community
Family Activities Roundup: Brisbane’s Best Spots for Kids and Parents This July
From interactive museums to riverside parks, here’s where Brisbane families can find fun, affordable activities across the city this month.
How we reported this
Brisbane families looking for engaging ways to spend school holidays and weekends have plenty of options this July, including revamped programs at the Queensland Museum and new outdoor experiences along the Brisbane River.
These activities are timely given that the mid-year school break has just kicked off on July 11, running through to July 26. With many parents balancing work and childcare, accessible and affordable family activities around Brisbane are crucial for community wellbeing and local tourism.
Interactive Learning and Outdoor Adventures
The Queensland Museum on Grey Street, South Brisbane, has expanded its “Dino Dig” exhibit, which invites children aged 5-12 to participate in fossil excavation workshops through July 31. Entry costs $15 per child, with accompanying adults admitted for free. This program taps into the increasing interest in science among young locals, offering hands-on learning just metres from the showgrounds and the Gallery of Modern Art.
For families preferring outdoor activities, the new “Riverwalk Family Trail” along the Brisbane River-from New Farm Park to Kangaroo Point Cliffs-is gaining traction. The self-guided trail, launched by Brisbane City Council in early June, features educational signposts about local wildlife and native plants, plus picnic spots and playgrounds. It's free and accessible, attracting an estimated 1,200 visitors on weekends according to council visitor data.
Costs, Accessibility and Upcoming Family Events
Besides the museum and riverwalk options, the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens on Alice Street has resumed weekend nature craft sessions for kids aged 4-10, running every Saturday during July from 10 am to noon. These sessions are free but require online registration due to capacity limits of 25 participants per session.
According to Brisbane City Council data, family attendance at local attractions typically spikes by 15% during school holidays, highlighting the importance of well-planned events to support leisure and education. The Council’s “Family Fun Days” initiative has budgeted $120,000 this year towards engaging programs, including pop-up markets and storytelling events at community libraries.
The holidays also feature the “Kids Art Explosion” at the Brisbane Powerhouse in New Farm, running from July 20 to 25. Tickets cost $10 per child, with workshops focusing on painting and sculpture and capped at 30 children per session.
Families planning to enjoy these activities should book tickets and registrations ahead, particularly for indoor or limited-capacity events. Damp weather is forecast mid-July, so outdoor options like the Riverwalk Trail may be better suited earlier in the break.
For up-to-date schedules and bookings, the Brisbane Visitor Centre on Queen Street and the City Council website remain the best sources. Local libraries also post regular event flyers for parents seeking free or low-cost programs during school holidays.