Here on the Central Coast there’s a tonne of fun to be had for families. You’ll find wildlife parks, farm experiences, go-kart tracks, high ropes courses, virtual reality experiences, indoor climbing centres, and more. To make it easier for you to discover all of the fun things to do on the Central Coast with kids, we’ve compiled this ultimate guide that includes all of the attractions available to families in our region!
With more than 65 activities on offer, you can experience a new adventure every weekend for an entire year! Did I hear a yeehaa! So, without further ado, and in no particular order, here is your ultimate guide to the Central Coast’s attractions for families.
Featured Central Coast Attractions
Hole in Fun, Lisarow
Looking for a fun, active attraction that ALL ages will enjoy? Hole in Fun is an indoor venue with an 18-hole mini golf course, two golf simulators and a licensed bar! And it’s quickly cemented itself as the Central Coast’s destination for golfing fun.
Hole in Fun is THE BEST mini golf course we’ve ever seen. Their 18-hole course is split Into two themes so every player can find their *Hole in Fun*! The front nine holes are called Club Carnival: an eye-popping, colourful setting perfect for envious Insta selfies. You’ll weave your way through Ferris wheels, pink-iced doughnuts, flamingos and more to get the perfect score.
The back nine is called Trickshot Alley and has some of the most creative and challenging mini-golf holes you’ve ever seen – with putt-up-the-wall holes, domino-style tracks, 5cm bridges and more.
Plus, did we mention they have a cafe and bar! Yep, Friday nights just got a hole lot more fun for the entire family.
Hole in Fun
Location: 37 Sunny Bank Rd, Lisarow.
Age Group: From 4+ to play. Children under 4 are welcome to join their families on the course as spectators at no fee.
Food on site? Yes. The cafe is open for dinner and lunch: pizza, hot dogs, meat pies and more. Plus a bar that serves wine, beer and cocktails!
Phone: 0421 576 828.
Email: [email protected]
Hole in Fun’s Facebook page
Hole in Fun’s Instagram page
Hole in Fun’s website
Laycock Street Community Theatre, Wyoming
Experience the magic of live theatre and world-class entertainment at the Central Coast’s Laycock Street Community Theatre. Located in Gosford, Laycock Street Community Theatre has been the Central Coast’s home for performing arts for more than 35 years and it showcases a vibrant program of local, national and international productions.
Laycock Street Community Theatre’s line-up of shows includes plays, musicals, electrifying concerts and family-friendly shows. In 2024, some incredible children’s shows are hitting the stage, including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Children are Stinky, and The Fish That Wanted to Fly. There’s also teen drama SLAP.BANG.KISS. as well as touring comedians, cover bands, international dance groups and more.
In being home to the Gosford Musical Society for the past 30 years, the theatre is also the perfect space to see the Coast’s fabulous local talent.
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the creativity and passion of the Central Coast’s thriving performing arts scene, grab a seat at Laycock.
Laycock Street Community Theatre
Location: Laycock Street Community Theatre, 5 Laycock Street, Wyoming.
Age group: The age recommendation for each show is outlined on their website.
Food on site? Yes. There’s a cafe and bar open before and during shows.
Phone: 02 4323 3233
Email: [email protected]
Laycock Street Community Theatre’s Facebook page
Laycock Street Community Theatre’s Instagram page
Laycock Street Community Theatre’s website
Pick Your Own Oranges, Pony Rides and Animal Feeding at Cedar Farm, Dooralong
Looking for a fun, cheap activity this Winter? Get along to Cedar Farm in Dooralong for orange picking, pony rides and farm-animal feeding.
Open throughout the winter months, the offerings at Cedar Farm Doralong have recently expanded. As well as wandering their orchards picking delicious juicy navel oranges straight from the trees, you can now also take a pony ride and feed the resident sheep, cows and chickens!
You’re welcome to make a day of it and BYO picnic lunch, but in awesome news, the orchard also now has its own coffee van and hosts regular Rotary sausage sizzles.
This is such a wholesome way to spend a day with family or friends. Grab your gumboots and get set for a memorable day of farm and orange-picking fun!
Playing in Puddles visited! Check out our review here.
Cedar Farm, Dooralong
Location: Cedar Farm, 48 Dittons Road, Dooralong.
Age Group: Everyone.
Food on site? Yes. They have a coffee van and host regular Rotary sausage sizzles.
When: Oranges are available for picking between July and September. The farm is usually open daily 10am-4pm in the winter school holidays and then each weekend 10am-4pm until mid-September. Check the Cedar Farm Facebook page for updates before you head out, as the operating hours can change.
Cedar Farm’s Facebook page
Cedar Farm’s Instagram page
Impact Kidsworld play centre, Erina
Looking for a space where you can meet with friends for a chat and let the kids go wild and have a play? Impact KidsWorld is an incredible place that both kids and adults will love!
The play centre has two large indoor, soft-play areas, and importantly for adults, a proper cafe that serves absolutely delicious meals, coffee and pastries. Yep, no nuggets, chips or pizza – hallelujah!
Terrigal Whole Food Cafe serves all-day breakfast plus lunch. Expect smashed avocado on sourdough with tomato, feta, and pesto, acai bowls topped with banana, coconut and granola and classic bacon and egg rolls made all the more more-ish with housemade caramelised onion and tomato relish.
The multi-level play maze for kids aged 3 to 10 years old boasts a long double slide, ball pit, climbing slopes, balance beam, swing, flying fox, and various padded obstacles for children to navigate and manipulate! The separate baby, toddler, and preschooler area has its own softplay structure with crawl-through tunnels, soft climbing stairs and a curly yellow slippery dip. There are myriad bikes, trikes and cars to drive, cubby houses to play in, mini slippery dips to slide down, dolls to play with and busy boards to keep busy with.
Playing in Puddles visited! Check out our review here.
Impact Kidsworld
Location: 19 Chetwynd Road, Erina.
Age Group: Children aged 0–10 years old.
Food on site: Yes. There’s a fabulous on-site cafe that serves absolutely delicious food.
Phone: 43 676 767.
Email: [email protected]
Impact Kidsworld’s website
The Art House, Wyong
The Art House is the centre of arts on the Central Coast and was awarded Performing Arts Centre of the Year by PAC Australia in 2022.
Since opening in 2016 The Art House has brought fabulous family-friendly performances to their stages, so locals no longer need to travel to metro venues to see the likes of The Listies, That Science Gang and shows from renowned kids’ theatre specialists Erth, CDP Kids and Monkey Baa. Performances throughout the term and school holidays include everything from early learning shows such as Grug and primary classics like Possum Magic and Edward the Emu, to adolescent dramas like Trophy Boys and Euphoria.
A visit to The Art House entertains from the moment you step inside the venue. The foyer might have been transformed into an interactive underwater world, or include a petting zoo or craft activities to help immerse mini theatre-goers into the show even before the curtain lifts.
For primary and secondary schools, the theatre has a strong school group programme, does backstage school tours and takes applications for work experience.
Playing in Puddles visited The Art House cafe! Check out our review here.
The Art House
Location: 19-21 Margaret Street, Wyong.
Age group: The age recommendation for each show is outlined on their website.
Food on site? Yes. The cafe is open Monday-Friday 10am-4pm and during show times.
Phone: (02) 4335 1485
The Art House’s Facebook page
The Art House’s Instagram page
The Art House’s website
JUMP TO: Animal Attractions, Farm Tours, Wildlife Parks, and Zoos | ‘Pick Your Own’ Events and Farm Visits | Active Outdoor Adventures on the Central Coast | Indoor Fun on the Central Coast| Central Coast Indoor Play Centres | Cinemas on the Central Coast | Central Coast Galleries, Museums, and Centres of Culture | Swimming Pools and Places to Cool Off | Summer Fun – Open Through the Warmer Months
Central Coast Animal Attractions, Horseriding, Wildlife Parks and Zoos
The Australian Reptile Park, Somersby
Visitors to the Australian Reptile Park in Somersby can head along to pat the kangaroos, watch the crocodiles being fed and see the lizards out for their regular walk! Guests will also get to learn all about the lifesaving work the Park does through its antivenom program as well as their important conservation work saving Australia’s wildlife through the charity Aussie Ark.
Amazement Farm and Fun Park, Wyong Creek
Amazement Farm and Fun Park at Wyong Creek invites little ones to meet goats, donkeys, and bunny rabbits. Families can also explore the multiple hedge mazes, bird sanctuary, giant board games, kids playground, and The Big Barn Cafe, plus heaps more!
Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park, Calga
Guests to the Australian Walkabout Wildlife Park in Calga can spend the day with some of Australia’s favourite animals including koalas, kangaroos, wombats, wallabies, and heaps more!
The Outlook Riding Academy, Terrigal
Located on 18 acres and just minutes from Terrigal Haven, you’ll find the Outlook Riding Academy – a gorgeous family-run horseriding centre. Children can take a lead pony ride along a rainforest track, have a private horseriding lesson, undertake games on horseback with a parent or embark on a trail ride.
Playing in Puddles visited! Check out our review here.
‘Pick Your Own’ Events and Farm Visits
Pick Your Own Oranges, Pony Rides and Animal Feeding at Cedar Farm, Dooralong
Looking for a fun, cheap activity this Winter? Get along to Cedar Farm in Dooralong for orange picking, pony rides and farm-animal feeding.
Open throughout the winter months, the offerings at Cedar Farm Doralong have recently expanded. As well as wandering their orchards picking delicious juicy navel oranges straight from the trees, you can now also take a pony ride and feed the resident sheep, cows and chickens!
You’re welcome to make a day of it and BYO picnic lunch, but in awesome news, the orchard also now has its own coffee van and hosts regular Rotary sausage sizzles.
This is such a wholesome way to spend a day with family or friends. Grab your gumboots and get set for a memorable day of farm and orange-picking fun!
Playing in Puddles visited! Check out our review here.
Cedar Farm, Dooralong
Location: Cedar Farm, 48 Dittons Road, Dooralong.
Age Group: Everyone.
Food on site? Yes. They have a coffee van and host regular Rotary sausage sizzles.
When: Oranges are available for picking between July and September. The farm is usually open daily 10am-4pm in the winter school holidays and then each weekend 10am-4pm until mid-September. Check the Cedar Farm Facebook page for updates before you head out, as the operating hours can change.
Cedar Farm’s Facebook page
Cedar Farm’s Instagram page
Pick Your Own Flowers at The Bloom Barn Farm, Peats Ridge
A few times a year, the Bloom Barn Farm in Peats Ridge opens its flower fields to the public for a ‘Pick Your Own Sunflowers Day’ (occasionally there may be other seasonal flower varieties too). Families can head along to pick their own flowers and enjoy family-friendly activities, including roasting marshmallows on a fire pit!
Playing in Puddles visited! Check out our review here.
Moo to Ewe Farm Tours, Palmdale
Moo to Ewe is a gorgeous Central Coast animal sanctuary with a very special purpose – to rescue, rehabilitate, and where possible, re-home. Its mission is to provide a forever home to orphaned farm animals and to give them the freedom to live out their lives in their own unique ways. Families are invited to attend pre-arranged sanctuary tours where they get to meet and feed snacks to piglets, ducks, sheep, alpacas, cows, hens, and roosters!
Grace Springs Farm, Kulnura
Watch the cows be milked, cuddle the chicks, collect the eggs and pull veg straight from the patch at this local working farm. You can join a group tour or book a private one.
Playing in Puddles visited! Check out our review here.
‘Pick Your Own’ Events and Animal Petting at The Giving Farm, Jilliby
The Giving Farm in Jilliby runs a variety of pick-your-own events throughout the year. Families can head along to pick anything from sunflowers, garlic, and cherry tomatoes to blueberries, gooseberries, and other seasonal flowers (depending on what time crops are harvested). They also run regular farm visits where families can cuddle and pat baby goats, babydoll sheep, lambs, and chickens!
Playing in Puddles visited! Check out our review here.
Active Outdoor Adventures on the Central Coast
Glenworth Valley Outdoor Adventures
Glenworth Valley Outdoor Adventures is packed with exciting activities the whole family will love. There’s horse riding, bush and track quad biking, kayaking, abseiling, laser skirmish, and more! In fact, there’s so much to do you’d be best placed to stay a few days on the Valley’s campground. Set among peaceful creeks, cool watering holes, and acres of wide open space, you can pitch your tent and really get back to nature! Or why not hire one of their amazing Glamping tents or Eco-Villas for a super relaxing getaway?
Playing in Puddles visited! Check out our review here.
Mangrove Mountain Memorial Club and Golf Course
If you’ve never tried FootGolf, now’s the time to give it a go! Rally the family together for an afternoon of healthy competition as Mum, Dad, Nan, and Grandpa attempt to kick a football into nine specially designed holes in as few kicks as possible! This is an activity suited to little (and big) kids of all ages and is the perfect way to build up an appetite before grabbing a chicken schnitty at the Club’s bistro afterwards.
Playing in Puddles visited! Check out our review here.
Treetops Adventure Park, Ourimbah
If you’re planning your next family adventure, Treetops Adventure Park in Ourimbah should be next on your list! Families with very young children can experience NetWorld, a network of interconnected spaces where they’ll bounce around while enjoying a heap of fun games with gigantic inflatable balls! For children aged three and over, there’s a lot of fun to be had at one of their self-guided rope courses. Or for slightly older children who’d like to test their sense of adventure, there’s the vertical challenge or their LONG zip line that will get the adrenaline pumping!
The Paintball Place, Kulnura
Look out parents of active teenagers – there’s a new, high-octane activity in town! Whether it’s birthday party ideas, activities for the school holidays, or just plain old weekend family fun you’re looking for, The Paintball Place in Kulnura promises a fabulous day of entertainment.
The well-organised series of mini-adventure games set on a 200-marker field will impress Central Coast locals as well as visitors from Sydney, Newcastle, and the Hunter region, so it’s well worth the trip.
Sessions prices start at $50 and go up depending on session length and how many paintballs are required. It’s also important to note that by law in NSW, all players must be 12 years or older.
Mini Trains with Central Coast Steam Model Co-op, Narara
Toot toot! We are so pleased to hear that after some time spent out of action during 2020 and 2021, the mini trains at Central Coast Steam Model Co-op are back! For those who haven’t yet experienced this brilliant morning out with little ones, you’ll basically get to climb aboard a miniature train and ride the tracks! Some of the engines run on steam, some battery-powered electric motors, and others on small internal combustion engines. They’re all driven and owned by lovely volunteers.
For opening times and to plan an exciting expedition with your minis, visit our Narara Mini Trains feature.
Thomas Train and Carnival, The Entrance
The Entrance ticks all the boxes for a family day of fun with its picturesque setting, variety of carnival rides, a kids’ waterpark, and a whole host of eating options.
On the weekend, Thomas the Tank fans can jump aboard the Pelican Express – a small blue train that circles the Entrance’s foreshore. The Entrance’s famous carousel from the 1800s is also guaranteed to produce ear-to-ear grins and a nostalgic experience that’ll be remembered for years to come. Expect fairy floss, laughing clowns, and kewpie dolls on sticks as part of an epic day out at the Entrance.
Playing in Puddles visited! Check out our review here.
Indoor Fun on the Central Coast
Looking for indoor Central Coast attractions perfect for rainy days or scorching hot weather? We’ve got you covered with a heap of options – from indoor mini golf courses and world-class theatre complexes to escape rooms and ice rinks. Read on to check them all out.
Hole in Fun, Lisarow
Looking for a fun, active attraction that ALL ages will enjoy? Hole in Fun is an indoor venue with an 18-hole mini golf course, two golf simulators and a licensed bar! And it’s quickly cemented itself as the Central Coast’s destination for golfing fun.
Hole in Fun is THE BEST mini golf course we’ve ever seen. Their 18-hole course is split Into two themes so every player can find their *Hole in Fun*! The front nine holes are called Club Carnival: an eye-popping, colourful setting perfect for envious Insta selfies. You’ll weave your way through Ferris wheels, pink-iced doughnuts, flamingos and more to get the perfect score.
The back nine is called Trickshot Alley and has some of the most creative and challenging mini-golf holes you’ve ever seen – with putt-up-the-wall holes, domino-style tracks, 5cm bridges and more.
Plus, did we mention they have a cafe and bar! Yep, Friday nights just got a hole lot more fun for the entire family.
Hole in Fun
Location: 37 Sunny Bank Rd, Lisarow.
Age Group: From 4+ to play. Children under 4 are welcome to join their families on the course as spectators at no fee.
Food on site? Yes. The cafe is open for dinner and lunch: pizza, hot dogs, meat pies and more. Plus a bar that serves wine, beer and cocktails!
Phone: 0421 576 828.
Email: [email protected]
Hole in Fun’s Facebook page
Hole in Fun’s Instagram page
Hole in Fun’s website
The Art House, Wyong
The Art House is the centre of arts on the Central Coast and was awarded Performing Arts Centre of the Year by PAC Australia in 2022.
Since opening in 2016 The Art House has brought fabulous family-friendly performances to their stages, so locals no longer need to travel to metro venues to see the likes of The Listies, That Science Gang and shows from renowned kids’ theatre specialists Erth, CDP Kids and Monkey Baa. Performances throughout the term and school holidays include everything from early learning shows such as Grug and primary classics like Possum Magic and Edward the Emu, to adolescent dramas like Trophy Boys and Euphoria.
A visit to The Art House entertains from the moment you step inside the venue. The foyer might have been transformed into an interactive underwater world, or include a petting zoo or craft activities to help immerse mini theatre-goers into the show even before the curtain lifts.
For primary and secondary schools, the theatre has a strong school group programme, does backstage school tours and takes applications for work experience.
Playing in Puddles visited The Art House cafe! Check out our review here.
The Art House
Location: 19-21 Margaret Street, Wyong.
Age group: The age recommendation for each show is outlined on their website.
Food on site? Yes. The cafe is open Monday-Friday 10am-4pm and during show times.
Phone: (02) 4335 1485
The Art House’s Facebook page
The Art House’s Instagram page
The Art House’s website
Laycock Street Community Theatre, Wyoming
Experience the magic of live theatre and world-class entertainment at the Central Coast’s Laycock Street Community Theatre. Located in Gosford, Laycock Street Community Theatre has been the Central Coast’s home for performing arts for more than 35 years and it showcases a vibrant program of local, national and international productions.
Laycock Street Community Theatre’s line-up of shows includes plays, musicals, electrifying concerts and family-friendly shows. In 2024, some incredible children’s shows are hitting the stage, including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Children are Stinky, and The Fish That Wanted to Fly. There’s also teen drama SLAP.BANG.KISS. as well as touring comedians, cover bands, international dance groups and more.
In being home to the Gosford Musical Society for the past 30 years, the theatre is also the perfect space to see the Coast’s fabulous local talent.
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the creativity and passion of the Central Coast’s thriving performing arts scene, grab a seat at Laycock.
Laycock Street Community Theatre
Location: Laycock Street Community Theatre, 5 Laycock Street, Wyoming.
Age group: The age recommendation for each show is outlined on their website.
Food on site? Yes. There’s a cafe and bar open before and during shows.
Phone: 02 4323 3233
Email: [email protected]
Laycock Street Community Theatre’s Facebook page
Laycock Street Community Theatre’s Instagram page
Laycock Street Community Theatre’s website
Flip Out Trampoline Arena, Gosford
If you’ve got kids bouncing off the walls then Flip Out Gosford is the remedy! Kitted out with trampolines, a wall runner, a foam pit, a play maze and a dedicated toddler play area, the super-fun Flip Out arena in Gosford is the perfect place for kids to go wild. Mother’s groups will love their term time, daily Playgroups where kids under six will be kept well entertained while parents get to enjoy a coffee available at the on-site cafe!
Playing in Puddles visited! Check out our review here.
Escape Reality – Escape Rooms Central Coast
A new Escape Room experience opened on the Central Coast in 2022 and we highly recommend you check it out! Named “Escape Reality – Escape Rooms Central Coast” and located in Tuggerah, this escape-room facility has four experiences, including a family-friendly room that caters to kids as young as 6!
But what is an escape room you may be asking! Well, it’s a little like being inside a board game where you and your friends have just 60 minutes to solve a series of puzzles and challenges to escape from a movie-inspired set! Sounds pretty awesome, right? And it is. We recommend you make a booking.
Playing in Puddles visited! Check out our review here.
Erina Ice Arena
A visit to Erina Ice Arena is a HUGE treat for Central Coast kids! As well as visiting casually for some fun on the ice, they can take lessons to pick up a whole bunch of new skating skills while having a go at ice hockey, figure skating, stick and puck, and more! Plus there’s “Playgroups on Ice” for the littlies, not to mention on-ice disco events and birthday parties too!
Slam Factory Indoor Skate Park, Tuggerah
Calling all skateboarders, scooter riders, BMX and mountain bike riders, roller bladers, roller skaters, and anyone who loves to roll on wheels – Australia’s longest-running indoor skate park Slam Factory in Tuggerah is the place to practice your skills! There’s also a cool shop where you can purchase protective gear, apparel, and all types of boards, scooters, bikes, and accessories – plus if you spend in the shop, you will receive FREE skatepark entry!
Pulse Climbing Central Coast, West Gosford
Got active tweens or teens? Pulse Climbing at West Gosford is an indoor bouldering and rock climbing facility that promises to challenge kids both mentally and physically. Children as young as five can join in the fun, with the climbing walls ranging from the basic beginner level to “super-hard climbs for the hard-core”. Pre-book to secure your spot!
Playing in Puddles visited! Check out our review here.
Clip ‘n Climb, West Gosford
The vibrantly themed Clip ‘N Climb arena in Gosford is an exciting space where kids can challenge themselves in a fully supervised environment. With 28 different climbing walls, kids will have fun racing each other as they make their way to the top, jump off, glide down and start their next climb all over again! Clip ‘N Climb is suitable for children aged six and above – no experience is necessary.
Kartatak Raceway, Tuggerah
Less than 500 metres from Westfield Tuggerah and Tuggerah train station, the Central Coast’s only indoor Go-Karting track Kartatak Raceway is easily accessible and ready to fulfill your thrill-seeking needs! This exciting venue has karts for juniors and seniors as well as double karts so there’s something for the whole family!
Laser Tag Mania, Gosford
Located inside the Central Coast Leagues Club at Gosford, Laser Tag Mania offers a state-of-the-art laser tag game that is bound to excite the whole family! Kids, teens, and adults can head along 7 days a week for a casual game of laser tag before grabbing a bite to eat at one of the many dining options within the club! Plus, you can get a discount on the entry price if you’re also visiting Monkey Mania which is right next door!
Plaster Funtime, Gosford
Looking for fun ways to escape the heat or rain? Located inside Central Coast Leagues Club (next to Monkey Mania) is this exciting activity that families can enjoy whatever the weather! At Plaster Funtime in Gosford, you’ll find over 40 different plaster pieces, along with endless paint colour choices so families can get as creative as they like! No bookings necessary – just walk in.
Sloties Slot Car Racing, Charmhaven
Got a slot car hobbyist in your house or maybe you’ve never done it before and want to give this hands-on family activity a go? Get to Sloties in Charmhaven for a joy ride you’ve not experienced before! They supply the rental cars, complete with hand controllers that you’ll get to race on one of their four large tracks with a total of 26 lanes!
Sloties is so much fun and is the perfect venue for kids’ (and adults’) birthday parties, a casual visit with friends and family, or during the school holidays when they have a bunch of deals on offer.
Virtual Reality at The Entrance and Erina Fair
Kids don’t have to be a technical whizz to get a breathtaking and transformative experience at the Central Coast Virtual Reality studio. Whether your kids are into horror, outer space, cute baby dragons, or the zombie apocalypse, their awesome studios offer heaps of experiences catering to all tastes!
Sons of Obiwan – Light Saber Training Facility, Tuggerah
Ever wanted to be a Jedi? You can at Tuggerah! Sons of Obiwan, Australia’s first and only light saber training facility is located right here on the Central Coast!
In a centre packed with Star Wars paraphernalia (think R2-D2 statues and Stan Lee-signed posters), staff train participants in European Longsword and Balintawak using light sabers made from aircraft-grade aluminium alloy. “It’s theatre combat,” says Sons of Obiwan founder Luke Boyton, “choreographed fighting like you see in movies”.
“I used to be a behavioural learning teacher,” says Luke, “and I started this as a way to teach kids on the autism spectrum.” Sons of Obiwan continues to run weekly general spectrum group classes and customised special needs classes.
“We have people aged 10 to 60. We have hard-core Star Wars fans, we have people who are looking to try something different,” says Luke. “Anyone who comes through the door can learn something fun”.
Ten-Pin Bowling Alleys
There’s no one that doesn’t enjoy the friendly competition of ten-pin bowling and it’s super cute watching kids give it their best go! A couple of games are always well accompanied by a bowl of fries and a play on the arcade games too, so it’s a great option for either a very hot or very wet day!
Art Barn Plaster Painting, Gosford
Art Barn Plaster Painting in Gosford is the perfect alternative to play centres on a rainy day! Children will “ooh” and “aah” over the great selection of figurines to choose from – will they pick a Disney character, superhero, fairy, or truck? They’ll each get their own palette of paints, brushes, and a painting apron to explore their artistic side decorating these cute ornaments.
Playing in Puddles visited! Check out our review here.
Family Entertainment Centres
These cool family games arcades are conveniently located inside two of the Central Coast’s largest shopping malls. Whether you’re looking for things to do with kids on a rainy day or just somewhere for dad to usher little people into while mum finishes the shopping, these family entertainment centres are guaranteed to put smiles on faces.
The Factory, Gosford
Home to renowned Australian confectionery producers Nougat Limar, Bon Bon Fine Chocolate, and The Sydney Marshmallow Co. The Factory in Gosford would have to be the sweetest place to visit on the Central Coast. Visitors to The Factory can peek through porthole windows to see their favourite chocolate coming to life or take part in a guided tour of the factory floor where they’ll learn about how the delicious treats are made. Children can also have their own fun at the Junior Chocolatiers Workshop.
Central Coast Indoor Play Centres
Impact Kidsworld play centre, Erina
Looking for a space where you can meet with friends for a chat and let the kids go wild and have a play? Impact KidsWorld is an incredible place that both kids and adults will love!
The play centre has two large indoor, soft-play areas, and importantly for adults, a proper cafe that serves absolutely delicious meals, coffee and pastries. Yep, no nuggets, chips or pizza – hallelujah!
Terrigal Whole Food Cafe serves all-day breakfast plus lunch. Expect smashed avocado on sourdough with tomato, feta, and pesto, acai bowls topped with banana, coconut and granola and classic bacon and egg rolls made all the more more-ish with housemade caramelised onion and tomato relish.
The multi-level play maze for kids aged 3 to 10 years old boasts a long double slide, ball pit, climbing slopes, balance beam, swing, flying fox, and various padded obstacles for children to navigate and manipulate! The separate baby, toddler, and preschooler area has its own softplay structure with crawl-through tunnels, soft climbing stairs and a curly yellow slippery dip. There are myriad bikes, trikes and cars to drive, cubby houses to play in, mini slippery dips to slide down, dolls to play with and busy boards to keep busy with.
Playing in Puddles visited! Check out our review here.
Impact Kidsworld
Location: 19 Chetwynd Road, Erina.
Age Group: Children aged 0–10 years old.
Food on site: Yes. There’s a fabulous on-site cafe that serves absolutely delicious food.
Phone: 43 676 767.
Email: [email protected]
Impact Kidsworld’s website
Play Time at Kincumber Indoor Sports
If you’re looking for things to do with young kids on the Central Coast, Play Time at Kincumber Indoor Sports is where it’s at! The awesome Play Time area is packed with huge inflatables, cubbies, ride-ons, and toys – just perfect for little tots and children under seven with a lot of energy to burn! Plus, there’s a cafe serving coffee and a variety of hot and cold snacks conveniently positioned right next to the play equipment!
Playing in Puddles visited! Check out our review here.
Inflatable World, Charmhaven
Did you know the Central Coast is home to one of the biggest indoor inflatable playgrounds in Australia? If you haven’t checked it out yet, we recommend you bounce on over to Inflatable World in Charmhaven! Situated inside Charmy Indoor Sports, you’ll find ALL the inflatables from classic jumping castles and mega slides to obstacle courses, activity zones, and rock climbing walls! With so much for kids to explore, it’s got to be one of the ultimate activities you can do with kids on the Central Coast. Plus it’s a great option as something to do when it’s raining or on a scorching hot day!
Playing in Puddles visited! Check out our review here.
Monkey Mania, Gosford
Another great wet weather option when looking for things to do on the Central Coast with kids is Monkey Mania in Gosford (situated inside Central Coast Leagues Club). Inside you’ll find a three-storey soft-fall play zone filled with slides and obstacles – there’s even a wind-activated foam ball arena! If that’s not enough to run the kids ragged, they’ll also find a jumping castle, a race-car track, and a designated area for the under-fives featuring a cubby house, mini slides, foam animals to bounce on, and wall activity panels. Plus coffee, cakes, and lunch are available from the on-site cafe!
Playing in Puddles visited! Check out our review here.
Other Indoor Play Centres on the Central Coast
There are lots of indoor play centres located across the Central Coast. Click below to learn more about each centre and to find out their pricing and opening times.
- Jo Jo’s Play Gym, Gosford | A purpose-built play centre located on the main road of Gosford.
- Play Maze at Flip Out, Gosford | Flip Out added a Play Maze in 2022.
Movie Theatres and Cinema Complexes on the Central Coast
There are multiple cinema complexes located across the Central Coast. Click below to learn more about each theatre and to see their current screenings.
- Event Cinemas, Tuggerah | Event Cinemas Tuggerah has V-Max, Gold Class, and original screenings. They also do ‘Bring Your Baby’ (BRB) sessions where cinema lights are dimmed and the movie volume is lowered to accommodate little ears. So you can now relax and catch a movie while cuddling your bub at the same time!
- Hoyts Cinemas, Erina | Hoyts at Erina has an Xtremescreen! Plus theatres fitted out with D-BOX Motion Recliners, Recliners, and Daybeds. They also have Treat City, Artie’s Bar & Café and a party area.
- Avoca Beach Picture Theatre | This beautiful old-school picture theatre hosts regular screenings, film festivals, and open caption screenings.
- Cinema Paradiso, Ettalong | Boasting six screens and showcasing the latest releases, this cinema offers a nostalgic old-school cinema experience that still excites.
- Metro Cinemas Lake Haven | This is an 8-screen complex with high-backed chairs and stadium seating.
- The Savoy Long Jetty | A bar with a big-screen cinema. This historic 1956 cinema was restored in 2018 into a fun cocktail bar. They host occasional film screenings throughout the week and during school holidays.
Central Coast Galleries, Museums, and Centres of Culture
Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre, Terrigal
At the Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre you can see Port Jackson sharks, handle shells, look at shark teeth under microscopes, paint pelican plasters and watch a cartoon about sea dragons! It’s a fun informative space run by local volunteers and in 2020 it was newly renovated.
Playing in Puddles visited! Check out our review here.
Gosford Regional Gallery and Edogawa Commemorative Garden
If you’re looking for somewhere to stretch little legs, the Edogawa Commemorative Garden at Gosford Regional Gallery is the place. Tots can explore the winding paths of the Japanese garden, sit and enjoy a picnic in the peaceful surrounds or feed the koi for $2 per bag of fish food. Plus there’s also something for the parents – a yummy coffee from the Point Cafe!
Playing in Puddles visited! Check out our review here.
Norah Head Lighthouse Reserve
In the coastal suburb of Norah Head on the Central Coast is Norah Head Lighthouse – a working lighthouse that offers guests the opportunity to climb the 96 stairs to the top where they’ll find spectacular views out across the ocean and headland.
Exploring families can wander the grounds of the lighthouse and take in the view at their leisure – and if visited between July and October, they may even be lucky enough to witness the spectacle of the migrating whales.
There are many surrounding beaches that offer hours of family-friendly activities and when everyone starts to get hungry, they can grab a bite at the Keepers Watch Cafe.
Playing in Puddles visited! Check out our review here.
Alison Homestead, Wyong
Take a trip back in time to Wyong’s Alison Homestead where little historians can peruse the Museum filled with memorabilia, photos, furniture, toys, machinery, and tools from as far back as 1825. Learn about the early settling of Wyong and its surrounds, see the Old Schoolhouse set up with classroom furniture and equipment from days gone by, take a wander around the stunning gardens or enjoy a morning tea of coffee and scones in this beautiful historical setting.
There’s also a picnic area with BBQs available for self-catering and the outdoor areas are dog friendly so furry friends are welcome!
Henry Kendall Cottage and Historical Museum, West Gosford
Set on two and a half acres in a peaceful spot of West Gosford is Henry Kendall Cottage. The now museum was built by convicts in 1836 and was home to poet Henry Kendall, and the Fagan and Adcock families.
Families can spend a few hours exploring various sheds dotted throughout the property – each containing industry equipment and farm machinery of the past. For those wanting to make a day of it, the grounds have a designated picnic area that has tables and BBQs and there’s parking available on site.
Swimming Pools and Places to Cool Off
Vera’s Water Fountain, The Entrance
Next to Memorial Park on The Entrance Foreshore is Vera’s Water Fountain – an aquatic Mecca for kids! A favourite haunt for summertime play when it’s just too hot to do anything else, this vibrantly coloured mini park is an oasis of fun for toddlers and preschoolers. In fact, the bigger kids still love a visit to Vera’s Water Fountain no matter what their age!
This is a great free activity for families and a perfect way to cool off during the warmer months.
Playing in Puddles visited! Check out our review here.
Council Leisure Centres and Swimming Pools
There are a number of leisure centres, gyms and pools dotted around the Central Coast – see the list of locations here:
Swimming pools:
- Peninsula Leisure Centre, Woy Woy | Facilities include an aquatic centre, gym,two full-sized indoor courts equipped for a variety of sports and an on-site creche. Outdoor water play area opening Spring 2020.
- Gosford Olympic Pool | Indoor heated 25m pool and outdoor 50m pool, plus outdoor toddler pool.
- Toukley Aquatic Centre |25m indoor pool.
- Wyong Pool | Outdoor pool. Open from October through to the end of Summer.
- Grant McBride Baths | Ocean pools at 88 Ocean Parade, The Entrance.
Recreation Facilities and Sporting Complexes:
- Lake Haven Recreation Centre | Facilities include a fully equipped gym (with group fitness, spin studio and an outdoor training area), 2 indoor basketball courts, squash courts and an on-site crèche.
- Niagara Park Stadium | A large sports hall.
Mingara Aquatic Centre, Tumbi Umbi
Mingara Aquatic Centre is part of the Mingara Recreation Club – a hive of activity for kids and adults of all ages. With its Olympic-sized pool for lap swimming, play area including a whirlpool, multiple fountain sprays, and a sloping beach entry for little ones finding their fins, the aquatic centre isn’t just your ordinary pool!
The centre also features a hydrotherapy pool for learn-to-swim lessons and during the school holidays, kids can make the most of the huge inflatables.
Once shrivelled fingers have made an appearance and appetites have peaked, parents can avoid “Hangry” kids by popping into one of the many eateries at the Mingara Recreation Club. With options ranging from egg and bacon rolls or a smoothie bowl at The Roasted Berry to black bean chicken or steamed prawn dumplings at the Fortune Cookie Noodle Bar, there’s something to tickle everyone’s fancy at all times of the day!
Summer Fun – Open Through the Warmer Months
Terrigal Paddle Boats
Terrigal Paddle Boats have been hiring out paddle boats on Terrigal lagoon for more than 30 years! In recent years they’ve also added kayaks and stand-up paddle boards to their collection, too. Come for a SUP lesson or take one out on your own. Terrigal Paddle Boats are open on weekends, school, and public holidays.
Central Coast Aqua Park, Gosford
Central Coast Aqua Park lands at Gosford Waterfront during the Summer months. This on-water inflatable obstacle course includes slides to slip down, pyramids to climb up, trampolines to bounce on, “Icebergs” to scurry across, and the Sky Rocket – the biggest water swing in the world!
Water Inflatables at Local Swimming Pools
Perfect for burning off energy during the Summer school holidays, these local Central Coast pools are packed with inflatable fun that’ll have your kids bouncing, jumping, and splashing for hours! Grab yourself a coffee, find a comfy spot, and spend the morning watching your kids do hot laps of these giant slides while you escape the summer heat!
Playing in Puddles visited! Check out our review here.
Aquafun on Avoca Lake
Families can soak up the summer sunshine before cooling off with Aquafun on Avoca Lake. Aquafun has pedalboats, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards for hire, plus they recently introduced a new giant stand-up paddle board to their offerings. Nicknamed the Whale Shark, this on-water craft holds up to 10 people! Aquafun is open on weekends, public holidays (except Christmas), and school holidays through the warmer months.
Want to discover the Central Coast’s natural beauty – our stunning rock pools, beaches, bushwalks, and waterfalls? Click here to see our feature outlining 92 Outdoor Activities on the Central Coast.
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Written By: KATIE STOKES
Founder & Editor
After working in print and online media for more than a decade, Katie launched Playing in Puddles in 2017. A mum of three young boys and local of the Central Coast, Katie loves discovering and sharing all that’s happening in our region.
