Fun activities for kids on the Northern Beaches
The Northern Beaches has plenty of activities for children of all ages. Whether you are here for a day, the weekend or a longer escape, the Northern Beaches has plenty of fun things to keep the kids busy.
Get wet – waterside activities
Relax on the beach or by a rockpool
The Northern Beaches has many family friendly beaches and rockpools. After a day of building sandcastles and splashing about in the waves, grab a snack at one of our amazing beachside cafes.
Go for a paddleÂ
Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding is a fun activity to do with family and friends. Narrabeen Lagoon and Manly Cove provide sheltered and protected areas for kids of all ages to paddle and play.
Splash around at Manly Waterworks
Cool off at the Northern Beaches’ only water slide park! Manly Waterworks, located in Manly Cove, is open in the warmer months and during school holidays. It is the perfect place to entertain the kids, while for the adults there is a shady sitting area with benches and tables, and a café next door.
Be advised that children must be taller than 110cm and over the age of 10 years to slide.
Dive deep into Cabbage Tree Bay
Cabbage Tree Bay is home to more than 150 different species of fish, including the blue grouper, Australian giant cuttlefish and turtles. Grab your snorkel and start exploring the amazing creatures that live under the sea.
Learn to surf
To really exhaust the kids, hire a surfboard or book them in for a surfing lesson at one of our beaches. For a full list of the best beaches for learners check out our top 5 beaches for beginners.
Stay dry
Jump on your bikes
The Northern Beaches has plenty of amazing scenic bike paths for all ages. One of the best family paths is the stunning bike ride around Narrabeen Lagoon. This 8.4km flat ride has plenty of spots along the way to stop, whether for a play in a playground or a midway picnic.
Battle it out with a game of ten pin bowling
Enjoy hours of family-friendly ten pin bowling, arcade games and bumper cars at Zone Bowling in Dee Why.
Enjoy these indoor and outdoor playgrounds.
The Northern Beaches has plenty of amazing kid-friendly indoor and outdoor playgrounds. Our playgrounds range from small neighbourhood setups often in grassy reserves, to larger playgrounds with engaging equipment for all ages and abilities. Some of the larger and more popular outdoor playgrounds are Winnererremy Bay, Newport Beach, Bilarong Reserve and Collaroy Beach playgrounds.
When the sun is scorching hot, or the forecast is predicting drenching rain, you may find yourself searching for an indoor playground to keep the kids happy and active. Some popular indoor playgrounds are Cheeky Monkeys Play House in Warriewood, Major Fun in Freshwater and Planet Mino in Brookvale.
Jump around at Jumpd
Jumpd is an indoor trampoline and Xtreme Ninja centre located in Brookvale, offering facilities for kids and teenagers as well as adults. The Xtreme Ninja course is a great way for kids to strengthen their bodies through climbing and jumping.
Play mini golf
Explore the well-kept, pirate-themed, 36-hole mini golf course at Pittwater Golf Centre in Warriewood. Choose either or both of the 18-hole courses, or upgrade for an unlimited day of fun for the whole family.
Try rock-climbing
For active families, try the family-friendly Northern Beaches Rockhouse climbing gym in Brookvale, which has been operating for more than 20 years and boasts 37 different climbing walls.
Explore the local walking tracks
The Northern Beaches is blessed with some the best walks in Sydney. For inspiration, have a look at our guide on the ‘Four beautiful walks to try next time you are in Manly’.
Visiting during the school holidays? Get more inspiration with our ultimate school holiday guide.