10 Things to Do with Children on the Mornington Peninsula
You might think of its famous vineyards, gourmet food trail, or picturesque coastal town when you hear about the Mornington Peninsula. The Peninsula is known for its friendly atmosphere, which offers endless possibilities for discovery and fun. This diverse region is just a short drive away from Melbourne and offers a beautiful mix of natural beauty and cultural experiences. It also has kid-friendly activities that will make this the ideal holiday destination for any family looking to spend time together, relax, and explore.
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Mornington Peninsula is a great place to take your children if they love animals, nature, history, or just playing outside. This is a detailed look at the 10 best activities for kids in Mornington Peninsula, including beachcombing, hot springs, and market hopping.
1. A Day at the Beach for Curious Kids
Mornington Peninsula boasts 190 km of coastline with a mixture of calm, protected bays and dramatic surfing beaches. It is easy to customize beach adventures for kids of all ages.
Portsea Back Beach & Rock Pools: A Natural Aquarium
Portsea Back Beach is a magical place for children, thanks to its amazing rock pools. Kids are fascinated by the micro-world of marine life right under their feet. This is unlike traditional beach tri, where sand gets everywhere and sun safety may be an issue. The pools are filled with starfish and crabs. Small fish dart between the seaweed. These rock pools are a great way to entertain children with little equipment. All you need is a pair of water shoes, and if you’re curious.
Natural rock formations such as London Bridge and sea caves nearby add to the adventure. This area is great for imaginative play. Kids love to pretend they are explorers and pirates looking for hidden treasures.
Fossil Beach and Mount Martha: A Walk Through Time
Fossil Beach is a great place for families that love to learn about history and enjoy nature. The limestone cliffs were discovered in 1850 and contain fossils of ancient marine life which thrived between 10 to 15 million years ago. While kids explore the beach and imagine prehistoric creatures, parents can explain the geological processes that shaped the cliffs. It is a wonderful experience to walk from the Bentons Road Picnic Area down to the beach, as you will be greeted by stunning views and native vegetation.
2. Enchanted Adventure Garden
The Enchanted Adventure Garden is a great place for your children to have fun with puzzles, climbing, and other activities. This magical garden is regarded as one of the Peninsula’s best family attractions.
Maze Mania & More
Highlights include the hedge-mazes. One is made of tall, dense hedges, while another uses Blue Gum trees to create a sensory experience. While solving puzzles and looking for clues as they weave through the maze, kids develop spatial awareness, problem-solving, and other skills.
There is also a pram-friendly canopy walkway, which allows even toddlers to enjoy the views from treetops without getting tired. The walk offers a unique view of native bush and gardens from an elevated, shaded location.
Adventure and Adrenaline
The garden also offers zip-lining for the braver kids and teens. These activities encourage fitness and build confidence in a fun environment.
Restaurants and other facilities
The garden has a lot of picnic areas with shade, a café that serves fresh local food, and toilet facilities. You can spend the whole day without having to leave. There are often themed programs during school holidays that add value to your visit.
3. All Aboard the Mornington Railway
Train enthusiasts rejoice! The Mornington Railway is a nostalgic ride on vintage trains through rural landscapes. This is one of only a few heritage railways that allow kids to see, hear, and smell steam engines in action.
What to Expect
The line runs from Moorooduc to Mornington. It passes through farmland and bushland as well as small towns. The ride is a short one, lasting less than an hour. It’s perfect for younger children to keep them entertained without getting restless. Kids love to look out the windows and listen to the train bell and whistle. They also enjoy chatting with the enthusiastic volunteers, who are happy and willing to share facts and stories.
Special Events and Extras
Themed rides such as “Santa Express”, “Thomas the Tank Engine”, and “Santa Express” are available during school holidays or special events. They provide entertainment, costumes, and activities for younger children. Moorooduc Station is equipped with picnic areas and hosts many community events. It’s a great place to stay before or after a ride.
4. Snorkeling the Octopus Garden
Snorkeling is usually associated with tropical Queensland, but the waters of the Mornington Peninsula offer a similar underwater experience — particularly for families who are just learning how to snorkel.
The Octopus’s Garden Trail is located at Rye Pier
This 200-meter underwater path is designed specifically for families and beginners. The trail is marked both above and below the waterline to guide snorkelers through different marine habitats. The kids can see vibrant sea slugs and camouflaged Seahorses. They will also find delicate sponge gardens. A shy seahorse relative, the weedy seadragon is a rare treat.
Safety and accessibility
Rye Pier has calm, sheltered waters that are safer for kids and beginners. Although the trail is shallow (0.5-3 meters), parents should supervise their children at all times and keep an eye on tide times to ensure visibility.
5. Fantastic Playgrounds Located Along the Peninsula
There’s nothing better than a playground to relax, explore, and meet new friends. Mornington Peninsula playgrounds cater for all ages and abilities. They are often located in beautiful natural settings.
Waterfront Reserve Foreshore Playground in Frankston
The sandpits are shaded, there are safe climbing structures, and the sandcastle-themed playground will inspire creativity in toddlers and preschoolers. This playground is a great place for family outings, as the boardwalk that leads to it offers great views. It also has space for bikes and scooters.
Sorrento Historic Park Playground
This fort-style play area at the southern tip ignites children’s imaginations. They can pretend to defend castles or be explorers who discover hidden treasures. With its rolling hills and grassy terrain, the parkland surrounding it is perfect for kite-flying, rolling races, and picnics. The lookout nearby offers panoramic views of the Bay, while the helipad provides a unique curiosity to children who are fascinated by helicopters.
You may encounter large stingrays while exploring the steps down to the beach. They are often seen lying near the sea wall. Keep a respectful distance from the stingrays and encourage your children to watch quietly.
6. Explore Local Markets with Kids
The markets are more than just shopping venues. They are sensory playgrounds, where children can try new foods, watch crafts being made, and listen to live music. Peninsula’s markets offer a lively, social atmosphere welcoming to families.
Red Hill Market – The Big One
The Red Hill Market, held monthly (normally on the second Sunday), is one of the highlights on the Peninsula calendar. Over 300 stalls offer locally-grown produce, artisan food, handmade toys and costumes, as well as art and craft. The colorful displays will captivate children, who may even ask for a wooden toy and a face-painting session.
A tip for food lovers: Go straight to The Flying Calamari Brothers. This family-run stall serves golden, crisp calamari on paper cones, making it a tasty and portable snack. Fresh homemade lemonade is a refreshing and tangy drink for warm days.
7. Drive-in Movie Nights in Dromana
The DromanaDrive-Inn offers a nostalgic experience that is loved by families. This drive-in cinema offers an unforgettable experience for kids to watch movies in the comfort of their car or even on the back of the ute under the stars.
Sessions Family Friendly
During holidays, early sessions are offered so that younger children can still enjoy the show without having to stay up late. Weekly, the movie program is updated and includes many popular children’s films.
8. Sunnyridge Strawberry Farm
Sunnyridge Strawberry Farm, located in Main Ridge, offers the opportunity to pick your fruit. This is a great activity for kids because it is hands-on and outdoors. It’s also delicious!
Strawberry Picking and Beyond
Families can pick ripe, juicy strawberries to bring home. The experience is educational for children, who learn about the growth of fruit, its importance, and the joy of eating produce fresh from the source.
Dessert Cafe: Sweet Finish
Visit the Dessert Cafe after picking your berries. You’ll find a variety of classic desserts, including Eton mess, a combination of whipped cream, meringue, and fresh strawberries, as well as ice cream sundaes. It’s a great place to relax and recharge in a rural setting.
Farm tours and cooking demos are also part of the seasonal activities that take place at the farm, adding to family fun.
9. Enjoy a Scenic Walk Along the Sorrento Millionaires Walk
The Sorrento millionaires walk will appeal to families who like a gentle workout and want to enjoy spectacular views. This easy-to-navigate coastal path winds along the cliff tops with views of Port Phillip Bay and some historic mansions on the Peninsula.
What makes it special?
It’s not just about the views, though they are breathtaking. Interpretive signs along the route tell the history of the area, including early settlers’ lives and how the peninsula developed over time. While parents enjoy the natural beauty and history, children can have fun spotting birds and plants.
It’s legal to walk through the garden, even if it is close to a private one.
10. Peninsula Hot Springs is the Perfect Place to Relax and Unwind
Peninsula Hot Springs is the ideal place to relax after a day of excitement.
Thermal Experiences Available in a Variety of Varieties
There are pools with varying temperatures for all ages. A large family pool is shallow and warm enough to be enjoyed by young children. The cave pool has ambient lighting, which makes it feel like you’re in a magical grotto. There are also reflexology walks that stimulate tired feet.
The saunas, Turkish baths, plunge pools, and thermal mineral showers are all available for adults and older children to enjoy.
Plan Your Visit
Peninsula Hot Springs is a very popular destination. Booking in advance is recommended, particularly during weekends and school holidays. The experience is enhanced by visiting during cooler months, such as autumn and winter. The contrast between the crisp air of the season and the warm water feels rejuvenating.
Final Thoughts
Mornington Peninsula has something to offer every member of the family, whether it is the excitement of discovering something new in nature, the joy that comes from learning something, or the simple pleasure of enjoying time with your loved ones in a beautiful location. The Mornington Peninsula is a place where every day can be an adventure filled with laughter, learning, and lasting memories.
Pack your bags and grab the family to discover one of Victoria’s best-loved family destinations. Mornington Peninsula welcomes you with open arms and lots of fun!
