3 months ago
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December 4, 2025 — 5:00am
For Sydneysiders, the Blue Mountains is a quick and easy escape, its boundless vistas and heart-thumping trails delivering an instant reset for jaded spirits. For a region so accessible to the city, however, many of its family-friendly attractions are not immediately obvious: for instance, there are no wildlife parks, roller coasters, water slides or sandy shores, those guaranteed boredom busters of other popular family destinations like the Gold Coast.
Instead, the key to keeping kids entertained during your Blue Mountains jaunt is to think like a local, exploring beyond (or within) the big-ticket attractions to find stimulating and thought-provoking activities for young minds and active bodies.
Scenic World
For 80 years, this privately owned attraction has been a Blue Mountains stalwart, offering thrills and classic views in one convenient location. As touristy as it is, Scenic World is also beloved by locals, with annual events such as the light installations of Nocturnal keeping the experience evergreen. I bring my grandchildren here several times a year, with an annual pass costing less than the price of two visits tempering costs.
The Scenic Railway is always worth a scream, while roaring animatronic dinos are a guaranteed hit during the summer Dinosaur Valley event, bigger and better with each incarnation (don’t miss this year’s hilarious new “aquarium” featuring prehistoric monsters of the deep).
For an Indigenous perspective on this ancient landscape, older children will love the three-hour interactive Buunyal tour, curated by local Gundungurra elder Uncle David King; or for an abbreviated version, join the 30-minute Buunyal Yarn to learn about traditional plants, animals and storytelling.
Leg-stretchers
Hiking in the Blue Mountains can be challenging; what goes down must come up, and 250- to 500-metre drops into the valley results in burning calves, elevated heart rates and tiny pleas of “carry me!”
To avoid tears and moans, stick to escarpment trails with minimal steps. The pretty boardwalk to Katoomba Cascades (illuminated by 400 LED lights after dark) is rewarded with a paddle in the ankle-deep pool at the base of the falls, while the paved Fairfax Track from Blackheath’s Heritage Centre is pram and little feet-friendly. Older, fit children will get a buzz conquering the stunning Grand Canyon circuit; while the Wentworth Falls section of the new Grand Cliff Top Walk offers stunning Jamison Valley and waterfall views, shady overhangs, stepping stones over bubbling watercourses and wildlife spotting. For an easy introduction, National Parks & Wildlife Service runs a three-hour guided tour starting from Wentworth Falls Picnic Area costing $20 for adults and $12 for children.
Full steam ahead
Little Thomas the Tank Engine fans have ample opportunity to let off steam with several vintage train options to choo-choo-choose from. The beloved Zig Zag Railway at Lithgow, back on track after being wiped out by bushfires twice, is the most scenic option as the historic steam engine traverses sandstone viaducts through dramatic pagoda landscape, while admission to the volunteer-run Valley Heights Rail Museum – open the second and fourth Sunday of each month – includes rides on heritage trams and trains. Meanwhile, the Wascoe Siding Miniature Railway at Blaxland reduces the history of steam to pint-sized, open to the public on the first Sunday of each month.
Adventure time
Teenagers and adventurous kids aged over seven years can tackle some of the Blue Mountains’ more challenging activities such as rock climbing, abseiling and even canyoning, with both Blue Mountains Adventure Company and Blue Mountains Climbing School tailoring their programs to suit families.
Saddle up for scenic guided trail rides through the beautiful Kanimbla Valley at Centennial Glen Stables, while in the neighbouring Megalong Valley, riding lessons on sturdy and adorable Icelandic horses are available at Megalong Icelandic Horses.
Wet weather stymying plans to get out and about? Pop on some goggles at the NPWS Heritage Centre in Blackheath and travel virtually to the hidden valley where ancient Wollemi pines were first discovered.
Family-friendly accommodation
Take a rural escape, replacing screen-time with tranquil views of horses, cows and kangaroos grazing under the shadow of the escarpment at Woolshed Cabins in the Kanimbla Valley.
Meanwhile, the undisputed king of the kids in the accommodation stakes is Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains, chock-a-block with family facilities and activities including train rides, a tube slide, two swimming pools, a cinema and a games arcade that includes soft play jungle gyms, a teenage retreat and a mirror maze. Get your skates on at the Blue Mountains’ only ice-skating rink, with penguin friends to help little ones balance, or soar above the treetops and test your limits at Fairmont Adventure Park. Top it all off with a classic Blue Mountains high tea, a sweet treat for Mum, Grandma and the kids alike.
The writer is a Blue Mountains local, and was guest of Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains and Scenic World.
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