Looking for things to do in Byron Bay with kids? You’re in luck.
Byron is the ultimate family holiday destination all year round. It’s a nature-lover’s wonderland with pristine beaches, outdoor activities, great food and fun for all the family. You could spend a month, a week or weekend here and discover something new every day.
Bring the kids to Byron Bay for a holiday they’ll be talking about for a long time to come.
1. Outdoor Fun at Elements
Central Lagoon Pool
You don’t need to leave Elements to enjoy your Byron escape. Our Central Lagoon pool also has a shallow section for the youngest people, making it the perfect spot for little ones to splash around all day.
Summer or winter, the sun is often shining in Byron so you can sit back and enjoy poolside service in a private cabana while the kids splash around in this year-round temperature controlled pool or heated spa.
Belongil Beach
Take the swimmers, rashies, boogie boards, buckets and spades down to Belongil Beach to swim, relax and catch waves.
Belongil Beach is perfect for a sprawling beach walk ripe with the discovery of countless species of birds and, if you’re lucky, dolphins frolicking in the surf.
You’ll also spot the tip of The Wreck sticking out of the ocean. What now remains of the sunken ship Wollongbar, The Wreck is a popular surf spot.
There are so many wonderful Byron beaches, check out our guide to the best beaches for families in Byron Bay.
The Fairy Trail
Magic winged creatures live amongst the resort’s trees and paths, around the duckpond and along the edge of Belongil Beach. Only those with the purest hearts and quickest minds will spot them.
Collect a Fairy Trail Map from Reception and you’ll be armed with clues. The more you solve, the more colourful fairy doors and tiny houses you’ll find. Spot kookaburras and owls along the way and stop for a turn on the playground. Don’t forget to visit Breeze on the way back. If you’re able to solve an important clue, you’ll be rewarded with a free slushie at the end of your walk. Open to resort guests only, suitable for all ages. Pram friendly.
Wildlife Spotting
Situated on 20 hectares of native bushland with four different ecologies (dunal, rainforest, eucalypt and grasslands), Elements provides a safe and fun environment for kids to explore and spot wildlife.
Enjoy a leisurely trek around two kilometres of signposted walking trails through the rainforest or take off on a self-directed trail with a map from reception. Or take one of our scheduled, free guided walks and learn about the secrets of the resort’s abundant native flora and fauna.
Kids Adventure Playground
Let the kids run, jump, swing and play in our all-natural adventure playground. It will keep even the most energetic children occupied for hours.
Inspired by Parkour and made from natural wood there’s plenty of physical challenges for excited little humans to expend their energy. The natural agility course is reminiscent of climbing trees in the open countryside with soft sand at the base.
Stand at the sidelines and offer encouragement or sit at one of the nearby picnic benches and watch while the little ones play. Or, if you want to be more involved, the whole family can take part in a game of giant chess or bocce located near the Adults Exclusive pool.
Yoga
Learn a new family habit with our complimentary morning sunrise yoga sessions at Heart of the Bay (parents must accompany children) or book a private class specifically designed to suit your family’s needs. Want to tune into wellness with the family even more? Learn about our on-resort wellness activities that engage the body, mind and soul for the whole family.
Horse Riding at Elements
At the end of the resort there’s 1.5 kilometres of untouched beach where you can go for a trot, gallop or canter. Catering to all levels and abilities, Zephyr Horses offers horse riding on the beach and in the rainforest.
Zephyr also offers Horseback Educational Tours where kids can learn about the sustainable agriculture operation at The Farm Byron Bay (for kids 12+).
2. The Farm
Just 5 minutes’ drive away, The Farm offers lots for kids to see and do. It’s a working farm and eatery and provides an authentic insight into the region’s semi-rural vibe.
A trip to The Farm is a welcome day any time of year, with delicious seasonal food, plenty of room for kids to run and play, and lots of cute farm animals that you can see up close (just don’t touch!). On weekends you can throw down a picnic blanket and relax under the shade of a tree with a coffee and croissant from Bread Social or treat yourself to a sit-down dining experience at Three Blue Ducks.
Farm Kids inspires and educates children through various programs around how food is grown, and ethical farming practices such as the importance of pollination, paddock rotation for animals and composting. Farm Kids programs give children the opportunity to gain a new understanding and appreciation for our land, animals, and community, all whilst having fun!
Learn more about Farm Kids
3. Dolphin Sea Kayak Tour
Whether it’s summer or winter school holidays, a fantastic way to spend three hours with kids in Byron Bay is paddling across the Bay. Go Sea Kayak offer Dolphin Sea Kayak tours that take you to the most likely spots where you’ll see local dolphins play in the surf.
Tours depart all year-round morning and afternoon. Safety gear, wetsuits and accommodation pick up are included.
Stand Up Paddle
For something more leisurely, hire a SUP board from Byron Stand Up Paddle and take a slow meander along the river at Brunswick Heads. If the kids still have extra energy, they can jump off the footbridge at high tide.
Australian Seabird and Turtle Rescue
The Australian Seabird and Turtle Rescue in Ballina is a great educational activity for the kids where they will get to see the turtles up-close and learn about work in rescue.
The tour starts in the morning and you’ll be back in Byron by lunch time. While you’re out that way, try The Belle General in East Ballina for a delicious family friendly lunch.
4. Fly High at the Circus!
Are you game to test your airborne skills at Circus Arts Byron?
Come rain or shine, Circus Arts Byron is great for kids of any age with something for toddlers, teens, adults and everything in between. Open most days, and only eight minutes walk from Elements, kids can have heaps of fun scaling the indoor climbing wall, flipping somersaults on the Olympic size trampoline, flying through the air on a trapeze or rolling along the tumble track.
School Holidays
During school holidays the circus offers age-specific activities and school holiday programs for kids as young as one, right up to adults – there’s never a dull moment! Once you’re worn out and hungry you can head to the on-site cafe for healthy bites, juices, tea and coffee.
5. Byron Wildlife Sanctuary
Only a 20-minute drive from Elements, the Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary in Knockrow (formerly Macadamia Castle) is a family holiday favourite. Perfect for all ages, there’s a daily program of fun activities including getting close to many different Australian native animals. There’s plenty of educational activities and a great onsite café too!
6. The Crystal Castle
A visit to Byron with kids isn’t complete without a day trip to the Crystal Castle. Located in the rainforest just a 27-minute drive from Elements, the Crystal Castle is a fabulous family escape.
Make a wish as you walk round the Shambala Garden Labyrinth and end the day with the soothing Daily Peace Experience.
Marvel at the huge amethyst geode before strolling 500m through the Buddha Garden – filled with giant statues. If you’re there at the weekends or during school holidays you can book the kids in for face painting.
7. Let’s Go Surfing
One of the undisputed best things to do in Byron with kids is surf – and you can do it all year round. Catching waves at The Pass is a firm favourite for families (minimum age is 5 years old) as the angle of the bay makes for perfectly formed, small waves almost every day of the year.
Didn’t bring a board? No problem, Let’s Go Surfing, based in the heart of Byron Bay offers surf lessons and board rental for all levels. Allow roughly 2 hours for a beginner lesson.
8. Skateboard School
At Byron Bay Skateboard School kids can improve their balance, build confidence and have fun at the same time. You can even book the kids into private lessons. And the best part? It’s just down the road from Elements in the Arts and Industrial Estate – about five-minutes’ walk away.
Why not grab a coffee or snack at Barrio on the way back, open for an early breakfast to dinner.
9. Ride the World’s First Solar Train
The world’s one and only full sized fully solar-powered train is right here in Byron Bay – the Byron Solar Train. Ride between North Beach Station, just a five minute walk from Elements of Byron, and the Byron Beach platform, just 10 minutes away on the 1949 era two-carriage heritage beauty. The train runs regularly during daylight hours. Ride in Style packages also available.
10. Arakwal Bundjalung Aboriginal Tours
What better way to dive into the history of Byron Bay, then by walking in the footsteps of the Arakwal Bundjalung people? Follow local elder Delta Kay as she takes you through the stories, songs, food and art of her people at some of the most beautiful destinations across Byron Bay. Listen as Delta shares stories of the light and dark times of the local Aboriginal people, learn some of the Bundjalung language, and the magic of bush medicine, tools and weapons. Find out more about this unique tour experience and book your tour today.
11. Brunswick Bush School
Get the kids off their devices and give them the chance to be the best version of themselves with school holiday programs rich in outdoor adventure. They’ll learn how to make a slingshot or become a bush survivor with new skills like how to find food, water and shelter and start a fire. Or they can get active with bush inspired group games or a canoe down Simpsons Creek. The Brunswick Bush School offers programs for boys groups, girls groups or combined. It brings out the bush kid in every participant. Find out more
Want more inspiration for things to do in Byron Bay? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Byron Bay.