Not just for grown-ups: 12 family-friendly activities to do around Geraldton
The phrase to strike fear into the hearts of parents everywhere: “I’m boooooored!” Hearing that in the middle of what should be a relaxing, fun family holiday? Nightmare.
Luckily, Geraldton is brimming with family-friendly activities to make sure your next visit to the Midwest is action-packed.
Kick Flip Your Little Heart Out At One Of Nine Skate Parks
Got some mini Tony Hawks on your hands? Geraldton has oodles of skate parks for kids to chuck an ollie at – as well as rollerblade, BMX or scooter. With nine skate parks across Geraldton, you can try to test your skills at them all! (Please remember all the City’s Skate Parks are unsupervised, and usage is at your own risk.) To find out more about the parks and where they are, click here.
Cut Loose On The Pump And Jump Track
If the skate park isn’t quite doing the trick, the Pump and Jump Track will really have the kids cutting loose. Located on the banks of the Chapman River, the track is filled with a series of rollers and berms (that’s wibbly bits and side-y bits for us non-bikers), designed for riders to hone their skills. Just moments away is a skills track – with routes for beginner, intermediate and advanced riders, the track has all the climbs, drops, rollers, logs and rocks to challenge riders of any age!
Fun At The Foreshore Youth Precinct
As if they haven’t burnt off all that excess energy already, the Geraldton Foreshore Youth Precinct (considered the best youth space in WA) has plenty of activities to keep them occupied… All. Day. Long. We’re talking basketball, we’re talking foosball, we’re talking ping pong, soccer, hockey, netball, cricket, rebound tennis and handball – plus all the slides, bridges and swings you could ever imagine scrambling over. Once lunchtime comes around, there’s heaps of nearby cafés and eateries to keep ‘em happy and ward off any hunger.
Get The Adrenaline Pumping With Ultimate Watersports
If any older kids prefer to test their skills in the water, Ultimate Watersports will sort you out! With everything from water bikes to SUP boards, all the way up to jet skis and hydro jet packs to really get the adrenaline pumping!
Have A Splash At Aquarena
With Geraldton’s year-round sunshine, you’ll be tempted to spend plenty of time splashing about. Geraldton Aquarena’s range of swimming pools will have kids of all ages entertained – particularly the leisure pool, heated to 29 degrees, it features a 47m flume slide, lazy river, spa sea, water sprays and beach entry. If grown ups prefer to stay dry, they can recharge at the on-site café.
Let The Kids Run Wild At The Waterpark
We are starting to sense a theme! Little ones will love running through the Foreshore’s Waterpark – the ultimate energy burner! With an array of interactive water fountains, cannons and sprays, we definitely recommend packing your swimmers. Kids can also check out the huge playground next to the waterpark – it has sections for little kids and big, plus the whole area is surrounded by plenty of grass and trees to cool off under with a picnic.
To the south, the Esplanade offers sprawling views of Geraldton’s city and port from a 360-degree viewing platform. While you’re up there, try to spot the friendly sea lions that love to hang out on the iconic Seal Rock, and check out the signs along the way that tell you the story of the area and its (sometimes furry!) residents.
If the kids are still buzzing, head further north up the beach to the Beresford Foreshore. Newly reinvigorated, there’s a delightful shipwreck-inspired playground, next door to AJ’s Beach Café – where you can practically dip your toes in the water while waiting for your coffee!
Learn A Thing Or Two At The Museum Of Geraldton
About halfway between the Waterpark and the Beresford Foreshore park, you’ll hopefully stumble across the Museum of Geraldton. Part of the WA Museum family, it delves into Geraldton and the Midwest region’s history, from its ancient and unique landscapes, the rich culture and heritage of the Yamaji people and WA’s maritime past. The exhibitions are always evolving and engaging for the whole family – entry is free with donations encouraged.
Meet Some Fluffy (And Not So Fluffy) Friends At Greenough Wildlife Park
Say hi to some of the locals with a visit to Greenough Wildlife Park – home to kangaroos, dingoes, crocodiles and emus, plus many more native Australian animals. You’ll also find horses, camels and cows! If you really want to get up close and personal, there’s an animal encounter area to test your bravery.
And Search Along The Critter Trail on Chapman
Get inspired by your new furry (and scaly!) friends, and search for the hidden letters in the artwork along Chapman Road – once you’ve found all the letters you can unjumble them to reveal a secret password, and your chance to win heaps of fun prizes, including $100 of art supplies! Find out more by clicking here.
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Adventure To The Incredible Abrolhos Islands
A 122-island archipelago, the Houtman Abrolhos Islands is a spectacular, biodiverse destination. From Geraldton, you and the family can get there by boat or by plane – with scenic flights cruising over Geraldton and the three main island groups of Pelsaert, Easter and Wallabi. Spot pearl farms, fishing camps and marine life from the sky, as well as shipwrecks including the Batavia, which infamously sank in 1629 – plus you can stop for swimming and snorkelling at East Wallabi. Boat trips are only 80 minutes and go straight to Pelsaert Island, heading back to Geraldton at sunset after a day of exploring the turquoise waters and incredible coral.
Zen Out With Some Sunset Yoga
Ok, maybe all that adventuring around the playgrounds, parks and wild watersports of Geraldton has got the kids a little too amped up. Chill out with a free sunset yoga class – suitable for all ages and levels, summer classes are held at Stow Gardens, and winter classes are at QEII Seniors & Community Centre.
The City of Greater Geraldton School Holiday Program
Play your cards right and you and the fam might find yourselves in Geraldton for the school holiday program – chock a block with activities for kids of all ages, the program includes sports, arts and crafts, music, gaming and heaps more to keep them occupied!
Start planning your next north west family adventure via the Visit Geraldton Website.
Header Image: @allards.across.oz