We’ve been set the challenge – entertain two children and two adults for a few hours with only $50. Luckily, there are heaps of well-priced and interesting things to do around Brisbane that don’t cost a fortune. If you want to save even more, then pack a bag with cold drinks, lunch and snacks. For $50, or even less, it IS possible to enjoy memorable family outings.
Golf
Spend an afternoon at Victoria Park Golf Club – any day, any night you can buy a bucket of balls on the driving range ($10) and give the kids a round of putt putt (2 kids cost $20). Your last $20 can be spent on some cold drinks and a snack from the Caddy Shack café.
Movies
A trip to the movies can add up but choose carefully and you’ll easily have change from $50 (unless the kids go completely crazy buying lollies).
The Cineplex cinemas in Brisbane offer great value. At Balmoral, Hawthorne, South Bank and Victoria Point, the most a family of 4 will pay is $26. And it’s even cheaper if you see a flick anytime Tuesdays, weekdays or Sunday evening.
Add up to $15 for parking or public transport if going to South Bank and you’ve still got cash to buy the essential choc top ice cream or popcorn. Use our movie guide to search what’s playing at the bargain cinema closest to you.
Barefoot bowls
We dare you to spend $50 if you take the family barefoot bowling. Green fees are often ridiculously cheap, a few dollars per head. You don’t need to buy equipment and the beers, soft drinks and hot chips are, well, cheap as chips. Invite another family or two and get competitive on the rinks.
Ferry fun
For less than $25 ($23.40) a family of four can travel all day, up and down the river, hopping on and off the CityCats as much as you like. Bikes are allowed on board (although best to avoid peak hours) and they give you freedom to explore on two wheels. Buy a daily zone 1 and 2 translink ticket for unlimited transport on buses, trains and ferries within zone 1 & 2. It’s even cheaper if you go on a weekend or public holiday (only $17.80). Once you’ve bought your daily ticket, then simply choose where you want to go. Hop off for the playground at New Farm Park, get hands-on with the kids activities at GoMA or cruise all the way up to the University of Queensland.
Other ideas:
- Go fishing in the bay or on the Brisbane River
- Give the bikes a spin - head out on Brisbane's bike tracks. Top picks include the track beside the river from Toowong to the City Botanic Gardens or follow Kedron Brook, all the way out to Nudgee Beach or pedal on the flat ground of the Sandgate foreshore that goes for miles.
- Try bushwalking in the city
- Enjoy a cool pool. Take a watermelon, lots of sunscreen and you're set for a few hours of fun.
- See native animals at Walkabout Creek Wildlife Centre at The Gap - under $15 for a family pass and you can buy coffee and cake at the café too. Bushwalks suitable for kids through neighbouring Brisbane Forest Park are all free too.
- Sciencentre - $33 buys a family pass and provides hours of fun (that's educational too, but don't tell the kids).
Our listings of freebie events provide extra inspiration. Or find out what's happening during the school holidays for more cheap family fun ideas.
Free activities and events are everywhere. My boys and I love going to the shopping centre shows. They are just the right length for a 2 year old to concentrate on. We like having a quick snack after the performance. Sometimes I bring our own, sometimes as a treat we buy something.
I also find the local library a great place to find a free activity or two.
To read my review on the latest Madagascar Westfield Show please visit. www.BrizzyKidz.com