Welcome to the first weekend of April! We've got some fun theatre, an outdoor music session, and plenty of free activities to keep the kids busy on Saturday the 4th and Sunday the 5th of April 2026.
See our top picks
Cairns Esplanade Explorer: Playgrounds and Ocean Views
Cairns Esplanade Playgrounds
A self-guided free tour hitting Muddy's and the foreshore on Saturday.
BOUNC'D NQ
BOUNC'D NQ, Earlville
Perfect indoor trampoline park fun for energetic kids aged 4-16.
Goomboora Park
Goomboora Park, Brinsmead
Free, shaded playground perfect for toddlers and pre-schoolers on Saturday.
· April 4
597TH NORTH QUEENSLAND EISTEDDFOD : The Eisteddfod is on for its final weekend, so now is the time to catch some local performing arts talent. It runs all day at the CPAC Theatre—a great way to support local culture.This is one of the few limited-run arts events happening specifically on Saturday.
: Head up to the Tablelands for some live music featuring Dave Cooke & Pauly P. This event sounds like a great excuse for a Saturday afternoon road trip out of the city.It's a rare chance to catch a specific live music event outside of the city centre on Saturday.
CAIRNS ESPLANADE EXPLORER: PLAYGROUNDS AND OCEAN VIEWSFREE : This is a self-guided plan hitting the best spots along the Esplanade, including Muddy's Playground. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy exploring the foreshore at your own pace.It’s a fantastic, free, outdoor itinerary that utilises iconic local landmarks.
: This photography exhibition at the Cairns Art Gallery wraps up Saturday, so if you haven't been, this is your last chance to check out the collection pieces.It's the final day for this gallery exhibition.
NIGHT SKY SECRETS : Check out the planetarium shows and space artifacts here. It's a fascinating indoor activity for kids who love stars and science.A unique, educational indoor attraction running all weekend.
· April 5
5: Enjoy music by Andrea (Pop/Soul/Jazz) at the Pullman in Port Douglas this Easter Sunday morning. A nice way to start the day if you are heading north.Specific Easter Sunday session event happening outside Cairns proper.
: Catch the Barbary Coasters playing tropical rock and blues in the afternoon at the Yorkeys Knob Boating Club. Great spot for an afternoon snack.Specific event running on Sunday afternoon at a known family-friendly spot.
CAIRNS TROPICAL FAMILY ADVENTUREFREE : Hit the classics—Botanic Gardens, Muddy's Splash Park, and finish with a cool down at the Esplanade Lagoon. A perfect mix of nature and water play for a Sunday.It covers the three major free attractions that appeal to younger children.
: This custom-built playground in Stratford encourages climbing and creative play under established trees. A fun, slightly different outing for Sunday afternoon.It’s a unique, dedicated playground structure that isn't the usual council offering.
DEFY GRAVITY BOULDERING : A great indoor option for kids aged 6+ who like a physical challenge—bouldering without ropes is exciting and builds confidence.Offers a slightly older-kid, physically challenging activity perfect for Sunday afternoon.
Also On· anytime this weekend
6FREE : Explore the lush Botanic Gardens and then challenge the family to climb the Red Arrow track for incredible views over the city and ocean. Bring water!It combines free nature exploration with a rewarding physical challenge for older kids.
FREE : A great plan for Saturday morning focusing on coastal play at Yorkeys Knob followed by time at a city park like Munro Martin. Absolutely free family fun!It’s a structured but free plan focusing on the northern beaches playground scene.
FREE : This Brinsmead park has fantastic shaded playgrounds perfect for cooling off while the little ones burn energy. It’s a great, easy free option for Saturday morning.A highly recommended, free, permanent local park perfect for the 2-12 age group.
: If the heat or weather isn't cooperating, this Earlville trampoline park has dodgeball, foam pits, and main bounce areas for energetic kids.Excellent indoor option for high-energy kids, especially if the weather turns.
: Another exhibition closing on Saturday! This display focuses on Ron McBurnie's studio work. A good indoor option if you need a break from the sun.The final day for this gallery exhibit is Saturday.
FREE : You can never go wrong with a swim at the Lagoon on a warm weekend. It’s free, massive, and has a separate splash park area for the little ones.It’s the city’s best free water activity, perfect for Sunday afternoon cooling off.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Cairns this weekend?
This weekend (Apr 04-05) you can enjoy several completely free options. We recommend the self-guided 'Cairns Esplanade Explorer' on Saturday, the 'Botanical Bliss & Red Arrow Peak' adventure on Sunday, or just heading down to the free Cairns Esplanade Lagoon for a swim.
Are there any limited-run shows or exhibitions ending this weekend?
Yes, both photography exhibitions at the Cairns Art Gallery—'Captured: Photography From The Collection' and 'Ron McBurnie: The Artist Studio'—conclude on Saturday, April 4th.
What's happening on Sunday afternoon?
For live music, check out the 'Easter Sunday Session!' with the Barbary Coasters at Yorkeys Knob Boating Club at 3:00 PM, or visit the Fishery Falls Hotel at 2:00 PM for Two Dogs Music.
