Known as the “Gateway City,” Geelong is more than just the gateway to Victoria’s famous Great Ocean Road and the Bellarine Peninsula; it’s a family-friendly destination brimming with its own treasures and adventures. With its scenic natural wonders, expansive parks, and cultural attractions, Geelong promises something special for every family member, from curious little explorers to parents and grown-ups who simply wish to unwind.

Whether you’re planning a holiday getaway or just looking for what to do in Geelong with kids, we’ll help you plan the ultimate family itinerary in this guide.

Relaxing Family Outings & Scenic Views

1. Take a Scenic Cruise Through Port Phillip Bay with Searoad Ferries

Searoad Ferries is not just a means of transport but an adventure in itself. Since Geelong is just less than an hour’s drive from Queenscliff Ferry Terminal, you can make the journey part of the adventure. Onboard, there are plenty of amenities that will keep the kids and the whole family entertained before you hop off onto your next adventure.

Why Kids Will Love It:

• Sit back and relax while the little ones play at the kids' playground and colouring corner.
• Indulge in freshly prepared drinks and treats in the onboard café, which offers a view of Port Phillip Bay's surrounding waters.
• Have a brew with a view on the top deck bar while your little one enjoys hot chocolate or juice.
• Let your young explorers use the binoculars located on the viewing decks and see the Pope’s Eye, Queenscliff’s iconic black lighthouse, and maybe a few playful dolphins along the way.

Address: Esplanade, Sorrento VIC 3943, Australia (to Queenscliff) | 1 Wharf St E, Queenscliff VIC 3225, Australia (to Sorrento)

2. Be at One with Nature at Geelong Botanic Gardens

In the heart of the city lies a sanctuary that offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle. The Geelong Botanic Gardens offers free entrance, so everyone can enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of this oasis without any cost.

Why Kids Will Love It:

• Explore different species of coloured plants scattered throughout the gardens, including the rare corpse plant.
• Relax in the shaded picnic areas while soaking up the calming atmosphere.
• Take a stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens with various sculptures and the iconic Geelong bollards.

Address: Corner of Eastern Park Circuit & Podbury Dr, East Geelong VIC 3219,

Nature & Wildlife Experiences

3. Explore the Quieter Side of Geelong at Buckley Falls

Tucked away in the suburb of Highton, Buckley Falls is a serene spot where families can unwind and escape from the crowded tourist spots. It is one of Geelong’s hidden gems that feels a world away from the hustle and bustle, and is one of the ideal destinations if you want to just spend some quiet quality time with your kids and family.

Why Kids Will Love It:

• Take a stroll along the walking trail or pack a picnic in the grassy areas while keeping an eye on the tawny frogmouths, gang-gang cockatoos, and rainbow lorikeets that call the reserve home.
• Take in the sights of the waterfall views, terraced rock formations, and lush bushland that invite you to slow down and listen to the sounds of nature.
• Grab some refreshments at the historic Fyansford Paper Mills and walk through the makers’ hub where unique wares are displayed.

Address: Highton VIC 3216, Australia

Beaches & Water Activities

4. Dive into Seaside Fun at Geelong Waterfront

Geelong Waterfront is where family adventures come to life. Stretching along the shores of Corio Bay, the waterfront is a hive of fun activities in Geelong, making it one of the must-visit destinations in the Gateway City.

Why Kids Will Love It:

• Grab a refreshing drink, a hearty meal, or a quick bite at one of the many restaurants and cafés on the waterfront.
• Ride the beautifully hand-painted horses and listen to the sounds of cheerful organ music at The Carousel.
• Jump around on the Aero Bounce Bungy Trampolines or go for a gentle spin on the Giant Sky Wheel for panoramic bay views.

Address: 95 Eastern Beach Road, Geelong, City of Greater Geelong, Victoria 3220

5. Turn Up the Water Fun at Adventure Park Geelong

Located just a 20-minute drive from the Queenscliff Searoad Terminal is Victoria’s biggest water theme park, the Adventure Park Geelong. Its huge line-up of rides and attractions makes it the ultimate destination for families and friends who want to escape the summer heat and spend a whole day having fun in the water.

Why Kids Will Love It:

• Explore 21 epic and thrilling water rides and theme park rides.
• Test your thrill limits as you brave through the dark tunnels and swirling rips of Victoria’s only triple-funnel waterslide, the Tsunami.
• Be swept along the tropical-style, 300-metre long Lazy River filled with swirling gauntlets, water cannons, and a waterfall.

Address: 1249 Bellarine Hwy, Wallington, Geelong VIC 3222

Cultural & Educational Activities

6. Step Back in Time at the 19th Century Prison in Victoria

A visit to the historic Geelong Gaol Museum makes for one of the most unique, educational, and thrilling things to do in Geelong with kids. From 1853 to 1991, it housed male and female prisoners and witnessed several executions, which now form part of the gaol’s captivating history.

Why Kids Will Love It:

• Walk through the eerie corridors, peek into the cells, and learn about the harsh conditions faced by the inmates who once stayed in the prison.
• View the replica armour of Ned Kelly, one of the most recognisable figures in Australian history.
• Take part in nightly ghost tours where you can delve into the darker side of the gaol’s history and explore the prison from a completely different perspective.

Address: 202 Myers St, Geelong VIC 3220, Australia

7. Walk Through Time and Tradition at the Wathaurong Booln Booln Cultural Centre

Wathaurong (Wadda Wurrung) is a recognised tribe that consists of 25 clans that form part of the Kulin of First Nations people. The Wathaurong Booln Booln Cultural Centre serves as a space for Wathaurong people to connect and share their culture with the broader community. Here, you can learn about the Aboriginal culture and gain a deeper understanding of the Wathaurong people’s connection to the land through storytelling, art, and traditional practices.

Why Kids Will Love It:

• Engage in programs and events that promote cultural understanding and knowledge.
• Witness local artists showcase their talents in an exhibition area.
• Indulge in delicious meals and snacks prepared with fresh, local ingredients.

Address: 410 Surf Coast Hwy, Grovedale VIC 3216, Australia

Fun Activities for Little Kids (Under 5’s)

8. Step Into a World of Kids-Friendly Play and Fun at the Museum of Play and Art (MoPA)

Designed with little ones in mind, the Museum of Play and Art (MoPA) is a wonderland of creativity and hands-on fun for toddlers and children under 5. With its colourful art stations and interactive exhibits, MoPA is an immersive world that offers fun and creative kids activities in Geelong.

Why Kids Will Love It:

• Wander through the two-level museum filled with interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and creative play zones designed to ignite your child’s imagination.
• Recharge and refuel after a day of play and fun at the on-site café.

Address: 51 McKillop St, Geelong VIC 3220, Australia

9. Wander Through the Magical Land of Fairy Park

Australia’s very first themed attraction, Fairy Park, has been making little ones smile since 1959. Perched on top of a spectacular granite hill, this enchanting medieval wonderland brings to life fairy tales and legends kids (and adults) know and love.

Why Kids Will Love It:

• Explore awe-inspiring castles, cottages, and caves set among beautifully curated gardens that look straight out of a fairy tale.
• Wander through secret passages and climb towering castles to meet mystical creatures.
• Marvel at the breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of Mt. Anakie’s extinct volcano and its surrounding rich landscape.

Address: C141/2388 Geelong-Ballan Rd, Anakie VIC 3213, Australia

Seasonal and Special Events

10. Celebrate Creativity and Play at Wonder Children’s Festival

Wondrous, joyful, and immersive, Geelong Arts Centre’s Wonder Children’s Festival returns this year to spark creativity and a love of the arts for the young and adults alike. This two-week festival offers plenty of fun and inspiration, with a packed program of kids' activities for Geelong locals and visitors.

Why Kids Will Love It:

• Immerse yourself in the magic of the performing arts with various interactive shows, from lively musical acts to heartwarming shows designed for young audiences.
• Watch an upbeat and surprising theatre performance filled with robots, magic, science, and slapstick, all woven together to put a smile and laughter on every family’s faces.
• Jam along to a comedy-musical performance that features awe-inspiring digital puppeteering and choreographed animated projections.

When: September 12 to 26, 2025

Where: Geelong Arts Centre, 50 Little Malop St, Geelong VIC 3220, Australia

Family-Friendly Dining & Refreshments

11. Indulge in Waterfront Dining at Sailor’s Rest

Sailor’s Rest offers an unparalleled dining experience with its coastal views that please the eyes and its delicious menu offerings that satisfy the palate. Their globally inspired menu options feature locally sourced seafood and fresh produce that you can indulge in any time of the day, from breakfast to lunch and dinner.

Why Kids Will Love It:

• Let the kids play across the lawn as you sip on cocktails or indulge in snacks in the Beer Garden.
• Little ones can fill their tummies with hearty dishes from the Little Sailors All-Day Menu, which features tempura-battered fish fingers, chicken nuggets, kids' spaghetti, and a specially curated lunch tray of veggies and ham and cheese sandwiches.
• Grab a spot on the rooftop bar and enjoy the breeze as you watch the world go by with a refreshing drink in hand.

Address: 3 Moorabool St, Geelong VIC 3220, Australia

12. Savour Brunch Delights at Café Palat

Café Palat serves authentic Vietnamese cuisine with a modern twist that caters to everyone in the family. With vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, it’s a cosy, welcoming spot where even the pickiest eaters will find something to enjoy.

Why Kids Will Love It:

• Little ones can relish in mini pho, bento, or mini-chicken skewer rice bento, which will surely fuel them for another adventure or fill up their hungry tummies after a day’s fun.
• Indulge in a hearty brunch with the Big Breakie, featuring bacon, eggs, beef sausage, grilled tomato, spinach, potato wedges, baked beans and sourdough.
• Try the crowd-favourite eggs benedict with bacon, ham, pulled beef, or sautéed mushrooms, hollandaise sauce, balsamic glaze, and sourdough.

Address: 1/6-10 Apparel Cl, Breakwater VIC 3219, Australia

Family Accommodations

13. Stay at the Heart of the City at Oaks R Suites Geelong

Nestled within a heritage-listed building on Bellerine Street in the CBD, Oaks R Suites Geelong is perfect for families and vacationers who wish to explore everything Geelong has to offer. With its prime location, you are only a short walk away from the top attractions in Geelong, including Eastern Beach, Westfield Shopping Centre, Royal Geelong Yacht Club, and the popular waterfront restaurants and cafés

Why Kids Will Love It:

• Enjoy spacious hotel and apartment-style rooms equipped with everything you need for a relaxing stay.
• Bring your furry friend with you on vacation in their pet-friendly apartment-style rooms.
• Unwind in your private balcony with views of the glistening blue waters in the ocean-view apartments.

Address: 10 Bellerine St, Geelong VIC 3220, Australia