Get out into nature 

Look at koalas at Daisy Hill Koala Centre 

Comprising of 570ha of open eucalypt forest, the  is a unique spot to learn about koalas and conservation. There is a large outdoor koala enclosure under the shade of eucalypt trees and several interactive displays. You won’t be able to cuddle a koala here, but you can get a great view from two viewing platforms.  

Respect nature at Karawatha Forest Discovery Centre 

The Karawatha Forest Discovery Centre is the perfect place to teach the kids about the environment. This centre includes Queensland’s first nature play space and aims to inform locals and visitors about the significance of the natural area, including the local frog population. Engage your kids in nature and family walks through the park so they can learn to understand the impact their choices will make – now, and for the rest of their lives. 

Rediscover the city with Brisbane Greeters 

Brisbane Greeters is a free public program run by volunteers so enthusiastic about Brisbane that they just can’t wait to show you around! Armed with the answers to every question an inquisitive little person could ask, they’ll introduce your family to parts of Brisbane you never knew existed.

Pack a picnic on the green 

Pack some snacks and your picnic blanket and head to one of the city’s stunning outdoor spaces for a stroll and a bite to eat. Some of the biggest and best are Roma Street Parkland, the City Botanic Gardens, the Mt Coot-Tha Botanic Gardens, the River Quay Green and New Farm Park. 

Listen in to the City Sounds 

Forget massive concerts. Kick back with City Sounds all over The City for a free way to entertain the kids and get them dancing along to some of our passionate, talented local artists.  

Taste the Epicurious Garden 

This glorious garden is literally brimming with a bounty of seasonal, edible plant life including fruits, vegetables and herbs. Open to visit every day, this garden was designed to educate and inspire the home gardener, with fresh seasonal produce harvested regularly and free samples available for tasting. If you’re a family that loves a cooking moment or you have a budding gardener, the Epicurious Garden is the perfect choice. 

Learn something new  

QAGOMA teaches the art of self expression 

The Children’s Art Centre at Queensland Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art is perhaps one of Brisbane’s best kept secrets. QAGOMA is also an ideal location to explore on a hot or rainy day. Keep an eye out for upcoming special exhibitions and programs for kids.

Soar to new heights at Museum of Brisbane 

Ever wondered what’s at the top of the majestic City Hall building in The City? Book a free clock tower tour for the perfect way to get an eagle-eye view of The City. Be sure to also check out the free Museum of Brisbane Kids program that complements many of the exhibitions.  

Get hands on at Queensland Museum 

Explore natural history throughout Queensland – and the world – at the Queensland Museum. The Discovery Centre on Level 4 is free and open to the public daily. Here you’ll find diverse natural and historical collections and live insect and reptile displays in uniquely Queensland habitats. 

Look at the stars at the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium 

Go star spotting at the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium at Mt Coot-Tha. This planetarium is home to the Cosmic Skydome, a 12.5-metre-diameter projection dome where you can enjoy a tour of Brisbane’s night sky and learn about the vastness of space. The Planetarium also includes an observatory, Galaxy Gift Shop and Sundial Courtyard. 

Learn at Brisbane Square Library 

For some, a building full of books is a dream come true and this colourful building at the top of Queen Street Mall is sure to make the kids want to stop by. The Brisbane Square Library regularly hosts kids’ events and has a kids’ section featuring interactive games and storytelling activities. Keep an eye on the library’s events calendar for what’s on for kids.  

Go book mad at Where the Wild Things Are 

For kids who love reading, Where the Wild Things Are in West End is the perfect stop. This child-focused bookstore runs book launches and story-time events, in addition to stocking the newest and best children’s reads. You’ll find this bookstore a short walk from South Bank, so why not make a day of it. 

Explore The State Library of Queensland’s The Corner 

Give the kids to chance to play their way through an interactive environment of music, storytelling, games and activities at The State Library of Queensland. The Corner is open daily with a fantastic selection of activities including crafts, baby play and rhyme time.  

GO ON AN ADVENTURE 

Walk the South Bank Grand Arbour 

One of the most iconic parts of the South Bank precinct, the Arbour is colourful, beautiful, long and totally picturesque. Take the kids for a 1km meander down the length of the Arbour before a swim in Streets Beach, a picnic at River Quay Green or an adventure to the Cultural Centre. 

Go for a short hike 

Spend a morning, an afternoon or a whole day out on the trail with the kids at some of Brisbane’s best hiking spots.  There are a variety of tracks, hills and mountains to traverse, trek, climb and explore around Brisbane. 

Wander Shorncliffe Pier 

Stretching 350m into Bramble Bay, the iconic Shorncliffe Pier is Brisbane's largest timber pier and one of the longest recreational piers in Australia. A restoration and rebuild of the original pier was completed in 2016. The pier, steeped in local history, is perfect for picnics, photography, fishing or even just a stroll. Or bundle your four-legged friend in the car with you and spend the day with your furry family. 

Bike riding on bike paths 

Get on two wheels and explore the city under pedal power. Brisbane is filled with bike paths around the city and around the suburbs. No matter where you are, there’ll be something close enough to have no excuse. Some of the best family memories can be made on a two-seater bike riding around the city! Just don’t forget your helmets! 

Go for a scenic drive around the Brisbane region 

Take the road less travelled and explore the hidden pockets of nature and history surrounding Brisbane on one of the many scenic drives in the region. Whether you’d like to stay near the city centre or travel further afield, we've made the choice easy. 

Cruise the Brisbane River on a KittyCat CityHopper 

If you’re super committed to a free adventure, why not discover Brisbane aboard the CityHopper. The KittyCat ferry service is basically a smaller version of a CityCat with a smaller area of operation. You can hop on and off the KittyCat CityHopper at six stops between North Quay and Sydney Street at New Farm. The service runs every 30 minutes between 5:30am and midnight, Sunday to Thursday, with services operating later on Fridays and Saturdays.  

Spot home from the Mt Coot-Tha lookout 

Find Brisbane’s best angle and point out where you call home from the top of Mt Coot-Tha. If you've got extra-early risers, make the most of the early start by heading up to catch the sunrise. Sunset is equally as stunning, with the city sparkling as the sun says goodnight. The drive up and down the mountain is gorgeous and the views from the top are even better. 

A DAY TO PLAY

Splash around at Streets Beach + Aquativity 

Don’t have a pool at home, or can’t quite get to the beach? Take a dip in this South Bank icon for free. This inner-city beach works just like a real one – bring a towel, sunscreen and the energy to keep going all day. The kids will also love the Aquativity Centre, just to the right of Streets Beach, where fountains, water features and decorations teach about river systems and the weather.  

Play at South Bank’s Riverside Green Playground 

The Riverside Green Playground is a sprawling play area by Streets Beach. Picnic tables and barbecues are scattered around the play equipment. If you miss out on a table, there’s plenty of grass to set down your picnic blanket and enjoy. It also makes the perfect evening spot, as the area is lit once the sun has gone down.  

Get seaside at Wynnum Whale Park

 Ahoy sea captains! Head to the whale pod water spray area at Wynnum Whale Park to splash in and out of the water as a large tipping bucket fills up and pours out over giggling children below! There are plenty of climbing areas, slides, swings and even a delightful play shop and boat, suitable for all ages. 

Adventure north to Settlement Cove 

Settlement Cove is the northside’s answer to Streets Beach. This water wonderland in Redcliffe is perfect for relaxing by the bay, with a children's playground, wading pools and beachside barbecues. For the big kids (or yourself) there's a large pool open all year round, with lifeguard services during the summer months. The lagoon is surrounded by grassy picnic areas, playgrounds and bikeways for the true family adventure. We highly recommend beach dipping around Redcliffe while you’re there! 

Head east to Robelle Domain 

Out east, you’ll find Robelle Domain. In Springfield, this spectacular parkland is the central community hub and features the Orion Lagoon, treetop walks, picnic areas, exhibition gardens, artwork and plenty of green space for everyone to play.