The 11 best things to do with kids in Darwin

Surf’s up at the Wave Lagoon, where you can splash around in the 4,000-square-metre supervised zone within the Darwin Waterfront Precinct. With ten different wave sets, there’s no shortage of thrills. Prefer to stay dry? Watch your little ones plop around in the shallow water play area, snag a deckchair under a broad umbrella or enjoy snacks from the kiosk on the tree-lined lawns. There’s also a man-made beach for sandcastle building and a basketball court for those keen to shoot some hoops.

Keen for a chilled evening with the kids? Treat the little ones to a magical movie night under the stars at Darwin’s famous Deckchair Cinema. Set against the stunning backdrop of Darwin Harbour, this open-air gem screens a mix of family favourites and Aussie classics every night during the dry season. The kids will love racing around the lawn flanked with lush tropical plants, until you lure them in with popcorn and ice creams from the kiosk. 

A nostalgic favourite for Darwinites, Aquascene has been delighting visitors with fish-feeding fun since 1981. Open only at high-tide in the tranquil waters of Doctor’s Gully, this rare feeding experience lets visitors doll out bread to a variety of Darwin’s fish species – including catfish, bream and milkfish – all keen for a carb-loaded feast. After the fishy fun, let the kids loose on the playground or grab a bite from the Gully Café, where fresh bagels and sandwiches await.

Slap on the 50+ and head to this free oasis of fun, perfect for little tackers to pre-teens. The young ones can splash around in the shadow paddling pool, while bigger kids can dial up the thrill-scale with three mega water slides – all 14 metres tall and more than 100 metres long. When the fingers and toes start to get pruney, dry off on the sun-soaked lawns or relax in one of the many shade spots – there are picnic benches, barbecue facilities, a shaded jungle-gym and a skatepark too.

A day at the museum is a surefire way to spark excitement, no matter your age. But when it comes to keeping the kids entertained, Darwin’s free Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT) is an absolute winner. Kick off your adventure with the Transformations exhibition, a permanent showcase perfect for young nature enthusiasts. Meet the dromornis, the world’s largest flightless bird that roamed Central Australia during the late Miocene epoch; get up close to other curious megafauna; and be awestruck by the neon-lit box-jellyfish display. No trip to the MAGNT is complete without saying hi to Sweetheart – the 5.1 metre saltwater crocodile who’s been in residence since 1979.

There’s no place like the Territory to reel in your very own barramundi. Only 45 minutes from Darwin CBD, family-friendly Barramundi Adventures makes it a cinch to hook the prized barra. Their comfortable, land-based fishing deck is perfect for introducing children and beginners to the excitement of catching their first fish, plus it’s wheelchair friendly, so everyone can join in on the fun. Be sure to book in advance.

Dare to swim with a saltie? This bucket-list adventure is not to be missed. Located in the heart of Darwin’s CBD, Crocosaurus Cove is home to the world’s largest display of Australian reptiles. You can cuddle cold-blooded critters during one of the nine daily reptile shows or stare in awe as crocs chomp down huge chunks of meat during the feeding session. Teenagers aged 15-plus can even submerge in the Cage of Death, an iconic Darwin attraction and Australia’s only crocodile dive. 

Ready, set, splash! Palmerston’s go-to water wonderland features a six-lane racer water slide, which is perfect for some friendly family rivalry. If heights make you weak at the knees, cavort in the colourful water curtains, dart through sprays or take it easy in the paddling pool. Bring a packed lunch for rumbling tummies – there are plenty of shady barbecue spots to chill out as near or as far away as you choose to be from the action.

Just outside of Darwin City lies East Point Reserve, a favourite local hangout for beach walks, picnics, recreational fishing and playgrounds. The picturesque Lake Alexander, just next to one of two jungle gyms, offers a croc-free haven for water sports. Keen to hit the water? We suggest renting a stand-up paddleboard from locally owned Fun Supply for just $20 per hour and exploring the lake at your own pace.

Little animal lovers will love spending the day at Territory Wildlife Park – a 400-hectare park that's home to a mix of wild and captive creatures that are only found in the Top End of the Northern Territory. Whether it's saltwater crocs, sugar gliders, huge snakes, emus, wallabies or exotic-looking birds, this wildlife park has them all in a wild, natural setting. You can walk through a monsoon rainforest, see billabongs and buffalo trails, and walk at your own leisure on well-maintained outdoor paths (there's also an option to get a tiny train).