We get it - travelling with kids can be a little tricky. The car is packed to the brim, the radio is blasting 'The Wiggles', and you’re asked almost every hour “Are we there yet?”.
But, don’t put your family holiday on hold or in the too hard basket.

We’ve got you covered with some of the best activities to keep the kids entertained and help you create amazing family holiday memories in Townsville North Queensland!

The Best of the Outdoors 

Riverway & Pioneer Park

Located on the banks of the Ross River, Pioneer Park is the ultimate in kid-friendly outdoor fun. With sporting fields, BBQ areas and two large swimming lagoons, you can spend the whole day enjoying this picturesque spot. If you happen to be visiting on a Saturday, why not take the family along to the free weekly 5km Park Run!          

Plantation Park Burdekin 

With lush green lawns, walking tracks and a man-made lagoon, Plantation Park is a great place to tire out the children! If you head there on the first and third Sunday of the month, you will catch the local Burdekin Plantation Park Markets!

Centenary Park 

Step back in time to the days of the gold rush when you visit Centenary Park in Charters Towers. The park features a gold discovery monument as well as picnic tables, a children's playground, liberty swing and lit walking tracks. 

Soroptimist Park & Pallarenda 

Ahoy there! Bring along your best pirate talk as the kids explore the ship-themed playgrounds at  Soroptimist Park, Rowes Bay. With slides, climbing obstacles, swings, walking paths, picnic tables, BBQs and even a basketball hoop, this park area has something for every age!  Jump on the push bike or drive to the end of Rowes Bay to find Pallarenda Beach, where a stinger net is set up during summer and low tide provides a fun environment for kids to spot hermit crabs and find interesting shells. 

The Strand

You’ll be hard pressed to find any ‘must do’ list for Townsville without this local hot spot! The Strand, is a thriving beach foreshore. With 2.5km of walkway, stunning views across to Magnetic Island, outdoor gym equipment, a waterpark and more playgrounds than the kids will know what to do with, The Strand is a guaranteed winner. Enjoy the shade of the palm trees with a gelato and a good book, whilst the kids swim and splash at the patrolled beach. 

 

Alma Bay, Magnetic Island

No Townsville North Queensland holiday is complete without a visit to Magnetic Island, and Alma Bay would have to be a favourite spot for locals and visitors. The beach is patrolled on weekends and public holidays and this spot includes a BBQ, picnic tables, shaded playground, change areas and toilets. 

Rock wallabies, Magnetic Island

It doesn’t get much cuter than watching the kids interact with the furry little rock wallabies that can be found at Geoffrey Bay. Arm yourself with a bag of wallaby feed from the nearby newsagency and make sure you have a camera on hand - these little guys love getting up close and personal!

 

TYTO Wetlands, Ingham

TYTO Wetlands in Ingham is where arts and culture meets nature! As well as offering a year round calendar of activities and events, this is a great place to relax and unwind with the kids. Ingham is home to some pretty amazing delis - so make sure you stop by one to top up your picnic basket. 

 

Local Attractions

Reef HQ Great Barrier Reef Aquarium 

If your kids can recite the entire script from Finding Nemo, then take them to Reef HQ Great Barrier Reef Aquarium. While the kids will be amazed by the fish, sharks and turtles, you’ll be impressed by how much they learn at this fantastic attraction. Warning: It’s possible the children will yell Nemo and Dory multiple times during your trip!

 

Queensland Museum Tropics

From navigating the high seas to discovering the stories behind Indigenous artefacts, the Queensland Museum Tropics features a number of fascinating exhibitions and collections that explore life in the tropics from prehistoric times to the modern era. The kids will love the hands-on displays – it might be hard to drag them away!

Billabong Sanctuary

Feeding a kangaroo or cuddling a koala must be every child's dream! With more than 50 native animal species calling Billabong Sanctuary home, this family-owned park offers hours of fun and entertainment for children (and parents) of all ages. Plan your day to ensure you catch one of the park’s regular animal shows – the kids will be amused, and they will learn something new too!  

 

Drive In Cinemas

Ever wished you could experience a Drive in cinema like Danny and Sandy from Grease? Well Stardust Drive-in, Burdekin has you covered. With movies to suit the whole family and plenty of popcorn, it's a great way to relax and watch a movie under the stars.