The 27 best things to do in Orange with kids

From filling baskets with juicy cherries to playing in beautiful parks, there are so many fun things to do in Orange with kids.  

Best known for its sprawling vineyards and winery tours, Orange is a hit among foodies keen to flee the city for a weekend. But don’t let all the vino talk deter you if you’re travelling with kids in tow. A calm country town in Central NSW, Orange is a wonderful destination for families looking to make lasting memories in the countryside. Whether you’re keen to discover local cafe culture, cycle along leafy lanes or pick your own produce alongside friendly farm animals, read on to discover the best things to do in Orange with kids.  

Hillside Harvest

Little ones love to do things themselves, so why not take them to pick their own fruit? Hillside Harvest is a family-run orchard brimming with stone fruit, apples, berries, figs and pears you can pick when in season. There’s also a cute little farm store for seasonal fruit & veg, local cheeses and gifts, as well as a cafe where you can grab a slice of farm-fresh apple pie, light lunch or picnic grazing box. 

Hop on a bike

One of the best active things to do in Orange with kids is to hop on one of the many cycling tracks in and around town. Flat surfaces make it easy for newbie riders and the verdant scenery is just gorgeous. Popular routes include the 33-kilometre Orange Lucknow Loop and the eight-kilometre North Orange Loop, which rides through the beautiful Botanic Gardens and Adventure Playground. 

Orange Heritage Trail

The Orange Heritage trail is a self-guided walk showcasing more than 40 buildings and attractions that trace the history from its colonial settlement to the goldminers. The 90-minute walk is one of the best things to do in Orange with kids and starts at the Orange Visitor Information Centre, where you can pick up a helpful brochure about the walk. 

Heifer Station

Kids can get up close and personal with chooks, goats and a mini Shetland pony at Heifer Station’s ‘Funny Farm’, which is next to the Cellar Door’s tasting room. Note that the precinct is not public, so guests will need to book a tour, be it a wine tasting, vineyard walk or picnic, to visit the petting zoo.  

Orange Fire Festival

Visiting the Fire Festival is one of the best things to do in Orange with kids in winter. Usually held over two weekends in August, the festival celebrates the talents of artists, magicians and wine sellers around a crackling bonfire. 

Orange Adventure Playground

Much-loved by locals and visitors alike, this playground situated near the Botantic Gardens promises bundles of fun. There’s an accessible liberty swing, a network of twirly slides and giant chess board for kids to enjoy.  

Indigenous Cultural Adventures tour

Hosted by local Elders, Indigenous Cultural Adventures take visitors on cultural journeys with Indigenous bush tucker tastings and fascinating visits to a significant burial site. The tour is a fantastic and memorable way for all ages to learn about the rich customs of the Wiradjuri nation, making it one of the best cultural things to do in Orange with kids.  

Racine Bakery

There’s nothing better than the delicious smell of oven-warm baked goods. Racine Bakery is packed with rustic loaves, flaky pastries and cakes that children and adults alike won’t be able to resist.

Cook Park

Whether you’re a fan or picnics or wandering along tranquil flower-lined promenades, one of the top things to do in Orange with kids is to explore Cook Park. The attraction boasts 4.5 hectares of beautiful parkland with children’s play equipment, an aviary, begonia house, duck pond and fountains. Visit the historic Bastick Cottage to browse locally handmade goods, from crocheted items and pottery to jewellery and woodwork. 

Small Acres Cider

Most cellar doors leave kids fidgety and impatient. At Small Acres Cyder, kids can join in the fun. Along with designated drivers and non-drinkers, children can enjoy a non-alcoholic cider tasting, from cloudy apple juice to cherry and pear ciders, while parents sample the alcoholic range. It’s yum for the whole clan.

The Farm Trail

The Farm Trail is one of the best things to do in Orange with kids who love all things agricultural. On the tour you’ll meet the growers at a selection of local farms, pick a bountiful harvest and enjoy a delicious lunch made using seasonal ingredients. 

Orange Farmers Market

If you’re keen to delve deeper into the local produce world, make sure to visit the Orange Farmers Market. Enjoy a bacon and egg roll or pastry while you browse the colourful array of fruits, meats, breads and veggies. The market takes place the second Saturday of every month with a gold coin donation entry.

Mount Canobolas

Did someone say ancient volcano? At 1,395 metres tall, Mount Canobolas is one of Orange’s most striking attractions. Drive right to the top to witness a spectacular sunset or sunrise with 360-degree views over Orange. The area offers plenty of cool walking tracks, too. 

Lake Canobolas

Fancy a postcard-perfect picnic location? Bring along your favourite snacks and keep an eye out for platypus at the tranquil Lake Canobolas, located at the foot of Mt Canobolas. The lake is fed from melting snow and is particularly gorgeous in autumn when a tapestry of red and orange foliage brings the reserve to life. You can cycle, sail, canoe or walk around the lake, making a visit one of the most versatile things to do in Orange with kids. 

Peisley Street Gallery

The Peisley Street Gallery is an independent art gallery showcasing a range of stunning artworks inspired by NSW’s beautiful country landscapes. Located a short three-minute drive from the centre of Orange, it’s a great place to take creative kids.  

Borenore Caves

Drive fifteen minutes’ northwest of Orange to the Borenore Karst Conservation Reserve, one of the best things to do in Orange with kids. Here you’ll find an array of ancient limestone caves. Explore Arch Cave along the easy 700-metre Arch loop track leading to impressive stalactites and stalagmites before enjoying a barbecue in the reserve’s grassy picnic area. 

The Agrestic Grocer

Come for a coffee and linger for a delicious light lunch. The Agrestic Grocer is one of the best local joints in Orange to grab a bite with the family or pick up some regional produce. There’s even live music in the courtyard on weekends.

Orange Regional Museum

Visiting the Orange Regional Museum is one of the best things to do in Orange for families. Curious kids will love discovering the diverse history, science and culture exhibitions that tell stories of the region’s past and present. Entry to the museum is free. 

Orange F.O.O.D Week

Established in 1991, the Orange Food Week is now Australia’s longest running regional food and wine festival. The festival runs over 10 days each April and is a heartfelt celebration of the Orange region’s local heroes and harvest. Events include foodie night markets, vineyard degustation menus and a Sunday producers’ market and brunch.  

Orange Botanic Gardens

Serenity, bird watching and exotic gardens galore. The Orange Botanic Gardens is a wonderful place for families to relax and enjoy some quality time together in the open air. The gardens sprawl across a 17-hectare site brimming with native and exotic plants. A playground and barbecue area can be found close by at the Orange Adventure Playground.  

Catania Fruit Salad Farm

Visiting Catania Fruit Salad Farm is one of the coolest things to do in Orange with kids who love animals and the outdoors. Board a delightful corrugated iron bus from the mud brick farmhouse and explore the oldest working farm in the district with a guided tour, stopping to sample seasonal fruit along the way.

Mini golf at Orange City Bowling Club

Ready, steady, putt! Grab a schnitzel or pasta at the family friendly Orange City Bowling Club before teeing it off at the 18-hole mini golf course. The bistro and mini golf are open seven days a week. 

Orange Regional Gallery

Artsy kids will have a blast at the Orange Regional Gallery, open from 10am-4pm daily. The gallery boasts a range of creative education programs and free kids’ activities inspired by the exhibitions and collections.  

Orange Tenpin Bowl

Who doesn’t love a friendly match of tenpin? Orange Tenpin Bowl is one of the best things to do in Orange with kids on a rainy day. With bumper lanes, pool tables, a photo booth and arcade games, there’s hours of fun to be had. 

Byng Street Cafe

Checking out the local cafe culture is one of the best things to do in Orange with kids, and Byng Street Cafe is an awesome place to start. Whether you’re looking for a caffeine hit on the go or a delightful brekkie or lunch, this quaint cafe is a local favourite.

Orange City Centre

Here you’ll find a range of shops to peruse on a bad weather day, from Lorna Jane to Bonds and Adairs. Orange City Centre has an awesome children’s playground in the food court so you can enjoy a bite to eat while keeping an eye on the kids as they burn off some energy.

Orange Aquatic Centre

Get water babies paddling at the fun-filled Orange Aquatic Centre. Practice laps at the 50-metre outdoor Olympic pool or take the littlies to the indoor facility, which features a 25-metre lap pool, leisure and toddlers’ pools heated to 28 degrees year-round. The centre also has a cafe and beach volleyball area. 

Orange, NSW FAQS

How to get to Orange, NSW

Located in Central NSW, the town of Orange is roughly a three and a half hour drive from both Sydney and Canberra. There is also a regional airport fifteen minutes’ drive from the centre of town.

Is Orange, NSW worth visiting?

Orange is a lovely country town worth adding to your NSW bucket list. The town is brimming with tranquil wineries, orchards, parks and walking tracks, along with fantastic restaurants and cafes.

Why is Orange NSW famous? 

Orange in NSW is famous for its cool-climate wines, thriving foodie culture, rich heritage and delightful countryside scenery.  

Where is the best place to go on a date in Orange? 

From romantic picnics at Heifer Station to private wine tastings at Rowlee Wines, there are plenty of amazing date spots in Orange. If you prefer getting outdoors, try a walk through the gorgeous Cook Park or around Lake Canobolas.  

How long should I spend in Orange, NSW? 

While some families may prefer to spend longer in Orange, usually two to three days is enough to tick off the town’s main attractions.  

Is Orange kid friendly?

While often seen as an adult destination due to its multitude of wineries, Orange is a terrific and safe place to take children. Its range of kid-friendly parks, orchards and playgrounds ensure little ones are kept entertained for hours on end.  

What is there to do in Orange on a rainy day? 

Some of the best things to do in Orange with kids on a rainy day include heading to the Orange Regional Gallery, grabbing a hot drink at one of the many charming cafes, browsing the shops at Orange City Centre or going tenpin bowling.  

What are the after-school activities in Orange NSW?

Orange offers a host of fun after-school activities for kids to enjoy. Brazillian Jiu Jitsu, indoor tennis and tenpin bowling are just some on the list. PCYC Orange offers a range of sporty and creative kids’ activities, from gymnastics and boxing to dancing and guitar lessons.

Keep reading:
25 bucket-list Aussie experiences for families
23 awesome things to do in Dubbo with kids
34 best things to do in Bathurst with kids

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