Things To Do With Kids In Cairns
Visiting Cairns with kids is the perfect idea for a family holiday. With a warm, tropical climate, lots of astonishing natural beauty and wildlife, and plenty of kid-friendly activities and attractions, Cairns is a safe and enjoyable family holiday destination. Let's dive into some of the top kid-friendly activities that are available in Cairns!
Things To Do With Kids In Cairns
There are so many fun and enjoyable things to do with kids in Cairns. Known as the Gateway to The Great Barrier Reef, Cairns offers day trips into nature as well as fun attractions in the city center. There are accommodations to suit all budgets in Cairns, and the city has all the shops, car rental spots, and tour companies you could need to plan the perfect family holiday.
From snorkeling amongst the colorful marine creatures of the Great Barrier Reef, to seeing local flora and fauna up-close at various locations, the kids are going to love their time in Cairns! So here are some of the top things to do with kids in Cairns on your next family holiday!
Fitzroy Island
Take the kids on an epic excursion over to Fitzroy Island! Located about 29 kilometres offshore from Cairns, this lush tropical island is packed with fun things to do for kids and adults alike!
Go snorkeling with the fish, bushwalking through the leisurely rainforest trails, or swimming and sunbathing on the stunning beaches. Fitzroy Island will provide you and your family with the ultimate day of outdoor adventures. You can explore the island on a fun-filled day trip or stay overnight at the resort on the island.
Kuranda Butterfly Sanctuary
Kuranda is a charming little town located in the gorgeous, forested mountains just outside of Cairns. Hop on the Scenic Train or the Skyrail to travel to Kuranda from Cairns in style! The kids will love gazing out the windows and admiring the panoramic views.
Once you arrive in Kuranda, there are lots of family-friendly activities here. Stroll through the art markets, visit Barron Falls, or check out the spectacular Butterfly Sanctuary! The sanctuary is a favorite among the little ones. There are over 2000 butterflies and moths from several species here, including many native Australian species. It is the largest butterfly sanctuary in the Southern Hemisphere!
Check out these other popular activities to do with kids in Cairns!
Birdworld
Seeing tropical rainforest birds at Birdworld is another one of the best things to do with kids in Cairns. Also located in Kuranda, this beautiful wildlife attraction is great for the whole family! This rainforest habitat has almost 60 species of birds from all around the world, including macaws, cassowaries, cockatoos, and more!
You can even participate in safe hand-feeding and photo opportunities. If your kids are animal lovers, they will have a blast at Birdworld in Kuranda. This spot is located right near the Kuranda Heritage Markets where you can stop and grab a bite or do some shopping afterward!
Koala Gardens
Here is yet another attraction in Kuranda that is perfect for the animal-lovers! Koala Gardens are one of Kuranda's newest additions, and it is the ultimate stop for a family during a vacation in Cairns. Enjoy this opportunity to get up close and personal with one of Australia's favourite animals!
You and your family will get to see the cuddly koalas in their natural environment doing what they do best - eating and sleeping! The whole family can join in for a koala cuddle and get their picture taken while holding a koala before going to check out the rest of the gardens. This wildlife habitat is also home to lizards, snakes, kangaroos, wallabies, and wombats!
Cairns Aquarium
One of the best things to do in Cairns with kids in the city center is the Cairns Aquarium. Located in Cairns City on Florence Street near the Cairns Performing Arts Centre, so you won't have to travel far. If your kids are obsessed with reptiles, amphibians, insects and sea creatures, this is the place to bring them!
The Cairns Aquarium has a unique combination of touch tanks, glass displays and oceanariums filled with a variety of sharks, rays and tropical fish. You have the option to join a private tour of the Turtle Hospital and Coral Bio Bank along with free marine biology talks throughout the day. This is also one of the best things to do with kids in Cairns if it's raining!
Green Island
Green Island is another one of the best day trips to take from Cairns with the family. There is a lot to do on this picturesque island with the kids! Snorkel, sightsee, swim, and get in touch with the exceptional wildlife and natural beauty of the Great Barrier Reef.
Green Island has both a semi-submersible and glass-bottom boat available for you to use so you can check out the reef in a whole new way from above the water! This is a cool option for those who have really small kids who can't swim, or if your kids aren't huge fans of swimming. You can also snorkel from the beach, which has lifeguards on duty to ensure your safety. There is also a crocodile farm with the world's largest captive crocodile, known as Cassius, which can you can visit for an extra dose of excitement on your trip!
