The precinct is brimming with more family activities than your kid can poke a stick at – and, let’s face it, if you’re with little rug rats, there’s bound to be at least one stick poked. 

From swimming to lessons in gardening or a classic playground play, a day out with the family doesn't have to be expensive – it just has to be fun! 

Check out these free child-friendly activities at South Bank.

- Stop by South Bank's Epicurious Garden and teach the kids about gardening and fresh food. You can even touch, smell and taste fresh herbs and produce from the harvest cart 7–11am on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays! Each area of the garden has handy information cards, but volunteers are onsite in the garden from 7am–11.30am on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays for any sticky questions that crop up.

- Pop on your swimsuit, slop on some sunscreen and go for a swim at Streets Beach, Australia's only inner-city, man-made beach.

- No money? No matter, QAGOMA is home to a stack of free art exhibitions, guided art experiences and kid-friendly spaces. Check out the Children’s Art Centre for child-focused activities and collaborations with exhibiting artists. They’ve also got a cool, interactive kid’s website if you want to start your art-filled journey at home first.

- Fire up the barbeques at either Riverside Green or Picnic Island Green. Both areas are licensed between 10am and 8pm daily, so Mum and Dad can enjoy a much-deserved wine while the littlies run amok.

- Dust off your bikes, break out your helmet and go for a family cycle along the Clem Jones Promenade. 

- Visit State Library of Queensland and read a colourful kid's book, or take part in their free annual calendar of activities. Babies and toddlers love story and rhyme time, while children of all ages can get stuck into play time fun at The Corner.

- Snap a family selfie in front of the BRISBANE sign at the Cultural Forecourt, for iconic memories worth framing.

- Encourage your little ones to see the world like an artist on an art trail through the Parklands. Pack crayons and paper and help them notice all the colours, details and activity in the precinct. Inspiration is all around so make your way through the precinct’s green and retail spaces, stopping to draw and colour interpretations of the beautiful plants, cool critters and even the sculptures around the Parklands. 

- Go on a nature-based expedition through the Parklands. Let your kiddies collect fallen leaves, draw pictures of their favourite plant and count crazy critters as they roam through the Parklands. The Rainforest Walk is a lovely shady spot to notice all the towering tropical trees before stopping to discuss everything you’ve seen. Keep an eye out for these Jurassic-era throwbacks too! Check out Nature Play QLD if you need more ideas for nature appreciation in the great outdoors.

- Explore and go wild at the award-winning Riverside Green Playground – kids of all ages love the epic enclosed slide and the towering, bright pink skywalk among other highlights.

- Hop on a CityHopper! Kids love a boat ride on the river and the free inner-city hopper is the perfect way to keep them occupied and interested. Take a peek at all the big buildings and play a game of South Bank eye-spy from the water. Embarking from the South Bank Ferry Terminals, you can ride all the way to Captain Burke Park (under the Story Bridge) and back.  

- Teach your budding scientists about water recycling at Rain Bank. Kids will love seeing the recycling centre in action from the viewing deck – tucked in along Rainforest Walk – and learning about how the precinct is kept drought proofed thanks to this multi-award winning facility.

- Check out the art installation JEM at Flowstate. The interactive, futuristic sculpture, created by design studio ENESS, is endlessly popular with kids, as it glows and makes sounds based on movement. It’s most impressive once the sun has set so make it a pit-stop before heading home for the evening.