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Best Things to Do in Frankston with Kids 2026
Best Things to Do in Frankston with Kids 2026
Frankston is Melbourne's gateway to the Mornington Peninsula, and it's packed with family-friendly things to do. From the long sandy beach and foreshore boardwalk to Ballam Park's brilliant playground, the Frankston Arts Centre, and some of the best fish and chips in Victoria, Frankston punches well above its weight as a family day out destination.
By VicBuzz Team | Last updated March 2026
Table of Contents
Why Frankston is Worth a Family Visit
Frankston gets a bad rap sometimes — unfairly. The city has genuinely transformed over the past decade. The waterfront precinct has been redeveloped, the arts scene is vibrant, and the beach itself is as good as any on Port Phillip Bay.
For families, Frankston offers something rare: a beach, a large park with a great playground, an arts centre with regular kids programming, and a decent café strip — all within easy reach of each other. You can make a genuinely full family day of it without spending much.
The train connection from Melbourne CBD makes it accessible for families who prefer not to drive. The Frankston line runs regularly from Flinders Street and Melbourne Central.
What's Changed Recently
The Frankston foreshore has benefited from significant investment. The boardwalk was extended, new picnic facilities were added, and the broader foreshore precinct now feels like a destination rather than just a beach access point. The town centre has also had new cafes and eateries open in recent years, adding to the family dining options.
Frankston Beach and Foreshore
The Beach
Frankston Beach stretches for several kilometres along Port Phillip Bay. The water is generally calm, making it one of the better bay beaches for families with young children. There's no surf to worry about, and the gradual entry makes it manageable even for toddlers who want to splash around.
In summer, Surf Life Saving Victoria patrols the main beach area. Always swim between the flags and check patrol times before arriving.
The Foreshore Boardwalk
The foreshore boardwalk runs along the beachfront and is one of Frankston's best family-friendly features. It's flat, paved, and well maintained. Kids can ride bikes or scooters, and there are regular rest spots and picnic tables along the way. The views over the bay are lovely, and on clear days you can see across to the You Yangs.
Olivers Hill
A short drive south of the main beach, Olivers Hill offers a gorgeous elevated lookout over Port Phillip Bay. There's a large playground and picnic facilities at the top. On a clear day it's one of the best views in Melbourne's south-east. The playground here is well maintained and popular with families who want something with a view.
Skate Park and Pump Track
The skate park near the foreshore is popular with older kids and teens. There's also a pump track for BMX bikes and scooters. It's well-designed and one of the better skate facilities in the area.
Ballam Park — Frankston's Best Park for Kids
Ballam Park is a large reserve in Frankston's north with a well-known playground, sports fields, and a peaceful lake circuit. It's consistently rated one of the better parks in the broader Frankston area by local families.
The Playground
The main playground at Ballam Park has a range of equipment for different ages: climbing frames, slides, swings, and a sandpit area. It's well shaded, which is a genuine win on summer afternoons. The playground is large enough that multiple families can use it simultaneously without it feeling crowded.
The Lake Circuit
The lake at Ballam Park has a gentle circuit suitable for prams and young walkers. Ducks and birds are a constant presence, which is a reliable source of excitement for younger kids. The path is mostly flat with a few gentle rises.
BBQ and Picnic Facilities
Ballam Park has BBQ facilities and sheltered picnic tables, making it a good choice for a family lunch or an evening barbecue. It's popular on weekends but rarely feels overcrowded.
Practical Information
Frankston Arts Centre for Families
The Frankston Arts Centre (FAC) is a genuine cultural asset for the region. It programs a mix of touring and local productions, and the family and children's program is strong year-round.
What's Typically on for Kids
The FAC programs specifically for families across the year, with a particular focus on school holidays. Shows typically include:
The venue itself is well laid out for families. Parking is easy, the foyer is spacious, and the shows are typically 45 to 90 minutes — well matched to children's attention spans.
Frankston City Gallery
The City Gallery at the FAC runs rotating exhibitions throughout the year. Entry is free. The gallery occasionally runs family workshops tied to current exhibitions, which are worth checking in advance.
For broader holiday programming ideas, our school holiday activities across Victoria guide covers arts centres and venues region by region.
Indoor Activities for Kids in Frankston
Frankston Regional Library
The Frankston Regional Library is a large, well-resourced library with strong children's programming. Storytime sessions run during school terms, and school holiday programs are consistently popular. The library also has a good range of children's books, digital resources, and quiet study areas.
Baxter Park and Environs
While technically outside the Frankston boundary, Baxter Park in the nearby suburb of Baxter has a large playground with flying fox and climbing areas. Combined with a walk through the surrounding reserve, it's a solid half-day activity.
Zone Bowling (Frankston)
Zone Bowling has a location in the Frankston area. Ten-pin bowling is a reliable family wet-weather option that works for children from about age 4 onwards (with bumper lanes). It gets busy on school holiday afternoons, so booking ahead helps.
Peninsula Aquatic Recreation Centre (PARC)
PARC in Frankston is an aquatic centre with indoor heated pools, a leisure pool, and a waterslide. It's a full aquatic facility with learn-to-swim programs and family sessions. On a cold day when the beach is out of the question, PARC is the obvious alternative.
Best Playgrounds in Frankston
Olivers Hill Playground
Elevated above the bay with beautiful views, the Olivers Hill playground is one of Frankston's most scenic. The equipment is varied and suits a range of ages. The picnic facilities are good and the setting is hard to beat.
Sweetwater Creek Reserve Playground
This reserve in Frankston's east has a nature-themed playground and surrounding bush corridor. It's a lovely alternative to the more formal park playgrounds, with an informal natural feel that adventurous kids enjoy.
Frankston Foreshore Playground
The playground near the main beach foreshore is unsurprisingly popular in summer. It's close enough to the beach that kids can alternate between the two, which makes it very hard to argue that there's nothing to do.
Leawarra Reserve
A quieter, more local playground in the Leawarra area. Good for a midweek afternoon visit when the larger parks are less necessary.
Family Cafes and Eating Out in Frankston
The Pier at Frankston
Frankston's waterfront precinct has a number of cafes and restaurants with bay views. The Pier area is a pleasant setting for a family lunch. Some spots are more child-friendly than others — generally look for the places with relaxed outdoor seating.
Frankston's Fish and Chip Strip
Frankston is rightly well known for its fish and chips. The takeaway spots near the beach are an institution for families visiting for the day. Getting fish and chips and finding a spot on the foreshore is one of those simple family experiences that just works.
Café 175
A popular local café in central Frankston with a welcoming atmosphere. Good coffee, solid food, and staff who are used to handling families with young children.
Markets and Local Produce
The Frankston Waterfront Market runs regularly during the warmer months at the foreshore. It's a good browse for families, with food stalls, local produce, and craft goods. Check the City of Frankston events calendar for current dates.
Day Trips from Frankston with Kids
Frankston is ideally positioned for day trips down the Mornington Peninsula.
Mornington and Mount Eliza
Just 15 to 20 minutes south, Mornington has a lovely main street, a paddock of vintage shops, and Main Street Beach which is perfectly calm for young swimmers. Mount Eliza's recreation reserve is a beautiful green space with bay views.
Arthurs Seat State Park and Eagle
The Arthurs Seat Eagle gondola ride is a favourite with kids — the views over the peninsula from the top are spectacular. The Enchanted Adventure Garden at the base is one of Victoria's best family activity venues. Read more in our Mornington Peninsula family guide.
Dromana Drive-In
The Dromana Drive-In is one of Victoria's last remaining drive-in cinemas and an absolute treat for families. It's about 35 minutes from Frankston. Worth doing at least once.
Moonlit Sanctuary
Moonlit Sanctuary at Pearcedale is a wildlife sanctuary about 20 minutes from Frankston. The night tours are particularly special and something different for families who have done Healesville Sanctuary before.
For a complete guide to what the peninsula offers, read our best kids activities on the Mornington Peninsula article.
Getting the Most Out of a Frankston Family Day
A well-paced Frankston day looks something like this:
You can do all of this with young children, it's mostly free, and you'll be home before bath time. That's a good day out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Frankston Beach safe for kids?
Frankston Beach is generally safe for families with children. The main beach area near the foreshore is patrolled during summer by Surf Life Saving Victoria. The water is calm relative to ocean beaches. Always supervise children in the water and check current patrol flags before swimming.
What is the best thing to do in Frankston for families with toddlers?
Ballam Park's playground and lake circuit is excellent for toddlers. The foreshore boardwalk is flat and pram-friendly. The Frankston library's storytime sessions are a great indoor option. And feeding the ducks at Ballam Park lake is a reliable crowd-pleaser at any age.
Is there parking near Frankston Beach?
Yes, there is parking along Nepean Highway near the foreshore, as well as at several car parks in the town centre. It gets busy on warm weekends and school holidays, so arriving before 10am helps.
Is Frankston Arts Centre worth visiting for families?
Absolutely. The FAC programs quality children's shows throughout the year, particularly during school holidays. Shows are typically age-appropriate for children from 3 upwards, and the venue is easy to navigate with kids.
What are some rainy day activities in Frankston for kids?
PARC aquatic centre, Zone Bowling, the Frankston Regional Library, and the Frankston Arts Centre are all solid wet-weather options. The City Gallery at the FAC is free and worth a look if you're waiting out a shower.
Sources
Written by the VicBuzz Team. For more Melbourne south-east family ideas, see our Mornington Peninsula family guide and our family beaches in Victoria guide.
Author: VicBuzz Team — local parents and community contributors covering family life across Victoria.
Explore Frankston
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Frankston Beach safe for kids?
Frankston Beach is generally safe for families with children. The main beach area near the foreshore is patrolled during summer by Surf Life Saving Victoria. The water is calm relative to ocean beaches. Always supervise children in the water and check current patrol flags before swimming.
What is there to do in Frankston with kids for free?
Frankston has a good range of free family activities including the beach foreshore, Ballam Park, the Frankston Waterfront and boardwalk, local playgrounds, and the Frankston Regional Library which runs free storytime programs.
Is Frankston Arts Centre good for kids?
Yes. Frankston Arts Centre (FAC) regularly programs family and children's performances, workshops, and holiday events. It's one of the best regional arts centres in Victoria for family-friendly programming. Check their website for current shows.
Are there good playgrounds in Frankston?
Yes. Ballam Park has one of the best playgrounds in the area. The foreshore playground near the beach is another popular option, and several parks through the suburb have upgraded equipment in recent years.
How far is Frankston from Melbourne CBD?
Frankston is approximately 40km from Melbourne CBD. By train on the Frankston line it takes about 60 to 65 minutes from Flinders Street. By car via the Nepean Highway or EastLink it takes around 45 minutes in light traffic.