Cairns with toddlers and under-5s
This is a gentle day in Cairns for toddlers and under-5s. It starts on the Esplanade with the free Cairns Esplanade Lagoon and the wildlife at Cairns Koalas & Creatures, both within half a kilometre of the centre. Goomboora Park (8 km) and Holloways Beach (10.8 km) are a short drive out. Most of the day is free.
The stops are spread out, so treat it as a menu rather than a single route. Pick two. Pack swimmers, hats and snacks. Holloways Beach has a stinger net and is patrolled in stinger season, November to May. Swim only where lifesavers are on duty. The lagoon is open Thursday to Tuesday from 6am, and Wednesday from midday.
Every stop is a listing on Funtivities, checked against the place's own website. Last reviewed 24 October 2026. Prices and hours can change, so check the listing before you go.
The day at a glance
- Morning: Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
- Late morning: Cairns Koalas & Creatures
- Afternoon: Goomboora Park
- Late afternoon: Holloways Beach
Morning
Splash at Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
Cairns Esplanade Lagoon, Cairns City · Swimming & Aquatics · Ages 0-17 · Free · 4.7 stars (6129 reviews)
A free lifeguarded saltwater swimming lagoon on the Esplanade. Having a lifeguard on duty makes a morning splash easier with little ones.
Tip: Open Thursday to Tuesday from 6am, and Wednesday from midday.
Late morning
Meet koalas at The Pier
Cairns Koalas & Creatures, Cairns City · Zoos, Wildlife & Aquariums · Ages 2-17 · From $13 · 3.8 stars (189 reviews)
A wildlife attraction at The Pier in Cairns City, open daily. Admission includes koala photo sessions. It is a short stop that suits kids who like looking at animals.
Tip: Child admission is listed for ages 4 to 14, so check the listing for prices for younger children.
Afternoon
Play at Goomboora Park
Goomboora Park, Brinsmead · Playgrounds & Parks · Ages 2-12 · Free · 4.7 stars (798 reviews)
A free council park in Brinsmead with a rope-course playground, a flying fox and a creek waterhole. There are barbecues here, so you can bring lunch. The rope course suits bigger kids, so check what your toddler can manage.
Tip: No opening hours are listed. Check the council page before you go.
Late afternoon
Paddle at Holloways Beach
Holloways Beach, Holloways Beach · Beaches & Rock Pools · Ages 0-17 · Free
A council beach at Casuarina Street. The foreshore has a children's playground, an undercover picnic area, free electric barbecues and a council toilet block. It is listed as wheelchair accessible.
Lifeguard patrol: 9:00am – 5:00pm, November to May (stinger season).
Tip: Patrolled 9am to 5pm during stinger season, November to May. The council says this is crocodile country, so swim only inside the net when lifesavers are on duty.
Before you go
- The lagoon opens at midday on Wednesdays and at 6am on other days (it is open Thursday to Tuesday).
- Cairns Koalas & Creatures is open daily 9am to 5pm.
- Holloways Beach is patrolled during stinger season, November to May. Swim only where lifesavers are on duty.
- Goomboora Park is 8 km out and Holloways Beach is 10.8 km out, so plan to drive.
Questions parents ask
What can toddlers do in Cairns?
The free Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is lifeguarded, and Cairns Koalas & Creatures at The Pier has koalas and other wildlife. Goomboora Park has a playground and creek waterhole, and Holloways Beach has a children's playground on the foreshore.
Is there a free playground in Cairns for little kids?
Goomboora Park in Brinsmead is a free council park with a rope-course playground and a flying fox. Holloways Beach also has a children's playground and an undercover picnic area.
Where can toddlers swim in Cairns?
The Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is a free lifeguarded saltwater lagoon. Holloways Beach has a stinger net and is patrolled during stinger season, November to May. Swim only where lifesavers are on duty.
More days in Cairns with kids
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- A rainy day in Cairns with kids - Indoor stops close together, so a wet day still works.
- A beach day in Cairns with kids - Patrolled beaches, calm water and what is near the sand.
- A free day out in Cairns with kids - A full day where every stop has free entry.
- Cairns with teenagers - Things teenagers choose for themselves, not just tolerate.
- Visiting Cairns with kids: all guides