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

Leah McLennan Leah McLennan
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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.

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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.

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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.

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Leah McLennan
Leah McLennan is a freelance writer based in Darwin. She was a journalist in Sydney for over a decade and counts her time as travel editor for Australian Associated Press as one of the highlights of her career. From exploring remote campsites in the Top End with her family, to seeking out new art galleries in faraway cities, she’ll grab an adventurous or arty travel experience within her reach.
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8 reasons why the low season is the best time to explore the Northern Territory

Credit: Tourism and Events NT

    Rachael Thompson Rachael Thompson
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    September to April in the Northern Territory rewards those who seek adventure.

    Sure, the Northern Territory shines during the high season, but did you know it transforms into lush magnificence in the summer low season? From September to April, hundreds of waterfalls roar into action, vegetation flourishes and natural pools swell, all thanks to spectacular storms. This is when some of the country’s best arts and cultural events hit the calendar, too.

    Travelling at this time of year means you’ll also be rewarded with off-peak travel pricing on accommodation, tours and experiences, and can even enjoy many of the top sites all to yourself.

    1. Kings Canyon is transformed

    Kings Canyon Rim Walk Garden Of Eden in the rain
    Kings Canyon transforms in the low season. (Image: Kassia Byrnes)

    Kings Canyon’s towering sandstone domes and crevasses are a sight to behold year-round, but during the low season you can witness a rare phenomenon. This ancient outback wonder’s arid landscape bursts to life when it rains, temporarily transforming it with waterfalls that thunder down the cliffs. At the base of the canyon is the verdant Garden of Eden and its permanent watering hole.

    2. John Hayes Rockhole is a natural wonder

    Two women hiking to John Hayes Rockhole, one of the unforgettable experiences during the best time to explore the NT.
    Hike to a desert oasis. (Credit: Tourism and Events NT)

    Hidden in the Trephina Gorge Nature Park in the East MacDonnell Ranges, John Hayes Rockhole is an oasis waiting to be discovered. Visit the narrow canyon during the high season, and you may see only a sandy creekbed, but after rain in the low season the pool is full of cool water. It’s accessible via a 4WD-only track off the Ross Highway, or you can set out early and join the nine-kilometre Trephina Ridgetop Walk. The reward for undertaking the hike is worth every step, and there’s a dedicated, tent-only campground for those who’d like to soak up the serenity overnight.

    3. The Red Centre Light Trail shines bright

    A woman admiring The Light Towers, one of the must-see attractions during the best time to explore the NT.
    Watch the Outback light up after sunset. (Credit: Tourism and Events NT)

    The Red Centre’s rich cultural heritage and lack of light pollution make it the ideal setting for immersive light shows, and you can experience the most iconic ones on an epic six-day road trip in April. Witness the Parrtjima cultural festival in Mparntwe (Alice Springs) before heading to Kings Canyon for Bruce Munro’s Light-Towers, where 69 glowing towers shine to a celestial soundscape. At Uluṟu, Munro’s Field of Light blankets the red soil with glowing frosted-glass stems, and the Wintijiri Wiru drone show lights up the sky in front of the sacred cultural site. Along the way you’ll witness the changing landscapes of the desert from the West MacDonnell Ranges to the Valley of the Winds.

    4. The Parrtjima festival lights up the Red Centre

    Festival lights illuminating the Northern Territory, showing why the best time to explore the NT is during festival season.
    Witness the magic of Parrtjima. (Credit: Tourism and Events NT)

    For 10 days every April, the Red Centre turns into a dazzling display of colour for the Parrtjima festival. Held at Alice Springs Desert Park, the unmissable celebration shines a spotlight on the world’s oldest living culture using modern technology. Artworks by local Aboriginal artists are transformed into large-scale illuminated installations with accompanying soundscapes, offering a unique opportunity to see the spectacular sunburnt landscapes, night skies and 300-million-year-old West MacDonnell Ranges in a new light. The jam-packed line-up of art and cultural events also includes workshops, markets, short films, talks and live music.

    5. Cruising along Nitmiluk Gorge is breathtaking

    Aerial view of Nitmiluk Gorge, showcasing its dramatic cliffs and waterways.
    Sail between towering sandstone cliffs. (Credit: Tourism and Events NT/Nic Morley)

    Drifting down the emerald waters of Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge between towering red sandstone cliffs carved over millions of years, all while waterfalls stream down around you, is an experience like none other. Nitmiluk Katherine’s two-hour NitNit Dreaming Two Gorge Tour sails through gorges past ancient rock art while a local guide imparts knowledge about the Jawoyn culture and significance of the landscape.

    6. You can explore local culture on the Tiwi Islands

    A quick boat ride from Darwin lies the peculiarly pink shores of Melville Island, Tiwi Islands. Populated by the hilariously cheeky Indigenous Tiwis, stepping onto the Islands is like stepping back in time. Sweeping rusty dirt roads meander through the eucalypt forest and are interspersed only by small communities and freshwater springs.
    Immerse yourself in Tiwi culture. (Credit: Tourism and Events NT/Elise Cook)

    Take an 80-kilometre ferry ride from Darwin to arrive at the Tiwi Islands, an archipelago of 11 picturesque islands and a haven for art lovers and anglers. On the Tiwi By Design walking tour you’ll be guided to the Tiwi Design Art Centre, one of Australia’s oldest art centres, to observe local artists in action and join a screen printing workshop.

    If you’re more partial to sinking a line, book a stay at Tiwi Island Retreat in April. It’s one of the best months to fish for barramundi, and their world-class fishing adventures are your best chance at reeling in a prized catch.

    7. Scenic flights over Kakadu’s waterfalls are jaw-dropping

    Jim Jim Falls from above during a wet season helicopter tour. Covering nearly 20,000 square kilometres, Kakadu National Park is teeming with wildlife, home to important Aboriginal rock art sites, and takes in diverse and exotic landscape.
    Soar above Jim Jim Falls. (Credit: Tourism and Events NT/Jarrad Seng)

    Seeing Kakadu National Park’s gushing waterfalls and dramatic escarpments from above offers a dose of unparalleled beauty – and it’s all best witnessed in the low season.

    Taking flight from Darwin, Kakadu Air Services offers an unforgettable experience, with doorless helicopters revealing unobstructed views of the 1.8-billion-year-old landscape. Soar above the untouched savannah that turns into a tropical green paradise, marvel at the thunderous Jim Jim Falls and Twin Falls, and whiz through ancient sandstone canyons. If you’re lucky, the scenery will look all the more dramatic with rolling tropical storm clouds in the distance.

    8. Litchfield National Park is an amazing place to cool off

    Litchfield National Park
    Dive into natural swimming holes. (Image: Tourism NT/Joshua Griffen)

    Litchfield National Park is peppered with stunning natural swimming pools for you to beat the heat in. Take a refreshing dip in pristine, crocodile-free spots such as Buley Rockhole, a series of spring-fed cascading pools, and the nearby Florence Falls, which is enveloped by monsoon rainforest and features a crystal-clear plunge pool fed by a 15-metre-high waterfall. Be sure to check the Northern Territory Parks & Reserves website for closures before you go.

    Start planning your low season adventure of a lifetime at northernterritory.com.