I moved to Camden when Joey was six months old so I explored a lot of the kid-friendly activities in this area. We lived there for five years so these activities are best-suited to littlies – babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers.

Here are my favourite things to do with little kids in Camden NSW

1. Feed the goats and sheep next to The Camden Fruit Barn

There’s a paddock next to the carpark of The Camden Fruit Barn where a bunch of friendly farmyard animals live. The goats and sheep are very tame and you can pat them and feed them grass. The coffee van outside the fruit barn sells gelato, coffee and animal feed and there’s a playground right next door. A fun and cheap way to spend an hour.

2. Go ‘treasure’ shopping at Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard

Around the corner from the fruit barn, you will find a truly excellent second-hand shop called Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard that sells toys (as well as grown-up stuff like beautiful vintage glassware). For a few bucks, your kids can choose a toy without a single bit of harm to the planet. All proceeds go toward supporting victims of domestic violence. Win/win!

3. Water play at Curry Reserve

In the warmer months, go to the water play park at Curry Reserve. If you’re going with friends, there are picnic tables and BBQs nearby. There is also a little playground up the other end if splash play is not your thing.

4. Go to the playground at Wild Dragonfly Cafe

Fancy a coffee or a light meal? Head to the Wild Dragonfly Cafe at Flower Power in Mount Annan. The playground is enclosed so you can sit at an outdoor table and watch your kiddo play while you relax in the peaceful surrounds. The kid’s meals are especially good here.

5. Play in the mud kitchen at the Centre for Sustainable Living

The Macarthur Centre for Sustainable Living is directly across the road from Flower Power (mentioned above). It has a different style of playground with a mud kitchen. The added bonus is that there are some animals you can say hello to – including a spectacularly large pig – as well as an inspiring low maintenance garden you can explore. You can also do your ‘Return and Earn’ bottle and can recycling here. Kids seem to feeding the bottles in and you can give them the voucher to spend at Woolworths.

6. Visit the koi pond at Campbelltown Arts Centre

The Campbelltown Arts Centre, while not technically in Camden, is just across the M5 and is an excellent place to take kids. Wander through the modern art gallery – think video installations and large sculptures – and pop out to the Japanese gardens beyond the cafe. Kids tend to love the koi pond that is teeming with brightly coloured fish.

7. Visit the Camden Growers’ Markets

Camden Growers’ Markets – held from 7am – noon every Saturday – is a hoot for little people. They can run around in the adjacent grassy area, enjoy a freshly squeezed orange juice or slushie (seasonally available) and stuff themselves with all sorts of yummy treats, including locally grown strawberries, gozlemes, pancakes, galettes and more.

8. Go on the flying fox at Birriwa Reserve

Birriwa Reserve Playground is an absolute favourite of Joey’s because he loves the flying fox. This modern play space has a ping pong table as well as BBQs and covered tables so it’s good for parties as well. There are also toilets, bubblers, outdoor gym equipment, basketball courts and cricket nets.

9. Swim in the lagoon pool at Mount Annan Leisure Centre

Mount Annan Leisure Centre pool is brilliant for kids because it has a lagoon style area that is separate to the main Olympic-sized pool. There’s a slide, as well as various depths in the lagoon pool which has a walk-in edge. It caters for babies and tots, right through to older kids that are still learning to swim. Because it’s all undercover and heated, you can go all year ’round and there’s an on-site cafe for snacks and coffee. Plus there are hot showers and toilets onsite – winner!

10. Take a stroll around the Connections Garden at The Australian Botanic Garden

The Australian Botanic Garden at Mount Annan has a fully fenced playground, a cafe (most of the time – it closed during COVID and was replaced by a coffee van) and an easy walk around the Connections Garden that is good for littlies on bikes and scooters. In spring, the famous pink and white paper daisies come out, providing an excellent annual excuse to take photos of your kiddos. There are also mountain bike tracks for older kids to hoon around on.

Did I miss anything? What are your favourite things to do with kids in Camden, NSW? Feel free to comment and share the love.

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