Best Things To Do With Kids In The Red Centre
There are lots of fun things to do with kids in the Red Centre of Australia! The Outback is a very remote and fascinating destination where people of all ages can enjoy nature, culture, history, and more. Because the Red Centre is located in the middle of the Australian desert with few facilities and an intense climate, many travellers question whether or not it's worth bringing kids there.
Lots of families have a blast in the Outback with their kids! But it is worth noting that many tours and activities have age restrictions. Some parents recommend visiting the Outback with kids who are around age 5-6 or above. The minimum age for lots of tours is around 5 or 6, though you can find some attractions and tours that are suitable for all ages. But if you're an adventurous family hoping to explore the Red Centre with your kids, here are some of the top activities to add to your itinerary!
Best Things To Do With Kids In The Red Centre
From mingling with Aussie wildlife to visiting iconic landmarks like Uluru, here are some of the best things to do with kids in the Red Centre. There is no one-size-fits-all for Outback trips, especially for families! You can cater your Outback adventure to your family's preferences. Many Outback activities are adventurous and require some effort, so you can judge what your kids will be up for. For example, some kids may get cranky if they have to wake up for sunrise at Uluru, whereas others may love it!
Whether your kids love art, museums, animals, entertainment, nature, camping, resorts, or everything in between, you can find plenty of cool things to do with kids in the Red Centre.
Uluru Sunrise and Sunset Tours
- Minimum age: Varies depending on which tour you choose
Uluru is one of Australia's most famous landmarks, so you can't visit the Red Centre without seeing this incredible monolith in person. Kids of all ages can understand and appreciate the significance of this awe-inspiring natural wonder. There are many tours and guided walks where you can witness the magical colours of sunrise or sunset over Uluru. This is easily one of the best things to do with kids in the Red Centre.
Kid-friendly Uluru walks
- Minimum age: None
You can also embark on self-guided walks around Uluru. The Mala Walk and Liru Walk are short, easy Uluru walks suitable for young children. If your kids are a bit older, you can attempt all or part of the 10km Uluru Base Walk. Just keep in mind while walking in Uluru with kids, it can get really hot and the red dirt will get everywhere! Dress your kids in clothes that are ok to get dirty, and pack plenty of water and snacks for everyone.
See the Fields of Light
- Minimum age: 2
Another highlight of the Red Centre is the Fields of Light. This magnificent attraction consists of over 50,000 light stems that ignite the desert landscape into a vibrant scene of glowing colours. The installation is located near the town of Yulara, and general admission tickets include round-trip bus transfers. Spend an hour or two wandering through the captivating Fields of Light with your little ones!
Go Camping
- Minimum age: None
For the ultimate family wilderness adventure, consider camping during your trip to the Red Centre. Camping is the perfect way for families to bond, spend quality time together, and immerse themselves in nature. There are campgrounds and caravan parks scattered all over the Red Centre, from Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, to Alice Springs, to the East and West Macdonnell Ranges, to the Tennant Creek Barkly Region and more.
Wintjiri Wiru Twilight Show
- Minimum age: 5
For an enlightening evening in the Red Centre, book the Wintjiri Wiru Sunset Dinner at Ayer's Rock Resort. You can book a sunset dinner, a twilight picnic, or an after dark picnic, all of which include captivating light shows in the sky. Using drones, lasers, light projections, and narration, these presentations outline special indigenous stories and legends so guests can feel a connection to the Traditional Owners of the Land.
Visit Alice Springs Desert Park
- Minimum age: None (Children under age 5 have free admission)
Alice Springs Desert Park is one of the best family-friendly attractions in the Outback of Australia. With sights and exhibits that cater to visitors of all ages, the park contains 1,300 hectares of plants, animals, and environments. Explore Sand Country, Desert Rivers, and Woodland sanctuaries where you can learn about the different ecosystems of the Red Centre. Alice Springs Desert Park combines education, nature, and fun into one incredible attraction.
Ride a camel
- Minimum age: 5 (may also need to meet height requirements to ride camels)
The Australian Outback is home to a healthy population of camels, so bring your kids to a camel farm so they can see these unique, quirky creatures up close. Hop on a camel and go on a safe, slow, fun walk around the desert for a fun, family-friendly adventure. Two of the best places to ride a camel in the Red Centre are the Uluru Camel Farm at Ayer's Rock Resort and Pyndan Camel Tracks in Alice Springs.
Try a Bush Food Experience
- Minimum age: None
Every day at 1pm, people of all ages can join the Bush Food Experience at Arkani Theatre, Ayer's Rock Resort. This free and interactive experience is great for visitors who want to learn more about indigenous food and preparation. Learn about local plants and ingredients and hear about how native people used to hunt, gather, and prepare their meals.
Join an Aboriginal Dot Painting Class
- Minimum age: 5
Also at Ayer's Rock Resort, this activity is one of the best things to do with kids in the Red Centre. If your kids are interested in art and love engaging, hands-on activities, join a Dot Painting Workshop! You and your kids can learn traditional dot painting methods from an experienced indigenous instructor. Open your eyes to the world of indigenous art and create your own painting which you can take home as a souvenir.
Go Stargazing
- Minimum age: Varies depending on which tour you choose
All around the Outback, particularly in tourist hotspots like Alice Springs and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, stargazing tours are a popular choice for families. You'll get to venture out into the desert with expert astronomy guides and get a closer look at the magnificent, glittering stars that dance across the night sky.
The Walpa Gorge Walk
- Minimum age: None
If you're hoping to do some nature walks with your kids, the Walpa Gorge Walk in Kata Tjuta is a great option. Many of the national park walks are too long and challenging for young kids, but this one is only 2.6km return and isn't too steep. The terrain isn't ideal for prams and strollers, so you may want a baby carrier if your kids are too young to walk the whole way. But this is a beautiful walk with lots of amazing desert scenery to check out along the way.
Visit the Kangaroo Sanctuary
- Minimum age: 7
Bring your kids to the Kangaroo Sanctuary just outside Alice Springs for an interactive wildlife experience! Here visitors can admire, learn about, and interact with the iconic red kangaroo on a guided sunset tour. Kids who love animals will never forget the amazing image of seeing wild kangaroos hopping through the desert. They may even be able to hold a baby joey!
Check out the National Road Transport Museum
- Minimum age: 6
For those kids who love all things trains, trucks, and vehicles, the National Road Transport Museum in Alice Springs is a must-visit. Check out a massive collection of authentic, historic trains and vehicles, some of which you can hop inside and get behind the wheel. This is a cool way to get kids engaged with the history of Australia's transport!
