Things to Do with Kids in Hobart

Hobart and southern Tasmania offer families an incredible mix of wildlife encounters, history, markets, and natural beauty that keeps kids engaged while creating lasting memories. From hand-feeding kangaroos to exploring convict ruins and wandering through fragrant gardens, Tasmania's capital region has activities that work for toddlers through teenagers.

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

Located 25 minutes north of Hobart in Brighton, Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary gives families the chance to meet native Australian animals up close. Unlike larger zoos, this conservation-focused sanctuary feels intimate and manageable for young children.

The highlight for most kids is feeding the kangaroos and wallabies, who freely roam the main paddock area. Staff provide food pellets, and the animals are gentle and accustomed to visitors. The sanctuary also houses Tasmanian devils, echidnas, wombats, and various native birds including wedge-tailed eagles.

Practical tips: Visit in the afternoon when animals are most active. The sanctuary runs educational talks throughout the day - check the schedule when you arrive. Bring a jacket as it can be windy, and wear closed shoes for walking through the paddocks. The cafe serves simple meals and snacks, but you can also bring your own picnic.

Port Arthur Historic Site

While Port Arthur's convict history might seem too mature for children, the historic site offers several family-friendly ways to explore this significant location. The grounds are expansive and beautiful, with ruins scattered across manicured lawns overlooking the water.

Kids often enjoy the introductory boat cruise around the harbor, which provides context about the site while keeping restless hands busy. The main museum building has interactive displays that older children find engaging. The walking trails around the grounds let families explore at their own pace, and the ruins themselves spark curiosity and questions.

Practical tips: The site is large, so bring a stroller for younger children or be prepared for lots of walking. The entry ticket includes the harbor cruise and museum access. Visit the cafe for lunch rather than trying to picnic, as food options nearby are limited. Consider the family-focused interpretation rather than the standard adult tour.

Salamanca Market

Saturday mornings transform Salamanca Place into Tasmania's most famous market, with over 300 stalls selling everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts. For families, the market offers entertainment, food, and the chance to experience local culture all in one location.

Children love watching the buskers - you'll often find musicians, puppeteers, and other street performers throughout the market. The food stalls offer everything from fresh berry punnets to hot jam donuts, making it easy to graze your way through the morning. Local artisans sell wooden toys, handmade soaps, and other unique items that make great souvenirs.

Practical tips: Arrive early (the market opens at 8:30am) for the best selection and smaller crowds. Bring cash as many stallholders don't accept cards. The market can get very crowded by mid-morning, which some young children find overwhelming. Park early or consider walking from the city center. The nearby Salamanca Arts Centre often has family-friendly exhibitions worth checking out after your market visit.

Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens

Just a few kilometers from Hobart's city center, the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens provide 14 hectares of peaceful exploration perfect for families. The gardens showcase both Tasmanian native plants and exotic species from around the world.

The Japanese Garden offers a serene contrast to the larger landscape areas, while the Subantarctic Plant House creates an otherworldly experience with its collection of plants from remote islands. Children often gravitate toward the duck ponds and the large open lawn areas perfect for running and playing.

The gardens host regular family events including guided walks specifically designed for children, and seasonal displays like the spring tulip show provide colorful backdrops for photos.

Practical tips: Entry is free, making this an excellent budget-friendly option. The gardens include several different microclimates, so dress in layers. Bring bread for feeding the ducks (though check current feeding policies). The visitor center has clean bathrooms and a small gift shop. The gardens connect to the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery via the Hobart Rivulet track if you want to extend your outing.

Cadbury Factory

The Cadbury Factory in Claremont offers behind-the-scenes tours that combine education with every child's favorite subject: chocolate. Located about 15 minutes north of Hobart, the factory has been producing chocolate since 1921.

Tours take visitors through the chocolate-making process, from cocoa beans to finished products. Children learn about the history of chocolate while watching actual production lines in operation. The tour concludes with chocolate tastings and the opportunity to purchase factory-fresh products.

Practical tips: Tours must be booked in advance and often sell out, especially during school holidays. The minimum age for tours is typically 6 years old, and the tour involves walking and standing for about 90 minutes. Photography isn't permitted in production areas. The factory shop sells exclusive products not available in regular stores. Consider combining your visit with nearby Rosny Hill Lookout for harbor views.

Getting Around with Kids

Hobart's compact size makes it relatively easy to navigate with children. Most attractions are within 30 minutes of the city center, and parking is generally more manageable than in larger Australian cities. The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) ferry provides a fun way to travel and offers harbor views, though MONA itself is better suited to older children.

Hobart's weather can change quickly, so packing layers and waterproof jackets helps ensure outdoor activities remain enjoyable regardless of conditions.

Whether you're feeding kangaroos, exploring convict history, or sampling local produce, Hobart offers families genuine experiences that showcase Tasmania's unique character. The city's manageable size and concentration of quality attractions make it particularly well-suited to families seeking variety without the stress of constant travel between destinations.