Whether you’re visiting Brisbane for the first time with children or moving here, it’s great to have ideas on what to do around the city. To help your time in Brisbane be as enjoyable as possible, we have put together a list of child friendly activities.

 

Here are 6 Fun Things to Do in Brisbane with Kids:

 

1. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

 

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary  is in a beautiful riverside location in Fig Tree Pocket with a range of native Australian animals. It will be hot in summer so we recommend going earlier in the morning if visiting at this time of year. Another benefit of going early is that the kangaroos won’t be having their midday sleep so the kids will have plenty of opportunities to feed them.

 

 

 

2. Parklands

 

South Bank Parklands

South Bank Parklands is across the river from the CBD and provides lots of fun and free activities for kids in Brisbane.  There’s swimming lagoons and Kodak beach with views to the city, a water park for the younger ones, playgrounds, cafes and restaurants.

 

If you are visiting in the Summer you’ll be seeking out plenty of water play opportunities!  There are a few other waterparks around Brisbane – read this Brisbane Kids article for more information. 

 

 

Roma Street Parklands

Roma Street Parklands is a lovely inner city location which has a Children’s Garden and a Parkland Explorer Train which kids love. Unfortunately due to the pandemic the train service is currently suspended. The parklands usually have outdoor movies in the summer months and a beautiful Christmas fairy garden but all of that is up in the air too. Keep an eye out on the Brisbane City Council website for updates on events in the parklands here and for the Parklands Explorer Train here.

There are excellent playgrounds for the kids and plenty of green space to lay a picnic blanket and enjoy relaxing in the beautiful gardens.

 

 

 

 

3. Galleries, Museums & Libraries

 

Queensland Art Gallery-Gallery of Modern Art

If you need a break from being outside these are all great options for having a cool and dry place to visit in the middle of the day.

Queensland Art Gallery-Gallery Of Modern Art (QAGOMA) is a wonderful space for the kids. It has a Children’s Arts Centre with different activities at different times of the year. They can explore their creative side and learn at the same time.

 

 

 

Queensland Museum

Close by is also the Queensland Museum with the dinosaur garden and lots of interesting and educational displays.  

 

 

 

State Library

The State Library also provides cool relief with it’s children’s corner tucked away from the rest of the library so that the kids don’t need to be quiet. There is plenty of room to play, climb, build, explore, discover, listen to stories, and find their favourite books. 

 

 

 

 

4. City Cat tour of the City

 

New Farm Park & Brisbane Powerhouse

Whilst you’re close to the CBD you could also explore along the Brisbane River. There are multiple stops for the city cat along the river to visit New Farm Park which has an excellent playground and the Brisbane Powerhouse which has art exhibitions and various live shows.

 

 

Howard Smith Wharves

Howard Smith Wharves along the river has a wonderful view of the Story Bridge and city as well as cafes and restaurants. There’s green space where you can lay a picnic rug and order food from Felon’s Brewing Co. so that the kids don’t have to sit still in a chair. Click here for a list of the restaurants – the Gelateria comes highly recommended! 

 

 

Kangaroo Point Cliffs

Kangaroo Point Cliffs is a great place for a walk or picnic and to watch the rock climbers and abseilers. If you like to be a part of the action, Riverlife provides many guided outdoor activities and hire of equipment.

 

 

5. Nature, Play & Learning

 

Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre and Enoggera Reservoir

Not far from the Brisbane CBD there is the Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre and Enoggera Reservoir in The Gap. If you love nature play and learning from QLD Parks and Wildlife Rangers then this is a must do activity for kids in Brisbane.

The Discovery Centre does have a small admission fee and you do need to book online to make sure you get in – especially in the holidays. If you’re booking into the weekend show that includes your admission to the centre:

The Wildlife Discovery Show is a Ranger-led presentation every Saturday and Sunday at 11.00am and 1.30pm. Your ticket purchase also includes same-day admission into our Wildlife Centre.

You can check availability and book online for both experiences here at their website.

The Enoggera Reservoir provides an opportunity for a natural swimming experience complete with turtle spotting. There is a section designated for swimmers and outside of that non-motorised watercraft can be used. Walkabout Creek Adventures provides hire of equipment to enjoy on the water or on land. Please note that the area near the swimming location is quite rocky and you will need a picnic blanket to enjoy sitting there.  

 

 

 

6. Beach Day

 

Moreton Bay Beaches

If you have transport and are interested in exploring a bit further afield then head north east to Sandgate Beach and surrounds where it’s fun for the kids to have a paddle and walk on the mudflats at low tide. There’s plenty to explore in this area so have a look here for more ideas – Visit Brisbane.    

It gets very busy here with line ups for fish & chips so try to have an early lunch or picnic.  

 

 

 

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