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Fun things to do in Hobart for families with kids
Planning to visit Tasmania? Hobart City is one of the most historic places in Australia and a favourite getaway destination for many Australian families during school holidays.
Situated on the River Derwent and nestled beneath Mount Wellington, there are so many things to do in Hobart for families! Explore iconic landmarks, enjoy beautiful scenic spots, discover Hobart's hidden gems, visit famous Hobart attractions and take part in fun activities for kids and families.
Here, you'll find what to do in and near Hobart, Tasmania, all year round so you can start planning your next Hobart trip.
With so many things to do in Hobart City, itβs no wonder the families want to explore every inch of this beautiful Australian city and its surrounds! Here are the best things to do in Hobart, Tasmania, with family so you can add them to your itinerary when visiting Tasmania.
Some of the best things to do in Hobart with kids are:
Discover Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens
Explore the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery
Enjoy a performance at the Theatre Royal
Take in the epic views from Kunanyi / Mount Wellington
Enjoy panoramic views from Mount Nelson
Experience the iconic Bruny Island
Take a day trip to the Port Arthur Historic Site
Take a day trip to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary
Let off steam at one of the best playgrounds in Hobart
Explore Salamanca Market and Salamanca Place
Try local foods at Farm Gate Markets
Explore the Battery Point Sculpture Trail
Take your family to Long Beach Sandy Bay
Experience Brooke Street Pier
Discover Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens
Opening hours: 1 April - 30 September 8am - 5pm; 1 October - 31 March 8am - 6.30pm
Entry fees: FREE / a gold coin donation
Discover the beauty of the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, one of the top Hobart attractions! Opened in 1818, the gardens have beautiful views of the River Derwent and changing seasons that make them very colourful, especially in autumn.
There is a lot to explore at the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens: the peaceful Japanese gardens, native and exotic plants, a Tasmanian collection, a Conservatory, a fuchsia house, a subantarctic plant house, a gorgeous lily pond and more!
Spend a relaxing day at the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens! You can explore this beautiful park in Hobart City with the kids and family, whether you want to spend an hour or all afternoon there!
The gardens are very beautiful and well-maintained. There are plenty of lawns for lying around on and picnic areas where kids will love running wild and playing games like hide-and-seek.
Most sections of the botanic gardens are accessible and pram and wheelchair-friendly, making it one of the top tourist attractions in Tasmania's capital city.
Explore the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery
Opening hours: Daily, 10 am β 4 pm
Entry fees: Free entry
If youβre looking for free things to do in Hobart, take the kids and the whole family to the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. Located next to the Maritime Museum, the TMAG is within walking distance of many Hobart attractions near Hobart's waterfront, such as Salamanca Market, Parliament House, Hobart Cenotaph, the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, Fitzroy Gardens and more!
The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery were established in 1848 by the Royal Society of Tasmania, the countryβs oldest scientific society. The first art pieces and objects on display were drawn from collections that had been put together much earlier, spanning decorative art, botany, zoology and Tasmanian history.
What a great time you will have at the TMAG! Youβll discover a great Tasmanian museum with fantastic old and new art treasures, portrait paintings, cultural exhibitions, science exhibits, awesome ancient coins and medals, a display of the Antarctic expedition, and a cafe to enjoy some delicious food.
One permanent exhibition that is worth seeing at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery will take you back in time. This is "Our Land: Parrawa, Parrawa! Go Away!" which looks into Tasmanian history from an indigenous perspective.
A fantastic kids section, a few interactive elements and a large Lego model make the museum the best place to spend time with the kids!
Enjoy a performance at the Theatre Royal
Whether you are visiting Hobart for the first time or have been to Hobart before, The Theatre Royal is an absolute must.
The Theatre Royal is a Hobart architectural gem designed by John Lee Archer. The Theatre was opened in 1837, making it the oldest theatre in Australia. Its Neoclassical facade and fascinating interior are sure to impress any visitor with their beauty and charm.
The Theatre Royal offers a beautiful experience! You'll find top-class, comfortable seats on both levels, world-class shows and a good atmosphere. The Theatre has undergone a recent upgrade, making the old and new pieces work well together, with great respect given to the original theatre building.
For over 180-year history, many international theatre stars have visited and performed in this unique little Theatre. Amongst them is Sir Laurence Olivier, who appreciated it as "the best little theatre in the world" due to the perfect acoustics and the community's love for the Theatre!
There's so much more going on here. Moreover, The Theatre is an excellent place for adults and children alike! If you visit Hobart during the school holidays, it's even more perfect!
Take the kids to the Theatre to see some hilarious shows like ROFL The Listies, which will have you laughing your head off or Erth's Prehistoric World, where you can learn about history. There is also the amazing Circus The Show, an immersive show ZOOOM, the fantastic Scaredy Cat and many others. So, if you're looking for a great time spent with the whole family, Theatre Royal has everything anyone could ask for!
Take a day trip to the Port Arthur Historic Site
Opening hours: 8 am - 5 pm daily
Indicative entry fees for the Port Arthur historic site: Adults $47, Children (7-17yrs) $22, Children under 7yrs - FREE; Families (1-2 Adults + 2-6 Children) $115
Entry tickets for Port Arthur Historic Site Entry + Harbour Cruise or Port Arthur Ghost Tour
While visiting Hobart, take the kids on a day trip to Port Arthur, which is about 95 km southeast of Hobart.
The stunning location of Port Arthur on the tip of the Tasman Peninsula seems like an unfair injustice when you consider its history as a British colony that sentenced convicts here. Governor Sir George Arthur founded this settlement in 1830, and now Port Arthur is world heritage-listed. Don't miss visiting Port Arthur, as it's one of the top things to do in Tasmania for families.
Touring around town will give you and the kids insight into what life was honestly like for those who lived in such terrible conditions back then. During a guided Port Arthur day tour, you have a fantastic opportunity to visit the historic Richmond Colonial Village, Richmond Bridge, Pirates Bay Lookout, The Guard Tower, Sandstone Church, hospital, prison and museum to learn more about the history of Port Arthur as well as have plenty of great photo opportunities at Tasman Arch, Blowhole and Devil's Kitchen in Tasman National Park.
Please note that there are also lantern-lit ghost tours available on-site at night!
If you're looking for the best things to do in Hobart with family on Saturday, check out this Port Arthur day tour with Salamanca Market and the Carnarvon Bay cruise. You'll spend your day exploring Port Arthur, Carnarvon Bay and Salamanca Market for the perfect balance of scenery and adventure. The tour departs every Saturday at 9:15am, with a return at 6pm.
Take in the epic views from Kunanyi / Mount Wellington
Opening hours: Open all day
FREE entry
Take in the epic views of Hobart, Derwent River, Bruny Island, and the Tasman Peninsula from the top of Kunanyi / Mount Wellington, about 1,270 metres above sea level.
Mount Wellington / Kunanyi offers spectacular views, just an easy 30-min drive from Hobart City. It's is truly one of the top attractions and free things to do in Hobart, Tasmania
The little walkways around this area provide easy access so the kids of different ages will have fun and enjoy exploring, climbing the rocks and seeing some snow in colder months. This makes Mount Wellington a good experience for families!
Mount Wellington is also one of the most popular hikes in Hobart, Tasmania. If you're up for a hiking adventure, take one of the many walking tracks in Wellington Park. Otherwise, you can drive or take a bus to The Pinnacle to experience the beauty of Mount Wellington, one of the most popular attractions in Hobart.
The bus departs from Franklin Square near Salamanca Place called the Wellington Explorer. There are plenty of stops, including The Springs Wellington Park, where many people start their hikes and walks.
Please note that the temperature at the top of Mount Wellington is usually 8-10 degrees Celcius colder than in Hobart city, with sub-zero temperatures and very windy in winter, so make sure to wear layers (and scarves!)
Check out this amazing day tour to discover Mount Wellington Summit, Hobart City and Richmond, home to Sullivan's Cove, Battery Point, the Richmond Bridge, Richmond Gaol and more!
You also have an opportunity to see Mount Wellington with a morning half-day tour from Hobart. Tours depart around 9 am, with a return at 11:30 am to Brooke Street Pier Terminal.
Enjoy panoramic views from Mount Nelson
Opening hours: Open all day
The Signal Station cafe opening hours: 9 am - 4:30 pm daily
Mount Nelson is a fantastic place to go with family and one of the top free things to do in Hobart, Tasmania. It's an easy 20-minute drive from the Hobart city centre. There are plenty of things to do at Mount Nelson - enjoy scenic views at Mount Nelson Lookout, learn the history of signals at the Signal Station, have fun at the children's playground, enjoy a picnic at the picnic area, take a walk at Truganini Reserve and more!
The whole family will enjoy walking down to Mount Nelson Lookout, which gives you fantastic panoramic views over the Tasman Bridge, Bruny Island and the Tasman Peninsula.
The Signal Station is a lovely building that offers an excellent overview of the history and importance of signals in Tasmania. The historic Mount Nelson signal station was built in 1811 to relay messages about escapees to Port Arthur and closed in 1880 with the arrival of the telegraph.
You can also enjoy a 45-minute scenic walk through Truganini Reserve (Truganini Track) if you want some great scenery while exploring nature, native bushland, birds and wildlife.
The playground at Mount Nelson Oval is a great play area for 3+ year kids that offers fantastic playground equipment. The kids will love the bird net swing, climbing structure, slide, flying foxes, springers and more! There are BBQs and public toilets available, and it's a dog-friendly park too!
Experience the iconic Bruny Island
Bruny Island is one of the most-visited Hobart attractions. It is also home to unique sea and coastal wildlife like seals, sea birds and dolphins, in addition to its renowned gourmet food like artisan cow and goat cheese, freshly shucked oysters, smooth fudges and tasty chocolates. The whole family will enjoy this fantastic wildlife tour and an amazing culinary adventure!
To get to Bruny Island, drive 40 minutes south from Hobart to Kettering. From here, you can embark on an epic 3-hour sightseeing tour to Bruny Island, perfect for families with kids!
Otherwise, you can enjoy this one-day gourmet tour to Bruny Island from Hobart. You'll enjoy a perfect blend of iconic Hobart sightseeing and delicious gourmet tastings.
You'll explore the Bruny Island wild coastline, tall forests, green hills, the Bruny Island Neck Lookout, Wildlife Reserve and more during this fun and unforgettable experience.
This Bruny Island trip is perfect for families who love adventure at sea. Kids will enjoy seeing seals, sea birds and dolphins in their natural environment!
Take a day trip to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary
Address: 593 Briggs Rd, Brighton TAS 7030
Opening hours: 9 am - 5 pm daily
Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary is the perfect place to take your family on any kind of day. It's just a short 30-minute drive from the city centre of Hobart.
The kids will be excited to get up close with Australian animals and birds at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. You can pet and feed native Forester kangaroos, get up close to koalas, Tasmanian devils, various birds and more!
There are four 45-minute daily tours available at 10 am, 11:30 am, 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm, where the kids will have a face-to-face, fun and educational encounter with native Australian wildlife.
Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary is also one of the best picnic grounds in Hobart for families, allowing you time for bonding and fun while exploring nature!
The family is going to have a great time on the nocturnal adventure at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, too! Check out this exclusive 2.5 hour Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuaty night tour. You'll be able to see all Australian nocturnal animals up close in their natural habitat.
The staff is very knowledgeable, friendly and passionate about the animals' welfare, so this day trip to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary will be an absolute blast for everyone!
Let off steam at one of the best playgrounds in Hobart
Bellerive Beach Park and Playground
Bellerive Beach Park and Playground is a perfect place for families with kids of all ages and abilities, located just 10 minutes from Hobart on Derwent St, Bellerive TAS 7018.
This fenced play space is located right on the Bellerive foreshore, facing the coast and near the Bellerive beach.
Bellerive Beach's accessible playground features fun play equipment like water play and sandpit, slides and swings, a log climbing pyramid, balance logs, a sky tower climbing structure and more! Free BBQs, plenty of seating and public toilets are available too!
Simmons Park and Accessible Playground
Simmons Park and Accessible Playground on 37 Esplanade, Lindisfarne, Hobart, Tasmania, is a great place to visit for families with kids; it's a 10-minute drive from the city centre.
There's a fenced all-abilities playground that is suitable for children of any age. The park also features fitness equipment for parents and older kids.
Kids of all ages will love the play structures and activities in this accessible play space in Hobart, such as swings and slides, balance beams, trampoline, carousels, a giant climbing pyramid and more! Free BBQs, benches, picnic tables, and public toilets are also available, making this spot perfect for a family day out!
Kingston Park Playground
Kids of all ages and abilities will have a blast at Kingston Park Playground! It's just a 10-minute drive from Hobart CBD on Goshawk Wy, Kingston TAS 7050.
This adventure playground has swings, slides, rope and climbing structures for climbing, nature play, bird nest swings, accessible paths, an accessible merry-go-round, sandpit, plus shaded areas with benches and BBQ facilities.
It's a fantastic picnic ground, too, and there are public toilets available on-site.
Dru Point Bicentennial Park and Playground
Dru Point Bicentennial Park and Playground on Dru Point Rd, Margate TAS 7054, is a 20-minute drive from the Hobart CBD.
The shady trees make this accessible park perfect for a family picnic and celebrating kids' birthdays. There are plenty of BBQ locations scattered around the park.
The Dru Point Bicentennial Park offers a great fenced play area for the younger kids and a separate area for the older children, as well as slides and swings, including Liberty swings, climbing structures, accessible paths, a great bike track for kids, public toilet facilities and lots of space to let off steam!
Montrose Foreshore Community Park and Playground
Montrose Foreshore Community Park and Playground is a 15-minute drive from Hobart (Brooker Hwy, Glenorchy TAS 7010).
Montrose Foreshore Community Park offers many options for children of all ages and abilities to play in a safe environment and have fun in this large, open space park, with a giant climbing pyramid, swings, and Liberty swings!
BBQ facilities, public toilets on-site, and good-quality bike and walking tracks make this park the perfect spot for a family picnic or a day out!
Explore Salamanca Market and Salamanca Place
Salamanca Markets opening hours: every Saturday 8:30 am - 3:00 pm, except for Christmas Day and ANZAC Day
Salamanca Place near Hobart Harbour has been a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, with cobblestone streets that date back to 1835. Salamanca Place is now home to many great tourist attractions such as art galleries, cafes and restaurants with outdoor seating areas so you can enjoy delicious food while taking in some culture at the same time!
The Salamanca Arts Centre is a cultural hub where you'll find art galleries, theatres and artists studious. One of the top attractions in Salamanca Place is the Saturday Salamanca Markets.
Salamanca Market celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2022! The Market offers a good mix of food, local produce, bakery, homemade products, crafts, clothing, artisan products and handmade goods. The live music and performing artists are exceptionally entertaining as well!
There's also plenty to keep kids occupied at Salamanca Place, with games in the Salamanca Lawns park nearby, or they can enjoy some picnic lunch. The fountain at Tasman Memorial near Parliament House Gardens (address: 30 Salamanca Place) is quite popular with kids, so make sure you take a spare set of clothes!
When you visit Hobart with family, spend a couple of hours enjoying the fantastic stalls at Salamanca Market. The great atmosphere with beautiful buildings and parks along Hobart Waterfront makes for an enjoyable trip to Hobart. Don't forget your camera because there are plenty of photo opportunities throughout the lovely city streets that will take your breath away!
Try local foods at Farm Gate Markets
Opening hours: Sundays, 8:30am - 1pm
Farm Gate Market in the city centre of Hobart is the perfect place to find fresh local produce in an authentic setting. On Sundays, the inner-city street is transformed into a bustling farmers' market with a great atmosphere and delicious food options.
Farm Gate Market opens every Sunday at 8.30 am, so take your family to stock up on fresh produce like artisan cheese, olive oil, Tasmanian wine, tea, locally roasted coffee and more!
The kids will enjoy the lovely play area at the markets and some fresh baked goods like sourdough doughnuts, great toasties and sourdough crumpets. For your taste buds, there are plenty of street-food stalls available.
Please note that dogs are not allowed at Farm Gate Market.
Explore the Battery Point Sculpture Trail
Sculpture Trail: start your walk at Salamanca Place
Opening hours: Open all-day
If you want to take a walk through some of the most beautiful streets, historic buildings and delicious food options in Hobart, the historic Battery Point and the Battery Point Sculpture Trail are the places that will leave your heart full.
Battery Point was named after a gun battery that was set here back in 1818 to serve as the cityβs coastal defence.
Take the kids to explore the Battery Point Sculpture Trail. An amazing 2-km walking trail, half scavenger hunt and half history lesson! The self-guided walk starts at Salamanca Place, goes along the lower estuary of Derwent River, around Battery Point and ends at Short Beach on Sandy Bay.
During the walk, you'll find 9 unique numerical sculptures that represent various signposts - weights and measures, times and quantities, dates and distances, all explain the compelling history of Hobart, Tasmania.
Around the historic Battery Point, youβll pass some oldest Georgian cottages, the first factories and gorgeous houses with stunning gardens. The highlight of this area includes the heritage-listed Lenna House, which has been turned into the luxurious Lenna Of Hobart Hotel.
Battery Point is a great place for families. You can visit Princess Park, a lovely picnic spot, and the Battery Point Park Playground with modern play equipment and public toilet facilities. You'll also find some delicious food and desserts at the local cafes while strolling through the charming neighbourhoods.
Take your family to Long Beach Sandy Bay
Sandy Bay, the scenic southern suburb with a small-town feel is just a short walk from the city centre of Hobart yet has a youthful atmosphere thanks to the Hobart Campus of the University of Tasmania.
In the Summer months (October - March), you can experience Hobart Twilight Market which runs on Long Beach Sandy Bay on the 1st and 3rd Friday of the month, from 4:30 pm to 9 pm.
Bring your family to the Long Beach Reserve for a picnic or walk around with your dog. You and the kids will love exploring this beautiful area with its great views of the harbour and the children's playground on-site! Long Beach Reserve Playground is perfect for families - fantastic play equipment like swings, slides, sea-saws, picnic tables, barbecue facilities, public toilets on-site, flat walk paths, and plenty of parking, so you can enjoy your day out with your family!
On your day trip to Long Beach in Hobart, there are so many things to do for families! You can have a swim, play on the beach, enjoy a family picnic and walk along the white sand beach. Take the kids over to one of the nearest kids' play areas or enjoy a picnic at this perfect picnic spot, and stroll along the white sands of Sandy Bay enjoying the great coastal walk!
Long Beach Reserve address:
Hobart Twilight Market address:
Experience Brooke Street Pier
Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday 9 am - 9 pm; Friday to Saturday 9 am - 10 pm
Hobart Twilight Festival opening hours: every month on the last Friday, from 4:30 pm to 9 pm
Visit Brooke Street Pier, the heart of Hobart Waterfront precinct. The shed-like structure on Franklin Wharfβs south side is not to be missed! It also happens to be Australiaβs longest floating pontoon (80 meters long, 20 meters across) with a high tech terminal for ferries as well markets where you can buy various local produce, truffle oil, saffron, posh fudge, teas, cosmetics, local souvenirs and design items. The market at the pier is a fantastic family experience in Hobart Tasmania! You can find everything you need there.
Don't miss the Hobart Twilight Festival at Brooke Street Pier which is held every month on the last Friday night, starting from 4:30 pm to 9 pm!
Hobart Twilight Market is an amazing family experience that has begun at beautiful Long Beach in Hobart and became very popular amongst families with kids over the years. The market has expanded to include a second event at Brooke Street Pier, offering plenty of fun activities which makes this place perfect for families! You'll find there a variety of foods and drinks, live music performances and entertaining activities at Hobart Twilight Market at Brooke Street Pier.
The best part? You can bring your dog along too as Hobart Twilight Market is dog-friendly!
