Parks

Discover the many playgrounds

Keep the kids entertained for hours at one of Brisbane’s many playgrounds, dotted right across the city! Whether you’re after a riverside spot like the South Bank Parklands, the ultimate course of equipment at Frew Park or to take in nature’s beauty at Roma Street Parklands, there’s a park to suit every kind of day out with your little ones in toe.

Roam Roma Street Parkland

Pack a picnic and spend the day exploring Roma Street Parkland’s 16 hectares of beauty. Wander through the colourful Spectacle Garden, let the kids run free on Celebration Lawn or make a beeline for  the playgrounds.  Set up at one of the many picnic spots, cook up a storm on one of the parkland’s many barbeques and keep an eye on the year-round calendar of events too!

Find adventure in the gardens

Head to Brisbane Botanic Gardens at the base of Mt Coot-Tha, where there’s plenty to explore beyond the usual park stroll.  Follow the Hide ‘N’ Seek Children’s Trail, wander through the Japanese Garden, step inside the Tropical Dome or discover the Bonsai House and Cactus Zone.  With something new around every corner, it won’t take long for little explorers to turn into budding botanists.

Time for a picnic

Unpack a spread of sandwiches or a delicious charcuterie board while soaking up the sunshine at one of Brisbane’s many picturesque picnic spots. Roll out a rug beneath the jacarandas at New Farm Park, settle in at Riverside Green, or claim a spot at the iconic Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park.

Indoor fun

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!

Start your engines

Rev up the family fun at  Slideways in Eagle Farm or Kingston Park Raceway in Logan City, where little speedsters can put their need for speed to the test. Race against each other, challenge the clock and see who claims bragging rights at the finish line.

It’s about to get cold

Get your skate on at Iceworld in Acacia Ridge or Boondall – it's the ‘coolest’ place to be. With music, lights and plenty of room to glide, spin and wobble your way around the rink, it’s a winter wonderland the whole family can enjoy. Warm up with a hot chocolate from the cafe between laps before heading back out onto the ice.

Take centre stage

Step inside Studio 188, a beautifully restored historic church in the heart of Ipswich, that has been transformed into an intimate arts and culture venue. From live music and comedy to theatre, dance performances and family-friendly shows, there’s always something happening on stage. Round out your visit with a meal at one of the many nearby eateries and make a day or night of it in Ipswich.

A world of stories

The State Library of Queensland’s kid's specific area - ‘The Corner’ is a dream for curious young minds. Little ones can settle into one of many reading nooks, join in daily songs and stories, get creative in the dedicated art studio or explore the garden courtyard. Every visit here brings a new chapter of fun!

High tea for little ones

For a memorable outing, treat your kids to a traditional high tea at the historic Shingle Inn inside Brisbane City Hall. Little princes and princesses can tuck into sweet treats and savoury delights within the building’s grand heritage. While you’re here, enjoy the free Clock Tower Tour and ride to the top for a bird's eye-view of The City – making it a day out that’s equal parts tasty and memorable.

Look at the stars

Not only does Mt Coot-Tha offer beautiful botanical gardens and lookout views, it’s also home to the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium. Take the kids on a journey through the galaxy with immersive shows in the Cosmic Skydome and projections of Brisbane’s night sky. Explore the display zone, filled with spacecraft models, asteroid fragments and space exhibits, before seeing just how far their imaginations can travel.

Outdoor fun

Take a hike

Wander the many trails surrounding Brisbane and turn your family walk into a mini adventure. Stroll through the rainforest, spot waterfalls along the way or tackle a scenic lookout walk with a reward waiting at the top. Keep an eye out for native wildlife, pack some snacks and let little explorers lead the way as you discover Brisbane’s natural backyard.

Adventure around Brisbane

When sightseeing isn’t enough, Riverlife dials things up a notch. Paddle your way down the Brisbane River on a kayak or tackle the Kangaroo Point Cliffs on a rock-climbing adventure before hopping on a bike to explore the river’s edge.

Take to the trees

From soaring through the treetops to digging for ancient treasures, Thunderbird Park packs plenty of adventure into one family-friendly destination. Take on the aerial challenges and ziplines of TreeTop Challenge Tamborine Mountain before swapping harnesses for treasure hunting, crystal panning or a round of mini golf. Set amongst rainforest and bushland in the Scenic Rim, it's an easy way to keep curious kids entertained for hours.

A hole lot of fun

Grab a Putter and let the kids put their skills to the test! Tee off at 4 Pines at Landers Pocket, home to one of Brisbane’s biggest mini golf courses, take on the 12-hole course at St Lucia Gold Links or head indoors to Hey Caddy South Bank for a colourful round packed with twists and turns.

Bon Voyage!

All aboard! Set sail along the Brisbane River with GoBoat, where little skippers can play captain while spotting The City’s most recognisable landmarks along the way. For families chasing a bigger thrill, Jet Ski Tours Brisbane turns the river into your playground with high-speed adventures towards the beautiful Moreton Bay.

Discover the world at Eat Street

Eat Street Northshore is Brisbane’s bustling night market serving up all your favourite street food under a fairy-lit maze of shipping containers along Portside Wharf. Let the kids lead the way as they track down giant burgers, loaded fries, sweet treats and everything in between. With a calendar full of entertainment and a world of flavours to explore, there’s always another reason to swing by.

Let the kids dance

Let the kids choose the soundtrack for the day with free live music across Brisbane. Stop by Queen Street Mall and catch the City Sounds or settle in on Queensland Performing Art’s Centre (QPAC’s) Melbourne Street Green for live music. Watch on as the little feet start tapping along to the beat and show off their best dance moves as the music fills the air.

Time with animals

Connect with wildlife

Got a little zookeeper or animal lover in the making? What better way to immerse them in Australia’s unique fauna than a visit to Brisbane’s many wildlife parks, zoos and animal farms. Watch incredible wildlife shows, discover fascinating creatures big and small and get a closer look at some of Australia’s most iconic furry friends.

Alive at night

As the sun sets and the moon settles for the night, a whole new side of  Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary comes to life. Join a Nocturnal Night Tour and discover the after-dark behaviours of koalas, wombats, echidnas and Tasmanian devils. Reminder – bring your camera to capture some snaps of these nocturnal residents come to life!

A koala-sized adventure

If your little ones can't get enough of Australia's cuddliest residents, add Daisy Hill Koala Centre to the itinerary. Set amongst the bushland of Daisy Hill Conservation Park, the free attraction offers the chance to see koalas doing what they do best – snoozing in the treetops. Keep your eyes peeled from the viewing decks, then hit the nearby walking trails to see what other local wildlife might be hiding amongst the gum trees.

Travels

It’s time for an island adventure

Head beyond The City to discover two of Brisbane’s island treasures – Moreton Island/Mulgumpin and North Stradbroke Island/Minijerribah. With long stretches of golden sand, and crystal-clear waters, both islands make for the perfect family escape. Spend your days snorkelling in the water, strolling the shore, spotting native wildlife or exploring the natural beauty that lies just offshore. If a day trip isn’t long enough, browse where to stay on Moreton Island/Mulgumpin or North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah and turn your island adventure into a family getaway.

Experience a touch of country

If your little ones love the idea of farm animals, fields to run free and life in the countryside, a farm stay could be just the ticket. From charming farm cottages and rural retreats to camping and caravan park stays there are plenty of family-friendly options across the Scenic Rim, Ipswich, Logan and the Moreton Bay region. Find your perfect farm stay and let the country adventures begin.

History

Rediscover the Brisbane’s history

Step back in time and uncover Brisbane’s fascinating past. Located within Brisbane City Hall, The Museum of Brisbane brings The City’s stories to life through exhibitions, art and its MoB Kids program, with hands-on activities designed especially for younger historians.

Cross the river to South Bank to explore Queensland Museum Kurilpa, where curious minds can journey from prehistoric giants to scientific discoveries. Stand in awe of dinosaur skeletons, uncover rare minerals and visit the SparkLab where you will discover more than 40 interactive STEM exhibits. Expect plenty of ‘did you know’ facts on the trip home!

Rediscover Brisbane’s past at Fort Lytton

History lessons don’t get much more exciting than this! Explore Fort Lytton, Brisbane’s historic riverside fortress built in 1881 as the backbone of Queensland’s coastal defence activity. Join a guided tour to uncover the stories hidden within, then settle in for a picnic overlooking the river.

Back to medieval times

Ancient treasures and stories from long-forgotten civilisations await at the Abbey Museum of Art & Archaeology. With collections spanning more than a million years, kids can come face-to-face with objects from the ancient world and imagine what life was like centuries ago. Join a guided tour, then continue your expedition with a stop at the Abbey Cafe or browse through the Abbey Shop for a keepsake from your travels through time.

Let's watch it

Join the theatre

Make your way to Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) and take your seat for a world of entertainment. From dazzling musicals and show-stopping plays to dance performances, live music and family-friendly shows, there’s always something happening on stage. You’ll be sure to find the perfect performance to add a little extra magic to your Brisbane exploration.

Catch a show

Take your seats at Brisbane Arts Theatre, where family-friendly stories come to life on stage. With a rotating program of children’s productions throughout the year, there’s always a new cast of characters and plenty of laughs waiting behind the curtain.

Family-friendly stays

Make the most of all the fun and stay a little longer! Brisbane has plenty of family-friendly accommodation options, from inner-city apartments with kitchens and extra space to full-service hotels close to some of the biggest attractions. Take a look at our guide to some of Brisbane’s best apartment stays.

For families wanting to stay close to the action, View Brisbane in Hamilton puts you within easy reach of  Bluey’s World and Eat Street Northshore, while Mercure Brisbane Spring Hill is just moments from Roma Street Parkland South Bank favourites like Emporium Hotel South Bank puts you in the heart of all things arts and culture including QPAC and QAGOMA, while Mercure Brisbane King George Square, Brisbane Marriot Hotel or CLIXX Brisbane Skytower f make convenient spots to explore The City.