Promised the kids you’ll take them to have a splash in the water? Don’t be left in the lurch if rain threatens to ruin your plans! We’ve done some hefty footwork to find the greatest places in Mackay to take the kids, no matter how temperamental the weather.
Sunny outside? Grab your sunscreen and towels, time for some fun!
Bluewater Lagoon
The sun has won the battle against the clouds—so head out to the Bluewater Lagoon for a great time with the kids in the water. Being a free local facility, this option is very easy on the budget! Overlooking the picturesque Pioneer River, the Bluewater Lagoon is the perfect place to create lasting memories with the family. Sit back, relax, go for a dip and keep an eye on the kids as they play in one of the three-tiered lagoons. This facility includes a waterfall, interactive children’s water playground and drop bucket, as well as electric barbecue facilities (in case you want to bring lunch with you). This facility is open 7 days between May to August, so if even if your plans are ruined by rain, there’s always another time!
Where: 32 River Street, Mackay QLD 4740
All that swimming will surely mean hunger! Time for lunch.
Latitude 21 Bar & Restaurant
Once you’re out of your togs and all dried off, it’s time to grab some high-quality food. Nestled within the Clarion Hotel Mackay Marina you will find Latitude 21. A lovely waterfront restaurant offering spectacular views over the marina, this is the perfect place to come and soak up the sun and enjoy the views. Offering fine dining without the expensive price tag, this family friendly restaurant truly offers it all. With their children’s menu packed full of delicious dishes including chicken tenders, chicken nuggets, spaghetti bolognaise, pizzas and burgers, the kids are sure to love it here, too! Located next to the Slade Point Park, you could always go for a nice relaxing walk once you’re full, or just sit back and watch the boats sail by as you dine on the Marina View terrace.
Where: Mulherin Drive, Mackay QLD 4740
The clouds have set in? Plan B is a-go!
Kidz Life Play Centre
A great place to take the kids in case of rain is Kidz Life Play Centre—a fully enclosed play centre with a huge range of fun equipment for children. Suitable for children between 0-12 years of age, your kids are sure to find something fun to do here. With a ball pit, triple-deck play equipment, a huge double slide and a fully fenced toddler area, everyone can have fun! Does your child have a birthday coming up? Kidz Life Play Centre can also host birthday parties. It’s a policy here that all kids wear socks, so be sure to pack some! If you forget, they have socks available for purchase, so all is not lost. Opening hours and prices change to suit the school year. Even better, all proceeds raised by this not-for-profit business go to help the under privileged.
Where: 75 Evans Avenue, North Mackay QLD 4740
Once the kids are tuckered out, tuck in to some food.
Souths
For an easy and hassle-free lunch, head over to Souths Mackay. Just a short 10-minute drive from the play centre, this relaxed Mackay restaurant and bistro offers a vast range of appetising dishes that are sure to keep you and the kids happy. Try their deliciously fresh seafood, or opt for their juicy steaks—you really can’t go wrong! They also offer a great Sunday buffet breakfast, if you’re looking for somewhere to take the kids this weekend (children under 4 years of age eat for free!).
Where: 181 Milton St, Mackay QLD 4740
Need something to keep those older kids occupied? Check out some great activities to do with your teens, too!
Have we missed your favourite place to hang with the kids? Tell us by commenting below!