15 Best Things to Do with Kids in Pakenham

Pakenham has grown fast, and so has the list of things to do with young children. Some of the best outings are right in town, around Lakeside Lake. Others are a short drive into the Dandenong Ranges or out towards Gembrook. We've put together places for families to explore, with what each costs, who it suits and the practical bits that make the day easier.

At a glance

For a free day out, try kangaroo spotting at Cardinia Reservoir. With a toddler, consider the Cardinia Life leisure pool. For an indoor play day, Hoopla is a local option. Paid attractions use $, $$ and $$$ as broad cost guides, not quoted ticket prices; check each venue for current admission.

Part 1: In Pakenham

1. Lakeside Park and the Dragon Park

If you only do one thing in town, make it this. A shared path loops all the way around Lakeside Lake, past wetlands, picnic tables, an outdoor gym and free BBQs. At the western end of the lake you'll find the Dragon Park playground, a favourite with the preschool crowd. Explore local parks through Cardinia Shire.

Good to know: Bring scooters or balance bikes for a lap of the lake, then claim a BBQ for lunch.

2. Saturday Story Time at Pakenham Library

Stories, songs and rhymes for three to six year olds, with younger and older siblings welcome alongside a parent. It's a calm, free start to the weekend, and you can leave with a bag of picture books. During the week the library also runs Baby Rhyme Time for babies who aren't walking yet, and Toddler Time for ones to threes. See the Myli library events calendar for current sessions.

Good to know: Check the session time with the library on 03 5940 6200 before you go.

3. Lakeside Market

More than 65 stalls of handmade goods, local makers and street food set up in front of the Cardinia Cultural Centre, right beside the lake. The market runs on set days through the warmer months, so it is worth checking the calendar rather than assuming it runs every weekend. Confirm the next market day with Lakeside Market.

4. The toddler pool at Cardinia Life

The leisure pool is only 25 cm at its deepest, with a beach entry, fountains and jumping jets. It's warm and indoors, with space for toddlers to splash alongside their grown-up. You'll need to be in the water with them and actively supervise throughout. Check Cardinia Leisure for pool information and current entry fees.

Good to know: Pools are shared with swim lessons, so check availability before you pack the bag.

5. Pakenham Outdoor Pool

A 50 m pool for the big kids, plus a leisure pool with a gentle beach entry for little ones, a kiosk and shaded seating. Keep it on your list for the first hot weekend of the season. Check the Cardinia Leisure seasonal pool information for the seasonal opening date and operating hours before heading out.

The next two are Pakenham's big indoor play centres. Both can get busy on wet weekends, so an early visit may give your family more room to explore.

6. Hoopla Pakenham

A 3,000 m² indoor playground with a separate Toddler World for under 3s, bowling from age 3, electric ride-on cars, an arcade and a restaurant. Parents and carers get into the playground free with their children. Check Hoopla Pakenham for current prices, sessions and attraction requirements.

7. Croc's Playcentre

Three levels of play, a toddler pirate ship and ball pit, a four-lane wave slide, a climbing wall and a two-lane bike track. Good for families with a toddler and an older sibling, since there's something at every height. Visit Croc's Playcentre to check Pakenham opening hours and admission.

8. A show at the Cardinia Cultural Centre

The 356-seat theatre by the lake hosts touring shows, exhibitions and community performances. Look through the Cardinia Cultural Centre what's on listings for children's shows, then make a morning of it with a lap of the lake next door.

Part 2: A short drive away

These are approximate drive times by car. Check a map app before you leave, allowing extra time for traffic and stops.

9. Gumbuya World

The theme park at Tynong North has family rides, Aussie wildlife and shows, with the bird and outback shows included in entry. The water park opens for the season each summer; confirm seasonal dates, tickets and ride requirements with Gumbuya World.

Good to know: Some days are closed, so check the opening calendar before you go.

10. Kangaroos at Cardinia Reservoir Park

Big families of eastern grey kangaroos live in the park, and seeing them grazing in the morning light is the kind of thing children talk about for weeks. Crystal Brook Picnic Area has a playground, BBQs and toilets, so it works as a whole morning out. The park is open from sunrise to sunset. See Parks Victoria: Cardinia Reservoir Park for current conditions.

Good to know: Walk the Kangaroo Viewing Trail early or late in the day. Keep your distance and never feed them. Dogs on a lead are allowed in the park, but not on that trail.

11. Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne

Entry to the Australian Garden is free. Children head for the covered sandpit with its fossil wall, the shallow rock pool waterway with stepping tiles to hop across, and the giant metal lily pads. It's flat, pram-friendly and full of space to explore. Check Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne for visitor information.

Good to know: Pick up free Seek and Find nature cards at the Visitor Centre. The gardens close on Total Fire Ban days.

12. Emerald Lake Park

A playground, free electric BBQs with no booking needed, paddleboats for hire on Lake Treganowan and the wheelchair-friendly 1.2 km Lake Nobelius Loop. In summer the wading pool opens, with water from 50 cm to 1 metre deep. Puffing Billy's Lakeside station is right here too, which makes it an easy base for a full day. Check Cardinia Shire's park information for seasonal facilities and any parking charges.

13. Emerald Lake Model Railway

Emerald Lake Park has hosted a large HO-scale model railway with miniature towns and countryside. Before planning a model railway visit, ask Cardinia Shire about the park's current attractions and visitor facilities.

Good to know: Confirm visitor availability with the park manager before travelling.

14. Puffing Billy Railway

From Pakenham, a convenient place to board is Lakeside station at Emerald Lake Park. Ride to Gembrook (about 50 minutes each way) or the other way to Belgrave (about an hour). Trains run on selected days each week. Check Puffing Billy's current timetable and tickets for your chosen date and journey.

Good to know: Trains sell out well ahead on weekends, so book before you leave home.

The fares below are Belgrave to Lakeside return examples. They are not quotes for boarding at Lakeside or for other routes; confirm the current fare when booking.

15. A bushwalk in Bunyip State Park

For a bush morning, start at Mortimer Picnic Ground. The easy 1.2 km Mortimer Nature Walk takes about 45 minutes return, and the 750 m Lawson Falls Walk leads to the park's only waterfall. Spring is a lovely time to look for wildflowers. Check Parks Victoria: Bunyip State Park for track conditions, closures and fire information.

Good to know: Dogs aren't allowed in the park, but you can walk them on a lead in neighbouring Kurth Kiln Regional Park.

Two ready-made weekend plans

Not sure where to start? Here's one day close to home and one day in the hills. Adjust the pace to suit your child's meals, rest and interests.

Before you head out

On warm, clear days, UV in Victoria is often high enough for sun protection by mid-morning, even when it's cloudy. Check the forecast and pack for the activities you've chosen.

• Hats and sunscreen
• Water bottles
• Snacks and a picnic rug
• Spare clothes for water play
• Rain jackets
• Pram or carrier
• Puffing Billy booking confirmation
• Nappies and wipes

Opening hours, prices and seasonal dates change. Please confirm details with each venue before you go. Lumora has no commercial relationship with any place in this guide.

Come and see Lumora Pakenham Centre

Our Reggio-inspired childcare and kinder centre is at 3 Savage Street, Pakenham, for children from six weeks to school age. Explore our babies, toddlers and kindergarten programs, or book a tour of Lumora Pakenham to see the rooms and meet the team.

For more family reading, browse the Lumora blog for our kindergarten starting-age guide, getting ready for school and choosing childcare articles.

Every child deserves to sit in the circle.