Arbor walk at South Bank courtesy Tourism Queensland
It’s easy to keep the kids happy in Brisbane, with lots of fun stuff just for them.
City and city fringe
Gallery of Modern Art and Queensland Art Gallery
The Children's Art Centre has innovative and interactive programs and exhibitions specially designed for children.
Queensland Museum and Sciencentre
Get hands-on with some fascinating creatures. The Queensland Museum, located in the cultural hub of South Brisbane, is an innovative and stimulating museum of science, environment and human experience. The Sciencentre, just downstairs, is a great place for kids to experiment.
South Bank Parklands
South Bank Parklands has everything you need to keep little ones amused. Take them for a swim at the artificial beach, a ride on the Wheel of Brisbane, play on one of the playgrounds or rollerblade by the river. On weekends, stroll through the arts and crafts market or go to a cheap movie at the South Bank cinema complex. South Bank often hosts free events and performances too.
Roma Street Parkland
Close to rail and bus transport, this inner city 16ha parkland is easily accessible and ideal for kids of all ages. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the tropical rainforest, grab an ice-cream or play on the grass. Younger kids can take a trip on the Jelly Bean Express, a 1.3km trackless train ride around the parkland. Open daily.
New Farm Park
One of Brisbane’s great kids’ parks, this haven has lush green grass and giant fig trees perfect for climbing and playing hide and seek. The playground is fabulous.
Other ideas
- Ride on a CityCat
- Hire bikes or rollerblades
- Head to one of the city's pools
Further afield - Greater Brisbane Regions
Workshops Rail Museum
The Workshops Rail Museum in Ipswich, the birthplace of the railway in Queensland, is intriguing and fun. Marvel at the huge steam locomotives and massive one tonne hammers that make stacks of noise. You can take control of a big, rumbling train on the 1700 Class diesel simulator, enjoy heritage locomotives and carriages and get into hands on fun at the Nippers Railway. It's big, loud fun.
Glow Worm Caves
Glow Worm Caves (45 minutes south of Brisbane) are a bit different to your normal day out! Located at Cedar Creek Estate Vineyard and Winery, North Tamborine, Glow Worm Caves are an interesting and informative underground excursion. Find out why glow worms glow on a guided cave tour.
Second Childhood Toy Museum
The Second Childhood Toy Museum (45 minutes south west from Brisbane) is a fascinating museum of antique toys and circus paraphernalia is sure to bring out the child in everyone! Located at Laidley. Open weekends.
Alma Park Zoo
Get up close and personal with both Australian and exotic animals such as baboons, spider monkeys, bears and water buffalos in surroundings much like their natural habitats at Alma Park Zoo (30 minutes north of Brisbane). Don’t forget some of the more unusual creatures including cockroaches, bird eating spiders and boa constrictors.
Australia Zoo
Australia Zoo (90 minutes north of Brisbane) is a fascinating wildlife park and home to over 1000 animals and daily demonstrations. Learn about our native and endangered animals.
Dreamworld
Just 45 minutes from Brisbane, Dreamworld is one of Australia’s famous theme parks. An action packed day full of entertainment and rides for kids of all ages.
River Cruise
Find some of Australia's largest flying fox colonies on Indooroopilly Island in the Brisbane River. Enjoy a cruise on the Brisbane River, and witness thousands of flying fox flyout at sunset.
Warner Bros. Movie World
A family adventure with exhilarating rides Warner Bros. Movie World has all the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.
Sea World
Australia's only polar bear colony is at Sea World, on the Gold Coast. Experience the wonders of marine life, plus rides and shows. You can even get face to face with sharks and other amazing creatures.
Wet ‘n’ Wild Water World
If you’re looking to get wet, then you can’t go past Wet ‘n’ Wild Water World, an exciting water park, located only 45 minutes south from Brisbane.
