FREE THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS IN BRISBANE
How are we going to fill the day? It’s a question every parent has wondered at some stage. Keeping the kids entertained is easier than you think, especially in Brisbane, where some of the most memorable adventures are waiting to be discovered in and around the city.
Get out into nature
Look at koalas at Daisy Hill Koala Centre
Meet some of Brisbane’s most iconic wildlife at Daisy Hill Koala Centre, nestled within 570ha of open eucalypt forest. Here, little adventurers can spot koalas up in the trees from two intentional viewing platforms as they snooze and snack in their natural habitat. As you venture through the sanctuary, play with interactive displays to learn even more about our native furry friends.
Respect nature at Karawatha Forest Discovery Centre
Enjoy adventure and education at Karawatha Forest Discovery Centre. Take a wander through the centre and discover Queensland’s first nature play space with walking trails, wildlife exhibits and so much more. Both kids and adults alike can interact, learn and grow as they begin to understand the impact their choices can have on the environment.
Uncover Brisbane’s secrets with Brisbane Greeters
See Brisbane through the eyes of passionate locals with the Brisbane Greeters. These free, guided walks are led by volunteers and are a great way for kids to explore the city’s history while discovering parts of Brisbane you might have otherwise missed!
Pack a picnic on the green
Pack a picnic and let the kids run free, with plenty of scenic spots across Brisbane to roll out a rug, enjoy some nibbles and chase the sunshine. Some of the best spots to start 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
Feel the rhythm of The City with City Sounds, filling Brisbane’s streets with free live music each week. Follow the sound as it moves through Queen Street Mall, Post Office Square and Reddacliff Place, where the kids can dance along and soak up the atmosphere.
Taste the Epicurious Garden
This is where curious little minds can discover the beauty and flavour of fresh herbs, fruits and veggies. Tucked in South Bank, this free edible garden is filled with seasonal produce, with fresh harvests regularly picked and free samples available for tasting. Bring your budding gardener along for a day of fun and flavour at the Epicurious Garden!
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 (QAGOMA) is the perfect place for little hands and big imaginations to come together and create something special! QAGOMA is also an ideal location to explore on a hot or rainy day, with ever-changing exhibitions and family-friendly spaces to discover.
Soar to new heights at Museum of Brisbane
Ever wondered what’s at the top of the historic City Hall building in The City? Book a free clock tower tour for one of the best views of The City. Then head inside to unveil a wide range of Brisbane art and history tailored to kids and adults of all ages.
Get hands on at Queensland Museum Kurilpa
Explore natural history throughout Queensland – and the world – at the Queensland Museum Kurilpa. From the historical collections found in The Discovery Centre to the unique and exclusive exhibitions that are bound to awe and inspire, there is so much to unearth.
Mt Coot-Tha Botanic Gardens
Look at the stars at the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium
Do you have an aspiring star gazer on your hands? Go star spotting at the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium at Mt Coot-Tha and you might even be able to catch a shooting star! 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.
While you’re here, you can explore the beauty of Mt Coot-Tha, from the Botanic Gardens to the Summit Lookout, there is something for both the adventurers and the quite ones. Really make a full day out of it with a stop into The Summit Restaurant for lunch with a view, or a sunset dinner.
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 hard for little book lovers to resist. Not only is The Brisbane Square Library a bookworm’s haven, it also regularly hosts kids’ events and has a dedicated section with interactive games and storytelling activities.
Explore The State Library of Queensland’s The Corner
Take the planning out of your day with The Corner at The State Library of Queensland! With daily play time, songs and stories, low sensory hour and special events, it’s a space the little ones can play for hours.
Go on an adventure
Go for a short hike
Spend a morning, an afternoon or even a full day out on a trail with the kids at some of Brisbane’s best hiking spots. From peaceful bushwalks to more adventurous climbs, there’s plenty to explore across Brisbane’s city and regions. Why not try the North, South, West or D’Aguilar Trails and Hikes!
Wander Shorncliffe Pier
Head to Shorncliffe Pier and let the kids run, wander and watch the tide roll in. Stretching 350m into Bramble Bay, it’s Brisbane's largest timber pier and one of the longest recreational piers in Australia. Steeped in local history, this free adventure is perfect for picnics, photography, fishing or even just a stroll. You can even bring your four-legged friend along for the fun!
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 or travel further afield, we've made the choice easy.
A day to play
Splash around at Streets Beach + Aquativity
Dive into South Bank’s iconic cooling off spot, Streets Beach. This inner-city beach works just like a real one, all you need to bring is a towel, sunscreen and the energy as you splash, swim and play all day. For the younger kids the Aquativity Centre, just to the right of Streets Beach, is where the real fun is had, find fountains and water features decorations turn that also offer learnings about river systems and the weather making for interactive fun.
Play at South Bank’s Riverside Green Playground
The Riverside Green Playground is a sprawling play area by Streets Beach, where kids can climb, spin and explore. Picnic tables and barbecues are scattered throughout or set up a picnic blanket on the large grassy area to relax the afternoon away. It also makes the perfect evening spot, with The City across the river begins to light up as the sun goes 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. Located right along the Wynnum bayside, fresh sea air and the smell of fish and chips fill the air to complete your visit.
Head east to Robelle Domain
If you’re spending the day out east, Robelle Domain in Springfield is a go-to full day of play, splash and exploration. Enjoy one giant outdoor adventure, from tree top walks, picnic areas, exhibition gardens, artwork, plenty of greenspace and the much-loved Orion Lagoon.
