes courses at ZOOM & Wildlife Dome
- Befriend the wildlife at Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas
- Hop aboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway
- Meet the diverse marine life at Cairns Aquarium
- Dive with sharks at Cairns Aquarium
- Experience the underwater nightlife on the Cairns Aquarium Twilight Tour
- Go on a tour of Green Island
- Cuddle with koalas at Kuranda Koala Gardens
- Discover various bird species at Kuranda Bird World
1. Swim in Cairns Lagoon
Make a splash at this unique saltwater lagoon in Cairns! Image credits: @__ainasu05__ on Instagram
Cairns Lagoon is open for families who want to take a dip no matter the time of year. This huge saltwater swimming lagoon offers a safe space to swim without the dangers of crocs and stingers, and it’s shallow enough for the little ones to play in safely.
You’ll also enjoy the incredible views of Trinity Inlet, from which salt water is sourced and filtered. Admission to the lagoon is free, so no need to buy tickets!
2. Visit four of the best parks in Cairns
Enjoy wildlife and nature with the little ones. Image credits: @australianbutterflysanctuary on Instagram
Bring your little ones closer to nature with a 4 Park Pass from Klook. This gives you access to four must-visit parks in the area, starting with the Rainforestation Nature Park, which is 100 acres of rainforest in Kuranda. You can also visit the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, the largest butterfly and avian sanctuary in the country.
Also part of the pass is Wildlife Habitat, one of the best zoos in Queensland with a vast collection of animals kept in environments similar to their natural habitats. Last but not least: Cairns ZOOM & Wildlife Dome, the world’s first wildlife park that features a rope-climbing challenge. Take note that the pass is valid for six months, so if you can’t go to each park all at once, you can always go to the others within the valid period.
3. Take a leisurely stroll along Cairns Esplanade
Cairns Esplanade is an excellent place for an afternoon stroll with the kids. Image credits: @cairns_esplanade on Instagram
Cairns Esplanade is a popular foreshore with parks, public art, and the Cairns Lagoon. It spans 2.5 km and is full of recreational facilities such as playgrounds, barbecues, and more. You can even catch live performances at the park and attend fitness classes in the park.
It’s a great space for kids to roam free and play to their heart’s desire as you enjoy the scenic views. It’s also lined with several cafés and restaurants where you and the family can recharge for a whole day of fun at Cairns Esplanade.
4. Conquer the ropes courses at ZOOM & Wildlife Dome
Climb, jump, and fall with ZOOM’s challenging but fun courses! Image credits: @cairnszoom on Instagram
Cairns ZOOM & Wildlife Dome is not just home to diverse Australian wildlife. It’s also the world’s first challenge rope course. Meet and snap pics with koalas, snakes, and wallabies, then strap on your safety gear to take on your rope course of choice.
Let your kids practice their climbing skills at Pirate Climb and Commando Rope Climb. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try the 13-metre free-fall jump at PowerJump.
5. Befriend the wildlife at Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas
Experience what the best zoo in Queensland has to offer! Image credits: @wildlifehabitat on Instagram
Zoos are always a hit with the kids, so why not go to the best one in Queensland? It has four habitats—rainforest, wetlands, woodland, and savannah—each with its own sets of diverse wildlife. You’ll see big crocs, colourful birds, friendly wallabies, and more.
If you want to extend your stay until nighttime and see the nocturnal animals, you can also book the WildNIGHT Habitat Tour.
6. Hop aboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway
Choo choo! Here comes the train to Kuranda! Image credits: @kurandavillage on Instagram
Kuranda Scenic Railway is always a big hit with the little ones! Hop aboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway from Cairns and traverse beautiful suburbs, lush rainforests, and pristine waterfalls.
With a Klook ticket, you’ll be able to ride Heritage Carriage, a refurbished carriage that preserves the train’s vintage feel. And we mean vintage—the train has been operational since 1981! All the while, you can listen to the commentary and enjoy reading the companion guide on the history of the railway.
7. Meet the diverse marine life at Cairns Aquarium
Kids will feel like mermaids in the underwater world of Cairns Aquarium! Image credits: @cairns_aquarium on Instagram
Check out 15,000 marine and terrestrial animals from the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics Rainforest over at Cairns Aquarium. Let the little ones live out their mermaid dreams with every awe-inspiring aquarium full of diverse sea life such as sharks, rays, corals, and more.
You can also explore the 10-metre Deep Reef Tank (the only in Australia!), the 20-metre underwater tunnel where the sharks and rays can swim above you, and the country’s largest freshwater exhibit.
8. Dive with sharks at Cairns Aquarium
Conquer your fears and dive with sharks at Cairns Aquarium! Image credits: @cairns_aquarium on Instagram
Take your underwater adventure to a whole new level and dive with friendly sharks at Cairns Aquarium! Aside from the thrilling experience of swimming with sharks, you’ll also experience a close encounter with stingrays and Queensland groupers in the Reef Tank.
Before the dive, a medical check is required for your safety. Make sure to fill out the dive medical form beforehand. Travel by aircraft within the last 12 hours is also prohibited.
9. Experience the underwater nightlife on the Cairns Aquarium Twilight Tour
Have a three-course dinner surrounded by wildlife on the Cairns Aquarium Wildlife Tour! Image credits: @cairns_aquarium on Instagram
The kids will love this one since they would get to stay up past their bedtime! Witness the nocturnal animals emerge from their daytime dwelling places and come alive at night on this very special Cairns Aquarium Twilight Tour!
Check out various reptiles, insects, amphibians, and nocturnal fish who prefer to party at night. Then you can enjoy a three-course dinner amongst the sea creatures at Dundee’s restaurant.
10. Go on a tour of Green Island
Spend a whole day exploring Green Island on this cruise tour!
Block out a whole day to spend with the kiddos and go on the Green Island Reef Cruise Tour from Cairns. Hop on a catamaran from Cairns and cruise towards Green Island, where you can stroll its stunning beaches or along rainforest boardwalks.
You can also take a peek into Green Island’s underwater world by going snorkelling or going on a glass-bottom boat tour! For some added fun to the experience, you can book packages with a buffet lunch, a semi-submarine experience, or both!
11. Cuddle with koalas at Kuranda Koala Gardens
The koalas at Kuranda Koala Gardens are ready for their closeup. Image credits: @kurandakoalagardens on Instagram
Your kids will love cuddling with the fluffy koalas at Kuranda Koala Gardens! Catch the koalas climbing, sleeping, and eating in their natural habitats as you go around this scenic park. You can even pose with the friendly koalas in your hands and take souvenir photos!
Aside from the eucalyptus-loving marsupials, you’ll also spot beloved Australian animals such as wallabies, wombats, smiling quokkas, and the first bilbies in North Queensland! You’ll learn more about each animal as you explore the park, making it a fun and educational experience for the kids.
12. Discover various bird species at Kuranda Bird World
Befriend the friendly birds at Kuranda Bird World.
The colourful avian life at Kuranda Bird World will definitely enthuse the little ones! Home to over 60 species of birds, you’ll be in awe of their sheer variety and natural beauty as they fly, perch and feed in the vicinity. You can even snap pics with them perched on your hands or shoulders!
Here you can see the rare southern cassowary, Australia’s largest flightless bird, as well as Amazonian macaws, red-breasted galahs, king parrots, and different species of chatty cockatoos. You’ll also learn how the species are protected as the park’s response to the dwindling natural environments outside.
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