Back to previous page
Special Offer

Kids’ and family activities

Looking for something to do with the kids? NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service has plenty of family-friendly events and tours on offer during school holidays.

Become a junior ranger for the day, get inside the tallest lighthouse in NSW, or check out a historic gaol or a gold mine.

Children can join a spotlight tour after dark, or learn to find bush tucker with an Aboriginal Discovery Ranger. 

We offer tours across many NSW regions so you’re bound to find something fun near you.

Family enjoying a guided tour of Copeland Tops State Conservation Area. Credit: Destination NSW

Book an activity near you

North Coast NSW

An NPWS ranger and a young woman and man look at the Gondwana circle map on the ground, Dorrigo National Park. Photo: 'And the trees’ Photography © NPWS

Discovering Gondwana short tour

Experience the rainforest like never before, on a 2km ranger-guided walk through World Heritage-listed Dorrigo National Park. It's only 1hr from Coffs Harbour, but you'll feel worlds away.

Price
Fees apply. Park entry fees apply.
When

Daily from Tuesday 11 April Saturday 22 April 2023.

Daily from Monday 3 July to Saturday 15 July 2023.

Daily from Monday 25 September to Saturday 30 September 2023.

Daily from Tuesday 3 October to Saturday 7 October 2023.

Tours do not run on Wednesdays or Sundays.

Tour times: 10.30am to 11am, 11.30am to 12pm, 12.30 to 1pm, 2pm to 2.30pm

Where
Dorrigo Rainforest Centre, Dorrigo National Park
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
Ranger Matt crouching beside a log to show the fungi growing on it, Dorrigo National Park. Photo: Jane Grebert. © DPE

Gumbaynggirr culture rainforest tour

These school holidays, bring the family to this tour in Dorrigo National Park, near Coffs Harbour. Gumbaynggirr Ranger Matt will share his language and culture as he guides you through the rainforest.

Price
Fees apply. Park entry fees apply.
When

Wednesday 12 April, 19 April, 5 July, 12 July, Wednesday 27 September, Wednesday 4 October, Wednesday 27 December 2023

Tour times: 10.30am to 12pm; 1.30pm to 3pm

Where
Dorrigo Rainforest Centre, Dorrigo National Park
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
An Indigenous education ranger shares her local cultural knowledge of the rainforest. Photo: Karina Davila-Otoya ©DPIE

Yun yi barragay tour

Join this ranger-guided Aboriginal cultural tour along the rainforest boardwalk in Sea Acres National Park. You’ll go on a unique journey of discovery and learning.

Price
Fees apply. Free park entry.
When

16 June, 7, 14 and 21 July, 18 August, 29 September, 6 October, 17 November and Friday 15, 22 and 29 December 2023, 10am to 11.30am.

Where
Sea Acres Rainforest boardwalk, Sea Acres National Park
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
Visitors and ranger examine strangler vine, along Sea Acres Rainforest boardwalk. Photo: John Spencer © OEH

Sea Acres Rainforest boardwalk tour

If you’re near Port Macquarie, come along to this unique ranger-guided experience in Sea Acres National Park. You’ll enjoy a walk under the lush canopy of this rare and spectacular coastal rainforest.

Price
Fees apply. Free park entry.
When

Thursday 13 July 2023. Every Tuesday and Thursday from Tuesday 26 September to Thursday 5 October 2023. 

Times: 10am to 10.40am, 11am to 11.40am and 12pm to 12.40pm.

Where
Sea Acres Rainforest boardwalk, Sea Acres National Park
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
Aboriginal education ranger sharing her cultural knowledge of Sea Acres Rainforest. Photo credit: Karina Davila-Otoya. © DPIE

Muluman tour

Take a walk to Shelly Beach in Sea Acres National Park on this Aboriginal ranger-guided activity. Discover bush tucker and medicine in the rainforest as you learn about Birpai culture.

Price
Fees apply. Free park entry.
When

Friday 29 September, 6 October, 17 November and Friday 15, 22 and 29 December 2023, 2pm to 3.30pm.

Where
Sea Acres Rainforest Centre, Sea Acres National Park
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
Smoky Cape Lighthouse tour, Hat Head National Park. Photo: And the tress photography © DPE

Smoky Cape Lighthouse tour

Walk alongside a NPWS Ranger on an intimate tour of Smoky Cape lighthouse, the tallest lighthouse in NSW. Take in the stunning coastal scenery, in your own small group.

Price
Fees apply. Free park entry.
When

The second Saturday of every month until Saturday 9 December 2023.

Additional school holiday dates: 27 September, 4 October 2023.

Tour times: 8.30am, 9am, 9.45am, 10.15am, 11am and 11.30am.

Each tour runs for 30 minutes.

Where
Smoky Cape Lighthouse, Hat Head National Park
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
Sunset above the Trial Bay Gaol walls, Arakoon National Park. Photo: Carolyn McPhee © DPIE

Trial Bay Gaol twilight tour

Explore Trial Bay Gaol by twilight with an NPWS guide by your side. Discover what life was like for prisoners  as you watch the sun set in beautiful Arakoon National Park, South West Rocks.

Price
Fees apply. Free park entry.
When

Friday 3 March 2023, 5.30pm to 7pm

Friday 14 April, 21 April, 5 May, 2 June, 7 July, 14 July, 4 August, 1 September, 29 September 2023, 4pm to 5.30pm

Friday 6 October, 3 November, 1 December, 22 December, 29 December 2023, 5.30pm to 7pm

Where
Trial Bay Gaol, Arakoon National Park
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
View through bars at Trial Bay Goal. Photo: Kim Payne Photography © DPE

Trial Bay Gaol: Life behind bars kids tour

Come along and find out what life behind bars was really like for the prisoners at Trial Bay Gaol, in Arakoon National Park near South West Rocks. Explore the gaol on this action-packed family tour.

Price
Fees apply. Free park entry.
When

Wednesday 12 April, Monday 17 April, Wednesday 19 April, Monday 3 July, Wednesday 5 July, Monday 10 July, Wednesday 12 July, Monday 25 September and Wednesday 27 September 2023, 3.30pm to 5pm.

Wednesday 4 October 2023, 4.30pm to 6pm.

Where
Trial Bay Gaol, Arakoon National Park
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo

Central Coast and Hunter region

Arial shot of The Ruins campground in Booti Booti National Park, between Wallis Lake and Seven Mile Beach. Photo credit: John Spencer © DPIE

Junior ranger: Booti Booti

Join us for a Junior ranger adventure, as we traverse the shores of Seven Mile Beach. Walk alongside a Discovery Ranger to find out what plants and animals live here, and how they survive in this magical environment.

Price
Fees apply. Park entry fees apply.
When

Thursday 13 July and 28 September 2023, Wednesday 10 January 2024, 10am to 12pm.

Where
The Ruins campground and picnic area
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
Family walking over a footbridge in the forest on a tour of Copeland Tops with a ranger. Photo credit and copyright: Destination NSW

Copeland Tops twilight tour

Experience the magic of Copeland Tops at twilight. Explore Hidden Treasure track and the historic buildings of Mountain Maid gold mine on this evening tour near Gloucester.

Price
Fees apply. Free park entry.
When

Tours run on the first Friday of the month.

Tour times:

  • 7pm to 9pm (January to March 2023)
  • 6pm to 8pm (April to September 2023)
  • 7pm to 9pm (October to December 2023)
Where
Mountain Maid gold mine, Copeland Tops State Conservation Area
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
Walkers enjoying view from the rock platform at Tomaree National Park. Photo: John Spencer © DPE

Rockpool ramble: Tomaree

Discover the amazing world of rockpools along the rocky shores of Fishermans Bay on the Tomaree National Park coastline. See what you can find below the surface, not far from Nelson Bay.

Price
Fees apply. Free park entry.
When

Thursday 28 September 2023, 12pm to 2pm.

Where
Tomaree National Park in North Coast
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo

Blue Mountains

Sugar glider resting on a branch. Photo: Pavel German © DPE

Katoomba Spotlight tour

Shh! What was that? Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Join our National Parks Discovery Ranger, for an exciting expedition under the stars. We'll discover the amazing creatures of the night on this easy 2hr tour.

Price
Fees apply. Free park entry.
When

July tours: Friday 14 July 2023, 5pm to 7pm. Meet at 4.45pm.

September and October tours: Friday 29 September and Friday 6 October 2023, 7pm to 9pm. Meet at 6.45pm.

Where
Katoomba area in Blue Mountains National Park in Sydney and surrounds, Country NSW
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
Cups of paint on fabric. Photo: Dylan Jones © DPIE

Exploring Aboriginal art group workshop

Gather a group of friends or family and learn about the connection between Aboriginal art at this hands-on workshop in Blue Mountains National Park.

Price
Fees apply. Free park entry.
When
Available on request, 7 days per week.
Where
Katoomba area
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo

South Coast NSW

Visitors cross a suspension bridge over a creek along Rainforest loop walk at Minnamurra Rainforest in Budderoo National Park. Photo: Elinor Sheargold © DPIE

Minnamurra Rainforest by torchlight

Go on a family-friendly after-hours guided tour in Budderoo National Park these school holidays. See Minnamurra Rainforest by night on this unforgettable adventure, inland from Kiama on the South Coast.

Price
Fees apply. Price includes park entry fee.
When

Tuesday 18 April, Monday 25 September, Wednesday 27 September 2023, 6pm to 7.30pm

Where
Lyrebird loop walk, Budderoo National Park

Snowy Mountains

Country NSW

'Deep Space' - the night sky over Warrumbungle National Park, filled with stars and constellations. Photo: B Heaton © the photographer

Explore the Dark Sky

These school holidays, experience the wonders of the night sky at Warrumbungle National Park, near Coonabarabran. It's Australia’s first officially accredited Dark Sky Park.

Price
Fees apply. Park entry fees apply.
When

September: Thursday 28 September 2023. Saturday 23 and 30 September 2023. Tour time: 7.15pm to 8.45pm. Meet at 7pm.

October: Sunday 1 October, Tuesday 3 October and Wednesday 4 October 2023. Tour time: 8.15pm to 9.45pm. Meet at 8pm.

Where
Warrumbungle Visitor Centre, Warrumbungle National Park
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
NPWS guide Pilliga Forest. Photo: Robert Cleary © DPE

Pilliga rambles tag-along tour

Come along on this fun tag-a-long tour in Timmallallie National Park. You'll walk alongside NPWS Discovery Ranger, Bevan, who'll share his experience and stories of the Pilliga Scrub.

Price
Fees apply. Free park entry.
When

Tuesday 26 September, Wednesday 27 September, Monday 2 October and Tuesday 3 October 2023, 9am to 2pm

Where
Timmallallie National Park in Country NSW
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
Walls of China, Mungo National Park. Photo: John Spencer/NSW Government

Mungo walk the Walls of China tour

When you visit Mungo National Park, take a tour to the Walls of China guided by an NPWS Aboriginal ranger. It's one of the most spectacular outback landscapes in NSW.

Price
Fees apply. Park entry fees apply.
When
Available on request.

Tours run most days. Dates and times are displayed when making an online booking.

Tour takes 2 hours. Meet behind Mungo Visitor Centre 15 minutes before the start of the tour.

Where
Mungo National Park in Murray-Riverina
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo

Greater Sydney

Two kids take part in a nature play activity. Photo: Rosie Nicolai © OEH

Junior ranger: Royal National Park

Discover Royal National Park this school holidays as a newly-appointed Junior Ranger. This interactive guided activity is designed for children aged 6 to 12 years.

Price
Fees apply. Park entry fees apply.
When

Tour dates: Tuesday 26 September and Thursday 28 September 2023. Tuesday 3 October and Thursday 5 October 2023.

Tour times: 11am to 12.30pm. Meet at 10.50am.

Where
Ironbark Flat picnic area, Royal National Park Visitor Centre, Royal National Park
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
Child's hand touches a textured tree trunk. Photo: Simone Cottrell © DPE

Little lyrebirds: Royal National Park

Discover the sights and sounds of Sydney’s Royal National Park this school holidays with a nature play activity designed for kids aged 3 to 5 years.

Price
Fees apply. Park entry fees apply.
When

Tour dates: Tuesday 26 September and Thursday 28 September 2023. Tuesday 3 October and Thursday 5 October 2023.

Tour time: 10am to 10.45am. Meet at 9.50am.

Where
Ironbark Flat picnic area, Royal National Park Visitor Centre, Royal National Park
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
Barrenjoey Lighthouse, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Photo: David Finnegan

Barrenjoey Lighthouse tour

Enjoy a Barrenjoey Lighthouse tour any Sunday afternoon. It stands at Sydney's northern-most point. The views of Broken Bay, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and the mighty Pacific are unforgettable.

Price
Fees apply. Free park entry.
When

Tours generally run every Sunday. Exceptions below. 

No tours on: Sunday 24 December 2023 (Christmas Eve), Sunday 31 December 2023 (New Year’s Eve) and Sunday 31 March 2024 (Easter Sunday). 

Additional school holiday tour dates: Friday 29 September 2023, Friday 12 January 2024 and Friday 19 April 2024. 

Tour times: 11am to 11.30am, 12pm to 12.30pm, 1pm to 1.30pm, 2pm to 2.30pm and 3pm to 3.30pm.

Where
Barrenjoey Lighthouse, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
Aerial view of Bare Island and the fort, Kamay Botany Bay National Park. Photo: S Cohen/OEH

Bare Island Fort guided tour

Join this guided tour to hear about the unpredictable history of Bare Island Fort at La Perouse. We'll cross a 130-year-old wooden bridge and enter a world of fine engineering and great deception.

Price
Fees apply. Free park entry.
When

Tour generally runs every Sunday. Exceptions below.

No tours on: Sunday 2 April 2023, Sunday 6 August 2023, Sunday 3 December 2023, Sunday 4 February 2024, Sunday 31 March 2024 and Sunday 7 April 2024. 

Additional school holiday tour dates: 

2023: Friday 21 April, Saturday 22 April, Friday 7 July, Saturday 8 July, Friday 14 July, Saturday 15 July, Friday 29 September, Saturday 30 September, Friday 6 October, Saturday 7 October, Friday 22 December, Saturday 23 December, Friday 29 December and Saturday 30 December.

2024: Friday 5 January, Saturday 6 January, Friday 12 January, Saturday 13 January, Friday 19 January, Saturday 20 January, Friday 19 April and Saturday 20 April. 

Tour times: 1.30 to 2.15pm, 2.30 to 3.15pm and 3.30 to 4.15pm.

Where
La Perouse area in Kamay Botany Bay National Park in Sydney and surrounds
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo