Two children sit on a log by the riverbank, watching the Burns Point Ferry cross the Richmond River in Ballina on a sunny day.

Family fun

Create lasting family memories in the great outdoors. From beach days and bike rides to hinterland adventures and riverside picnics, this region is packed with classic, feel-good experiences.

Ballina Coast & Hinterland is your go-to destination for outdoor fun - from fishing and surfing to waterslides, coastal walks and wildlife encounters. Kids can get hands-on with native animals, swim in lakes, bays or learn to surf and world class beaches.

Whether you're building sandcastles on the beach or exploring hidden hinterland trails, there’s something here for every age to enjoy. It's all about simple pleasures, shared experiences, and making memories that last a lifetime.

What's On for Kids

Looking for fun things to do with the kids? Check out our What’s On calendar to uncover family-friendly events, delicious dining deals, and hands-on workshops perfect for curious little ones (and their grown-ups too). Whether you’re planning a weekend adventure or seeking a last-minute idea, make sure to check the calendar today to make every visit to Ballina full of happy memories!

Live event calendar
Two young children feed a goat through a wooden fence at Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary in the Ballina Hinterland.
Gawandii Beach, Ballina

School Holiday Guide

The school holidays are all about fun, freedom, and new adventures — and there’s no better place to let loose than right here in the Ballina Coast & Hinterland! Discover exciting events, hands-on workshops and fun sport clinics happening these school holidays in our School Holiday Activity Guide.

Family dining on riverfront with sunset in background

Dining made easy

When it comes to dining with kids, think less stress and more smiles. From casual cafés where sandy feet are welcome to restaurants with menus designed to please even the fussiest of little food critics, our region makes eating out easy. For hand-picked suggestions and insider tips, check out our Family-Friendly Dining Guide

Father playing with two young children at the beach in Ballina, NSW, enjoying a sunny family day by the ocean.

Let us plan your days

Plan the perfect family getaway with our Four-Day Itinerary around the Ballina Coast & Hinterland. From dolphin spotting and rock-pool adventures to meeting farm animals, chasing waterfalls and beachside fun, each day is packed with easy, family-friendly activities that balance adventure with relaxation.

Family friendly activities and attractions

Lois Cook is a Traditional Custodian of Ngangbul Country in the Bundjalung Nation of Eastern Australia. Ngangbul lands stretch from Brunswick Heads in the north, through Byron Bay and Ballina, down to Wardell and Cabbage Tree Island on the Richmond River, reaching Evans Head in the south. Aboriginal Cultural Concepts provides cultural experiences across various... Read More

Aboriginal Cultural Concepts

Ballina | Cultural and Theme Tours
Education is critical to the future of this country’s wildlife. Australian Seabird and Turtle Rescue (ASTR) are a not-for-profit wildlife group located in Ballina. Their rescue truck, purpose-built hospital and rehabilitation aviaries allow volunteers to rescue and rehabilitate injured seabirds, sea turtles and sea snakes. Support the rescue efforts by joining one of the interactive... Read More

Australian Seabird and Turtle Rescue

Ballina | Attraction
Discover the thrill of disc golf at Ballina’s Bicentennial Gardens, home to the region’s very own pioneering course! Grab your discs from the Visitor Information Centre and gear up for an unforgettable day with family and friends. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a curious beginner, the nine-hole, 28-par course offers the perfect blend of... Read More

Ballina Disc Golf

Ballina | Attraction
Looking to keep active, rain, hail or shine? The Ballina Indoor Sports Centre (BISC) is your go-to destination for year-round indoor sports and casual play. Conveniently located and purpose-built for community sport and recreation, the BISC features two full-sized, international-standard courts line-marked for basketball, netball, futsal, volleyball and pickleball. Whether you’re up for a casual... Read More

Ballina Indoor Sports Centre

Ballina | Attraction
Set sail on a journey through time at the Ballina Naval and Maritime Museum, where Australia’s maritime heritage meets hands-on discovery. Nestled in the heart of Ballina, this volunteer-run treasure trove is a must-visit for history buffs, curious minds, and families looking for an engaging and educational outing. Home to the world’s last surviving Las... Read More

Ballina Naval and Maritime Museum

Ballina | Attraction
Ballina Ten Pin Bowl is the ideal option for a wet weather activity or simply to add some fun to your day. Challenge your friends to a game or come along and join the locals and make some new friends. The bowling alley is air-conditioned and has a licensed snack bar and an indoor 9-hole... Read More

Ballina Ten Pin Bowl

Ballina | Attraction
Dive into family fun at Ballina Waterslides, located within the Ballina Memorial Pool and overlooking the picturesque Richmond River. A much-loved part of the Ballina skyline since 1981, Ballina Waterslides have become a local icon. The two slides offer something for everyone—choose the gentler green slide for a relaxing ride or the yellow slide for... Read More

Ballina Waterslides

Ballina | Attraction
Nine metres high and weighing 35 tonnes, the Big Prawn is one of Australia’s most famous Big Things. It’s hard to miss as you drive the main road into Ballina. It’s also hard to imagine the town without it. However, a prawnless Ballina was almost a reality. Twenty years after its birth in 1989, the... Read More

Big Prawn

West Ballina | Attraction
The Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary’s purpose is to create an awareness of the importance of respecting the natural world together with the community, by offering experiences that enable visitors to leave feeling fulfilled, with a newfound understanding and enjoyment of what Australia’s natural landscape has to offer, with the priority to respect, protect and enjoy... Read More

Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary

Knockrow | Attraction
Cherry Street Sports is a family-friendly dining and entertainment experience in Ballina. If you’re looking for a relaxed and welcoming spot the whole family will love than Cherry Street Sports in Ballina has you covered. Cherry Street Sports Bar & Bistro is open daily for lunch and dinner, offering a crowd-pleasing menu packed with family... Read More

Cherry Street Sports

Ballina | Food and Drink
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Upcoming events

The School Holiday Tennis Clinic in Ballina is the perfect way for kids to stay active and have fun these school holidays. Running across three mornings, the camp offers children the chance to learn new skills, make friends, and discover a sport they can enjoy with the whole family long after the camp finishes. Who... Read More

Ballina School Holiday Tennis Clinic

Sep 29, 2025 - Oct 1, 2025
Ballina
Byron Bay Skate School Day Camp is a great way to meet some new friends that share the same passion and improve your skateboarding skills. They offer a full day of skateboard instruction in a fun day camp environment, at their coaching facility in Byron Industrial Estate. It is a unique and fun experience for... Read More

Byron Bay Skateboard School Day Camp

Oct 1, 2025 - Oct 10, 2025
Byron Bay
Looking for a fun and active way to keep the kids entertained these school holidays? Football Fun Day (School Holiday Soccer Clinic) in Ballina offers an exciting day of football fun, perfect for children aged 5–12 years. The clinic runs rain or shine, with access to an indoor games room ensuring the fun never stops.... Read More

Football Fun Day – Soccer Clinic

Sep 29, 2025 - Oct 10, 2025
Ballina
During the school holidays The Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary offers a great experience for children aged between 12 and 18 where they can spend the day behind the scenes with one of the senior keepers. Children will discover what a day in the life of a sanctuary keeper is like through interactive, hands-on activities as... Read More

Keeper for a Day at the Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary

Oct 4, 2025 - Oct 9, 2025
Knockrow
Join the fun with Shorty Brown for a school holiday bingo bash made just for kids! Your ticket includes a bingo dabber to keep, a Bingo book, colouring pencils, a Kids Popper Voucher and entry into the colouring competition. Play up to five full house bingo games (time permitting). Three Bingo Winners receive an AUD15... Read More

Kids Bingo with Shorty Brown

Oct 2, 2025
Ballina
Join Shorty Brown for a high-energy school holiday disco packed with music, movement, and fun – the perfect morning out for little groovers! Your ticket includes glow sticks to light up the dance floor, a pair of groovy disco glasses and a voucher for a kids popper drink. Tickets are only required for those participating... Read More

Kids Disco with Shorty Brown

Oct 9, 2025
Ballina
These school holidays DPIRD Fisheries are hosting a fishing workshop for kids aged eight to 14 in Ballina’s local waterways. Register for their hands-on free two-hour fishing workshop at Lance Ferris Wharf, Ballina. The fishing workshop includes sessions on how to rig up a rod, knot tying, fishing safety, correct casting techniques and a practical... Read More

Kids Fishing Workshop in Ballina

Sep 30, 2025
Ballina
Does your child love hands-on play? Have they been known to create masterpieces out of play dough? This school holidays, give them the opportunity to expand their horizons with clay. In an hour and a half Kids Pottery Class, children will explore hand building in a fun, supportive environment. Get their hands dirty with the... Read More

Kids School Holiday Pottery Class with Lunio by Sofie Ceramics

Oct 1, 2025 - Oct 3, 2025
Ballina
Something MAGICAL is heading to Lismore! Get ready for a 60-minute thrill ride of unbelievable magic, circus stunts, comedy, and high-energy fun that will leave the whole family cheering for more! Starring Jason the Magician – master of mind-blowing illusions, and Rhett the Circus Star – flips, tricks, and fearless fun you have to see to believe, this show... Read More

Magic and Circus Show Spectacular

Sep 30, 2025
Equi Kids have created a magical day designed especially for their littlest riders to enjoy gentle pony fun in a safe, supportive, and hands-on environment. Perfect for kids aged two to 10 years. Activities Include: Riding: Gentle guided pony rides tailored to tiny riders. Pony Painting (Safe Washable Paint): Decorate your pony with colourful, washable... Read More

Pony Clinic with Equi Kids – Ages 2 to 10

Oct 8, 2025
Lennox Head
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Ideas and inspiration

Last Updated: Planning a family trip? Ballina and Lennox Head are packed with fun activities for kids, from meeting wildlife and exploring waterfalls to hitting the beach or taking a creative workshop. Whether you’re looking for the best things to do in Ballina with kids, top family-friendly places to visit in Ballina, or adventure-filled fun... Read More

10 Best Family-Friendly Activities around the Ballina Coast & Hinterland

Last Updated: Looking for the perfect place to pitch a tent, park the caravan, or enjoy a luxury holiday cabin? The Ballina Coast & Hinterland offers some of the best camping and caravan parks along the North Coast, with beachfront locations, tranquil river views, and family-friendly facilities. Whether you’re after a pet-friendly retreat, a glamping... Read More

Best Camping & Caravan Parks around the Ballina Coast & Hinterland

Spend a fun-filled day in Ballina with the family, starting with scenic river views and wildlife spotting at the North Wall. Enjoy delicious breakfasts by the beach, explore rockpools and playgrounds, and take in beautiful coastal activities. With plenty of dining options, seasonal adventures like whale watching, and iconic local sights, Ballina offers the perfect... Read More

Exploring Ballina: A Perfect Family Day

Top Kid-Friendly Restaurants You’ll Love Last Updated: Planning a family outing can sometimes feel like a juggling act, especially when it comes to finding a place to eat that keeps everyone happy. Luckily, the Ballina Coast and Hinterland is filled with fantastic dining spots that cater to both kids and grown-ups alike. Whether you’re after... Read More

Family-Friendly Dining in Ballina Coast & Hinterland

Explore towns & villages

Newrybar

Lennox Head

Teven & Tintenbar

Alstonville

Ballina

South Ballina

Wardell