Family adventures
There’s plenty to keep kids busy in the Hills, whatever their age. From Puffing Billy and playgrounds to wildlife, water play and a few rainy-day options, here are some of our favourite things to do with kids.
Adventure & Outdoor Fun
Puffing Billy Steam Train
Climb aboard the historic steam train for a journey through the forest between the Hills towns. The open-sided carriages make it a particularly fun ride for kids, and even watching it arrive at a station can be a highlight. Check the timetable and book ahead, especially in school holidays. It’s a Hills classic, and one kids tend to remember long after the holiday is over.
Treetops Adventure Belgrave, Belgrave
Climb, balance and zipline through the forest canopy at Treetops Adventure Belgrave. There are different courses for different ages and abilities, so older kids and teenagers can take on more challenging sections while younger adventurers can start at their own level.
Australian Rainbow Trout Farm, Maccelesfield
Let the kids try their hand at catching a trout in the stocked ponds, with rods and bait available on site. You can have your catch cleaned and prepared to take home, which suits kids who like to get involved rather than just look. There’s something satisfying about catching your own lunch, and it’s a good way to spend a few hours outdoors.
Parks and Playgrounds
Olinda Precinct Nature Playscape, Olinda
A good spot for younger kids to burn off energy, with climbing equipment, slides, water play and plenty of space among the trees. It’s handy if you’re already in Olinda, and you can pick up something there for an easy picnic.
A spacious, community-built playground surrounded by trees at Montrose Recreation Reserve. There’s plenty of equipment for different ages, plus room to run around and explore.
An easy place for a picnic and a wander, with open space, walking paths and a lake to explore. The wading pool is aimed at younger kids and is generally open from December to March, but only when the temperature reaches 25°C, so check before you go.
On a hot day
A free water play park with fountains, jets and splash zones for younger kids. There’s grass and shade for parents, picnic areas, toilets and a playground next door. The water play runs from September to April. Bring towels and a change of clothes.
Belgrave Outdoor Pool, Belgrave
A heated outdoor pool in the heart of Belgrave, with a shallow toddler pool, grassy areas and shade. A simple option for a warm afternoon when the kids need somewhere to cool off.
A quieter alternative, with a 25-metre pool, a heated toddler pool and generous lawns among greenery. Check seasonal opening hours before you visit.
More ideas for hot days are on Summer in the Hills.
Nature & Easy Walks
William Ricketts Sanctuary, Mount Dandenong
More than 90 clay sculptures are tucked among the ferns and trees along winding forest paths. The sculptures depict Aboriginal people and animals, so it feels different from a typical garden or bush walk, and kids can spot them as they go.
A short forest walk through the Mountain Ash and fern-filled forest of Sherbrooke. The waterfall itself is fairly modest, but the walk is the attraction — especially after rain, when the forest is at its best.
Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden, Sherbrooke
A beautiful garden to wander with kids, with winding paths, a lake, bridges and the famous boathouse. There’s plenty to explore without needing to tackle a long walk, making it a good option for a slower family outing.
Raining outside?
A rainy-day favourite in Belgrave. The Cameo regularly screens family films and has special kids' sessions during school holidays, all in a beautiful old-school cinema. Check what's showing before you go.
Burrinja Cultural Centre, Upwey
A great rainy-day option for families, with changing exhibitions, Indigenous art, creative activities and plenty happening across the cultural centre. Check what's on during your visit, as there are often workshops and activities designed for children. Burrinja is open Wednesday to Sunday.
Worth the drive
Warburton Water World, Warburton
A fun summer day trip for families, with water play, splash areas and plenty of space to cool off, surrounded by the mountains at Warburton. It’s just under an hour from the Dandenong Ranges, so it works well if you’re looking for a bigger day out during the warmer months.
Healesville Sanctuary, Healesville
Make a day of it at Healesville Sanctuary, where kids can see some of Australia’s best-known animals, including koalas, kangaroos, wombats, dingoes and platypus. It’s an easy day trip from the Hills and a good option when you want to combine wildlife with a bit of exploring
