17 of the best things to do with in Darwin with kids

Your go-to guide for family-friendly fun in the Top End.

Darwin is an open-air playground where kids can swim, climb, ride and roam free. With oodles of water parks, hands-on wildlife encounters and plenty of space to run, it’s a top-notch place for families. From biking through bush trails to feeding fish by hand, there’s plenty to keep kids busy. Here’s your go-to guide for the best things to do with kids in Darwin.

1. Catch a wave at the lagoon

the wave pool at Darwin’s Waterfront Lagoon — Make a splash at the man-made lagoon. (Image: Tourism NT)

Darwin’s Waterfront Lagoon is where kids can boogie board, swim and splash without worrying about crocodiles or jellyfish. The wave pool delivers rolling swells every 20 minutes, perfect for both thrill-seekers and little paddlers. Parents can lounge on the grass while the kids ride the waves and when everyone’s waterlogged, there’s a bunch of family-friendly cafes and an ice creamery just a short stroll away.

2. Mountain bike at Charles Darwin National Park

mountain biking at Charles Darwin National Park — Tackle the tropical terrain on two wheels. (Image: Tourism NT/Travis Deane)

Swap the city streets and pools for dirt trails and tropical bushland with a mountain biking adventure at Charles Darwin National Park. Hire a bike from Cycle Zone and take on tracks winding through WWII bunkers and lush forests. There are routes for all skill levels, from easy family-friendly loops to more technical trails for the adventurous.

3. Bounce around the Aqua Park

an aerial view of the Darwin Waterfront Lagoon — Create fun family memories with your kids at the Darwin Waterfront. (Image: Tourism NT)

If your kids love Ninja Warrior-style challenges, they’ll go wild for the inflatable Aqua Park at the Darwin Waterfront. This floating obstacle course has slides, climbing walls and trampolines, all set on the water. Life jackets are provided, so even less confident swimmers can get in on the action. It’s the perfect way to burn energy before grabbing a post-bounce bubble tea or ice cream.

4. Feed the fish at Aquascene

a school of fish swimming at Aquascene, Darwin — Get up close to hundreds of wild fish. (Image: Tourism NT/Aquascene)

For over 70 years, Aquascene has been one of Darwin’s favourite attractions, where hundreds of wild fish swim right up to the shore to be fed by hand. The fish – mostly milkfish, mullet, and catfish – appear like clockwork with the tide, ready for a snack. Kids will love wading into the shallow water as fish nibble food straight from their fingers. It’s a sensory overload – splashing water, excited squeals, and the occasional slippery fish brushing against little toes.

5. Take a slide at Leanyer Recreation Park

A free water park? Yes, please. Leanyer Recreation Park has three huge water slides, a massive splash zone and a lagoon-sized pool. The giant tipping bucket is a crowd favourite, soaking anyone in its path every few minutes. There’s also a dry playground, skate park, canteen and BBQ areas, making it an easy outing for families.

6. Climb high at SWELL Palmerston

About 30 minutes from the CBD, Palmerston is home to not one but two free water parks that are well worth the drive. Palmerston Water Park boasts Darwin’s biggest waterslide – a six-lane racer that’s just as much fun for adults as it is for kids (yes, it’s a challenge). And if they’re more into climbing than sliding, SWELL Palmerston delivers the goods with a 50-metre pool and a three-storey high ropes course that’ll keep them busy for hours.

7. Swim with crocs at Crocosaurus Cove

swimming with a crocodile in the cage of death at Crocosaurus Cove — Get up close to a saltwater crocodile at Crocosaurus Cove. (Image: Tourism NT/Shaana McNaught)

Ever wanted to swim with a saltwater crocodile? Crocosaurus Cove lets you do just that – safely, of course. Older kids (and brave parents) can hop into the Cage of Death for a face-to-face encounter with one of the world’s largest crocs. Younger ones can feed baby crocodiles, hold a reptile, or watch feeding time from the safety of dry land.

8. Visit the Territory Wildlife Park

A short drive from Darwin, the Territory Wildlife Park is a great place to get up close with the Northern Territory’s unique wildlife. Stroll through treetop aviaries, spot nocturnal animals in the nighttime house, and catch wildlife presentations throughout the day. The Flight Deck show is a highlight, where eagles and owls glide just overhead. Getting around is easy with the free shuttle train or, for something more fun, hire a pedal cart.

9. Browse the markets

Mindil Beach Markets at sunset — Admire the sunset as you graze your way along the food stalls. (Image: Tourism Australia/Nicholas Kavo)

Darwin’s markets are loud, lively, and full of things kids will actually enjoy – from food to music to wide-open spaces. Start with Parap Village Markets on Saturdays, where Darwin’s most talked-about laksa is worth the wait (ask for mild for younger tastebuds). On Thursday and Sunday evenings, Mindil Beach Markets serve up sunset views, street performers, and endless dinner options, while the kids roam free on the sand. Sunday mornings are for breakfast – head to Nightcliff Markets for smoothie bowls and pastries or Rapid Creek for tropical fruit and veg that’ll blow their minds (and maybe yours, too).

10. Fish at Stokes Hill Wharf

Drop a line off Stokes Hill Wharf and you might just reel in a trevally, queenfish, or even a barra if luck’s on your side. It’s a relaxed spot for a fish, with salty sea breezes and plenty of action to watch – from cruise ships pulling in to cheeky seagulls angling for scraps. When hunger hits, head to The Jetty Restaurant nearby, where there’s a crowd-pleasing buffet, water views and – the clincher – a chocolate fountain.

11. Food truck time at Nightcliff Foreshore

an aerial view of the Nightcliff Foreshore, Darwin — Enjoy casual dining at the picturesque Nightcliff Foreshore. (Image: Tourism NT)

Curled ice cream, loaded jacket potatoes, wood-fired pizza and Asian street food – Nightcliff Foreshore is a go-to spot for families who love a casual bite. Grab something delicious and spread out on the grass while the kids climb trees, ride scooters or watch the sun sink into the ocean. Hot tip: check the City of Darwin ’s street food schedule before you head out to make sure your top pick is parked and cooking.

12. Dinner and a swim

friends dining at Darwin Ski Club — Grab a seafood dinner at Darwin Ski Club. (Image: Tourism NT/Cait Miers)

Darwin nails the combo of good food and happy kids. At the Darwin Ski Club and the nearby Trailer Boat Club, you can kick back with a cold drink and a decent meal while the kids go wild in the pool. Just down the road, the Sailing Club skips the pool but makes up for it with swings right next to the tables – ideal for little ones who need to stay in sight but not in their seats. Add a killer sunset view at all three, and you’ve got dinner plans sorted.

13. Watch a flick at Deckchair Cinema

an outdoor movie night at Deckchair Cinema, Darwin — Catch a film at the Deckchair Cinema. (Image: Tourism NT/Friederike Franze)

A movie under the stars? Absolutely. Deckchair Cinema is Darwin’s open-air movie spot where families can settle into deck chairs, grab some popcorn and enjoy a film in the balmy night air. Hot food is on offer from 5.45pm when the gates open, so come hungry. Local tip: claim your spot early by popping one of the supplied cushions on your seat – it’s the way to reserve it for the night.

14. Feed the creatures at Crocodylus Park

feeding a croc at Crocodylus Park, Darwin — Crocodylus Park offers the ultimate wildlife experience. (Image: Tourism NT/Tourism Australia)

Lions, meerkats, spider monkeys, cassowaries – Crocodylus Park is home to way more than just crocs. Not to be confused with Crocosaurus Cove in the city, this sprawling wildlife park is about 15 minutes from Darwin’s CBD and packs in crocodiles (heaps of them), exotic animals and even a jumping croc cruise. Kids can get up close with creatures big and small – including the chance to meet mobs of meerkats.

15. Explore MAGNT

two kids admiring a fossil display at MAGNT, Darwin — MAGNT boasts an extensivefossil collection of Australia’s unique megafauna. (Image: Tourism NT/Tourism Australia)

The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT) is where Darwin keeps its most famous croc – Sweetheart, a massive saltie preserved in all his toothy glory. There’s plenty here to keep kids curious, from marine life displays to new hands-on exhibits about Cyclone Tracy and vibrant showcases of Indigenous art and culture. Keen for more than a wander? Check online before you go – there are often kids’ workshops running, and spots can fill fast.

16. Explore Darwin Street Art

street art in Darwin CBD — Find vibrant street art on every corner. (Image: Tourism NT/Matt Lambley)

Darwin’s streets are splashed with colour, thanks to towering murals that turn laneways and buildings into an open-air gallery. Download the Darwin Street Art Festival (DSAF) app and take the kids on a mural-hunting adventure using the interactive map. Thirteen of the artworks have a high-tech twist – hold your phone up, follow the prompts, and watch the murals come alive with augmented reality.

17. Take an ice cream odyssey

When the heat kicks in, there’s only one solution – an ice cream crawl. In the CBD, Cold Rock lets kids go wild mixing in their favourite sweets. Down at the Waterfront, Trampoline scoops creative flavours like lamington and pistachio. For something a bit extra, head to Nightcliff Jetty (every night except Monday and Tuesday) where Curled ice cream is made right before your eyes on frozen plates. Flavours like Mango Madness, Mint Condition and Nutta Butta are crowd-pleasers.

Summer transforms the Northern Territory into a lush paradise of colour and life, as a visit during the ‘low-season’ reveals secrets the locals willingly share.

Waterlilies bloom, floodplains are alive with birdlife, waterfalls are gushing, and everywhere the green is dazzling. Summer in the Top End and the Red Centre is a kaleidoscope of unexpected wonders that delight and surprise visitors. Of course, the locals know only too well that the Northern Territory low season is often the best time to see and experience this amazing part of Australia.

Here are some of the reasons why savvy travellers – avoiding the crowds – are discovering a new dimension to the Territory. Remember that you’ll need a Parks Pass to visit national parks.

1. Take a dip in the Florence Falls waterhole

Wander through savanna woodland and monsoon forest to discover the perfect place to cool off – the waterhole at the base of spectacular Florence Falls in the magnificent Litchfield National Park , just 90 minutes’ drive from Darwin. The falls flow year-round but are most spectacular during the summer. Camping is available nearby but bookings are essential and must be made online before you visit.

Surrounded by lush forest, a woman cools off in Florence Falls, just one of many incredible things to do in the Northern Territory. — Cool off beneath the cascading waters of Florence Falls. (Image: Joshua Griffin)

2. Wind down at Buley Rock Hole

Another popular local swimming spot in Litchfield National Park is Buley Rock Hole , open year-round. This is a great place to wind down after exploring everything the park has to offer, including towering termite mounds. Wade through the rock pools, soak up the scenic bush or just lie back and relax as the cool water rolls over you.

Buley Rockhole, Litchfield National Park — Let the cool water wash over you. (Image: Tourism Australia)

3. Tour the Tiwi Islands

The Tiwi Islands , a scenic 80km flight from Darwin across the narrow Clarence and Dundas Straits, reveal a different side to the Territory, with their own distinctive culture. Take a day tour with Tiwi by Design to visit Bathurst Island and learn about creation stories, the Mission days, World War II history and the islanders’ obsession with AFL!

Take a ‘behind-the-scenes’ tour of Tiwi Design’s screen-printing workshop and pick up a great souvenir in the form of art. Choose from contemporary or traditional Tiwi designs and a wide range of work including carvings, paintings, pottery, printmaking, bark paintings and tunga (bark baskets).

A creative moment shared inside Tiwi Design’s screen-printing space. — Take a peek inside Tiwi Design’s screen-printing studio. (Image: Tourism NT)

4. Dine in Darwin

Foodies are spoilt for choice in multi-cultural Darwin. Try Sri Lankan flavours at Ella by Minoli, where Masterchef contestant Minoli De Silva creates delectable dishes, or head to Charlie’s of Darwin for gin-tasting, cocktails and more. Bowls of fragrant laksa, excellent coffee, fresh vegetables and authentic crafts are all part of a weekend visit to Darwin’s Parap Markets , Rapid Creek Markets and the Nightcliff Markets .

Prefer to catch your own dinner? Book a Top End fishing charter to bag a barramundi – and from October register for the annual Million Dollar Fish competition. Hooking one of the tagged barra released each year in waterways across the Territory could win you up to $1 million.

A bowl of Laksa. — Eat your way through multicultural Darwin. (Image: Tourism NT)

5. Up close with Uluṟu

The magnificent monolith Uluṟu is even more magical when the summer rains fall. When it rains on The Rock, the locals come out to watch – consider yourself lucky if that happens when you visit. Waterfalls cascading off the sides of Uluṟu is a sight that relatively few tourists see.

There’s so much to do at Uluṟu, from guided walks to learn the stories of the Aṉangu people and the ancient landscape they live in to scenic flights for a bird’s-eye view or a leisurely walk around the base of Uluṟu. Book ahead to spend the evening wandering through the Field of Light installation by Bruce Munro.

A closer look at Uluru and uncover its ancient stories, sacred sites, and striking natural beauty – one of the most iconic things to do in the Northern Territory. — Discover the details that make Uluṟu truly sacred. (Image: Tourism NT)

6. Drive the Red Centre Way

From Alice Springs, take an epic road trip along the Red Centre Way, taking in Uluru and Watarrka National Park, home to the magnificent Kings Canyon. Allow at least a week to drive through the red heart of Australia by 4WD, a little longer on the sealed road by 2WD vehicle, travelling through ochre deserts, palm-lined valleys and dramatic gorges. Stop off at waterholes for a refreshing dip along the way.

Kings Canyon offers hiking options for all levels of fitness, from the three-hour Rim Walk atop soaring sandstone walls to the gentler Kings Creek Walk. Either way, you’ll have breathtaking views.

SEIT Outback Australia is a small group touring specialist offering exciting, adventurous, exclusive and specialised iconic, pioneering and cultural touring in the Red Centre of Australia, giving you the time to learn, absorb and relax in the heart of Australia.<br /><br />This innovative tour company focuses on providing clients with the ultimate interpretive touring experiences with a range of products and customised touring itineraries for small groups and bespoke private charters.<br /><br />The company bases its philosophies from the key words of Spirit, Emotion, Intellect and Task (SEIT). — Drive through Australia’s heart. (Image: Outback Australia Tours)

7. Take a walk at Kata Tjuṯa

Head out early to tackle the Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuṯa . This natural wonder, also known as The Olgas, is a labyrinth of soaring ochre domes that glow golden at sunrise and sunset (the walk may be closed during the middle of the day as temperatures rise).

Walking trails range from easy to longer, more difficult tracks. At the Kata Tjuṯa dune viewing area, take in the panoramic view of the domes. The longest of the trails is the Valley of the Winds Walk, a 7.4km circuit that winds between the domes and through creek beds. It’s moderately difficult and steep in places, but offers stunning views – and occasional encounters with kangaroos.

The Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuta is one of the most awe-inspiring things to do in the Northern Territory, especially at sunrise when the domes glow golden. — Step into the golden light of Kata Tjuṯa. (Image: Tourism NT)

8. Explore Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges

Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park lies 135km west of Alice Springs, with many fascinating natural features to beguile visitors. The ‘West Macs’ formations include chasms, gorges and waterholes – take your swimsuit for a dip at Ormiston Gorge waterhole, open year-round. The Ormiston Pound Walk is a three to four-hour circuit that leaves from the visitor centre and loops back along the gorge via the main waterhole. Other places of interest in the park include Simpsons Gap , Standley Chasm , Ellery Creek Big Hole and Glen Helen .

Soaking in the serenity of Ormiston Gorge, these two travellers enjoy one of the most scenic things to do in the Northern Territory. — Take the plunge at Ormiston Gorge waterhole. (Image: Joshua Griffin Litchfield)

Start planning the NT road trip of a lifetime at northernterritory.com

17 of the best things to do with in Darwin with kids