Darwin is paradise for kids – it’s always warm, water is usually involved in play time, animals and wildlife are everywhere, and there are always plenty of ways to learn on Country.
Whether your kids are little or big, you’ll find plenty to do as a family in the Top End of the Northern Territory.
Splash around
The Wave Lagoon at the Darwin Waterfront Precinct is a hit with kids of all ages, with a huge pool to ride the artificial swell on boogie boards and tubes, and shallow water play areas for toddlers as well.
Visit the Museum and Art Gallery of Northern Territory
The Museum and Art Gallery of the NT is a family-friendly space with excellent permanent and rotating exhibits. Wander through the impressive NT flora and fauna exhibit, then see and hear the devastation Cyclone Tracy had on the city in 1974. The museum’s Discovery Centre is just for kids, with excellent educational exhibits. Museum entry is free.
Explore the Territory Wildlife Park
It’s an action-packed family day at the Territory Wildlife Park, just under an hour’s drive from Darwin. Meet the animals of the Top End in the air-conditioned nocturnal house and aquarium, walk through treetop aviaries and stroll around the lagoon walk, and sit in for the birds show. All of the attractions are linked by shuttle trains. Stop in at the adjacent Berry Springs Nature Park for a swim in the springs and a picnic on the lawns on your way back to Darwin.
Get out of town
Hire a car and take a day trip to Litchfield National Park. Popular spots to take families are Buley Rockhole and Wangi Falls for a swim. Venturing further, drive the Nature’s Way from Darwin to see the Top End’s best natural attractions – Kakadu National Park and Nitmiluk National Park in the Katherine region.
