Best activities for toddlers

Searching for something to do with the littlest member of your family?

These early years are a precious time for bonding and development. That’s why it's so important to make time for activities that are just as enjoyable as they are stimulating. We want to feed their minds and unleash their budding personalities while still creating fun memories. And yes, with our help, you can have it all!

Searching high and low, we’ve gathered a list of toddler-friendly experiences that you’ll both enjoy.

Buzzing with activity, the Gold Coast is home to a treasure trove of toddler-approved experiences.

Fruit and fun? Now that’s a recipe for a happy toddler. Spend a day at Tropical Fruit World and immerse your senses in over 500 varieties of exotic tropical fruit. With a heap to do, you can join the Plantation Safari, try samples at the tasting show or watch the kids play around with cubby houses, ball-game equipment and more on ‘The Island’. The best part? Kids aged 0-3 or under 60cm tall can get in for free!

Like a wonderland for the senses, the IMAGINATOR Future Playground Experience will keep your toddler occupied. Playing on sight and sound, this experience is filled with shimmering lights and sound sculptures that’ll excite the senses. Beyond the displays, there’s also a variety of creative play zones for all ages, making this one the whole fam can get in on. Just a heads up, shoes aren’t allowed, but you’ll be given complimentary socks to wear inside.

Sightseeing with a toddler? Don’t get stuck pushing the pram around – jump on the Aquaduck tour and explore the Goldy in comfort. The little one will have a ball seeing the vehicle go from land to water. Cruising around, you’ll keep a watchful eye out for dolphins and other wildlife that call this place home. A fun bonus, the kids can take the helm and will even get a souvenir captain’s certificate to take home.

With something always going on, Sydney has plenty on offer for families looking to entertain the toddlers.

A trip to the zoo is a rite of passage for any young kid. Head to Taronga Zoo and introduce your toddler to the many different animals that call this place home, like the giraffes, tigers, koalas and more. With free bird and seal shows to watch, this is a hit for all members young and old. While you will need to buy tickets for kids and adults, infants between 0 and 3 can get in free of charge!

Show your little one the iconic Blue Mountains with a day at Scenic World . Toddler-friendly, there’s plenty of room for a pram along the boardwalks. With native flora and fauna and educational snippets all around, you can show them a new side of nature. Oh, and you can’t forget the railway, cableway and skyway - this is always a treat for the kids! Just remember to pack hats and plenty of sunscreen to keep their little heads protected.

Take your scallywag out for a day on the water with the Tall Ship Afternoon Discovery Cruise . A fun way to explore the iconic Sydney Harbour while teaching them a little history, you’ll step back in time the moment you board this authentic 1850s vessel. The experience does go up to 90 minutes but finger food snacks are included with your ticket so it might be a good idea to pack a few drinks as well.

A tonne of animals and a heap of attractions? That’s more than enough to keep your toddler entertained. An absolute steal, nab a Sydney Attractions Pass and get access to four of the city's top family-friendly attractions. Introduce a wide range of animals to your child at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo then go check out the fun at Madame Tussauds and the Sydney Tower Eye. There’s no rush – from your first visit, you’ll have 60 days to visit the rest.

Down in Melbourne, you’ll find no shortage of experiences when it comes to entertaining the young ones.

Do you have a little creative on your hands? Encourage your tot’s artistic abilities by surrounding them with art at THE LUME Melbourne . Going on a journey through Leonardo da Vinci’s work, these interactive installations will inspire and educate the whole family. Don't stress if you’re little ones get hungry - there is a cafe on site, but this is a cash-free venue so make sure you bring a card if you want to grab a feed.

If your little one is a Thomas the Tank Engine fan, then you can’t go past a ride on the historic Puffing Billy steam train . This heritage steam train experience is an engaging way to experience Victorian history – people four years and older can even dangle their legs from the traditional open side carriages. A fun day out, you can make it even better by adding on a picnic pack for your tribe to enjoy – just make sure to pre-book it before you go.

Shake up the normal routine of puzzles and Bluey by taking your youngster to admire metal art at Metart World . Full of interesting statues made from scrap metal and recycled materials, this experience is good for the senses as they can touch, hold, ride and even drive the pieces. There’s even an interactive art lab, mirror maze and more to keep the little ones busy. Oh, and there’s free street parking right outside of the gallery - bonus!

If finding random Lego pieces and Nemo are a norm in your home, then you need to grab pass to Legoland and SEA Life Melbourne for your toddler. Awesome value, you can hit up both attractions for endless fun. Spend some time in LEGOLAND and go on rides, see LEGO structures and watch a film in the 4D cinema before swapping building blocks for animals with a trip under the sea at SEA LIFE Melbourne. The best part? Anyone two or under can get in for free!