Geelong With Kids | Best Things to do, Attractions & Activities
Looking for kids activities in Geelong ? Just an hour South West from Melbourne, Geelong is Victoria’s second largest city and there are plenty of family friendly attractions. Check out our list below of the best things to do in Geelong with kids.
Geelong with Kids
With its location on the water, there is no shortage kids activities in Geelong. In fact, the city itself is very family friendly. Whether you live in Geelong, taking a day trip from Melbourne, or stopping over on your road trip down the Great Ocean Road, you will no doubt have plenty of things to do in Geelong with kids to keep your family busy.
Best Things to do in Geelong with Kids
Find below some of the most popular Geelong attractions, and best things to do in Geelong with kids. Most of these options are in or near the centre of Geelong, however we have included a few fun activities just outside that you will love too.
1. Geelong Waterfront
One of the most popular places to visit in Geelong with kids is the Geelong waterfront. It is the number one Geelong attraction and you really can’t miss it. Even just a family walk makes a great outing. Make sure to take a ride on the Geelong Ferris Wheel, and have a turn on the carousel. There are often special events going on during the Summer too.
2. Geelong Carousel
Ever wanted to ride on a carousel that is over 193 years old? Well this thirty-six-horse carousel is one of the best things to do in Geelong for kids.
The Geelong Carousel is a beautiful thirty-six-horse carousel. Twenty-four of those horses are from the original Armitage-Herschell portable steam-driven, hand-carved wooden carousel from 1892.
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3. National Wool Museum
The National Wool Museum is one of Geelong’s most iconic attractions and an important part of the city’s history. Lots to do there with kids too! Over 3 floors you can learn about wool through engaging exhibits and fun activities.
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4. Geelong Bollard Trail Walk
Stroll down the bay walk, and check out the Geelong Bollards (old timber pylons turned into colourful characters which represent characters who played a part in Geelong’s history.) There are actually over 100 of them throughout the trail and if you have older ones, or a pram you can walk it. If not, you don’t need to walk the whole way.
5. Eastern Beach
One of the most famous Geelong attractions is Eastern Beach on the waterfront. Families flock to this part of Geelong in summer because it is one of the most kid friendly beaches in the area.
It has various facilities including a swimming enclosure with a shark gate, a diving board and floating islands, and even a children’s pool backing onto the sandy white beach.
There is also a kiosk and BBQ / Picnic facilities so it makes the perfect day out. Eastern Beach is one of the most popular places to visit and best things to do in Geelong with kids, so don’t miss it.
6. Poppy Kettle Playground
Another fun thing to do in Geelong with kids is visit the main playground. Just off Cunningham pier on the Geelong Waterfront you will find the Poppy Kettle Playground where kids of all ages can play for hours on end.
There are swings, a huge slide and climbing net, and also the famous interactive Poppy Kettle water feature. In summer time you can get a gelati from the van which usually parks out the front.
7. MoPA – Museum of Play and Art
The Museum of Play and Art is one of the best indoor kids activities in Geelong and a great way to spend the morning or an afternoon. It is a play based children’s museum where kids can engage with immersive exhibits and interactive art experiences.
MoPA is designed for kids aged 1-9 years old and there are various areas for each age group. There are three sessions you can attend throughout the day, and they also offer birthday parties and an after dark program as well. One of the best things to do in Geelong with kids on a cold or rainy day.
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8. Rollerway Newtown
Up for some skating? Another fun indoor kids activity in Geelong is Rollerway Newtown which is one of Australia’s longest operating skate centres.
There are two skating rinks, a large one, and then a smaller one where kids can practice. You can choose to rollerskate or rollerblade while the music plays, it is great fun for the whole family.
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9. Geelong Botanical Gardens
A short walk from Eastern Beach you can find the stunning Geelong Botanical Gardens. These gardens fantastic place to visit when you are looking for things to do in Geelong with kids, especially during the Spring.
Dating back to 1851, you can find plants from all over the world and an incredible rose garden. Grab a coffee and snack from the teahouse and take a walk through and admire the beauty.
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10. Adventure Park
Water slides, Theme Park Rides, and a day full of adventure and fun! 20 minutes from the centre of geelong, Adventure Park Geelong has it all including the new Tornado – Victoria’s biggest, longest & most epic Proslide Tornado water slide.
Adventure Park is a great day out for all ages. There are 2 water play areas for young children, and then a range of waterslides and water activities for the older ones. Definitely one of the best things to do in Geelong with kids during the Summer.
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11. Serendip Sanctuary
About 20 minutes from the centre of Geelong, kids can get up close to some of Australia’s most iconic wildlife. Take the popular Wildlife Walk where you can walk with the emus, watch the grazing kangaroos, and be surrounded by all of the native birds.
It is very family friendly. There is a picnic area and free BBQ facilities so you can bring lunch and make a day of it. Best thing about Serendip Sanctuary, is that it is FREE. Another fun thing to do in Geelong with kids.
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12. Fairy Park
Fairy Park is a great place to take your kids for a fun day of fairy tales and adventure. About 25mins from Geelong, this fairy tale theme park is one of Victoria’s oldest parks, filled with traditional tales, myths, and legends.
There are no screens, no modern technology. Kids simply follow the path, push the button to listen, and use their imagination to create the story from the display setting.
There is also a huge playground at the end of the path too which is fantastic. A great day out and definitely a must do if you are looking for things to do in Geelong with kids.
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Melbourne with Kids
Hopefully we have given you some inspiration on things to do in Geelong with kids. These Geelong attractions are definitely worth a visit. If you are looking for other things to do for a day trip make sure to check out our related posts:
Looking for more things to do in Melbourne with kids? Check out our main page MELBOURNE WITH KIDS, follow us on FACEBOOK or join our FACEBOOK GROUP – Melbourne for Kids, What’s On!
