Family Activities Ballina

Things To Do in Ballina with Kids

Ballina NSW is a dream destination for families — with beaches, wildlife parks, playgrounds, museums, and plenty of wide-open space to explore. Whether you’ve got toddlers or teens, there’s something for every age group in the heart of the Northern Rivers.

Here’s a curated list of family-friendly attractions in Ballina, Lennox Head and surrounds — perfect for weekend getaways, school holidays or just making the most of your coastal stay.

Wildlife & Nature

Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (12 mins)
Meet koalas, kangaroos, emus and reptiles up close. A fun and educational day out with hands-on wildlife encounters and a kids’ play area.
Killen Falls (16 mins)
An easy bushwalk takes you to a stunning waterfall and swimming hole. Great for a picnic and a paddle on a warm day.
Pegasus Park Beach Horse Rides (Byron Bay)
Kids 10+ can enjoy a magical beach ride along Tyagarah Beach with gentle horses and experienced guides.

Indoor Play & Rainy Day Options

Ballina Tenpin Bowl
Classic family fun with bumper lanes, arcade games and a café onsite.
Climbing Jungle Ballina
An indoor climbing centre designed for kids and teens, with harnessed climbing walls, bouldering, and river views and lawns perfect for picnics.
Ballina Indoor Sports Centre
Play basketball, netball or badminton indoors — perfect for rainy days or active teens.
Ballina Memorial Swimming Pool & Waterslide
A huge outdoor pool with a twisting waterslide and shaded kids’ play area. Entry is affordable and perfect on warm days.

Markets & Family Events

Ballina Farmers & Producers Market
Held Sundays at Missingham Park — kids can snack on local treats, listen to live music and meet local makers.
Sample Food Festival | 6 Sept 2025
Family-friendly foodie fest with kids’ entertainment, food trucks, and celebrity chef demos.
North Coast Mud Trail | 16–17 Aug 2025
Families can visit local pottery studios, meet the artists, and try kid-friendly clay activities.

(For more seasonal and annual events, see our What’s On Ballina page.)

Outdoor Adventures

Learn to Surf at Lighthouse Beach
Book a beginner surf lesson at Ballina’s protected Lighthouse Beach. Professional instructors and soft boards make it ideal for first-timers.
Ballina Golf & Sports Club (13 mins)
Not just for adults — kids can enjoy mini golf or try junior golf clinics during school holidays.
Coastal Paths
Grab a bike and explore Ballina’s foreshore paths, riverside trails and scenic routes like the Norton Street Heritage Trail.
Pat Morton Lookout – Whale Watching (Lennox Head)
Take the kids to spot humpback whales between May and November. Binoculars recommended!

Museums & Cultural Experiences

Ballina Naval & Maritime Museum (10 mins)
Step aboard the famous Las Balsas raft and explore Ballina’s seafaring history. Interactive exhibits make it kid-friendly.
Northern Rivers Community Gallery
Drop in for rotating exhibitions and family art workshops in a historic building.
Crawford House Museum
Take curious kids through a glimpse of life in early 1900s Ballina. A sweet stop for history lovers.

Best Family Beaches in Ballina

Shelly Beach: Calm waves, BBQs, and grassy areas for kids to run.
Angels Beach: Less crowded, with scenic coastal walks and sandy stretches.
Seven Mile Beach (Lennox Head): Popular for beach cricket, surfing and dolphin spotting.