Finding family friendly restaurants and activities might be difficult, but a little local knowhow can go a long way. We’ve jam packed a day out in Cairns full of fun for the whole family.
Our first stop has plenty of coffee for the adults and a play centre for the kids.
Gecko’s Indoor Play Centre
Open 7 days a week from 9am until 5pm, Gecko’s Indoor Play Centre contains a multi-level indoor playground, climbing frames, slides, jumping castles, a climbing wall and even a separate toddler area to keep them safe and out of the way of those rambunctious older kids. As the self proclaimed “best indoor playground centre in Far North Queensland”, Gecko’s is a fantastic place for families to enjoy some great food and a lot of fun. Gecko’s cafe is kids friendly and promises to have enough coffee to help you wake up. The menu is relatively inexpensive, with $8.50 BLTs and $6.50 Nachos with the works. Grab yourself a Chai Latte and share a Babychino with the kids (if they ever get off the playground). Adults have free entry and kids prices range from $7.50 up to $11.50 depending on age and day.
Where: Cnr Cook & Kennedy Hwys, Smithfield, Cairns, QLD.
After all that play, there’s no doubt that your little terrors would have worked up an appetite. Looks like it’s time for lunch, and luckily for you Outback Jack’s is just a short 20-minute from the recreation centre.
Outback Jack’s Bar and Grill Cairns
Healthy salads, game burgers, juicy ribs and steaks the size of your face (and that’s just for the big kids). . Outback Jack’s kid’s menu is affordable and tasty. Delivered with a colouring book and including free ice cream and topping, your kids will think Christmas has come early. If you happen to be dining at Outback Jack’s on a school holiday you may be eligible to have your kids eat free! Enquire on the day about any kids specials that might be available.
Where: Abbott Street, Cairns, QLD.
Once you’ve let your stomachs settle, just a couple of blocks away you will find the Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome.
Entry to the Wildlife Dome is just $24 for adults and a mere $12 for kids (or grab entry for 2 Adults and 2 kids for just $60). With over 60 species of animals, your kids will think you’ve entered another world. There are shows on offer throughout the day that are both educational and fun. Feed the birds, meet the crocodiles and learn everything you’ve ever wanted to know about those cuddly koalas. For an extra cost, you and the kids could zoom down the ropes course, free fall on the power jump or even climb the external or internal structure of the dome. Make sure you pack enclosed footwear, tie back any long hair and charge the camera battery!
Where: Reef Hotel Casino, Cairns, QLD 4870
Frydays Fish and Chippery
What better way to end your day out than with a mound of locally caught fish and perfectly fried chips? After such a full on day, the last thing you or your kids will want to do is use cutlery. Right in the heart of Cairns, walk over and smash one of Frydays’ seafood creations straight into your face. Oysters, calamari, prawns and some of the freshest fish you’ve tasted, it’s all on the Frydays menu and waiting to be put on your plate. Their Chips, Cheese and Gravy is reminiscent of poutine and will make your kids drool just thinking about it.
Where: 117 Abbott St, Cairns, QLD.
No matter how full or tired you and the kids are, there is always room and energy for ice cream. No family day out is complete without a final icy-cold treat.
Cold Rock Ice Creamery
When you finally decide on your flavours and mix ins, it’s time for you to watch the magic happen. Right in front of your kid’s eyes, they will see their creation come to life on the unique ‘Cold Rock’. All that fun and they haven’t even tasted the ice cream yet!
Where: Shop 7, Trilogy Towers 101 Esplanade St, CAIRNS QLD 4870
Your kids will jump in car exhausted and ready for bed, and you’ll head home as kings and queens of their world. Enjoy the peace and quiet – you’ve earned it!
What’s your favourite kids-friendly restaurant in Cairns? Let us know in the comments below!
Escape the rain with this family day out in Cairns
Finding family friendly restaurants and activities might be difficult, but a little local knowhow can go a long way. We’ve jam packed a day out in Cairns full of fun for the whole family. Our first stop has plenty of coffee for the adults and a play centre for the kids. Gecko’s Indoor Play Centre […]
