Fun things to do in Kangaroo Island the whole family will enjoy
Planning a family holiday to Kangaroo Island is refreshingly easy. With wide open spaces, unforgettable wildlife, gentle adventures and plenty of places to slow down, the island offers experiences that kids love and adults genuinely enjoy too. Here are some of our favourite family-friendly activities to help you make the most of your stay.
1. All About Adventure
If your family loves to get active, Kangaroo Island has no shortage of exciting, hands-on experiences.
Little Sahara Adventure Centre – Vivonne Bay
Set aside a few hours to explore the award-winning Little Sahara. These massive sand dunes are anything but little, offering sandboarding, tobogganing, fat biking, buggy tours and guided walks through a truly unique landscape.
Kangaroo Island Outdoor Action – Vivonne Bay
Perfect for kids of all ages, this action-packed experience includes quad bike riding across 500 acres of bushland, kayaking on the Harriet River, and exploring areas of the island not usually open to the public.
Kangaroo Island Marine Adventures – Emu Bay
A highlight for many families, these dolphin swim and tour experiences take place in calm, protected waters. Watch dolphins swim alongside the boat or glide through the water nearby, all while enjoying homemade snacks on board.
Kangaroo Island Bush Getaway – West End
Join a guided quad bike tour through scenic farmland and bushland, with opportunities to spot wildlife and even try unique activities like catching freshwater marron.
Kelly Hill Caves – West End
Discover a fascinating underground world on a guided tour through Kelly Hill Caves. Kids will love seeing the towering stalactites and stalagmites formed over thousands of years.
2. Slow Down and Take It Easy
For days when you want to relax and explore at your own pace, these gentle experiences are perfect.
Kangaroo Island Sculpture Trail – Penneshaw
This 1.5-kilometre walking trail winds through bushland and features sculptures, limestone walls, stepping logs, picnic spots and scenic viewpoints overlooking Penneshaw.
Flinders Chase National Park – West End
Explore dramatic coastlines, Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch and regenerating bushland at a relaxed pace. Wildlife sightings are common, making every visit a little different.
Rock Pools – Stokes Bay
Hidden behind the beach at Stokes Bay are calm, sheltered rock pools that are ideal for swimming and snorkelling. Kids can safely explore and spot colourful fish in slightly warmer waters.
Fishing on Kangaroo Island – Multiple locations
With no age restrictions, fishing is a fantastic family activity. Cast a line from jetties, beaches or bays, or head out on a fishing charter with local experts to discover the island’s best spots.
3. Wonderful Wildlife
Kangaroo Island is one of the best places in Australia for kids to experience wildlife up close.
Seal Bay Conservation Park
Walk among Australian sea lions on a guided beach experience or enjoy the boardwalk viewing areas. Watch pups play, mothers nurse their young, and bulls compete for dominance—all in a kid-friendly, accessible setting.
Raptor Domain – Near Seal Bay
Educational and entertaining presentations introduce kids to birds of prey such as owls, eagles and kookaburras, along with reptiles and insects, all in a safe and engaging environment.
Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park – Duncan
Home to over 600 native animals, this family favourite offers koala cuddles, kangaroo feeding, penguin encounters and much more.
Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary – Hanson Bay
A privately owned conservancy offering guided tours to spot koalas, kangaroos, wallabies and birdlife in their natural habitat, while learning about the area’s remarkable bushfire recovery.
4. Something a Little Different
Kingscote Silo Art – Kingscote
This striking 25-metre-tall artwork features a kangaroo and endangered glossy black cockatoos. It’s a great photo stop for families and especially impressive after dark.
Kangaroo Island Mini Golf – West End
Located along South Coast Road near Flinders Chase National Park, this fun stop is perfect on your way to or from a day of sightseeing.
5. Eats and Treats for All Ages
Great food, space to play and relaxed atmospheres make these spots ideal for families.
Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Oil Distillery – MacGillivray
Enjoy light meals, cider tastings for adults and a kids tasting paddle, while children explore the outdoor play area. Complimentary eucalyptus and honey sweets are a bonus.
False Cape Wines – Dudley East
A welcoming cellar door with a kids menu, enclosed lawn, playground, basketball hoop and animal viewing area—perfect for parents to relax while kids stay entertained.
Dudley Wines – Penneshaw
Enjoy pizzas, platters and sweeping views, plus a fully equipped outdoor play area and a one-hole mini golf challenge that kids love.
Clifford’s Honey Farm – Kingscote
Sample local honey products and don’t miss the famous honey ice cream. The kids’ play area includes a sandpit, toys and a cubby house.
A Destination the Whole Family Will Love
Kangaroo Island is a vibrant, diverse destination that truly appeals to everyone. With eight distinct regions spread across more than 4,500 square kilometres, the island offers endless opportunities to reconnect with nature, meet incredible wildlife, enjoy great food and wine, and create lasting family memories—all at your own pace.
