Launceston with a Toddler: Big Adventures for Little Explorers
Travelling or exploring with a toddler in tow? You will find Launceston is full of family-friendly spaces that are fun, relaxed and easy to navigate. Ideal when your day is shaped by nap windows, snack breaks and spontaneous moments of wow!
Here is a local’s three-day guide for toddler adventures in Launceston, designed for little legs and curious minds and with plenty of good coffee and food for grown-ups too.
Day One: Riverbend Park and the Waterfront Wander
Start your morning at Riverbend Park, Launceston’s award-winning play space that was made with families in mind. It a thoughtfully designed playground with water play, musical installations, toddler-friendly climbing frames, fully fenced toddler and baby space and the legendary ‘Big Yellow Tower’.
“I want to go to the Big Yellow Tower Park”
Parents take note and wear comfy clothes because saying no to the climb is almost impossible. The view from the top is absolutely worth it!
Before hitting the slides grab a takeaway coffee from the Peppers Silo Hotel just a few steps away.
Once the kids have run, slid and bounced out their energy take a slow walk along the Seaport Boardwalk. It is wide enough for prams, scooters or just a hand-in-hand stroll. Toddlers will love spotting birds, boats and dogs, while grown-ups can soak up the kanamaluka Tamar River views.
Hungry? Pull up at Levee Food Co where you can grab hot chips for little fingers and a scoop of Van Diemens Land ice cream for dessert.
And yes, parents, you can enjoy a glass of local wine and beer while you are there. My favourites are the Josef Chromy bubbles or a Delamere Pinot Noir.
Day Two: Waffles, Community Gardens and ROAR-ing Fun at QVMAG
Start your morning with easy parking at Inveresk carpark and head straight to Blue Social for brunch. Their crispy waffles, warm atmosphere and the perfect babyccino and flat white combo make it a relaxing start to the day, for everyone!
From there take the scenic route to the Queen Victoria Museum QVMAG via the community garden. Toddlers love spotting what is growing, maybe strawberries, silverbeet or towering sunflowers. It is a lovely moment of calm and curiosity before diving into the next round of exploring
Inside the museum there is so much to discover. The dinosaur and animal displays always impress with interactive features and hands-on exhibits designed to let little ones touch, learn and marvel.
One of our favourites is the permanent Tasmanian tiger thylacine display. This beautifully presented exhibit offers a closer look at one of Tasmania’s most iconic and now presumably extinct species. From its unusual biology to the myths and misunderstandings that surrounded its final years, it sparks curiosity in kids especially as they try to grasp that it is not a dog and quiet reflection in adults.
Six Extinctions: A Powerful and Fascinating Stop
For something that surprises grown-ups just as much as the little ones, do not miss the Six Extinctions exhibition.
This immersive experience takes you through the six major extinction events that have reshaped life on Earth, five from the distant past and one we are living through right now.
For toddlers it is all about giant creatures, fossils and wide-eyed roar moments. For adults it is a chance to explore how life evolves, adapts and sometimes disappears. It is visually rich, thoughtfully designed and delivers just the right balance of science and storytelling.
“He goes ROOOAAARRR!”
Six Extinctions is open until 17 August 2025, so make sure to catch it while you can.
Wrap up your visit with a ride on the historic tram just outside the museum, a charming way to end the trip with one last little adventure.
Day Three: Penny Royal Fun and a Walk Into Nature
For a mix of quirky fun and natural beauty start your adventure at Penny Royal. It is a bit unexpected and absolutely worth a visit with little ones.
Here you can grab a woodfired pizza, watch the mini re-enactment of the convict settlement at Sarah Island and even hop aboard the Dark Ride, a gentle boat journey through Tasmania’s wild colonial history, including a tribute to the beloved bushranger Mathew Brady. It is fun, a little eccentric and full of surprises that toddlers and their grown-ups will love.
“Mathew Brady is a really cool dude”
After your adventure pop the toddler in the backpack or the pram and head toward Cataract Gorge, our true gem and a natural wonder right on the edge of the city.
If you are feeling energetic take the Zig Zag Track which begins just before you cross the Kings Bridge. It is steep and challenging, so best for those looking for a cardio hit and babywearing their little one.
For a more relaxed route and pram-friendly cross Kings Bridge and follow the riverside walkway. It is about a 15 to 20 minute stroll into the Gorge with plenty to spot along the way. Keep you eye out for Seals on the rocks all the way up the Gorge.
Once there enjoy watching the resident peacocks, grab a cold drink or more ice cream and simply take a moment to appreciate just how magical this place is. Don’t forget to take you togs (Swim wear for those without Queensland birth rights), the council funds a public swimming pool in the summer months or join the locals in the Gorge itself.
When it is time to head back to your hotel look up the free Tiger Bus. It runs seven days a week and regularly passes the Gorge entrance making it an easy and stress-free way to get back into town with tired little legs and parents.
A Few Other Local Tips and Tricks
If the weather turns wet
Launceston’s Aquatic Centre is warm, fun and ideal for all ages. Dive in, splash about and enjoy getting wet indoors.
For something active and undercover, try Beta Park — a fun indoor bouldering gym where toddlers can try climbing in a safe space.
Need to slow down?
The Star Theatre often screens kid-friendly films and has comfy bean bags and room to move. You can even order a coffee (or a wine) straight to your seat. Or take it slow in City Park with a picnic under the giant English trees, room to run on the open lawns, a sweet little train ride, and the cheeky monkeys in the Japanese macaque enclosure.
Kid-Friendly Places to Eat
Du Cane Brewery and Dining Hall
The go-to in town for parents and kids. It is 100 percent child-friendly, with great pizza, a kids play areas, kids size tables and a relaxed local vibe.
Maple Café, High Street
Tasty, fresh meals and an outdoor playground where little ones can burn energy while you sip your coffee in peace.
Inside Café, Brisbane Street
This spacious, pram-friendly café is perfect for breakfast or lunch. The menu is full of toddler-friendly favourites like pancakes and eggs. The staff are quick and kind, and there’s colouring in near the front counter.
Le Petit Chou, Charles Street
A French-style café with a local twist — kids love the mini croissants, sweet pastries and colourful macarons. Parents will appreciate the excellent coffee; cosy setting and I can vouch for anything with hazelnut in it. A charming stop for morning tea with a little one.
Bubble Tea Station, Brisbane Street Mall
A surprise hit with toddlers and older kids. They offer a “make your own” bubble tea option with different flavours and toppings. A fun, interactive and a nice reward after a big walk around town. Seating is limited but takeaway is easy and Princes Square are close.
Van Diemens Land Creamery, Elizabeth Town
It’s a short drive outside Launceston, but well worth it. A fully enclosed lawn area with pizza, lawn games and what might just be the best ice cream in Tasmania and my favourite if you cant tell.
Launceston is not just a place to visit, it is a place to explore at toddler pace. Whether you are climbing towers, roaring at fossils or wandering beneath tree ferns these are the little moments that turn into lasting memories.
Tag us in your adventures, we would love to hear what your little explorers loved most!
With love to Launceston,
Roz and her 2.5yr old
