Brisbane:
Things to do with kids
Looking for new and fun ways to keep the kids entertained? Well, you’ve hit the jackpot! We have compiled the ultimate list of activities for any timeframe, weather condition, energy type and interests. It’s time to create some unforgettable memories with the little ones.
Riverside Green Playground, South Bank
Parks
1. Discover the many playgrounds
Effortlessly entertain the kids for hours by heading to one of Brisbane’s amazing playgrounds which can be found all around The City! Whether you want to relax and have a barbeque by the river, connect with wildlife, or let the kids roam free, there is a park for everyone.
2. Get your boogie on
Listen to the sweet sounds of local musicians while you shop at Queen Street Mall thanks to City Sounds. Start your weekends with Friday Night Jazz at Studio 188, or kick back on QPAC’s Melbourne Street Green for Front Yard Music and enjoy generous helpings of iconic genres including Latin, jazz, rock, folk, soul and pop.
3. Explore Roma Street Parkland
Pack a picnic and take the kids on a stroll through the designer gardens and sprawling lawns at Roma Street Parklands. You can even let the kids loose on the playgrounds whilst you cook up a storm on one of the parklands many barbeques or enjoy the year-round calendar of events.
4. Explore the gardens
The Brisbane Botanic Gardens at the base of Mt Coot-Tha feature a wonderful display of plants and attractions including a Japanese Garden, Tropical Dome, Freedom Wall, Cactus Zone, Bonsai House and a Hide 'N' Seek children's trail.
5. Time for a picnic
River Quay Green is the perfect family-friendly destination. Make the most out of the outdoors with your family by bringing snacks or a picnic meal with the use of the free barbecue facilities and let the kids burn off some energy at the state-of-the-art playgrounds.
Indoor fun
6. Play the Bluey way!
Bluey’s World is a one-of-a-kind immersive experience at the Northshore Pavilion in Brisbane, Queensland, where you can play the Bluey way - for real life! Embark on a brand-new immersive journey with Bluey, Bingo, Mum and Dad in their iconic Queenslander home, backyard and beyond. Explore your favourite rooms, play interactive games, and keep your eyes peeled for surprises around every corner…and maybe even a Longdog or two!
7. Burn off all that energy
Experience a wonderland of adventure activities at Urban Xtreme where there is something to suite all ages and skill levels. You can choose from indoor ski or snowboard sessions, ninja or parkour courses, or trampoline and laser tag games.
8. Satisfy a need for speed
Take the kids go-karting at Slideways in Eagle Farm or Kingston Park Raceway in Logan and let them test their skills against each other and the clock.
9. It’s about to get cold
Get your skate on and experience a winter wonderland at Iceworld in Acacia Ridge or Boondall. They’re fully equipped with music, lights and a fully-stocked skate shop, plus, there’s a cosy coffee shop at both rinks if you’re beginning to feel the cold!
10. Get your hands dirty
Experience one of Make & Melds' many workshops and allow your children to explore their problem-solving skills and creativity through the use of sustainable products and materials.
Moreton Island/Mulgumpin
Outdoor fun
11. Enjoy one of Brisbane’s top day trips
Make the most of this beautiful weather and get out and about with the best day trips all around Brisbane.
12. Take a hike
From heritage-listed rainforests to sand islands and bushland – explore national parks near Brisbane or embark on a horse-riding adventure, go fishing, bushwalking or cycling around The City.
13. Adventure around Brisbane
Riverlife offers a wide range of adventure activities to keep people of all ages entertained. Try kayaking on the river, abseiling down the Kangaroo Point Cliffs or riding a Segway.
14. Take to the trees
At the TreeTop Challenge the kids will have the ultimate adventure experience as they undertake 100-plus rope and wire challenges spread over six huge courses, spanning through 10 acres of unspoilt natural bushland.
15. Thunderbirds are go
Find treasure filled thundereggs formed when dinosaurs roamed Earth, play laser skirmish in a jungle setting, enjoy a horse trail ride through the rainforest or play a game of adventure mini golf at Thunderbird Park in the Scenic Rim.
16. Get swinging
Take the kids to enjoy a round of putt-putt. Experience epic views at Victoria Park Putt-Putt, travel to the land of far away with Hillstone St Lucia’s Enchanted Garden Mini Golf course or try Undersea Putt & Play to enter a whole new world. Make sure to keep an eye out for holiday themed courses at each venue!
17. Bon Voyage!
The water activities in Brisbane are endless. If you are looking for an adrenaline rush, Jet Ski Tours Brisbane will have you racing (or cruising) along the Brisbane River out to beautiful Moreton Bay. Or if you are looking for something more relaxing, GoBoat gives you the perfect opportunity to live out those sailing dreams. Pack a picnic and grab a Captain’s Hat (weekday bookings only) and set sail for a beautiful afternoon on the water.
18. Eat your heart out
Eat Street Northshore is Brisbane’s bustling night market and has all your favourite street foods under a fairy-lit alleyway of shipping containers down by Hamilton Wharf. Plus, you’ll want to keep an eye out on their events calendar with local and touring bands as well as regularly featured headline shows performing every week. Eat, drink and shop every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Time with animals
19. Experience a touch of country
A short drive from Brisbane lies a number of homely farm stays where you can take the family to have an authentic farm experience. Take a look at our favourite farm stays here.
20. Connect with wildlife
Have some koala-ty time with lots of family favourite animals. Get up close and personal with some Australian natives or travellers from afar! You can discover Brisbane’s wide range of wildlife parks, zoos and animal farms here.
21. Alive at night
Experience Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary’s newest adventure, Nocturnal Night tours. This very rare opportunity to see nocturnal wildlife come to life as the sun goes down will be a night to remember for you and the kids.
Travels
22. It’s time for an island adventure
Escape the city and head for one of the islands where you’ll find wide, golden, sandy beaches and refreshing aquatic waters to explore. Discover more about Moreton Island and North Stradbroke Island and start planning your trip.
23. Scenic travels
Pack the car, take a picnic and travel the road-less-explored to discover hidden pockets of nature and history surrounding Brisbane. We have found some amazing scenic drives in the region surrounding The City.
Indoor relaxing
24. It’s not the naughty corner
The State Library of Queensland has a special Kids Corner with lots of fun and games. With the support of parents and families, kids can explore and engage in the creative hands-on and minds-on experience of a digital exhibition, online games and reading activities.
25. Reading and relaxing
West End's Where The Wild Things Are and Manly's The Mad Hatters Bookshop are two special stores that stock a massive range of children's literature and picture books. Check the store websites for special author events, workshops and more.
26. High tea for little ones
For a memorable outing, take the children to the historic Shingle Inn at City Hall and enjoy a traditional high tea fit for any Prince or Princess. It's a lovely way to create a beautiful family tradition.
27. Look at the stars
Mt Coot-tha isn’t just about the gardens and views, but it is also home to the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium. This is the perfect chance for kids to learn about the stars, planets and what's out there in the sky. See re-creations of the night sky in the Cosmic Skydome, fragments of asteroids and spacecraft models, and watch short feature shows.
Museum of Brisbane, Brisbane
History
28. Rediscover the Brisbane’s history
The Museum of Brisbane brings our city's vibrant art, culture and history alive right in the heart of the City. Found in City Hall, the Museum runs its MoB Kids program through the school holidays.
29. Rediscover Brisbane’s past at Fort Lytton
Built in 1881 and used for the defence of Brisbane until the end of the Second World War, Fort Lytton is a fantastic and free adventure to better understanding Brisbane’s history. Just a short way from the The City, the fort is open almost every Sunday and most public holidays!
30. All aboard the steam train
Choo choo. The Workshops Rail Museum is an award-winning interactive heritage and cultural experience located at Australia's oldest operating railway workshop. Tour the active heritage workshops in Ipswich today.
31. Back to medieval times
Go back in time to view a priceless collection of antiquities and fine arts from around the world at the Abbey Museum of Art & Archaeology.
Let's watch it
32. Join the circus
Pink Flamingo have created an incredible kid friendly show, Circus Fun House involving music, comedy, dance, and jaw-dropping circus acts. . The mind-blowing experience will have them talking about it for the days.
33. Catch a show
Brisbane Arts Theatre have a selection of kid-friendly shows throughout the year. With a rotating children's program, there is bound to be something to suit every little human and their parents too. Check out the program and book online.
