Easy Family Fun in Launceston: Things to Do with the Kids

Credit: @qvmag_official

If you’re looking for a holiday that balances relaxation with plenty of activities to keep the little ones entertained, Launceston is a gem worth discovering. Nestled in northern Tasmania, the region is big enough to offer diverse attractions, yet small enough that you can explore without long drives or complicated itineraries. 

Fun for the whole family is practically guaranteed. Parents will love how easy it is to get around, and kids will love the chance to burn off energy in wide open spaces, hands-on museums, and playgrounds designed with creativity in mind.

Whether you’re chasing adventure outdoors, educational fun, or simply fun family days exploring, there’s no shortage of things to do in Launceston with kids. Keep reading for our top recommendations.

 

Launceston Playgrounds To Visit

 

When it comes to play spaces, Launceston really shines. Its playgrounds are more than just swings and slides: they’re destinations in themselves, each with a personality that adds a new dimension to outdoor family fun.

These Launceston playgrounds are worth a visit:

 

Royal Park & Riverbend Playground

Credit: Launceston TAS 

 

Adventure meets riverside serenity here. The Riverbend Playground is famous for its imaginative design, encouraging kids to climb, swing, and explore while parents enjoy the sweeping views of the Tamar River. 

If you’re up to the challenge, there’s the Sky Walk and the 'confluence net', two of the largest pieces of play equipment in Australia.

 

Heritage Forest Playspace

Set amid native bushland, the kids can combine play with a touch of nature. With equipment for both toddlers and older children, it’s ideal for families with a mix of ages. The open walking paths also mean you can stroll alongside while the little ones dart between play areas.

 

Inveresk Precinct Playground

Part of the city’s lively Inveresk cultural hub, this playground is perfect for breaking up a day of sightseeing since it’s close to museums and galleries. The playground itself has plenty of modern equipment and shady areas, giving it that winning balance of fun and comfort.

 

Hands-On Learning for Curious Minds

 

After the kids have run off their energy in the city’s parks and playgrounds, chances are they’ll still be buzzing with curiosity. That’s the beauty of Launceston: the fun doesn’t stop when you step indoors. Instead, the city offers plenty of places where little ones can keep exploring.

From gentle boardwalks to dramatic gorges, here’s some engaging things to do in Launceston with kids:

 

Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery (QVMAG)

Credit: @qvmag_official

 

The Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery (QVMAG) is one of Australia’s largest regional museums, and it does a brilliant job of blending art, history, and science into engaging exhibits.

Kids are instantly hooked by the dinosaur skeletons, interactive science displays, and quirky creatures in the natural science collections, while older ones can dig deeper into the stories behind them. Parents will love the curated art galleries (and the free entry for everyone).

 

Tamar Valley Honey Centre 

For something a little sweeter, the Tamar Valley Honey Centre is a hit with kids and parents alike. Here, they can watch bees at work in glass hives, learn about the importance of pollinators, and – best of all – taste-test some of Tasmania’s famous honey.

 

Launceston Tramway Museum

Credit: Launceston Tramway Museum

 

At the  Launceston Tramway Museum, kids can climb aboard restored trams, learn about how people used to travel across the city, and even enjoy a short heritage tram ride. It’s immersive, interactive, and full of that nostalgic charm that grandparents will appreciate too.

 

Easy Family-Friendly Day Trips Close to the City

 

The beauty of Launceston is that you don’t need to go far to feel like you’ve had a day out. Within just a few minutes’ drive from the city centre, you’ll find some of Tasmania’s most stunning natural attractions.

 

Cataract Gorge

Just a short walk from central Launceston, this natural wonder feels worlds away. Kids will love crossing the suspension bridge, spotting peacocks roaming the grounds, and riding the chairlift (the longest single-span one in the world). 

Parents will love the easy trails, shaded picnic areas, and the opportunity to relax while the kids splash in the free outdoor pool.

 

Tamar Island Wetlands 

For families who love wildlife, the Tamar Island Wetlands are a peaceful retreat where little adventurers can spot birds, frogs, and even the occasional reptile from the safety of raised boardwalks. It’s a great way to introduce kids to the idea of conservation while letting them run free in a safe environment.

 

City Park

Back in the heart of the city, City Park is an evergreen favourite. The highlight? A Japanese macaque monkey enclosure that never fails to delight children. Add in the lush gardens, fountains, and plenty of space to play, and you’ve got a family-friendly stop that works for any day of the week.

 

Tamar Valley Winery

And for parents worried they’ll miss out on Tasmania’s famous wine culture, don’t stress. The Tamar Valley wine route is dotted with cellar doors that welcome families. Many offer wide lawns or play areas so kids can run around while adults enjoy a glass or two. 

 

Family-Friendly Festivals and Seasonal Fun

 

Beyond playgrounds and nature walks, Launceston knows how to celebrate. Its calendar is packed with events that welcome all ages, making it easy to plan your visit around something special. 

There really are family events in Launceston across the entire year, giving visitors plenty of reasons to return in different seasons and discover a new side to the city each time.

 

Festivale (February)

In February, the city comes alive with Festivale, a three-day celebration of food, wine, and entertainment in City Park. It’s one of the region’s signature things to do in Launceston with kids, drawing locals and visitors alike for a taste of Tasmania’s best produce and plenty of live entertainment

While parents might linger over wine tastings and gourmet food stalls, there’s just as much to keep younger visitors happy, from roving performers and live music to the buzz of the open-air setting itself.

 

Junction Arts Festival (September)

Credit: @junctionartsfestival

 

Come September, the Junction Arts Festival brings theatre, music, and creative workshops to town.  The city’s streets, parks, and pop-up venues come alive with theatre, music, and installations that invite audiences to do more than just watch. 

For kids, it’s a fantastic way to dip into the arts without the formality: think interactive workshops where they can get messy with paints, join in on a group performance, or build something imaginative alongside local artists. 

 

Launceston Show (October)

In October, families flock to the Launceston Show, a classic country-style fair that’s been part of the city’s calendar for generations.

Kids will love the farm  animal displays, pony rides, and working dog demonstrations. Parents can wander the produce stalls, watch live entertainment, or simply soak up the buzz of the showgrounds. For the teens, there’s carnival rides and sideshow games.

Add in the smell of hot chips, the inevitable fairy floss sugar rush, and the chance to see rural traditions come to life, and you’ve got an outing that feels like a rite of passage for locals and visitors alike.

 

Penny Royal Adventures (Weekends & School Holidays Only)

Step back in time at Penny Royal Adventures, a family favourite that brings Launceston’s colonial history to life. Kids can pan for gold, explore mysterious caves, and take a thrilling boat ride through the old sandstone cliffs. 

Kids will love the Cliff Walk at Penny Royal Adventures, where they can cross rope bridges suspended above the cliffs and tackle indoor or outdoor rock climbing walls. It’s an exciting way to burn off energy while taking in some of Launceston’s most unique views.

But note: these adventure activities operate on weekends and daily school holidays.

 

Why Launceston Works So Well for Families

 

What makes Launceston truly family-friendly is the balance it strikes between premium experiences and simple pleasures. Parents can enjoy good food, wine, and cultural experiences, while kids get the fun, freedom, and outdoor adventures they crave.

It’s also wonderfully practical. The best things to do in Launceston with kids — from exploring Cataract Gorge to wandering through QVMAG — are just minutes apart, so you don’t waste precious holiday time driving. 

Even with strollers in tow, you’ll find easy walks with big pay-offs, like the accessible paths at Cataract Gorge or the boardwalks through the Tamar Island Wetlands, where families can spot local birdlife and even the odd frog or reptile.

Add to this a calendar of family-friendly events that roll out across the year — from Festivale’s buzzing atmosphere in February to the animals and rides of the Launceston Show in October — and you’ve got a destination that stays lively in every season. 

With wide-open play spaces, interactive museums, and natural attractions right on your doorstep, planning a family holiday here doesn’t feel like work; it just feels fun.

 

Make Travel Easier: Stay at Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston

 

Credit: Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston

 

Travelling with kids is all about finding that sweet spot between convenience and comfort, and Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston nails it. From family-sized rooms to little rainy-day comforts like movies and board games, it’s designed to take the stress out of family travel. 

It’s a central, cosy hub that lets you spend less time in transit and more time making memories together. Being right in the heart of the city means you can walk to parks, playgrounds, and museums without juggling long car rides or tricky nap schedules. 

Early risers? Slip out for a morning wander at City Park. Need a midday break? Head back for snacks, rest, or even just a quick change of clothes (because kids and spare socks are a package deal). By making the hotel your base, all those adventures are just minutes away. 

Book your stay at Grand Chancellor Hotel Launceston today.