Affordable Family-Friendly Things to do in the Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges

Want to plan the ultimate family-friendly adventure that you and the kids will love?

There are so many amazing places to visit in the Yarra Valley & Dandenongs that you'll be talking about for years to come. Our region is home to stunning nature and wildlife, beautiful views to have a picnic, delicious places to get a bite to eat, wonderful wineries, awesome playgrounds, fantastic walking tracks and more!

1. Explore wonderful walks in the Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges

There are so many stunning walks that take you through fern gullies, ancient rainforests, towering gum trees and beautiful townships. Check out all the walks and cycles here. Or purchase our Walks eGuide and find amazing places to take the family. With over 200 featured walks and trails, our eGuide offers walkers, hikers and riders beautifully scenic places to visit.

We recommend grabbing the bikes or walking shoes and heading out the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail the Eastern Dandenong Ranges Trail or the Nillumbik Aqueduct Trail

After you've exercised up an appetite, treat yourselves to some delicious food, drink and shopping at one of the many amazing townships, including Healesville, Coldstream, Belgrave, Gembrook, Warburton, Hurstbridge, and more!

2. Enjoy the stunning Dandenong Ranges gardens

Our amazing gardens in the Dandenong Ranges are dappled in sunlight, surrounded by stunning mountain ash trees and part of a climate that ensures something is blossoming no matter the season. Most of the gardens are also free to enter!

Our beautiful new book, Green Escapes: Gardens of the Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges, is available now. It's bursting with beautiful gardens to enjoy as well as the history behind them.

Alternatively, check out our top cool climate gardens and explore delightful walking tracks, beautiful nature and feel a world away. Extend your stay by bringing a picnic with your favourite snacks then visiting the townships Olinda, Sassafras, Emerald and Gembrook

Bringing the fur-baby? Check out these gorgeous gardens that are dog-friendly and free to enter so grab the lead and start planning!

3. Beat the heat at a splash park, local swimming pool or natural swimming areas

On a warm day check the latest conditions, then head to somewhere to cool down in our region and have the best fun you can have on a summer's day. Access is for everyone and you can stay as long as you like! Check out places like Seville Splash Park, Lillydale Lake Splash Pad, Warburton Water World and Emerald Lake Wading Pool.

Looking for somewhere to cool down? Check out the places to cool down in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges.

4. Check out nature in the Warburton Valley

We are blessed with many natural assets in the Warburton Valley that are easy to access and free of charge. Start your visit with a delicious meal and shopping in Warburton and the surrounding suburbs followed by an outdoor activity. Why not visit La La Falls, Ada Tree, Redwoods Forest or the Rainforest Gallery?

Need inspiration for your upcoming trip? Check out our top 6 free activities we know your family will love.

5. Check out our amazing playgrounds and spot animals and birds

Tried and tested by kids and parents alike, our playgrounds offer a chance to get back into nature, blow off some steam and time for parents to relax. Add places like Eltham North Adventure Playground and Lillydale Lake Playspace to your family itinerary for a great day out.

Once the kids are ready for the next activity, there are lots of amazing places to go and spot native animals and birdlife. Discover our favourite places to see kangaroos, birds and koalas and keep a tally of the beautiful wildlife you see.

Finish the day by getting a tasty snack or sweet treat at one of our kid-friendly places to eat and drink.