Family Activities in Emerald
Parks, playgrounds and things to do with kids in Emerald, Victoria
📍 Emerald · east
the general food store
This café serves wholesome, seasonal dishes made with local produce, alongside kid-friendly options. Enjoy indoor, courtyard, or street seating, with colouring activities for children and a prepared meal service available.
📍 Emerald · east
emerald village bakery & cafe
Emerald Village Bakery & Cafe is a must-visit for families. This spacious bakery has something for everyone, whether you’re stopping by for a hot or cold bite after a play at the park, or picking up fresh bread to take home. They also offer ready-to-heat take-home meals, perfect for busy days. Mamma adored their festive Christmas range, from puddings to beautifully decorated cookies for the kids. PLUS, little ones can have fun spotting the Elf and even post their letters straight to Santa at the North Pole!
📍 Emerald · east
penny and a pickle
Penny and a Pickle is a charming spot in Emerald that blends a bookshop, café, and street food stall all in one. Enjoy delicious Mexican street food, cakes, brownies, and bubble tea while sipping on great coffee. Kids will love the dedicated play area with a mini kitchen and tree house, letting them play while you savor your coffee in peace. Perfect for a family outing!
📍 Emerald · east
emerald lake park wading pool
Emerald Lake Wading Pool is a gorgeous little summer treat, so keep an eye on the forecast and plan your visit for a day above 26°C when the gates open. This simple, shallow pool (around 50–90cm deep) sits right alongside Emerald Lake and is perfect for toddlers and young kids looking for a refreshing dip, though not ideal for crawlers. The pool is supervised by lifeguards and the water is usually nice and clean, though like most outdoor pools, ducks do love to hang around so watch for droppings near the edge. There are no proper change rooms on site, but toilets can be found a short walk up the hill, and the poolside views are beautiful – a perfect spot to watch paddle boats glide past and ducks splash about on the lake.
📍 Emerald · east
cog bike hire @ lakeside
Cog Bikes – Emerald Lake offers a fantastic way to combine your Puffing Billy experience with some outdoor fun on two wheels. Located right next to the station platform, you can hire bikes to explore the beautiful Emerald Lake or, for the more experienced riders, take on the Eastern Dandenong Ranges Trail. This trail winds through the forest and continues all the way to Gembrook, though even just the section from the lake is a stunning ride. It’s a perfect way to stretch your legs and take in the gorgeous scenery while waiting for your return train trip!
📍 Emerald · east
puffing billy railway lakeside visitors centre
Mamma's kids are going to love visiting the new Puffing Billy Railway Visitor Centre at Emerald Lake. This stylish addition to the historic Lakeside station is not only free to visit, but also boasts a gorgeous wooden-panelled design that will mesmerize anyone who steps inside. Once you walk through the space, you'll pass a large gift shop and an expansive dining area with a café that could accommodate an entire trainload of diners! After grabbing a coffee or a meal, visitors can enjoy a display area featuring an old engine at the centre, with relics from the past and informative panels about the history of the railway and the local are