10 Things to Do with Kids in Brisbane That Parents Will Love Too
Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland and a sun-drenched place, is not only a bustling metropolis but also a treasure chest of family-friendly activities. Brisbane has a wealth of family-friendly activities, from outdoor playgrounds and interactive art spaces to animal encounters that will leave you breathless and cultural experiences that are exciting.
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This guide will help you find the perfect weekend activity for your children, whether you are a local or visiting Brisbane from another city. It also includes some lesser-known gems you might be surprised to discover.
1. Brisbane’s Best Playgrounds: Splash, Play and Picnic
The mild weather in Brisbane, whether you live there or visit, is a real pleasure. Brisbane’s temperatures rarely dip below 20degC during the day, unlike other Australian cities. This means that there are a few days when it’s not ideal to play outside.
Brisbane is a city that thrives on the sun, so it’s not surprising that there are some exceptional playgrounds. The Wynnum Wading pool is the most notable, as it was built in the 1930s and has been listed on the heritage register. It fills up with seawater when the tide is high and creates a natural splash pad for kids to play in. Picnic facilities, parklands, and playgrounds are all available in the surrounding area. This is perfect for an entire day out with your family.
Other favorites are Kalinga Park on the north side, a large green oasis with climbing equipment, nature trails, and flying foxes. Rocks Riverside Park is located in Seventeen Mile Rocks and was recently renovated,d and features picnic tables, water play areas, and wide bike paths. There’s always a playground nearby, no matter where you live in Brisbane. Just pack your sunscreen and start the fun.
2. Get Creative at The Children’s Art Centre
Do you think art galleries are just for adults? Do not think so. Think again.
The facility was built specifically for children and is the only one of its kind in Australia. The space is spread over two floors and offers interactive exhibits as well as creative installations, craft stations for kids, and digital art. These are often curated by renowned artists. Even when the other exhibits at GOMA require tickets, access to the Children’s Art Centre remains free.
The Centre hosts a variety of creative and art exhibitions, which makes it a great destination for families who love the arts and anyone looking to do something different on a rainy afternoon.
3. Play (and relax!) Play (and Relax!)
Want a place where your children can have fun while you sip on a latte? You can find Ooniverse Kids Cafe on Brisbane’s North Side. This quirky, creative café has become a favorite among local families who want to enjoy food and fun in a stimulating, safe environment.
Kids can get messy, do arts and crafts, enjoy a healthy snack, and take home a balloon animal for just $10. This is perfect for toddlers and young preschoolers. And you don’t even have to clean the mess. Parents can join in on the fun, or they can enjoy a cup of coffee and the quality menu at the cafe while their children are playing.
Ooniverse offers private party packages that are perfect for birthdays, playdates, mother’s groups, and other celebrations.
4. Explore creativity at the Brisbane Powerhouse through ‘Little Artists At Play’
The Brisbane Powerhouse is located in New Farm, a cultural and architectural hotspot with a stunning location overlooking the Brisbane River. It’s surrounded by lush parks and walking trails. It transforms on Tuesdays into a hive for young creativity through its “Little Artists at Play” program.
Originally part of an art festival for children, the weekly workshops are now a permanent fixture, especially designed for children aged under five years old and their caregivers. The sessions are led by professional artists and focus on imaginative play, sensory exploration, and creative development using a variety of media, from music and dance to painting and sculpture.
The Powerhouse offers five 30-minute sessions every Tuesday, starting at 9 am. Families can visit the venue before or after breakfast by the river. It is only a few steps from the New Farm Park playground, as well as weekend markets. This makes for a fun-filled morning.
5. Everton Park Hotel Offers a Family-friendly Dining Experience
Are you tired of trying to entertain children when eating out? Dining out with your children at Everton Park Hotel isn’t only stress-free, it’s also fun.
The venue is equipped with a large outdoor playground, a room for indoor games, and a movie area to relax in after dinner. Adults can dine on a variety of menus, including pub classics and lighter dishes, while the children are kept entertained.
On Tuesdays, kids eat for free. This is a great mid-week spot for a family meal. If you’d like a table near the playground, make sure to book in advance.
6. Enjoy the Joy of Reading at the Queensland State Library
Libraries have evolved from their secluded days. The Queensland State Library in South Bank’s cultural precinct is an example of how libraries have evolved into welcoming, vibrant spaces for children.
The Corner is a section for children aged 0-8 that includes age-appropriate digital activities, tactile play areas, and books. The Corner is staffed by early literacy experts and hosts free story sessions as well as art activities and family events.
This is not just a great place for children, but also offers a relaxing break to parents in an air-conditioned environment that’s stroller-friendly.
7. Tangalooma Island Resort: Feed wild dolphins
Take a trip to the east and visit Tangalooma Island resort for a truly amazing wildlife experience. This tropical paradise is only 75 minutes away by catamaran. It offers a range of marine adventures, including the chance to feed wild dolphins.
Every evening, a pod of wild bottlenose dolphins arrives at the beach. Guests can feed the dolphins under the supervision of a trained staff. This is a unique experience for animal lovers.
Tangalooma offers more than dolphin feeding. It is a natural playground. The Tangalooma Wrecks are a great place for families to explore. They can snorkel, toboggan, paddleboard, or quad bike across the island. Tangalooma is a great place to spend a day or a weekend.
8. Riverlife is a Great Place to Be Active and Adventurous
Riverlife is located at the foot of the Kangaroo Point Cliffs and offers an array of outdoor activities to active families. It’s a great place for families to explore new activities and enjoy the Brisbane skyline.
For older kids and teens, rock-climbing and abseiling challenges are available. Younger children may enjoy a kayaking tour on calm water or stand-up paddleboarding. Families can try something different by taking a Segway Tour or testing their balance and coordination with the Obstacle Course.
All instructors are trained to the highest standards, ensuring that parents can relax while their children push themselves.
9. Enjoy a Nature Break at Mount Coot-tha
Want to get back in touch with nature, but not leave the city? Visit Mount Coottha in Brisbane, a popular destination with something to offer everyone.
Begin your visit by visiting the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium. Here, you can experience the wonders and mysteries of the cosmos through interactive dome shows and exhibits. You can also explore the Brisbane Botanic Gardens with its shady pathways, waterfalls, a nd themed gardens.
Do not miss the Children’s Hide ‘n’ Find Trail. This cleverly designed treasure hunt takes you through the lush Rainforest Exotic. Grab a map from the visitor center and let your kids search for hidden animal statues and fascinating facts about plants as they wind their way through the trail.
The trip can be finished with a visit to the Mount Coottha Lookout. This scenic lookout offers sweeping views over Brisbane, making it a great place for family photos.
10. The Workshops Rail Museum: Fun for All on Board
A visit to Ipswich’s Workshops Rail Museum is a must for any child who is interested in trains. This award-winning museum is located in Australia’s oldest operational railway workshops. It brings rail history to life through touch, sight, and sound.
Children can learn about Australia’s history through the more than 15 interactive displays. They can also climb aboard locomotives and operate control panels. This is part play area, part educational wonderland, and has many “wow” moments.
If you are likely to visit again, consider purchasing an annual pass.
Themed events are worth more than one visit.
Conclusion
Brisbane is designed to be a place for family fun, outdoor adventures, and creative exploration. You’ll find plenty to do with your children, whether they love to get messy, climb through nature trails, ride trains, or feed dolphins.
Brisbane offers a wide range of family-friendly activities, from well-known attractions like South Bank to hidden gems in suburbia.
Which will you try first
