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Things to see and do with kids in Cairns

An outdoor lover's paradise, Cairns has so much to offer those travelling with kids. With plenty of crocodiles, koalas and other native animals to meet, as well as fabulous parks and reserves, parents will have no problem keeping the little ones entertained.

Be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen and kit the kids out with sun hats as the sun in Cairns can be blazingly hot and young skin can burn very easily. Can't stand the heat? Take the kids to the Esplanade to cool off in the lagoon during the summer months, and make a day of it by enjoying a picnic or barbecue while you're there.

Take the kids on a ride on the skyrail to view the rainforest and village of Kuranda, or check out the red pandas at the Cairns Tropical Zoo. The Wildlife Dome at the Reef Hotel Casino is the perfect place to view Australia's most infamous inhabitant, the salt water Crocodile.

A must is a day trip to the nearby Paronella Park to enjoy the castle ruins surrounded by rainforest gardens right beside a stunning waterfall, and the kids can even enjoy feeding the turtles and fish, while Hartley's Creek, a working crocodile farm where kids can enjoy the 'Crocodile Attack Show' and view other animals including cassowaries, dingoes, snakes, koalas and lizards.

With all these options and so many more, Cairns is the perfect holiday destination for families travelling with their kids in tow. With plenty of awesome attractions and activities to wear them, parents can enjoy a quiet evening for a change!

The Esplanade

The recently renovated Cairns Esplanade is the hub for visitors to the city, providing an entertaining promenade with numerous recreational opportunities, lined with a host of restaurants, bars and cafes. Apart from a safe, sandy swimming lagoon and vast lawns used for all sorts...  see full details

Skyrail

The most popular tourist attraction in Cairns is the Skyrail rainforest cableway, which travels nearly five miles (7.5km) from the Caravonica Terminal, the gondolas gliding above the canopy of the rainforest over magnificent waterfalls and gorges, to the village of Kuranda. En route passengers...  see full details

Cairns Tropical Zoo

Hundreds of indigenous and exotic species of animals have been gathered in the Cairns Tropical Zoo to delight young and old, who can explore six hectares of tropical landscaped gardens and interact with the animals. Pet a koala or stroke a snake, and...  see full details

Wildlife Dome

This spectacular attraction is enclosed by a 65-foot (20m) high glass dome on top of Cairns' iconic Reef Hotel Casino and features exhibits and shows of some of Australia's most exotic and fascinating animals. Here visitors can learn more about these exotic creatures and...  see full details