Hobart for Families and Exploring Best Kid-Friendly Attractions in Hobart

Hobart’s Waterfront and Constitution Dock are great places for families to relax and explore. You can take a family boat tour along the river, enjoy fresh seafood at one of the waterfront restaurants, or take a walk along the dock to see the boats and yachts. The nearby Dockside Playground is also a popular spot for children to play while parents enjoy the view.

St. David's Park is a beautiful, historical park located in central Hobart. It features open lawns, ancient trees, and a playground for children to enjoy. Families can relax under the trees, have a picnic, or enjoy a leisurely walk around the park. The park also houses the St. David's Cathedral, making it a peaceful and family-friendly destination in the heart of the city.

The State Library of Tasmania offers an interactive exhibit titled The Story of Tasmania, which is perfect for families interested in learning about the state’s history. The exhibit is full of hands-on displays, historical artifacts, and stories that tell the history of Tasmania from its indigenous cultures to European settlement. It’s an educational experience for both children and adults, and kids can enjoy the interactive elements.

For families that enjoy outdoor activities, the Hobart Rivulet Track offers an accessible walking or biking route through the city. The track follows a historic route and provides scenic views of the surrounding area. It’s a great option for families who want to explore Hobart’s nature and wildlife, while also being close to the city’s attractions. Along the way, families can enjoy picnic spots and the beauty of nature.

The Richmond Village is a charming town located just a short drive from Hobart, known for its historic buildings, old bridge, and beautiful countryside. Families can visit Richmond Gaol, the oldest convict prison in Australia, or explore the quaint local shops and cafes. The village is perfect for a stroll, and there are numerous spots for families to enjoy a relaxed day out in a picturesque setting.

The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens is a wonderful spot for a family day out. It’s one of the oldest gardens in Australia and features a variety of themed gardens, including the Japanese Garden and the Tasmanian Native Plants Garden. Families can enjoy a relaxing day exploring the gardens, have a picnic on the grounds, or visit the playground within the garden for younger children.

Families can visit the Hobart Cruise Terminal to watch the arrival and departure of large cruise ships, making for a fascinating experience. There are often interactive displays, local crafts, and food stalls near the terminal. If you're in the area, you can enjoy the nearby Waterfront Park or take a boat tour along the harbour for an exciting and scenic adventure.

Taroona Beach is an ideal spot for families looking to spend a relaxing day by the sea. The beach has calm waters perfect for swimming, picnicking, and sandcastle-building. The surrounding area also features a playground and walking tracks, making it a great destination for younger children. It’s a peaceful escape from the city with plenty of opportunities for families to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

Just a short ferry ride from Hobart, Bruny Island offers a range of family-friendly experiences. Families can explore the island’s wildlife, including puffins, koalas, and kangaroos. The island also features pristine beaches, hiking trails, and delicious food such as cheese, seafood, and chocolates. It's a fantastic day trip from Hobart with a lot of natural beauty and unique experiences to offer.

Huon Valley offers a peaceful and scenic experience for families looking to explore Tasmania’s rural beauty. Families can enjoy visiting fruit orchards, farms, and vineyards (with child-friendly areas), or take a stroll along the Huon River. It’s an excellent destination for a relaxing family day trip, with opportunities for picnicking by the river, picking fresh berries (in season), and visiting local markets.

Mount Wellington provides spectacular panoramic views of Hobart and the surrounding area. Families can drive or hike to the summit, where they can enjoy picnicking, nature walks, and stunning vistas. It’s a great spot for families who love the outdoors and want to take in the beauty of Tasmania. The peak is accessible year-round, with snow-capped views in the winter months making it particularly magical.

Just outside Hobart, Mount Field National Park is a popular spot for families looking to experience Tasmania’s stunning natural beauty. Families can enjoy easy walks like the Tall Trees Walk or the Russell Falls Track, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking waterfall views. The park is also great for a family picnic or just exploring the wilderness, with opportunities to spot native wildlife along the way.

Explore the streets of Hobart aboard the Hobart Tram for a family-friendly sightseeing tour. The tram provides a fun and unique way to see the city’s highlights, including Battery Point, Salamanca Place, and the Harbour. The vintage trams offer a comfortable and leisurely ride, making it a great option for families with young children to enjoy the city’s sights without too much walking.

The Agrarian Kitchen offers hands-on, family-friendly cooking experiences where families can learn about Tasmanian produce and prepare a delicious meal together. The kitchen hosts cooking workshops for all ages, from creating fresh local dishes to understanding the importance of sustainable food practices. It’s a great way to bond as a family while learning valuable skills in the kitchen.

Salamanca Market is a must-visit for families visiting Hobart on a Saturday. Located on Salamanca Place, the market offers a range of local food stalls, art and craft booths, and unique goods. Families can stroll through the market, taste fresh produce, and enjoy a variety of live entertainment. There are also plenty of activities for children, including arts and crafts, making it an exciting stop for everyone.

For families interested in Tasmania’s colonial history, a visit to the Port Arthur Historic Site is a must. This UNESCO-listed heritage site offers guided tours and self-guided explorations of historic buildings, prison ruins, and scenic walks. Families can learn about Australia’s convict history, and there are family-friendly activities such as ghost tours and storytelling sessions that are fun and educational for children.

If your family enjoys exploring nature, Trek Tasmania offers guided family bushwalks in some of Tasmania’s most scenic areas. These walks are designed for families, with routes that are suitable for kids, including easy hikes through rainforests, along beaches, and across mountain ranges. It’s a wonderful way for families to get outdoors, appreciate nature, and create lasting memories together.

MONA is one of Hobart's most unique attractions, offering a mix of contemporary and ancient art in a truly unconventional setting. The museum is housed in a stunning location on the Derwent River. Families can explore its exhibits, enjoy the interactive installations, and participate in art-based workshops. The museum also has beautiful outdoor spaces, making it a great destination for a family day out. Kids will appreciate the fun and quirky art, while parents can enjoy the modern architecture and beautiful views.

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary is located just outside Hobart and is a great spot for families to see native Australian animals. The sanctuary allows families to interact with and learn about animals like the tasmanian devil, koalas, and wombats. Kids can also participate in feeding sessions and learn about conservation efforts to protect endangered species. It’s an engaging and educational experience for animal-loving families.

Located in the nearby suburb of Howrah, Shoreline Park is a fantastic place for a family day out. The park offers barbecue facilities, walking tracks, and a playground for children to enjoy. It’s situated near the water, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing day of picnicking while taking in the beautiful views of the Derwent River and Mount Wellington.

The Hobart Aquatic Centre is a fantastic family destination with its heated pools, water slides, and a special learner pool for young children. The centre also has a jacuzzi and sauna for adults looking to unwind while the kids enjoy the water. It’s an ideal place for families to stay active and have fun, regardless of the weather.

The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG) is an educational and fun destination for families, offering a wide range of interactive exhibits. Families can learn about Tasmania’s natural history, including its native animals and history, as well as explore its art collection. The museum features hands-on exhibits for children, making it an ideal location for an educational and engaging day out.

For families with older children, a visit to the historic Cascade Brewery can be a fun experience. While the adults can enjoy learning about the brewing process, the kids can participate in the family-friendly tours that showcase the brewery's history and beautiful surroundings. The brewery is located near a scenic area with plenty of space for kids to run around, making it a nice spot for a family outing.

For families with older kids or teens, Kingborough Skate Park is a fantastic place to visit. Located just outside Hobart in Kingston, this modern skate park offers ample space for skateboarding, rollerblading, and scootering. The park has areas for beginners and experienced skaters alike, and there are picnic areas where families can relax and watch the kids enjoy their skateboarding adventures.

Located a bit outside of Hobart, the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo offers a more natural approach to animal conservation. This interactive zoo provides families the chance to learn about and observe Tasmanian devils, wombats, quolls, and more, all in a wildlife-friendly environment. The free-range layout and hands-on experiences like feeding sessions make this a fun and educational stop for families with kids of all ages.