Launceston

Launceston Family

🌟 Families in and around Launceston can enjoy inclusive outdoor play, library sessions, swimming lessons and welcoming groups for babies and parents. When more specialised help is needed, local and statewide services also support young people, carers, children with disability and families navigating separation, hardship or family violence.

🛝 Play, learn and spend time together

Riverbend Park

Launceston’s all-abilities play space gives children plenty of ways to move, explore and play together. Equipment and facilities include swings, diggers, sand pits, a wheelchair carousel, water play, musical instruments, outdoor table tennis and a sports court. Families can also use barbecues, public toilets and a fenced toddler area. An Inclusive Play Chat Board includes braille.

52 Things To Do Before You Turn 12 Around Launceston

Looking for fresh ideas beyond the usual outing? The City of Launceston’s guide helps families with children aged 12 and under find local play spaces, parks, walks, cycling, swimming, libraries, creative activities and other family experiences. It is a useful starting point for planning weekends and school holidays.

Launceston Library children’s programs

Young children and their adults can share songs at Rock and Rhyme on Tuesdays and Thursdays during school terms, or enjoy Storytime on Wednesdays during term. School-holiday and other learning activities add options for older children. Rock and Rhyme and Storytime bookings are available through Eventbrite or by calling the library, which is wheelchair accessible.

St.Giles Toy Library

Northern Tasmanian families can borrow from more than 500 puzzles, games and toys, offering variety without needing to buy every item. Annual membership is listed at $15 per child, and each child may borrow up to four items for three weeks. Opening sessions are listed for Tuesday afternoon, Wednesday morning and Thursday afternoon.

🎨 Groups, swimming and youth participation

Baby Village Launceston

Families with babies who are not yet walking can meet other parents and carers at this staff-led Playgroup Tasmania session. Baby Village meets at 35 Holbrook Street, Invermay, on Thursdays from 9.30 am to 11 am, providing an age-specific setting for early play and connection.

Launceston College Playgroup

This organisation-led playgroup runs on alternating Mondays and Tuesdays at Launceston College, 107–119 Paterson Street. Families enter via Brisbane Street and should call the college to register their interest before attending.

Launceston Leisure & Aquatic Centre Learn to Swim

Weekly Learn to Swim classes are scheduled from 31 January to 18 December 2026, with enrolment enquiries handled by the Learn to Swim team. Practical facilities include family-friendly and accessible change areas, a hoist, accessible pools and a children’s play area.

City of Launceston Youth Advisory Group

Young people aged 12–24 can contribute ideas about Launceston while developing leadership, event-management and committee skills. The group meets fortnightly on Mondays at Town Hall, and prospective participants need to register their interest.

💬 Young people, parents and carers

headspace Launceston

Free support is available to young people aged 12–25, along with their families and friends. Areas covered include mental health, physical and sexual health, alcohol and other drugs, work and study, and youth programs. Young people may self-refer by phone, online or by dropping in. Referrals from family members or professionals require the young person’s consent, and the first-floor centre has lift access.

Communities for Children Parenting Together Launceston

Parents and carers of children aged 0–12 can join workshops and therapeutic activities designed to strengthen parenting skills and family relationships. Mission Australia offers group options tailored to families’ needs and goals across Launceston and surrounding Northern Tasmania; workshops may run for six to 10 weeks.

Bub & Me Nurture Circle

First-time parents can register interest in Anglicare Tasmania’s six-week babies group, being held in Launceston during 2026. Each group has up to 12 parents and combines parenting information and guest speakers with opportunities to connect with other new parents.

Parenting Separately Program

Relationships Australia Tasmania provides free individual sessions and group workshops for parents, grandparents and carers following separation. Sessions focus on children’s wellbeing, communication and co-parenting, and participants do not need a referral.

🧩 Disability and developmental support

ACD Tas

This peer-led disability family organisation supports children and young people with disability, their families and carers. Services include information, training, advocacy, NDIS support coordination, consultancy and peer support. ACD Tas has a Launceston regional office and works with families statewide.

Early Childhood Inclusion Service (ECIS)

Eligible children from birth to four years with diagnosed disability and/or developmental delay can receive free educational inclusion support through this Kings Meadows-based government service. ECIS assists participation in early learning and transition to Kindergarten; it is not a therapeutic health service. Parents and carers may refer directly, while professionals require consent.

Koala Paediatric Therapy

Appointment-based paediatric occupational therapy supports children and caring adults with play, daily living, social interaction, emotional regulation, transitions, self-care, motor development, learning and assistive technology. Self-referrals are accepted, as are referrals from education, GPs and health providers. The service accepts self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants.

My Speech Pathology Tasmania

Children and teenagers can access help with speech, language, literacy, social communication, swallowing, mealtimes and augmentative and alternative communication. Options include assessments, individual and group therapy at the Launceston clinic, telehealth, and home or community visits. Self-referrals and referrals from carers, schools and health professionals are accepted.

❤ Family safety and practical support

Integrated Family Support Service Launceston

Mission Australia provides voluntary early-intervention assistance to families with children under 18 who may be at risk of Child Safety intervention. Support can address parenting needs and connections with other services. Access requires assessment and referral through the Strong Families, Safe Kids Advice and Referral Line.

Family Violence Counselling and Support Service

Children, young people and adults affected by family violence can access free, voluntary and confidential assistance from the Department of Health. The service provides information, counselling, support, referrals and advocacy. It has an office in Launceston, with appointments also available in other locations.

Carers Tasmania / Care2Serve

Unpaid carers looking after a family member or friend—including carers of children and young people—can seek information, referrals, counselling and coaching. Care2Serve also provides respite-related assistance, help at home and emergency support. Carers Tasmania has a Launceston office and serves carers statewide.

📌 Check before you go

• Confirm age and eligibility: Programs have different age limits, developmental criteria and referral pathways.
• Book or register: Library sessions, playgroups, swimming lessons, youth activities and support programs may require advance contact.
• Ask about access: Check physical accessibility, sensory needs, communication support and suitable change facilities for your family.
• Review current details: Confirm timetables, term dates, membership fees and program availability before travelling.
• Clarify supervision: Ask whether a parent or carer must remain with the child throughout an activity.

✨ If you run a family-focused business, service, activity or community group serving Launceston and nearby areas, you are warmly invited to add your listing or update its details so local families can find the right opportunity.

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