Want to know the best things to do with kids on the Central Coast? Just an hour up the M1 from the Upper North Shore, it’s the perfect excuse for a day trip with the family or for a fun-filled holiday. There’s so much to see and do! We’ve compiled our list of fab things to do with kids on the Central Coast, so get out there and have some fun!
Ready for a fabulous trip away with plenty of memories? Use the quicklinks below to discover all the things to do with kids on the Central Coast:
Central Coast Accommodation
The brilliant thing about the Central Coast is that it’s just an hour from Wahroonga (up the M1), which means you can simply head up for the day to check it out. Of course, if you are looking to make more of your visit, you can find some great family-friendly accommodation options there too.
The million-dollar question: where to stay on the Central Coast?
If you’re looking for somewhere nice and centrally located, start at The Entrance and search around the area. You will have access to beaches, amazing restaurants, activities for the kids and so much more.
We were hosted in a gorgeous house in Blue Bay, just 5 minutes down the road.
Blue Bay Cottage
The kids were very excited to find their bedrooms!
Three kids has certainly upped the game when it comes to finding travel accommodation. While we can put them all in the same room, it does mean late nights and early mornings with all the hype that comes with it.
Blue Bay Cottage was just perfect. With three bedrooms (yay!), a separate living area (that could be closed off at night to keep the sound down), full kitchen, 2.5 bathrooms and more, it had everything we needed for a very enjoyable stay.
Competition time! Table tennis was a hit.
The kids loved it just as much. Out the back there was a tennis stick, while in the garage they took it in turns to take their dad on in rounds of table tennis. It was a great way to enjoy a little downtime in between the sightseeing we had planned.
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- Spacious outdoor area
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- Gorgeous accomodation for the family
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- Nice big kitchen to enjoy!
Kid-friendly beaches
It would be remiss to visit the coast without your swimmers and a towel in hand – they have some of the best beaches in the world, and they are nice and kid-friendly!
Terrigal
Terrigal
Terrigal Beach is one of the most well-known beaches in the area. It’s a great beach for families, with a small ocean rock pool at one end. Around the area you will find plenty of bars, restaurants and cafes – and lots of shops as well.
You can take the new Terrigal Boardwalk, which is a coastal walk that hugs the headland, connection Terrigal village to The Haven and Skillion landmark.
The Entrance
The Entrance has to be one of our favourite places to visit, as there’s always so much for the kids to do. Right on the water’s edge, you will find the historic carousel ride, which has been there since the 1930s! There are often other rides nearby as well, along with a fabulous water play area, which the kids can’t resist.
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- The kids were thrilled by their snow cones
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- Such a gorgeous view right on the water
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- This water play area is hard to resist!
Toowoon Bay
Toowoon Bay – all 700m of it – is your go-to beach for water activities that require calm conditions, like stand-up paddle-boarding, snorkelling or generally splashing about with the kids. Fishing is possible from the rocky reefs at both ends of the beach, and to the south sits Little Bay Beach with gentle, rolling waves.
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- Ideal spot for a swim
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- The rocks just off the beach
Blue Bay Beach
Blue Bay Beach
This small beach is perfect for kids, as it’s nice and peaceful and calm.
Avoca
Avoca Beach
Avoca beach has long been one of our favourites, as my parents have a beach house there. We consider it the ‘less busy’ version of Terrigal with a rock pool, lagoon with water sports, and gorgeous beach.
Some other beaches you might want to visit include:
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Things to do with kids on the Central Coast: Animal Encounters
Iris Lodge Alpacas
Cassie got right in there taking selfies with the alpacas!
- Where: 33 Dunks Lane, Jiliby
- Price: Child (3-15 years) $25 | Adult $35
- Open: 10am – 4pm Monday, Thursday, Friday & weekends
- Website: irislodgealpacas.com
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- Feeding the cows was the turning point
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- The alpacas were very friendly!
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- Even Elliot got into the experience
Amazement Farm
We took the kids to this farm on a trip from Avoca when they were a little younger, and I can’t wait to take them back. They were taken by all the animals, with petting shows, pony rides and reptile holds. We went in a couple of the mazes, but honestly can’t wait to get back and explore when they’re a little older and up for the challenge! There is also the bird sanctuary area, kids playground area, rhinoplay unit, yard activities, sporting games, giant board games, Maze terrace cafe, picnic areas and much, much more.
- Where: 170 Yarramalong Road Wyong Creek, NSW 2259
- Price: Child (3-15 years) $24, Adult $36, Family (2 adults, 2 kids) $110
- Website: amazement.com.au
Australian Reptile Park
Patting the tortoise is definitely a highlight!
If you’re yet to make your way to the Reptile Park, then it’s time to put it on your to-do list. We have been a couple of times now, because it’s so hands-on for the kids! We started going when our eldest, Cassie, was about two, as she could touch the tortoise, see the crocodiles up close and even feed the kangaroos. The kids still love it, many years later, and learn something new with every visit. From watching a funnel-web being milked and learning all about the work the park does, to seeing the koalas and watching the reptile show. Just 40 minutes from Wahroonga, you can make a day trip of it!
- Where: Pacific Highway, Somersby
- Price: Adults $46 | Child (3-15 years)| $29 Family (2A & 2C) $125
- Open: 9am-5pm everyday, except Christmas Day
- Website: reptilepark.com.au
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- Feeding the kangaroos
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- Patting the tortoise is definitely a highlight!
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- Watching the show
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- Patting the kangaroos – they’re very friendly!
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- The alligator show is a must!
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- Getting up close to the animals
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Whale Watching
The Humpback whale migration is one of the most amazing wildlife experiences in Australia – and the Central Coast has access to some spectacular lookouts and whale watching tours.
When is whale watching season?
In NSW, Whale Watching season runs from late autumn to early spring, between May and November. However, the best time to see these majestic mammals in action is late June and early July – around the time of the winter solstice.
Guided Tours
Keen to jump on a guided tour? Terrigal Ocean Tours is the best way to experience the Humpback Whale migration in safety and style. The Humpback Whales pass close to the Terrigal Haven and it is usually a short trip to link up with their migration path. Book here.
Where are the best whale watching spots on the NSW Central Coast?
- Wybung Head
- Norah Head Lighthouse
- Soldiers Point, Norah Head
- Crackneck Lookout, Bateau Bay
- The Skillion, Terrigal
- Captain Cook Lookout, Copacabana
- Gerrin Point Lookout, Bouddi Coastal Walk
Family Fun on Central Coast
Treetops Adventure Central Coast
Nestled amongst the great eucalyptus trees of the Ourimbah State Forest, they have an array of swinging, flying or bouncing adventures to suit all ages. Our kids were happy to explore Networld, which is a vast series of elevated, interconnected nets, trampolines and ball pits to discover and interact with! Open to ages 3 years+. Older kids can enjoy zipline tours, Junior Courses, their Tree Ropes Course, Zipcoaster and more.
- Where: Ourimbah State Forest, 1 Red Hill Rd, Wyong Creek (cnr Yarramalong Rd) NSW 2259
- Price: See here
- Website: treetopsadventure.com.au
Wyong Milk Factory
Are you a lover of cheese and chocolate (my two favourite things!), then a trip to Wyong Milk Factory is a must! You can sample some local delicacies (and shop!), while the kids enjoy the outdoor playground that sits just across from the cafe. We stopped in at Little Creek Cheese and Luka Chocolate, before settling down for a milkshake at the cafe while the kids had a play.
- Where: 141 Alison Road, Wyong 2259
- Website: wyongmilkfactory.com.au
Long Jetty
Standing out on the long jetty
We packed up the scooters and headed to Long Jetty for a morning – and the kids loved it. It’s one of our favourite things to do with kids on the Central Coast. You can walk right to the end of the jetty (we left the scooters behind for this bit), then go for a great scooter ride along the path, with two playgrounds along the way for the kids to check out.
There are three jetties to visit (one was plenty for us!), and then you can head into the main strip to enjoy a coffee at Green Tangerine or the Glass Onion Society, or do a spot of shopping at the local stores, including To Be Frank, Tiny Folk Co., and Shadow Bang.
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- Kids had so much fun on their scooters
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- Such a beautiful backdrop!
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- Having a swing at one of the playgrounds
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- Kids playground along the way
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- Scooting down the walkway
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- Before the walk down the long jetty!
Child-friendly Dining
The Pantry at Foresters Beach
Getting out to a restaurant with the kids can be tricky! Trying to get them to sit still at this age seems like an impossible feat. The Pantry was the perfect spot for it. We were lucky enough to get a table outside (so it didn’t matter as much when Elliot started to wander) – and their menu was delicious!
The kids went for fish and chips (times two) and a kids burger, while Chris had the Balmain Bug Slider and the Arrancini, while I went for the prawn tacos. While all the meals were fabulous, I was the clear winner (in my eyes!). The prawn tacos were delicious and so filling! I could only make it through two of them – don’t worry, they didn’t go to waste. It was a delicious meal and finished off with a trip to Forresters Beach nearby so the kids could have a runaround.
- Where: 960 Central Coast Hwy Forresters Beach
- Website: thepantryfb.com.au
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- The Pantry
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- DELICIOUS food
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- Enjoying a cocktail as well
Bar Botanica
The gelato was a hit!
This one needs to be on your to-do list. Bar Botanica is a European-style gelato, gin and coffee bar set in the lush garden grounds of Distillery Botanica in Erina.
We have driven past it so many times, but never stopped in. I think it will be a new favourite now! It’s the home of Mr Goaty Gelato, which is a must-try! Cassie enjoyed Anzac Cookie, Vivi, Elliot and I enjoyed Buttered Popcorn Caramel, while Chris went for the traditional Fior Di Latte. The place itself is beautiful, with lots of outdoor space to sit and enjoy your gelato in peace (or as much peace as you can muster with three kids).
Even better, you can do gin tastings there as well (which of course we did). We were able to sample some delicious gins, while the kids enjoyed a bit of downtime.
- Where: 25 Portsmouth Rd, Erina NSW 2250
- Website: barbotanica.com.au
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- Checking out the place
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- Gin tasting time
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- The kids were happy while we enjoyed the tasting
Flour & Co
Kids are ready to dig in!
So many delicious treats
I live for my morning coffee, so we headed straight over to Flour & Co at Toowoon Bay Village, and we weren’t disappointed. They make all their treats in-house, so naturally, let the kids pick out a few that I could try with them. They were mouth-wateringly delicious. We even went back the next morning (Anzac Day) and were treated to some Anzac biscuits straight out of the oven. Yum!
- Where: 88 Toowoon Bay Road, Toowoon Bay
- Website: facebook.com
Want more recommendations for places to eat on the Central Coast?
- Cecilia’s Restaurant & Wine Bar: we had a great family lunch here. They offered colouring-in to the kids to keep them busy and had very decent-sized kids’ meals.
- Green Tangerine
- Modern Organic
- Shahi Mahal: we ordered some takeaway from here one night when kids were in bed. It was delicious!
- The Gilded Anchor
Enjoying lunch at Cecilia’s Restaurant & Wine Bar
Parks & Playgrounds on the Central Coast
Kids need to climb, swing and slide? If you’re looking for more things to do with kids on the Central Coast, visit one of these fabulous playgrounds:
- Peninsula Recreation Precinct, Umina Beach
- Susan Fahey Park, Copacabana
- Terrigal Rotary Park, Terrigal
- Swadling Reserve Park, Toowoon Bay
- Kincumber Broadwater Park, Kincumber
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