Townsville might not always get the same attention as Cairns, but that’s exactly what makes it such a gem for families. This laid-back North Queensland city has reef adventures, freshwater swimming holes, and a lively foreshore that’s free to enjoy – without the heavy crowds. Whether your kids want to splash at the Rockpools, scooter The Strand, or spot koalas at the Billabong Sanctuary, there are plenty of ways to keep the whole family smiling. Here’s our guide to the best family-friendly things to do in Townsville.
Prefer to watch rather than read? Scroll down to the bottom of this article for a YouTube wrap-up of these 10 fun things to do in Townsville with kids.
Fun things to do in Townsville with kids
#1. Scooter along The Strand
Scootering along The Strand is one of the most fun, family-friendly things to do in Townsville. This 2.2km stretch of foreshore is lined with palms, playgrounds, and ocean views, making it the perfect place to explore on two wheels. Bring your own scooters for a free day out, or hire one of the bright orange app-based scooters scattered along the path (from $1 to unlock + 38c per minute, with three-day passes for better value).
The beauty of The Strand is how much there is to stop and do along the way. Families can cool off at the free water park, splash in the Rockpools, or grab an ice cream from a kiosk. Swimming in the ocean is safe during stinger season (November–March) thanks to the protective nets. Whether you cruise the full stretch or take it slowly with lots of stops, this is a great way to see the city and keep the kids entertained.
#2. Swim at The Rockpools and play at the park
For a refreshing break, head to the Rockpools at the northern end of The Strand. This ocean-water pool is stinger-safe, with lifeguards on duty during the summer school holidays (8 am – 6 pm). It’s shallow enough for kids to splash safely, yet fun enough for older ones to swim about.
Right next door is a park with shady lawns, picnic tables, BBQs, and plenty of space to spread out a rug. Toilets and showers are on hand, so you can easily spend half a day here. Best of all, it’s completely free – one of those family-friendly things to do in Townsville that ticks every box.
#3. Snap a photo at the Townsville sign
The colourful Townsville sign is a quick but memorable stop, especially if your kids love photos. By day, the giant letters are bright and bold, but at sunset, they light up for a fun after-dark photo opportunity.
Even if you’re not usually into selfies, this is one of those must-do Townsville experiences the kids will get a kick out of. It’s free, takes just a few minutes, and gives you a great family holiday snap to remember your trip by.
#4. Swim at Alligator Creek
One of the best nature-based things to do in Townsville is a swim at Alligator Creek in Bowling Green Bay National Park. Despite its name, there are no crocs here – just cool freshwater flowing over rocks, sandy banks to perch on, and plenty of space for kids to splash around.
The day-use area has picnic tables, BBQs, and toilets, making it ideal for families. If you want to stretch your legs, there are three short walking tracks nearby: the 200m Alligator Creek boardwalk, 1km lookout walk, and 3km Cockatoo Creek track. You can also camp overnight if you want to linger longer. Just remember to pack out your rubbish, as there are no bins provided.
#5. Stroll Jezzine Barracks
If you’re looking for things to do in Townsville that mix history and culture, a stroll through Jezzine Barracks is perfect. Spread over 15 hectares, the precinct showcases the area’s military past and Aboriginal heritage through interpretive signs, pathways, and public art.
Families can take it slow, stopping to read the stories and admire the artworks. Climb the steps for sweeping ocean views or simply enjoy the fresh air and open spaces. It’s free, easy to access, and a nice change of pace from the more active attractions.
#6. Meet wildlife at Billabong Sanctuary
For animal lovers, a visit to Billabong Sanctuary is a must. Just 20 minutes south of the city, this 27-acre wildlife park offers families the chance to see koalas up close, feed cassowaries, and watch daily crocodile shows that are both entertaining and educational.
What we loved most is that it’s manageable in just half a day, so younger kids (and parents) don’t burn out. You get all the excitement of an Australian wildlife park without needing to commit to a full day. With so many hands-on experiences, it’s one of the top family things to do in Townsville.
#7. Splash at The Strand Waterpark
The free Strand Waterpark is an easy crowd-pleaser for families. Kids can run between the slides, giant tipping bucket, and water cannons while parents relax on the grass nearby. It’s open from 9 am – 8 pm (Dec–Mar) and 9 am – 6 pm (Apr–Nov), though it closes on Tuesdays for maintenance outside of school holidays.
Facilities like toilets, BBQs, and outdoor showers make it easy to spend hours here. For parents, the best part is it’s completely free, making it a handy spot to let the kids burn off energy between bigger adventures.
#8. Explore the public art trail
Townsville’s Public Art Trail turns a simple city walk into an adventure. Scattered across the CBD, many installations use Augmented Reality, which comes alive when viewed through a free app on your phone or tablet. Kids love watching the artworks “move” or transform right in front of them.
Grab a map from the information centre, follow the trail at your own pace, and keep an eye out for QR codes near the pieces. It’s a fun way to explore the city centre, sneak in a little culture, and give kids something interactive to do.
#9. Swim at Little & Big Crystal Creek
A scenic drive north of Townsville brings you to the Crystal Creek swimming spots. Little Crystal Creek is postcard-pretty, with its old stone bridge and cascades of water beneath. Big Crystal Creek is larger, with shallow areas for kids and deeper sections for confident swimmers.
It’s a fantastic day trip for families who enjoy nature. Just take care on slippery rocks and avoid jumping in from heights, as submerged logs and rocks can be hidden beneath the surface. Pair your swim with one of the short rainforest walks nearby for a full day of adventure.
#10. Day trip to Magnetic Island
No list of family things to do in Townsville would be complete without a trip to Magnetic Island. Just a 20-minute ferry ride from the city, it offers beaches, snorkelling, wildlife, and hiking. Families can spend the day swimming in sheltered bays, exploring lookouts with sweeping views, and feeding the rock wallabies that come out at dusk.
While a day trip is doable, it’s worth staying a night or two if you have time. The relaxed pace, natural beauty, and variety of activities make Magnetic Island a highlight of any family holiday in Townsville.
Where to stay in Townsville for families
After a big day exploring all the fun things to do in Townsville, you’ll want somewhere cool and comfortable to recharge. We stayed at the Park Regis Anchorage, and it ticked all the boxes for families.
The two-bedroom apartments were surprisingly affordable and gave us plenty of space – a full kitchen for family meals, indoor and outdoor dining options, and air-conditioning (a lifesaver when the North Queensland heat kicks in). Its location on Palmer Street meant we could wander to the local restaurant precinct when we didn’t feel like cooking, but we also loved having the option to just stay in and relax.
Tip: Book early during school holidays – Townsville’s secret status as a family holiday spot is quickly catching on!
Final thoughts on Townsville with Kids
From reef trips and rainforest creeks to free foreshore fun, there’s no shortage of family-friendly things to do in Townsville. It’s the kind of destination where you can mix adventure with downtime, and the kids will be happily entertained without blowing the holiday budget. Whether you’re stopping in on a North Queensland road trip or planning a longer stay, Townsville makes a fantastic base for family adventures.
YouTube wrap-up of 10 fun things to do in Townsville with kids
This article contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.
Where to next?
Let me know what you think!