The Best Activities For Kids In Geelong

By: Ayesha Khan, ellaslist

With its great location right by the water, there can never be a shortage of things to do in Geelong. We found the best thrills and spills (and a few relaxing places) in the area for a great family day out. 

1. Geelong Botanic Gardens 

It may be just one of Geelong's best-kept secrets and it's FREE.

Connect with nature with a collection of plants from all over the world. Let the kids explore the colors and scents of this amazing plant collection in a fun hands-on surrounding. Relax on the lawns and spread out picnic blankets with plenty of open spaces for the little ones to explore and run around. The Gardens offer school visits and a Bugs Holiday Program as well where kids can go hunting for bugs and help build a cute little bug hotel for them. 

What you need to know
Where: 1-49 Garden St, Geelong VIC 3220
Timings: Daylight Savings hours: 8 am to 7 pm, all other times: 8 am – 5 pm
Email: botanic@geelongcity.vic.gov.au
For more information: see website

2. Adventure Park 

For a day full of thrills and spills, head over to Victoria’s biggest waterpark. There is something for everyone at Adventure Park with wet and wild games and rides to dry, fast rides for the ultimate thrill-seekers. There’s also plenty of slow rides for the little ones including the newly opened Red Baron plane ride and the all time favourite Ferris wheel. 

But remember, Adventure Park closes during winters. But not to worry, get ready to zoom down the slides when the park reopens in spring this year. 

What you need to know 
Where: 1249 Bellarine Hwy (B110) Wallington, Geelong 3222
When: To see exact opening hours and days open, click here:
Cost: General Admission 120 cm or over ($42) Junior Admission 90-120cm ($32) Child Admission (Free)

3. Fairy Park

Take a wander around Fairytale Land, Camelot Playground, and the Elephant Rock Picnic Grounds when you visit Fairy Park, a place of tales, myths and legends. Indulge your inner historian and immerse yourself in ye olden days with King Arthur and his Knights, or have yourself a cup of tea with Alice & Co at the Mad Hatter's Tea Party. 

Check out the handcrafted animated scenes that come to life with a push of a button - Cinderella is fabulous at the ball, and baby bear too cute in the Goldilocks scene.

For the adrenaline-junkies, there are a few rides, but mostly low key like the carousel and the giant slide.

What you need to know
Where: 2388 Ballan Rd, Anakie VIC 3213, Australia
Timings: The opening times for Fairy Park vary - check the website for details
Cost: Adult prices from 14 years $16.00
Children aged from 3 to 13 years $8.00 
Children under 3 – Free 

For more information: see website

4. Rollerway Newtown 

Rain or shine, take the kids for a classic family outing to Rollerway All Skate Centre in Geelong. This is one of Australia’s longest operating skate centres where everyone can enjoy roller skating and roller blading to funky music and a groovy light show. The centre also offers inline skating sessions and inline hockey sessions as well. Perfect for a family friendly day out where you can spend time together building skills, getting exercise and having fun. 

Rollerway also has an indoor skate park suitable for skates, skateboards and BMX cycles offering beginner features to high-end challenges. You can also browse through the centre skate shops for special deals on roller skates, roller blades and ice skates. 

What you need to know 
Where: 6 Lambert Avenue, Newtown, VIC 3220
Timings: Opening times may vary, for details click here
Cost: $11 Entry
For more information: see website

5. A Maze N Games 

A Maze ‘N’ Games is home to Australia’s largest timber maze. And when we say ‘largest,’ we mean MEGA. In fact, comprised of 15 linear kilometres of timber, this maze is said to be one of the trickiest in the country.
The aim of the game is to locate the four coloured flags within the castles, and then find your way out again. And if there’s someone in the family (not naming any names) who thinks their skills of direction are first rate, this could really put then to the test.

There is also mini golf, playgrounds as well as barbeque facilities available at A Maze ‘N’ Games.

What you need to know
Where: 1570 Bellarine Hwy, Wallington
Cost: Adult $12, children over three years $8.50
More info: see the website
 

6. Jirrahlinga Koala and Wildlife Sanctuary

At Jirrahlinga Koala and Wildlife Sanctuary, it’s all about conservation and nurturing animals back to health. When you visit,  you are playing a vital role in supporting this incredible work. Spread over five acres of land about 20 minutes’ drive from Geelong, the sanctuary was originally created as a safe haven for injured animals. There are plenty of wombats, birds and even a few snakes, foxes and dingos housed in secured enclosures. But the highlight for any kid would be the chance to get super close to the kangaroos and emus in a large walk-through enclosure. There is also an interactive Koala experience where you can get up close and personal to these sleeping beauties

What you need to know
Where: 170-200 Taits Rd, Barwon Heads VIC 3227
Timing: Open every day from 10am to 5pm 
Cost: Adults ($18), Children 3 – 15 years ($10) Children under 3 (FREE) 

For more information: see website