1. A Lengthy Hot Soak in the Peninsula Hot Springs

Treat your family to some bonding where you won’t be able to help but leave completely relaxed. The Peninsula Hot Springs has its own family-friendly area with 15 different bathing experiences for all ages. Over 16s can also access the bathing gully and hilltop pools areas.

Must check out: Bath House
Best time to go: Anytime, they’re open from 7:30am – 10pm (last bathing 9:45 pm) seven days a week, before 11am is quietest time
Costs: Adult weekend bathing fee $40/weekday $35
How long will you need: At least half a day
Recommended Family Accommodation: Shearwater Cottage at our Blue Moon Cottages in Rye only 200 metres from the bayside beach and a short drive to all these attractions.  Check it out here.  Book 3 nights to receive 20% discount*

2. Run free in the Enchanted Adventure Garden

Adults and kids alike love the Enchanted Adventure Garden. There is so much to see and explore you might have a hard time tearing everyone away. Set in five acres of native bushland with giant tree sculptures, there are  tree surfing, intriguing puzzles, absorbing 3D mazes, tube sliding and more.

Must check out: Tree Surfing
Best time to go: Anytime, open daily 10am – 6pm
Costs: Entry fee Adults $29 / Children (3-17) $19 – Tree Surfing is extra
How long will you need: At least half a day

Recommended Family Accommodation: Summer Cottage in Tootgarook only 600 metres from the bayside beach and a short drive to all these attractions.  Check it out here.  Book 3 nights to receive 20% discount*

3. Explore the nocturnal world of the Moonlit Sanctuary

Visit the Moonlit Sanctuary for an up close encounter with kangaroos, wombats and other Australian animals. Have your photo taken with a koala! This is a magical wildlife experience day or night for the whole family. Go on a guided lantern lit walk to meet rare and endangered species such as bettongs, quolls and gliders.

Must check out:  Award winning evening tour
Best time to go: Night
Costs: Family (2A, 2Ch) $120
How long will you need: 4 hours (approx.)
Local Tip: Get dinner first before going on the evening tour.

Recommended Family Accommodation: St Ives Cottage  in Rye only 500 metres from the bayside beach and a short drive to all these attractions.  Check it out here.  Book 3 nights to receive 20% discount*

4. Enjoy an exciting horse riding experience

No matter what age your kids are, they can get saddled up at the Ace-Hi Ranch. This horse riding adventure park offers scenic forest and beach horse treks for the whole family, as well as fun outdoor activities. There are gentle pony rides for younger kids.

Must check out: Bush’n’Beach trek
Best time to go: Weekend
Costs: Contact for current prices
How long will you need: Approx 1 hour
Local Tip: Expert instructors will advise on attire and provide safe riding tips.

Recommended Family Accommodation: Buckleys Escape  in Sorrento only  a short drive to Sorrento township to all these attractions.  Check it out here.  Book 3 nights to receive 20% discount*

5. Farmyard fun for all the family

Children love feeding and cuddling animals, so give them a true farm experience at Rain, Hayne & Shine on the Mornington Peninsula. They’ll get to have a hands on experience with a variety of farm animals, as well as feeding newborns such as lambs and piglets.

Must check out:  The newborn lambs
Best time to go: Anytime, open daily 10am – 4pm
Costs: Adults $6 / 3 years + $12 / 1-2 years$6 / under 1 year free
How long will you need: 1 day
Local Tip: Pop your child on one of the farm ponies for $2.

Recommended Family Accommodation: SeaEsta  in Rye only  a short drive to Rye township to all these attractions.  Check it out here.  Book 3 nights to receive 20% discount*

6.  Pat goats and taste delicious cheese

A fun family activity is meeting the goats and sampling award winning cheese at Main Ridge Dairy. Learn more about the daily running of the dairy and meet (and cuddle) the new kids on the popular ‘Kidding Tour’. Sit outside and sample fresh cheese platters as the goats graze nearby.

Must check out: New born goats
Best time to go: Saturday
Costs: Free
How long will you need: 1 – 2 hours
Local Tip: Bookings for the Dairy Tour are on a first come, first serve basis.

Recommended Family Accommodation: The Nest  in Rye only  a short drive to Rye township to all these attractions.  Check it out here.  Book 3 nights to receive 20% discount*

7. Paddle fun on the Peninsula

Keep the family fit and have fun at the same time. Stand Up Paddle Boarding (aka SUP) is a popular year round activity on the Mornington Peninsula. Learn how to master this growing sport, anyone can do it, from children to grandparents.

Must check out: Peninsula Stand Up Paddle
Best time to go: Depends on conditions.
Costs: $70 pp for groups of 3 or more
How long will you need: 1 – 2 hours
Local Tip: Lessons are conducted at different Mornington Peninsula beach locations, depending on the day’s wind and weather conditions.

Recommended Family Accommodation: Whitewood Cottage  in Rye only  a short drive to Rye township to all these attractions.  Check it out here.  Book 3 nights to receive 20% discount*

8. Delicious strawberries

Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm is a must for families who love strawberries. Pop along to their cafe for a decadent dessert, icecream and fresh strawberries. You can also experience the delights of picking (and sampling) your own strawberries during strawberry picking season.

Must check out: U-Pick Strawberries
Best time to go: Strawberry picking season is November – April
Costs: Adults $9 Children $4 Family (2 Adults 2 Children) $20
How long will you need: 1 – 2 hours
Local Tip: Check their Facebook page for dessert specials, recipes and strawberry picking availability.

Recommended Family Accommodation: Cloud Nine  in Arthurs Seat only  a short drive to Dromana and McCrae township to all these attractions.  Check it out here.  Book 3 nights to receive 20% discount*

9. Watch or swim with dolphins & seals

Now the weather’s warming up, it’s the ideal time for a swimming or sight-seeing tour to meet the friendly dolphins and seals of Mornington Peninsula. This experience is one your family won’t forget in a hurry. Choose between observing from the comfort of the boat or don a wetsuit and snorkel for a more personal encounter.

Must check out: Moonraker Dolphin Swims
Best time to go: From September.
Costs: Watching $55 – $65 Swimming $79 – $129
How long will you need: 3 hours
Local Tip: Complimentary refreshments are served on board.

Recommended Family Accommodation: Warrawee  in Blairgowrie only  a short drive to Blairgowrie and Sorrento townships and to all these attractions.  Check it out here.  Book 3 nights to receive 20% discount*

10. Catch a big fish

If your family is into ocean fishing, then booking a fishing trip will be right up your alley. The Bass Strait and Port Phillip Bay are popular fishing spots on the Mornington Peninsula. You’ll may hook a variety of species, including Kingfish, Snapper, Australian Salmon and Trevally.

Must check out: Rip Charters
Best time to go: From September
Costs: $90 – $140
How long will you need: 4 – 6 hours
Local Tip: Check out the school holiday specials and book online to avoid disappointment.

1. Rye Hotel

The Rye Hotel has a beachside cafe and bistro serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. The dinner menu focuses on fresh seafood, steak and pasta, with childrens meals too. It offers an indoor play area for children of all ages. This is a great choice if you’re not in the mood for cooking.

Must check out: Thepancakes, yum!
Best time to go: Anytime, but book ahead
Costs: Dinner$25 – $35
How long will you need: 1 – 2 hours
Local Tip: Gluten free and vegetarian options available.

2. Yabby Lake Vineyard

Yabby Lake Vineyard is a great location for a winter lunch with a wide variety of reasonably priced dishes, an open fireplace and views to inspire. The emphasis is on fresh, local and tasty. Kids are catered for and they’ll enjoy the swing outside if it’s warm enough to play on.

Must check out: Hearty beef burgundy / green chicken curry
Best time to go: Lunch, but book ahead
Costs: approx $30 for a main
How long will you need: 1 – 2 hours
Local Tip: Don’t be put off by the dirt track, you’re on the right road.

3. Montalto Vineyard and Olive Grove

Kick off the weekend with Montalto Vineyard’s Friday bistro meal, including a family friendly dining time of 5.30pm. Or head there for a lazy Saturday lunch at the al fresco Piazza Cafe with freshly made pizza (Margherita for the kids).

Must check out: Bistro Fridays
Best time to go: Lunch and dinner, but book ahead
Costs: Lunch >$17, Dinner main approx.$35 – $39
How long will you need: 1 – 2 hours
Local Tip: The restaurant also offers a two course children’s menu for children up to 12 years of age, at $45.