Best Family Friendly Activities in Cairns
Cairns isn’t just a tropical paradise, it’s a playground for families looking for a little relaxation, adventure and everything in between. This is a destination where kids can swap screen time for snorkel time, parents can swap stress for sunsets, and everyone leaves with happy memories and a little more sand in their shoes. Whether your crew is into wildlife, waterparks, or rainforest adventures, discover our round-up of family-friendly activities to keep everyone entertained.
Wild Encounters in Cairns
Image Credits: https://www.crocodileadventures.com/
Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures
For families in search of the perfect day trip from Cairns, Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures—just 40 minutes north of Cairns—is a must. Kick off your visit with a boat cruise through croc-infested waters and watch trained keepers interact with massive saltwater crocodiles during feeding time. Beyond the crocs, there’s plenty more to explore. Meet the elusive and legendary cassowary, and enjoy encounters with koalas, kangaroos, wombats, emus, snakes and lizards. Whether your crew is into cuddly marsupials or creatures with a bit more bite, Hartley’s delivers an unforgettable Aussie wildlife experience.
Image Credits: https://greenisland.com.au/
Green Island
A short boat ride from Cairns, Green Island offers an excellent introduction to the Great Barrier Reef. Little ones can check out marine life from a glass-bottom boat, while older kids (and parents) can snorkel straight off the shore or head off on a kayaking adventure. On the island, you’ll find a small rainforest to explore, pristine sandy beaches perfect for a lazy afternoon, and a crocodile habitat for those craving another up-close wildlife encounter.
Family–Friendly Things to Do in Cairns
Kuranda Village and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway offers a breathtaking journey over the ancient rainforest canopy, with stops along the way to explore the lush fern gardens and boardwalks of Red Peak and the rugged beauty of Barron Falls. Once in Kuranda, stroll along scenic walking trails, browse the vibrant village markets for unique keepsakes, and soak up the laid-back charm of this mountain retreat. For the journey back, hop aboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway and wind through hand-carved tunnels, towering bridges, and breathtaking gorges.
Image Credits: https://www.skyrail.com.au/experience/rangers/
Cairns Night Markets
Once the sun dips below the horizon, the Cairns Night Markets come to life with stalls brimming with handcrafted souvenirs, tropical juices, and sizzling street food with a feast of cuisines ranging from authentic Italian and Greek to Chinese, Vietnamese and Thai. Let the kids pick out a Cairns keepsake or satisfy their sweet tooth at Candy Lane while you treat yourself to a sugar cane juice (a night market must) and dinner on the go.
Image Credits: Paskaran.T/shutterstock
Cairns Aqua Park and Wake Park
If your family is up for a day of action-packed water fun, Cairns Wake Park and Aqua Park should be at the top of your list. With beginner-friendly sessions, experienced instructors, wakeboards and kneeboards, first-timers (ten years and older) can master the art of skimming across the water. At the Cairns Aqua Park, kids (six years and up) can race across inflatable obstacle courses and belly flop into the water, all while cooling off in the tropical Cairns heat. Whether gliding across the water or making a splash, it's a family activity guaranteed to bring plenty of laughs.
Image Credits: https://www.cairnswakepark.com/aqua-park
Free Family Activities in Cairns
You don’t need to spend a fortune to make the most out of your time in Tropical North Queensland. Some of the best Cairns family activities are completely free.
Muddy’s Playground
With a flying fox, rope bridge, slides, play houses, and even a mini splash park—Muddy’s Playground offers hours of fun and a convenient location on Cairns Esplanade. This colourful, interactive space is the ultimate spot for little adventurers to run wild while parents kick back in the shaded picnic areas. And if you are feeling peckish, Muddy’s Cafe is a popular spot to grab brekkie or lunch.
Esplanade Lagoon
With crocodiles roaming the nearby waters, the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon offers a safe and scenic spot to cool off while soaking in stunning coastal views. The massive 4800sqm saltwater lagoon features shallow areas for the little ones, lifeguards on duty, a sandy beach for lounging, electric BBQs and shady picnic areas to while away the afternoon.
Family–Friendly Restaurants in Cairns
After a big day of exploring, you’ll need to refuel, and Boardwalk Social at Crystalbrook Flynn is the perfect family-friendly spot. With a prime location on Cairns Esplanade, the venue offers a lively vibe, plenty of space, and a market-style menu packed with crowd-pleasers—think tacos with fresh guacamole, classic fish and chips, and crispy chicken burgers with a side of thick-cut chips. With $19 All-day specials of your favourite classics from Monday to Thursday.
Best of all, you can keep your little ones happy with a free ice cream with a kids' meal purchased every day of the week and on Sunday’s kids rule with under 12yo’s eating free with a purchase of any adult meal.
Family Fun at Crystalbrook
When it's time to unwind and recharge your batteries, Crystalbrook Riley, Crystalbrook Flynn, and Crystalbrook Bailey offer the perfect family-friendly stays in Cairns. Each hotel boasts spacious rooms, resort-style pools, diverse and delicious dining options, all in prime locations in the heart of Cairns.
In Cairns, the hardest part of your family holiday won’t be finding things to do—it’ll be fitting them all in. Whether snorkelling alongside Nemo, spotting crocs on a river cruise, or soaring above the rainforest on the Skyrail, every moment in Cairns is packed with adventure (and just the right amount of relaxation). Ready to make some unforgettable family memories? Cairns is calling.