Winter wonders: family-friendly things to do in Brisbane this July

Brisbane’s winter school holidays are in full swing, and there’s no shortage of activities to keep the kids entertained without breaking the bank. Whether you’re after outdoor adventures, creative workshops or a dose of culture, here’s our roundup of the best family-friendly things to do around town this July.

Outdoor adventures and free events

The Brisbane City Council’s School Holiday Program runs through to July 19, with free and low-cost activities across more than 20 parks and libraries. At the Roma Street Parkland, families can join the ‘Nature Play’ sessions on Wednesday and Friday mornings, where kids aged 3-12 can build cubbies, make mud pies and explore the subtropical gardens. No booking required, just turn up in comfortable clothes.

For a dose of big-screen magic under the stars, the Moonlight Cinema returns to the Brisbane Botanic Gardens at Mount Coot-tha every Friday and Saturday night until September. Tickets start at $19 for adults and $14 for children, with family passes available for $58. Bring a picnic blanket and arrive early to grab a good spot on the lawn.

Museums, galleries and indoor play

The Queensland Museum and Sciencentre at South Bank has extended its ‘Dinosaur Discovery’ exhibition until August 30, featuring life-sized animatronic dinosaurs and hands-on fossil digs. Entry is $29 for adults, $24 for children, and a family pass for two adults and two children is $89. The museum’s regular free galleries, including the Discovery Centre and the Lost Creatures space, are also open daily from 9.30am to 5pm.

At the State Library of Queensland, also at South Bank, the ‘PlayUp’ interactive zone lets kids aged 2-8 explore stories through play. It’s free and runs from 10am to 4pm every day. For older children and teens, the library’s ‘Make It’ digital workshops (bookings essential) offer coding, 3D printing and animation sessions on weekends.

If the weather turns wet, head to the Indooroopilly Shopping Centre’s new ‘Kid’s Club’ play area, which opened last month on the ground floor near Kmart. It’s free and aimed at children under 6, with soft-play equipment and a dedicated parent seating area.

Practical tips and what’s next

For families on a budget, many of Brisbane’s cultural venues offer free entry on certain days. The Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) at South Bank is free every day, and its ‘Children’s Art Centre’ runs drop-in workshops at weekends. The Gallery of Modern Art’s current exhibition, ‘Water: A History’, continues until October 4, and includes interactive water-play installations for kids.

Transport is easier with the Queensland Government’s $0.50 fare trial on Translink buses, trains and ferries, which runs until August 31. A family of four can travel from the city to the Queensland Museum for just $2 total.

Looking ahead, the Brisbane City Council’s ‘Paws and Claws’ petting zoo will be at New Farm Park on July 25 and 26, and the annual ‘Brisbane Kids Expo’ returns to the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre from August 14 to 16. For a full list of events, check the council’s website or visit the individual venue pages.