Top 10 Things to Do in Darwin with Kids

It’s the weekend. Kids are bored. And getting them out of the house is about the only thing that will keep tempers in check and households sane.

So where do you take them for easy, cheap fun that doesn’t involve long road trips, mind numbing games of hide and seek, and bloody playgrounds (don’t even start me).

I love my weekends and I love my little side kick.

Our activities always centre on things we love to do together (rather than me sitting under a tree at a playground staring at my iPhone while she climbs the ropes for the 8 billionth time).

This is my go-to list that I rotate each weekend, and it absolutely does the trick. 

1. Aquascene

28 Doctor’s Gully Road, Darwin City.

Or as it is affectionately known by the locals – Dr’s Gully Fish Feeding! This is an often forgotten gem in Darwin, hidden behind a little rainforest, but right on the steps of the CBD. And gee it is fun.

2. Croc Cove

Mitchell St, Darwin.

If you get yourself a Territory pass you can score yourself a year’s entry for free. You’re welcome. And not many other CBDs in this country can boast of 5m crocodiles just casually swimming in enclosures above a bar. So Darwin.

3. Darwin Waterfront

Darwin CBD

Nothing screams ‘god it’s hot today and the kids are doing my head in’ more than an ice cream and swim at the Waterfront. It’s easy and fun. The wave pool is pretty awesome for older kids, but there are smaller pools and the trusty lagoon area for the toddlers. Great for a 7000 degree day. Or not. Not too much aircon there.

4. Markets Markets Markets

Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays from the Top End to Central Australia

Not sure about you but my daughter loves a watermelon smoothie and some Sri Lankan street food from a Sunday market. Pick up some gingers and heliconias, mangoes galore (in the right season), a steaming laksa, and some amazing fresh local produce to see you through the week while you are at it.

5. Leanyer Recreation Park

Vanderlin Drive, Leanyer

This is so good and in the heart of our northern suburbs. Awesome slides for the big kids (and adults), a great lake area, and a wet play area for the little kids. The slides are heaps fun. I’ve tested them all.

6. SUP

Stand-up paddling at East Point’s Lake Alexander, Fannie Bay

Every Sunday morning Fun Supply set up shop at the lake hiring out paddle boards and kayaks for $20 an hour. Or bring your own. It is fun, relaxing and a bloody great arm workout too while I am at it.

7. Fannie Bay Gaol

Corner East Point Road and Ross Smith Avenue

I must admit, I have been obsessed with this place since I was a teenager. But I guess I am pretty morbid that way. Now my obsession has transferred to my 8 year old who wants to go there ALL. THE. TIME. She loves the gallows the most. I think for her it’s less about lessons in history, and more about being morbidly curious.

8. Boatshed

Cullen Bay, Marina Boulevard

Great spot for coffee and brekky in pretty Cullen Bay. Comes equipped with a kids room with a tv, arts and craft station, and other activities. And then there’s fish feeding and million dollar yacht spotting off the pier too.

9. Timezone

Casuarina Shopping Centre, Trower Road

Ok not necessarily cheap. But for $20 you buy yourself 30 minutes of distraction.

10. Palmerston Waterslides

Roystonea Avenue, Durack

These are the Prados of the waterslide circuit in the Top End. Very WetnWild standard. Without the lineups. And schoolies.