Family Friendly things to do in Terrigal and Surrounds
Looking for a family getaway you’ll actually enjoy? Escape to Terrigal on the NSW Central Coast for a beachside break perfect for families. At Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific, you’ll find spacious accommodation, a heated outdoor pool, daily buffet breakfast and everything you need either on site or within easy walking distance. No long car rides. No complicated plans. Just fresh sea air, open space and quality time together ensuring a memorable escape the whole family will love.
Beach walks. Morning bike rides. Pool time. Mealtimes with zero clean-up. No dishes. Less stress. More time together. More core memories.
It’s sandy toes. The breakfast buffets. The “one more swim” before sunset. It’s the kind of family holiday you’ll remember.
One day they’ll outgrow the pool races and the “are we there yets?” But right now, this is the good stuff. A Terrigal family getaway means quieter moments, shared laughs and experiences you’ll talk about for years to come.
Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a longer NSW Central Coast family holiday, everything you need is right here. All that’s left to do? Pack the bags and surprise the family.
Family-friendly dining
From relaxed beachfront cafés to casual dining all within walking distance, there's plenty of family-friendly restaurants in Terrigal. Award-winning Meribella offers an early dining experience for families.
- Our season-inspired menu takes cues from the vibrant Mediterranean whilst using market-sourced ingredients.
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Terrigal Beach & Rockpools
Step straight across to Terrigal Beach for safe swimming, sandcastle competitions and sunset strolls. Explore the nearby rock pools, spot marine life and let the kids burn off energy by the water.
- Terrigal beach is one of the best known beaches on the NSW Central Coast, offering a safe haven for swimming, surfing and relaxing on the sand. Professional Central Coast Council lifeguards patrol this beach from Monday to Friday and Surf Life Saving patrols the beach on weekends and public holidays. At the southern end of the beach, The Haven is a protected boat harbour with BBQ facilities, a boat ramp, sheltered beach and some good fishing spots.
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Terrigal Beach House
Located in the heart of Terrigal, head to Terrigal Beach House for good times and beach views. Ideal for families, the Kids Menu includes classics your children will love and every kids meal includes a free drink and ice cream.
- Enjoy icy cold drinks on the beach terrace or indulge your taste buds with our locally sourced seasonal menu. On selected weekends, Terrigal Beach House offers children’s activities including face painting, balloon art and more.
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Terrigal Haven
Take a leisurely morning stroll (bikes and scooter friendly) to explore Terrigal and visit The Haven in Terrigal - a must visit. An easy adventure with rewarding scenery, perfect for little legs and big imaginations.
- Whether you decide to climb to the top of The Skillion or simply take a walk around the rocks at the foot of the hill, a visit to The Skillion is a must-do bucket list item when you visit Terrigal. The iconic Haven is a 10 minute walk from Crowne Plaza Terrigal.
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Terrigal Ocean Tours
Take a forty-minute cruise along the Central Coast beaches on an ecotour RIB, departing from The Haven, just a five minute walk from the hotel.
- Enjoy stunning scenery, watch for whales in winter and search for dolphins and sea eagles in summer whilst learning about our coastal marine life. The boat seats just ten passengers so you know you are going to get personalised service and the marine biologist on-board each tour is there to share information and answer any questions you may have. A great activity to do with the kids, you will also enjoy a few thrills on the way home with a high speed blast ride.
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Family Time Poolside
Enjoy family time in our heated swimming pool overlooking Terrigal Beach. Playing, relaxing, swimming practice? There's so much fun waiting poolside.
- Spend some time relaxing by the pool at Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific. Imagine sun-soaked vibes and the kind of laid-back energy that instantly slows time down.
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Bouddi National Park Coastal Walk
Escape to nature at Bouddi National Park.
- The Central Coast is well known for its beautiful beaches and stunning coastline. Bouddi National Park’s coastal walks provide stunning coastal views, national forest, kangaroos and plenty of beautiful little beaches to take a swim along the way. With numerous trails, the relatively easy hiking through gorgeous Bouddi National Park is characterised by sweeping views, shady rainforest and inviting picnic spots. If you are visiting during the winter months, keep your eyes peeled for whales as they make their way north.
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Terrigal Paddle Boats
Experience Terrigal from the water with Terrigal Paddle Boats.
- Located on Terrigal Lagoon, just a ten minute walk from the hotel, Terrigal Paddle Boats is a fun adventure to do with your family, partner or group of friends. You can choose to hire a paddle boat or stand up paddle board if that is more your thing. If you need a little guidance, you can book a stand up paddle board lesson with Mark Chandler, or just sit back on a paddle boat and relax as you paddle through the gorgeous Terrigal Lagoon.
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Local Breweries
Get a taste of the Central Coast’s best beer.
- Bay Rd Brewing in Gosford is a microbrewery run by real people making better beer. Just a twenty minute drive from the hotel, enjoy locally brewed craft beer including lager, pale ale, XPA, IPA as well as seasonal beer. Six String Brewing Co is proudly the NSW's Central Coasts first home grown craft brewery with a brewery and tasting room in Erina. All beers are preservative free, unpasteurised and unfiltered, giving the fullest possible flavour to the range. Block N Tackle Brewery and cellar door at Kincumber, just ten minutes from the hotel, is an ideal place to discover new beers by grabbing a tasting paddle to sample the range.
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Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre
Explore rock platforms, learn about local sea life or make memories at the adjacent park.
Banjo’s Skate Park
Skate at Terrigal Lagoon Reserve
- Banjo’s Skate Park, at Terrigal Lagoon Reserve, is a ten minute walk from the hotel and located near the play park with the added bonus of great coffee available nearby. The vibrant play space is suitable for all ages and ranges of abilities and includes play equipment, seating areas, BBQ facilities, picnic tables and safety fencing.
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Kayak the Coast
A fun way to spend the day.
- There is no better way to experience the Central Coast’s beautiful natural environment than on the water. There are many places that will hire kayaks out for the day so you can have your own self-guided kayak adventure. Alternatively, take a guided kayak tour where you will learn all about the local area. Glenworth Valley Adventures offers a 2.5 hour guided eco-kayak tour exploring Popran Creek or for a nearby experience, you can explore Terrigal Lagoon on a kayak for just $25 an hour.
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Central Coast Surf Academy
Learn to surf.
- Learn to ride the tide like a pro with a learn to surf lesson right on Terrigal beach. Central Coast Surf Academy offers all types of lessons for children and adults alike from complete beginners through to elite & high performance surfing and even corporate groups. You’ll learn everything you need to feel comfortable and competent in the ocean. Central Coast Surf Academy offers expert instructors and will also provide all your equipment so you can focus on having fun.
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Broken Bay Pearl Farm Tour
A world-class holiday activity.
- Did you know that the world’s most lustrous and rare Akoya pearls are grown right here on the Central Coast? Board a catamaran at Woy Woy where an experienced skipper will immerse you in the story of our locally grown pearls, as well as introducing you to the pearling team who reveal the intricacies of pearl farming. Also explore the incredible local marine wilderness where iconic pelicans and abundant fish are a living display of the coast’s thriving marine ecosystem and home to the world-class pearls.
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Visit the Aqua Park
Enjoy hours of fun with a visit to the Central Coast Aqua Park in Gosford.
- Central Coast Aqua Park is the perfect place for fun and action, meet friends and family for a laughter and excitement filled adventure on the inflatable activity park and obstacle courses.
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