With the school holidays here, how to keep your children amused must be at the forefront of your mind. Now in Byron, of course there is always playing and building sandcastles on one of our beautiful beaches but there are also many other places to explore and experiences to be had in the region.
Here are our top 10 child entertaining tips, as recommended by local parents;
1. Take a Picnic to our iconic Light House
If you love stunning views and want to catch a glimpse of sea life, without getting wet, this is the perfect spot. With expansive views across the most easterly point of Australia you are bound to see a pod of dolphins and at this time of year whales are migrating so you will more than likely have the pleasure of seeing some of these magnificent creatures too.
2. A Family Kayak Tour*
For the water babies out there who want to get up close and personal with sea life, which you most definitely will, then a family kayak tour is the activity for you. With the qualified guides of Go Sea Kayak, you can cruise along by Cape Byron, Wategos or The Pass, plus there are free photos and snorkelling. Something your kids will never forget
3. Paddle Boarding*
Sticking with the water theme, if you want a change from the sea, then experience the beauty of our surrounding rivers and national parks. Stand Up Paddling (SUP) is the new surfing! With Byron Stand Up Paddle, after learning the basics (which I am assured is really easy), glide along the stunning rivers and enjoy the wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies, birds of prey, sea turtles plus much more.
4. Suffolk Park Skate Park
If the kids can’t live without their wheels then this is the place to take them! Only 10 mins from Byron Bay, the skate park is located in Beech Drive between Baywood Chase and Byron Hills (see map) This is a tranquil residential area away from the crowds. Other facilities at this site include cricket nets, a basketball court, tennis courts and a children’s playground so take all your toys. There is a beautiful walkway around Taylor’s lake and also a great convenience & grocery store just around the corner for all your post-skating snacks!
5. Market Day
The regional Sunday markets are infamous and a must for anyone coming to the area. There are activities especially for children, including face painting & candle making. Allow a few hours to appreciate the stalls and all the yummy food. You may also see acrobats, jugglers, musicians and many other performers sharing their art. Check out the drummers circle at around 3pm, where stall holders and friends wind down, play their music and dance. See our Community Calendar for the next market.
6. Kids World Byron Bay
On a rainy day take the children to Kids World, indoor play centre. Especially for ages 0-11 years, the centre features a climbing structure, slides, African safari adventure rides, Finding Nemo adventure castle and a toddler’s area (plus a cafe so you can have a coffee while the children play). Open 7 days during school holidays. See website for full details.
7. Circus Arts Byron Bay
For the fearless, and also great for a rainy day, Circus Arts is Australia’s only indoor circus school with a full-size high flying trapeze. It has a weekly timetable of circus classes and high flying trapeze sessions for all ages and abilities plus it runs a school holiday circus workshops for children aged from 5 to 15 years. See website for full details.
8. Live Music at the Beach Hotel
For music lovers and dancing divas on Sunday afternoons! The Beach Hotel is renowned for its free gigs. Often supporting local talent, the Beach Hotel is a family friendly pub, where you can sit outside in the sunshine, tap your feet and watch the world go by while the kids dance like crazy.
9. Bush Walking at Minyon Falls
A favourite for local bush walkers is a gentle 4 km trek to the base of Minyon Falls in the Nightcap National Park. Walking through subtropical Booyong Rainforest will give you a sense of what the landscape was like many thousands of years ago. There is also a second longer walk you can do (7.5 km), called the Monyon Loop, which takes you around to Quandong Falls, if you want to make a whole day of it. See all our national parks here
10. Go on an Adventure Tour*
There are numerous adventure tour operators in the area, to satisfy everyone’s adventure level. Let them organise everything for you, pick you up and show you the sights. Our favourite is Vision Walks, whose eco-tours include a night vision walk where you can see nocturnal animals without distrubing them, Crystal Castle tour, Byron sensations tour and a rainforest walk.
(Bonus 11!) Amaze n Place*
Ok we had to give you 11 top tips as we couldn’t miss this place out! Have you ever wanted to get lost in one of those big hedge mazes that you always see on films? (I have!) Then head to Amaze n Place and you won’t be disappointed. Fun for both children and adults, there are also quizzes and puzzles and a great cafe to get your brain food! Amaze n Place is only a short drive from Byron and well worth checking out.
So there you have some real suggestions to keep your little ones amused during your time in Byron Bay. We would love to hear about your adventures here. Send us your stories and photos through our contact page or email us at hello@therealbyronbay.com.au Happy holidays!
*With the real byron bay discount book; $40 discount off a family pass from Go Sea Kayak $10 discount off each booking with Byron Stand Up Paddle 10% discount on any Vision Walks tour $6 off all day family maze entry
Comments are closed.