It doesn’t matter if you have a quiet kid, a busy kid, an indoor kid, animal lover, outdoor adventurer, mini foodie or a sporty spice….there is so much family friendly fun on offer in Kangaroo Valley…..NO one will ever be bored.
And we reckon if you work your way through the list, there’ll be happy smiles around [on the parents’ faces as well as the kids!].
Here’s 11 family-friendly things to do in Kangaroo Valley.
Jump around at Glenmack Park
1 :: Wild swimming
One of the best things about the Valley is that it’s right on the Kangaroo River which has plenty of awesome spots for the family to cool off.
The most popular spot is right under the Hampden Bridge.
If you’re coming down the hill from the Highlands, turn left straight after you cross the bridge into the car park there. Grab your esky and lilo’s and make your way down the path to the river’s edge. There the family can lounge around on rocks sunning themselves like lizards, cool off in the water [we’ve been swimming in the height of summer and the water is always crisp!] or relaxing on inflatables.
If wild swimming isn’t your thing or you’ve got mini mini-me’s, the local pool is ideal. It has a toddler pool, a 25 metre pool, a canteen and is open from November through to March.
Underneath the Hampden Bridge
2 :: Go bush
There are plenty of local walks for bushwalking fans with the Fitzroy Falls West Rim Walk up the hill and The Three Views Walk popular with both visitors and locals.
Fitzroy Falls is great for littl-er kids because it’s really well fenced, there’s a cafe for a sneaky milkshake and a picnic area if you’re keen to set up for a packed lunch there.
Older kids – late primary school age and teenagers – will enjoy The Three Views Walk. While it’s longer [almost 10km return], there are some great views from the three different cliff top lookouts. There are parts that aren’t fenced off so not ideal for little ones.
Mannings Lookout between Fitzroy Falls and the KV is another spot with spectacular views, although this one has a shorter, easier walk to the scenic lookout.
Fitzroy Falls
3 :: Hit the trail
If you fancy letting someone or something else do the walking for you, a trail ride with Kangaroo Valley Horses is a fun and relaxing way to amble along and explore the Valley for a couple of hours.
This is another one for teens as the minimum age for trail rides is 14 years of age, unless pre-approved by their riding instructors.
Ride through beautiful scenery with a mix of bush trails, creek crossings and open farmland.
Trail riding with Kangaroo Valley Horses
4 :: Oarsome
There’s some fantastic kayaking and canoe adventure companies in the Valley, with most of them offering canoe or kayak hire, guided tours and safaris on the Kangaroo River,Tallowa Dam and Lake Yarrunga.
Start with something cruisy like a two hour paddle underneath the Hampden Bridge – great for younger kids – or get more adventurous with an overnight safari in the Sunken Forest.
Family fun on the water with Kangaroo Valley Safaris
5 :: Pump it up
There’s a pump track just before you hit the town from the Highlands on your left hand-side for kids on wheels – whether those wheels are bikes, scooters, skates or skateboards!
Having opened in 2021, it’s fresh as still and a hot spot for local kids as well as visiting ones – loads of fun!
However you roll, the pump track is where to do it.
6 :: Sweet treats
There is no shortage of places to grab a bite to eat or load up on the sweet stuff [head here for our Foodie’s Guide to Kangaroo Valley].
Sweet As and Kangaroo Valley Fudge & Teahouse are our two picks for kid favourite treats like crazy shakes, ice cream, old school sweets and more.
Ice cream deliciousness at Sweet As
7 :: Play up
Osborne Park has a playground to burn any sugar rush off. Part of what has to be one of the most picturesque showgrounds you’ll ever come across, there’s plenty of opportunity to swing off, slide down or climb up things here.
Plenty of space and a playground for burning off energy at Osborne Park
8 :: Step back in time
We love how Kangaroo Valley celebrates its past with the beautiful old bridge built over 120 years ago, the Pioneer Village Museum and also keeping traditional crafts alive at Kangaroo Valley Woodcrafts and Kangaroo Valley Leadlights.
Perfect for any mini history buffs in the family.
Pioneer Museum for history buffs
9 :: Refuel
The Friendly Inn is exactly like it’s name – super friendly and VERY welcoming of families. The beer garden has loads of space [it’s pet friendly too!], a covered playground area for the kids and even a Petanque court for the big kids – that’s a fun family activity to do after a feed from the bistro!
There’s a kids menu and all kids meals includes ice cream.
It’s always a relaxed and chilled vibe in the beer garden, especially when there’s live music, some holiday fireworks happening or a local event on.
Family friendly beer gardens are awesome!
10 :: Pitch a tent
Bendeela Recreation Area is the perfect spot to settle in for an overnight or weekend camp. An ideal spot to base yourself for a weekend of swimming, fishing, canoeing and star watching.
Glenmack Park is another family camping favourite. Right on the river and just a short walk from the village, the kids will love the resort size swimming pool, the farm animals, jumping pillow, mini golf, playground AND half basketball court.
Both places get super popular in the summer months so book ahead or go on the shoulder of the busy season.
Star gazing at Glenmack Park
11 :: Show time
We love a good country show and Kangaroo Valley definitely has one of those. Held on 17-18 February in 2023, the program is full of alllll the fun things – rides, wood chopping, rodeos, bike races, fancy dress for kids, and stacks stacks more.
The Kangaroo Valley Folk Festival is also family-friendly and events like the pub’s annual bonfire night is a favourite with the kidlets too.
It’s on like donkey kong at the KV Show!
How good is all that???
Whether you’re swinging by the Valley for an afternoon, a day, a night or a weekend, there is NOOOOOO way any kid is going to mutter the dreaded ‘I’m booooooored’, right?
For more information about this awesome spot, read our Guide To Kangaroo Valley, for even more awesome cool stuff to float your boat [or canoe].
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