Top Family-Friendly Activities in Bendigo (Updated 2025)
Bendigo’s world-renowned UNICEF/UNESCO child-friendly city status promises the perfect family getaway. This updated 2025 Bendigo family travel guide highlights the best family-friendly activities, from interactive museums and fun parks to outdoor adventures for toddlers through teens and beyond.
Famous family-friendly attractions in Bendigo
Several key attractions, from the Vintage Talking Tram to the celebrated art gallery, highlight the best of Bendigo tourism for kids. Below are the top things to do in Bendigo with kids for a memorable family trip.
The Zone Fun Park
Address: 1 Gildea Lane, East Bendigo, VIC 3550.
Opening hours: Monday-Thursday 3:30 pm-7:30 pm; Friday 12 pm-9:30 pm; Saturday 9:30 am-9 pm; Sunday 9:30 am-7:30 pm.
Entrance fee: Varies by activity (most start at AUD 15.50 per person).
This indoor fun park has go-karts, laser tag, roller-skating, arcades, and mini-golf under one roof. It welcomes kids of all ages and is an ideal spot for active family outings in Bendigo.
Local tip: The 3-hour Friday night combo deal (skating, laser tag, games) offers unlimited play for kids.
Bendigo Art Gallery
Address: 42 View Street, Bendigo.
Opening hours: Daily 10 am-5 pm (except 25 December).
Entrance fee: Free (permanent collection and most exhibitions).
Australia’s oldest art gallery is known for its world-class exhibits and educational, child-friendly activities in Bendigo. Kids can enjoy drawing pads and occasional hands-on crafts.
Local tip: Check for school holiday art workshops or free guided tours.
Discovery Science & Technology Centre
Address: 7 Railway Place, Bendigo.
Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 10 am–4 pm (closed on Mondays and during February).
Entrance fee: Adults AUD 16; Concession AUD 12; Child (3–15) AUD 12; Family AUD 50. Children under 3 are free.
It features over 100 interactive exhibits covering physics, space, biology, and a fun planetarium (extra charge). It’s one of the top spots if you’re looking for things to do in Bendigo on a weekend with kids.
Local tip: Book a science show or a planetarium session by booking ahead.
Bendigo Pottery
Address: 146 Midland Highway, Epsom, Bendigo.
Opening hours: Wednesday-Monday, 10 am-4 pm (closed Tuesdays).
Entrance fee: Museum & Heritage tour is AUD 8 (adults) and AUD 4 (children) (group/concession rates are available).
It is one of the best kid-friendly places in Bendigo, where they can explore historic kilns and watch pottery demonstrations. There’s also a kid-friendly hands-on area for wheel-throwing (booking required).
Local tip: Don’t miss the Antiques & Collectables Centre on site.
Central Deborah Gold Mine
Address: 76 Violet Street, Bendigo.
Opening hours: Daily 9:30 am-4:30 pm (closed 25-26 December).
Entrance fee: Guided Underground Tour AUD 39 (adult), AUD 29 (child 3-15 yrs); Explore-the-Surface AUD 7.50 (adult), children free; family underground tour AUD 109.
Let your kids take an adventurous underground tour of a real 1900s gold mine. This is among the most sought-after fun family activities in Bendigo, VIC, especially during school holidays.
Local tip: Wear comfortable shoes and a jacket (it gets cold underground).
Bendigo Tramways
Address: Tramways Ave, Bendigo VIC 3550
Opening hours: Daily 10:00 am-4:00 pm.
Entrance fee: Vintage Talking Tram: AUD 15 (adult), AUD 10 (child 3-15 yrs) (children under 3 free; hop-on/hop-off ticket).
This hop-on, hop-off tram tour takes families past Bendigo’s landmarks, and you can use it to discover more things to do in Bendigo with kids.
Local tip: Bring a camera and consider riding the whole circuit without hopping off.
Outdoor family-friendly activities in Bendigo
Bendigo’s great outdoors beckons family fun. Extensive parks and leafy trails offer outdoor, family-friendly activities. Kids can roam, run, and explore nature in the heart of town.
Explore Bendigo Botanic Gardens Playground
Address: 557 - 559 Napier Street, White Hills, Bendigo.
Opening hours: 7:30 am-6 pm (winter), 7:30 am-9 pm (daylight saving).
Entrance fee: Free.
This award-winning Wonderland-themed playground is one of the best places for families in Bendigo. Your little ones will love the hedge mazes, the secret “Wonderland” garden, and the giant throne chairs.
Local tip: Pack a picnic lunch – the garden café is on site for treats.
Enjoy a Family Picnic at Rosalind Park
Address: 30 Gaol Rd, Bendigo VIC 3550.
Opening hours: Open at all hours; Conservatory open daily 8 am-7 pm.
Entrance fee: Free.
Visit to enjoy picnics on the lawns, feeding ducks in the creek, and exploring the 1890s conservatory (indoors, with seasonal flower displays).
Local tip: Climb the Poppet Head tower (narrow stairs) for great city views.
Discover Lake Weeroona Playspace
Address: 298 Napier Street, Bendigo.
Opening hours: Open daily (parklands accessible 24/7).
Entrance fee: Free.
Join other locals to explore some of the best free things to do in Bendigo for families. Kids will love the large timber fort with slides and bridges, plus there’s a water play feature for warm days.
Local tip: Pack snacks and use the picnic lawns by the water for a family lunch.
Play at Eaglehawk Playspace
Address: Napier Street, Eaglehawk VIC 3556.
Opening hours: Open daylight hours (public park).
Entrance fee: Free.
This is a multi-zoned playground shaped like a giant eagle. Adventure play areas include climbing nets, slides, and swings.
Local tip: Nearby McKern Skate Park and Canterbury Park sports fields mean you can combine play with a skate.
Ride the Bendigo Creek Trail on family bike rides
Address: Crusoe Reservoir, Bendigo VIC 3556 (north bend of the city).
Opening hours: Open all hours.
Entrance fee: Free.
This shared trail is ideal for strollers, scooters, and young riders. You can walk or cycle through bushland, historic streets, and parklands, with plenty of scenic stops.
Local tip: Explore more local family-friendly ideas and discover the best restaurants in Bendigo Center to refuel during or after your trail adventure.
Indoor family-friendly activities in Bendigo
Bendigo’s indoor attractions ensure fun, even on rainy days. These are some of the best you can explore:
Participate in learning programs at Bendigo Library
Opening hours: Monday-Wednesday 9:30 am-5:30 pm; Thursday-Friday 9:30 am-7 pm; Saturday 9:30 am-2:30 pm; Sunday closed.
Entrance fee: Free.
This modern downtown library has a vibrant children’s section, Wi-Fi, and multimedia. Highlights for families include regular storytimes and a massive floor-to-ceiling fish aquarium that fascinates kids.
Local tip: Plan a session during a school holiday program or a rainy day movie screening at the library’s community room.
Visit Parky’s Play Bendigo
Address: 761 McIvor Highway, Junortoun VIC 3551.
Opening hours: Daily 8 am-6 pm
Entrance fee: About AUD 12 per child (per session); one free adult entry per paying child, extra adults AUD 2.
This spot features towering slides, ball cannons, a giant ball pit, and a safe toddler play area. It’s perfect for energetic kids to burn off energy.
Local tip: Wednesdays, 9 am–1 pm, are “Tiny Tots” sessions with special activities.
Attend family sports events at Red Energy Arena
Address: 91 Inglis Street, West Bendigo, VIC 3550.
Opening hours: Monday-Saturday 10 am-1 am; Sunday 10 am-12 am
Entrance fee: N/A (public access; fees apply for events).
This massive indoor arena hosts basketball, netball, and community sports. You can drop into the kids’ court (for a small fee) or see a local NBL game. The venue also offers kids’ birthday packages.
Local tip: Check the schedule for family-friendly events like junior basketball camps or kids’ open play sessions.
Plan your family getaway and stay in Bendigo with Bendigo Signature Accommodation!
There are several Bendigo family-friendly attractions for every age, from hands-on museums and outdoor play to local events, all of which bring families together. When planning your getaway, Bendigo Signature Accommodation places you right in the heart of it all, with comfortable homes near the city’s best parks, galleries, and dining. Plan your family stay today and enjoy easy access to everything that matters.
