Skip to main content
View cart (0 items)

Looking for a child friendly beach to cool off at? We’ve put together a list of our favourite kid friendly beaches on the Northern Beaches.

At these spots the waves are mild, there are playgrounds and toilets nearby and plenty of space to build as many sandcastles as you want.
Pack a beach bag, bring a picnic and settle in for the day.

Palm Beach

Kid Friendly beaches on the Northern beaches

The best place for families to swim in Palm Beach is at the southern end of the beach. Most locals call this end “Kiddies Corner” as this part of the beach tends to be calmer and more protected than the northern end.
There is also a 50 metre rock pool nearby where you can take in the views of Palm Beach and Barrenjoey Lighthouse. There are a few restaurants and cafes nearby for a relaxing beach picnic.

Clareville Beach

Kid Friendly beaches on the Northern beaches

Clareville Beach is located on Pittwater and is an excellent spot to escape the crowds. The water is calm and unaffected by rips and tides unlike the ocean beaches. There are also barbecues and picnic tables nearby.

Mona Vale Basin (north of pool)

Kid Friendly beaches on the Northern beaches
Image Courtesy of Destination NSW

The Mona Vale Basin tends to be more sheltered than the main beach. Nearby the rock platform has a 25 metre ocean-fed lap pool and a smaller pool for children to play in. Apex Park is a short walk from the Mona Vale Basin, there you will find a fantastic playground and a bike track for the kids to ride bikes and scooters.

Dee Why Beach

Kid Friendly beaches on the Northern beaches

Dee Why is a popular spot for families because of its proximity to playgrounds and cafes. The beach is calm, but most families head straight to the rockpool. There you will find a pool designated for toddlers, the pool is shallow and will keep the little ones entertained for hours. The best thing is that there is a stroller friendly path and plenty of space once you get there.

Collaroy Beach

Kid Friendly beaches on the Northern beaches
Image Courtesy of Destination NSW

Collaroy is another well-equipped beach for kids with calm water, a big playground and a small kids ocean pool. Collaroy Beach forms part of an accessibility precinct that includes an all-abilities playground and access to a FreeWheeler which provides wheelchair access onto the sand and the surf.

Shelly Beach

Kid Friendly beaches on the Northern beaches
Image Courtesy of Destination NSW

Shelly Beach has plenty of room to build sandcastles and is calmer than neighbouring Manly Beach. There is a big grassy open space, where you can have a picnic or eat takeaway from nearby cafes. It is also a short walk from the Fairy Bower Ocean pool which is ideal for small children.

Little Manly Beach

Kid Friendly beaches on the Northern beaches
Image Courtesy of Destination NSW

Little Manly Beach is only a short walk from Manly Wharf and is a great spot for the whole family. At the beach you will find a small playground and a larger one only a short walk away. The water is calm and there is an enclosed swimming area perfect for toddlers.

Clontarf Beach

Kid Friendly beaches on the Northern beaches
Image Courtesy of Destination NSW

Clontarf Beach is great for kids of all ages and especially for little kids and toddlers, as the beach has no surf and a netted harbour pool. There is a large shaded playground area, a grassy reserve with plenty of space for kids to run around and cafes nearby.