Last verified 09/26
Whether you’re planning a weekend outing, a school holiday activity or a last-minute rainy-day backup, this guide brings together the best kid-friendly things to do on the Central Coast in one place.
As a local mum, I’ve spent years trial-running every playground, beach, and rainy-day centre on the Coast. I know that ‘family-friendly’ can mean anything from a relaxing morning to a high-stress scramble. This is my personal guide to the spots that actually work, grouped by what your kids need and what the weather is doing today.
On this page
Beaches and Water Play for Kids
Safe, easy beaches and water spots where kids can swim, splash, and play without complicated planning.
On the Central Coast, you can pick between patrolled surf beaches for wave play or calm and shallow bays that are much easier with younger kids.
The Entrance & Vera’s Water Garden
Little ones love Vera’s Water Garden, the splash park at The Entrance, as well as the nearby playground and Pelican Time.
It’s a really easy outing; it requires no planning and kids burn energy quickly.
The Entrance & Vera’s Water Garden
Age: 1–10
Time needed: 1–2 hours
Cost: Free
Pram friendly: Yes
Food nearby: Yes (cafés, takeaway, picnic areas)
Location: Marine Parade, The Entrance NSW
Combo: Memorial Park playground + Pelican feeding
Hit a Beach
The Central Coast has plenty of beaches ideal for kids.
Our favourite patrolled beaches include:
- Avoca Beach has a rock pool where kids can splash and swim safely. A section is also patrolled, which adds extra peace of mind. Everything is close together, so it’s easy with kids.
- Umina Beach has gentle, shallow waves that make it easy and safe for kids to swim. There is also plenty of space and nearby play areas where kids can run around.
- Toowoon Bay is a good choice for families. The water is calm and the waves are small, so it’s a safe and easy place for young children to swim and play.
- Norah Head rock pool is great for families because it’s a calm, protected spot where kids can play without having to deal with the surf.
Playgrounds & Outdoor fun
The Central Coast has a great mix of playgrounds and skateparks that suit different ages and energy levels.
Speers Point Park at Lake Macquarie is worth a day trip for its sheer size.
Peninsula Recreation Precinct in Umina is our long time favourite.
Playgrounds
Large destination playgrounds (worth travelling to):
- Speers Point Park (Located Lake Macquarie – day trip required)
- Peninsula Recreation Precinct (Umina Beach)
Great local playgrounds:
- Memorial Park (The Entrance)
- Broadwater Park (Kincumber)
- Saltwater Creek Park (Long Jetty)
- Bill Sohier Park (Ourimbah)
- Wairakei Road Playground (Wamberal)
- Ross Park Playground (Avoca Beach)
Looking for more options? See our guide to the 20 best playgrounds on the Central Coast, with picks for toddlers and older kids.
Skateparks
- Slam Factory Indoor Skatepark (Tuggerah)
- Umina Beach Skate Park (Umina)
- Wadalba Skate Park (Kanwal)
- Bato Yard Skate Park (Bateau Bay)
- Banjo’s Skate Park (Terrigal)
Cycling Paths
Flat, scenic cycling paths make it easy for kids to ride safely while enjoying the outdoors.
Our favourite shared path is the Tuggerah Lake shared path between The Entrance and Chittaway Bay. It’s flat and you pass playgrounds and picnic spot, which is great for younger children.
Other great paths include Kincumber to Davistown and Gosford to Woy Woy along Brisbane Water.
Family Bushwalks
Whether you have a baby in a pram or older kids who enjoy walking, many walks are short and manageable, making them suitable for little legs and half-day outings.
Bulgandry Aboriginal Art Site: Ancient rock engravings on a short bush walk. 800 m return · about 20 minutes. Start: Bulgandry car park, off Woy Woy Road, Kariong. Prams: accessible path, with some uneven patches.
Little Beach trail: A forest walk down to a secluded beach. 1.2 km return · allow 1 hour. Start: Grahame Drive car park, Macmasters Beach. Prams: suitable for all-terrain prams.
Putty Beach to Maitland Bay: Coastal views for children comfortable with longer walks. 6 km return · allow 2–3 hours, plus stops. Start: eastern end of Putty Beach. Prams: unsuitable because of steps.
Aquafun
Aquafun at Avoca Lake is a relaxed, family-friendly spot where kids can paddle, pedal, and try kayaks, pedal boats, or stand-up paddleboards on calm water. It’s a simple way to keep them active and entertained!
Open from September to mid May.
Aquafun Avoca Lake
Age: 5+
Time needed: 1 hour
Cost: Paid
Pram friendly: Yes
Food nearby: Yes
Location: 15 Ficus Ave, Avoca Beach
Treetops Adventure Central Coast
Treetops offers high-energy outdoor activities surrounded by bushland and is ideal for adventurous kids.
- Treetop Adventure Park: Elevated obstacle courses with zip lines and climbing challenges for ages 3+
- NetWorld: Large bouncing nets suspended in the trees, perfect for younger children
- Early Bouncers: Dedicated NetWorld sessions for ages 1–5
Open seven days. Bookings are recommended.
Location: Red Hill Road, Wyong Creek.
Central Coast Aqua Park
Central Coast Aqua Park is a floating inflatable obstacle course on the water, packed with climbing, sliding, and jumping challenges. It’s a hit with school-aged kids and fun for parents joining in.
Sessions run for 50 minutes, with the option to book multiple sessions. The park operates over summer only.
Children must be at least five years old. Kids aged 5–9 need a participating adult in the water. Life jackets and Aqua Grip socks are compulsory.
Location: Masons Parade, Gosford.
Somersby Falls
Somersby Falls is a popular nature spot where kids can explore bush tracks, view waterfalls, and enjoy a picnic.
Children who can walk will enjoy the short tracks, but there are steep drops near the falls, so close supervision is essential. Best after rain (waterfalls flow strongest following rainfall).
Open daily. Entry is free, with paid parking.
Location: Somersby Falls Road, Somersby.
Local Advice: It’s stunning after rain, but the rocks get incredibly slippery. If you’re taking toddlers, keep a very firm grip on their hands!
Attractions & animals
These are the best picks for animal-loving kids or when you want an easy half-day outing that keeps them engaged.
Australian Reptile Park
The Australian Reptile park is a must-visit wildlife park where kids can see Australian animals up close in a natural bush setting.
- Kangaroos roam free and can be hand-fed
- Reptile, spider and crocodile feeding shows
This is probably the Central Coast most popular attraction. Kids love seeing animals and watching the fun scheduled shows. The moving giant spider is also a winner.
Australian Reptile Park
Age: All ages
Time needed: 3–5 hours
Cost: Paid entry
Pram friendly: Yes
Food nearby: Yes – Hard Croc Café, picnic areas and free BBQs onsite
Location: Pacific Highway, Somersby NSW 2250
Brunch with Alpacas
Brunch with Alpacas is a relaxed farm experience where kids can feed and interact with friendly alpacas and farm animals.
- Hand-feed alpacas, sheep, cows and horses
- Calm, open setting ideal for younger kids
Brunch with Alpacas – Iris Lodge Alpacas
Age: All ages
Time needed: 2–2.5 hours
Cost: From $60
Pram friendly: Yes
Food nearby: Brunch included with selected experiences
Location: 33 Dunks Lane, Jilliby NSW 2259
Amazement Farm & Fun Park
Amazement Farm & Fun Park is a relaxed farm-style attraction where kids can explore mazes, meet animals and enjoy simple outdoor fun. It’s an easy half-day outing, especially with younger children.
- Farm animal feeding and hands-on encounters
- Train rides and pony rides
- Multiple hedge mazes and play areas
Amazement Farm & Fun Park
Age: Best suited for younger children
Time needed: Half day to full day
Cost: Paid entry
Pram friendly: Yes, most areas are accessible
Food nearby: Maze Terrace Café on site
Location: 170 Yarramalong Road, Wyong Creek NSW 2259
Glenworth Valley Wilderness Adventures
Glenworth Valley Wilderness Adventures is an action-filled destination offering outdoor adventures for a wide range of ages.
- Pony rides for young kids
- Kayaking, horse riding and laser skirmish for ages 7+
- School holiday programs available
Activities are age-restricted and must be booked in advance. Pony rides suit younger children, while most adventure activities are best for school-aged kids and teens. Sessions sell out quickly during school holidays.
Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary
Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary where native animals roam freely in a natural bushland environment.
- Kangaroos, wallabies and emus wandering freely
- Animal encounters plus short bushwalks
Located at Calga, just off the M1. Bring closed shoes for the bushwalk sections.
Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary
Age: All ages
Time needed: 2-3 hours
Cost: Paid entry
Pram friendly: Yes, on the Animal Loop. Big-wheel prams are best.
Food nearby: Kiosk onsite, or bring a picnic
Location: 1 Darkinjung Road, Calga NSW 2250
Marine Discovery Centre
The Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre is a hands-on marine education centre that’s ideal for younger kids and rainy days.
- Touch tanks and local marine life displays
- Arts and craft activities included
Located in Terrigal next to a playground and café, making it easy to combine with outdoor play.
Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre
Age: Toddlers to adults
Time needed: 1–3 hours
Cost: Paid entry
Pram friendly: Yes
Food nearby: Parklife Café next door
Location: 11 Terrigal Drive, Terrigal NSW 2260
Rainy day indoor activities
Below are the top indoor activities and wet-weather ideas that keep our kids entertained when the weather doesn’t cooperate.
The Little Lane Play Village & Café
The Little Lane Play Village & Café is a beautifully designed indoor play village for younger children, ideal for rainy days.
- Role-play village with themed play zones
- Safe area for babies and toddlers
- Best for ages 1–7
Play sessions run for set time slots and numbers are capped to avoid overcrowding, so booking ahead is recommended, especially on weekends and wet weather days.
The Little Lane Play Village & Cafe – Erina | Tuggerah
Age: 1–7 years
Time needed: 1 hour 45 minutes
Cost: Paid
Pram friendly: Yes
Food nearby: Café on site
Location: Erina and Tuggerah
Laser Tag
Fast-paced indoor fun that older kids (and parents) love.
- Team-based laser games
- Great for parties and groups
- Best for ages 7+
Our kids have had a lot of fun at both these places:
- Laser Tag Central Coast (Wyoming) Age: 7+
- Laser Tag Mania (Gosford) Age: 5+ and at least 110 cm tall
Closed shoes are required, and sessions are usually run as timed games, so booking ahead is recommended on weekends and during school holidays.
Flip Out
Flip Out is a high-energy indoor option where kids can bounce, climb and burn off energy. There are two locations:
- Gosford: trampolines, parkour, ninja course, warped wall, sports court, airbag and soft play
- Tuggerah: trampolines, climbing walls, parkour, Wipeout, slides and soft play
- Younger children have dedicated play areas
Grip socks are required (available to purchase on site), and session times can sell out quickly on weekends and rainy days, so booking ahead is recommended.
Flip Out Gosford | Flip Out Tuggerah
Age: All ages
Time needed: 1–2 hours
Cost: Paid
Food nearby: Yes – café onsite
Location: West Gosford and Tuggerah
Indoor Play Centres
A reliable option when it’s wet, hot or you need an easy win with younger kids.
Popular centres include:
- Monkey Mania (toddlers+) – Gosford
- Clip ‘N Climb (15 kg+) – Gosford
- Impact Kidsworld Play Centre (ages 0–10) – Erina
- Inflatable World (toddlers+) – Charmhaven
- Kincumber Indoor Sports (ages 0–6) – Kincumber
Some centres require bookings and grip socks, and age or weight limits vary, so it’s worth checking ahead.
Escape Reality - Escape Rooms Central Coast
Escape Reality is a fun, brain-teasing indoor activity for older children and families.
- Solve puzzles and clues together
- Four themed escape rooms
- You have 60 minutes to complete the challenge
Rooms are best for families with kids who enjoy problem-solving, and bookings are essential.
Escape Reality – Escape Rooms Central Coast
Recommended age: 12+
Time needed: 1 hr plus arrival time
Cost: From $43 per person
Wheelchair access: Not all rooms are fully wheelchair accessible
Location: 4/15 Anzac Road, Tuggerah NSW 2259
Virtual Reality Games
A fun way for kids to experience virtual reality without buying expensive equipment. It feels so life-like that your brain believes you’re in the game even though you’re walking on flat ground.
- Multiplayer and single-player games
- Indoor and weather-proof
Central Coast Virtual Reality – Erina Fair | The Entrance
Age: Recommended 8+
Time needed: 15–60 minutes
Cost: From $25 per person
Pram friendly: Yes
Food nearby: Yes
Location: Erina Fair and The Entrance
Timezone Erina
Timezone Erina is a fun indoor entertainment centre at Erina Fair. It’s a great choice for rainy days or when you need a break from the beach.
- More than 90 arcade games
- ColourGrid, laser tag and short-lane bowling
- Prize shop and virtual reality games
Timezone Erina
Age: All ages
Time needed: Allow 1–2 hours
Cost: Varies by games and attractions
Pram friendly: Yes
Food nearby: Yes – cafés and food outlets inside Erina Fair
Location: Erina Fair, 620 Terrigal Drive, Erina NSW 2250
Art Barn Plaster Painting
Art Barn Plaster Painting is a calm, creative activity that suits all ages.
- Paint-your-own plaster pieces
- No booking usually required
- Great for quieter rainy days
Art Barn Plaster Painting
Age: All ages
Time needed: Allow 1–2 hours
Cost: From $10
Pram friendly: Yes
Food nearby: BYO
Location: 11 Kirrawee Road, Gosford
Bateau Bay Ten Pin Bowl
Bateau Bay Ten Pin Bowl is a classic family fun that works in all weather.
- Bumpers available for younger kids
- Food and party options onsite
- Popular for birthday parties
These are our go to place when it rains, because it’s fun for all ages.
Bateau Bay Ten Pin Bowl
Age: All ages
Time needed: 1–2 hours
Cost: Varies by game and session
Pram friendly: Not confirmed
Food nearby: Yes – Strikers Cafe onsite
Location: 470A The Entrance Road, Bateau Bay
Laycock Street Community Theatre
Laycock Street Community Theatre often offer great family performances, depending on what’s on. The venue is very comfortable. We’ve seen memorable shows over the years there. I’ve loved seeing my kids mesmorised by the colourful costumes under the bright stage lights.
Easy Family Day Trips
Day Trip to Brooklyn by Train
Brooklyn makes for a relaxed family day out on the Hawkesbury River with playgrounds, picnic spots and fish and chips by the water.
- Scenic train ride from Woy Woy with tunnels and bridge views
- Protected swimming pool and foreshore playground
- Easy, low-effort outing with kids
- Best for ages 2–10, with easy pram access around the foreshore
Day Trip to Palm Beach by Ferry
The Palm Beach Ferry offers an easy ferry trip that feels like a mini adventure for kids.
- 30-minute ferry ride from Ettalong
- Playground near the wharf for younger kids
- Main surf beach for older children
- Calm, sheltered beach beside the wharf, ideal for paddling and younger kids
Why we love it: It’s the cheapest ‘mini-cruise’ you’ll ever take. The kids feel like they’re on a big adventure, and the playground right at the Palm Beach wharf is the perfect place to burn off energy before the ride back.
Wyong Milk Factory
The Wyong Milk Factory is a relaxed food and artisan precinct set in a rural setting, making it an easy casual stop with kids.
- Rustic outdoor playground with cubby houses and climbing areas
- Cafés and specialty food stores onsite
- Open space where kids can move around while parents unwind
Why it’s a win: It’s one of the few places where the playground is actually close enough to the cafe that you might get to finish a hot coffee while they play.
Wyong Milk Factory
Age: All ages
Time needed: 1–3 hours
Cost: Free entry
Pram friendly: Yes
Food nearby: Yes – food and drinks onsite
Location: 141–145 Alison Road, Wyong NSW 2259
Avoca Beachside Markets
Avoca Beachside Markets is a lively, family-friendly market set beside Avoca Lake.
- Live music and quality stalls
- Playground, kids activities and open space to run around
- Cooling off in the lake during warmer months
Held monthly (4th Sunday).
Edogawa Commemorative Garden
A peaceful Japanese Garden offering a calm change of pace for families who enjoy nature and gentle exploring.
- Feeding koi fish and exploring winding paths
- Art gallery onsite
- Playground and waterfront walk nearby
Edogawa Commemorative Garden
Age: All ages
Time needed: 1–2 hours
Cost: Free entry
Pram friendly: Yes
Food nearby: Yes – café onsite
Location: 36 Webb Street, East Gosford NSW 2250
Events & Festivals
Seasonal events across the Central Coast are designed with families in mind, like the Harvest Festival and the Davistown Putt Putt Regatta. The kids go straight for the jumping castles and face painting while we wander the stalls and grab lunch. Check what’s on on the Central Coast.
Find Out More About the Central Coast
The Entrance with Kids
Find family fun around The Entrance.
Things to Do on the Central Coast
Discover the best things to do on the Central Coast.
Rainy Day Activities
Discover fun indoor activities for all ages.
Best Playgrounds
Find great playgrounds for toddlers and climbers.
Best Markets Locals Love
Find the region’s most popular markets.
Family Friendy Beaches
Find calm and patrolled beaches.
Family Attractions on the Central Coast
Planning a family day out? Explore these family-friendly Central Coast attractions and activities.
