Can you please advise the best Cairns tours for a family with young children?
The Tour Specialists get asked a lot of questions by people when they are looking at booking a holiday for their family in Cairns so we try and write down some suggestions to answer them on our website and this one below answers the question “can you please advise the best family tours in Cairns for a family with young children”.
The first thing to look at when planning a family holiday in Cairns with young children, it's important to find tours that cater to their age group and provide a memorable experience within your budget. The Tour Specialists team offers a range of Cairns family tours that are perfect for families with children of all ages.
Is Cairns a good place for families?
Yes - Cairns is a great place for families offering a wide range of things to do, warm tropical weather and memorable family experiences to for families with kids of all ages. Cairns offers great family reef tours, rainforest tours, wildlife tours, great family dining options plus the playgrounds along the Cairns Esplanade makes it a popular family holiday destination.
Great Barrier Reef Tours for Families

Great Barrier Reef Islands for Families - Take your young family on a boat trip to one of the close islands just off Cairns such as Green Island, Fitzroy Island, or the Frankland Islands. We recommend these reef trips for young families as they provide a safe environment, and they provide all the amenities and fun activities for not only the children to enjoy but also the adults. The Tour Specialists team’s website offers various budget-friendly cruises and packages that provide a safe and enjoyable experience for young children. Kids can enter the water easily from the beaches and parents can take it in turns to snorkel the coral gardens and swim with friendly marine life. Green Island offers lots of other activities such as helicopter flights from the beach, semi-submersible submarine rides, glass bottom boat rides, SUP boarding and even the opportunity to see the World’s Largest Crocodile in captivity whose name is Cassius.
Outer Great Barrier Reef for Families - Another great option for families is a reef trip to a floating Pontoon on the outer reef. These full day reef trips offer a range of activities for the whole family including underwater observatories, glass bottom boat or semi-submersible tours. Plus you can choose to take a helicopter transfer to or from the pontoon for an amazing birds eye view! There are pontoon reef trips from both Cairns and Port Douglas. Read more about the best Great Barrier Reef tours for families along with other family friendly tours to enjoy . Ensure to ask about our Famili Reef Deal - with 2nd Child FREE on selected reef tours.
Read more about the best Great Barrier Reef tour for families from Cairns in our travel guides.
Kuranda Train & Skyrail Adventure

Treat your family to a unique rainforest experience with the iconic Kuranda train and Skyrail Adventure. This tour allows your family to enjoy stunning views of the rainforest while riding on the historic Kuranda Railway and taking in the Barron Falls. The Skyrail cable car ride offers a thrilling experience as you glide over the treetops, providing panoramic views of the lush surroundings.
For the ultimate Kuranda experience this Kuranda tour includes the Rainforestation Nature Park plus the Butterfly Sanctuary all in the one full day!
Read more about Kuranda Day Tours and Things to do in our Kuranda Travel Guides.
Wildlife Parks

Cairns is home to several wildlife parks that provide an up-close encounter with native Australian animals some of which are pre-historic and highly endangered species. The Tour Specialists team can help you find budget-friendly options, such as the Rainforestation Wildlife Park in Kuranda where children can cuddle koalas, feed kangaroos, and learn about Australia's unique wildlife in a safe and educational environment. It's best to combine these with your Kuranda tour.
How about Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures where you have the option to pole feed a crocodile, wrap a python snake around your neck and pat a koala? Or perhaps visit The Wildlife Habitat in Port Douglas in swim with a crocodile (children min age 12yrs). Located in the heart of Cairns is the Cairns Aquarium - a great place for families to see and learn about the Great Barrier Reef, while staying dry.
Daintree & Rainforest Tours

Explore the oldest rainforest in the world with a Daintree Rainforest tour. The Tour Specialists team can assist you in finding family-friendly tours that include guided walks, river cruises, and opportunities to spot fascinating wildlife like crocodiles and colourful birds. Some tours also offer child-friendly educational activities to make the experience more engaging. We recommend considering one of the half day tours for those families travelling with younger children for their comfort and for the comfort of others.
You could also experience the rainforest with a half day family White Water rafting option - where you cruise down the Barron River amongst the rainforest. There are options for families with kids from 6+ or 12+ years.
Cairns Esplanade Lagoon

While not a tour, the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is a must-visit destination for families. This free, safe, and family-friendly swimming area is located right in the heart of Cairns. Children can splash in the shallow waters, play on the sandy beaches, and enjoy the adjacent playgrounds and picnic areas. Further to the north from the Lagoon is also Muddy's Playground - popular with the younger kids with a water play area, climbing frames and range of playgrounds to keep them happy for hours.
If you prefer to combine your Cairns family holiday with some time relaxing by the pool - check out our guide to Cairns Half Day tour options which may provide further suggestions.
Remember to speak with The Tour Specialists team before booking the best family friendly tours in Cairns. Their expertise and local knowledge will help you find the best tours that suit your family's budget and the age of your children. They can also assist with booking family friendly accommodation in Cairns, or at the family friendly beaches of Palm Cove & Trinity Beach. Don't forget to prioritize safety, comfort, and educational experiences for a memorable family holiday in Cairns.