Winter school holidays: Five family activities to keep the kids busy in Brisbane

Brisbane families looking for ways to survive the final week of the winter school holidays have plenty of options, many of them free or low-cost. With the school break wrapping up on July 20, here are five things to do with the kids before they head back to the classroom.

The timing matters. After two weeks at home, many parents are running out of ideas, and patience. The weather this week is expected to stay cool but mostly clear, making it ideal for outdoor adventures that don't involve screens.

Free and cheap fun in the city

Brisbane City Council's 'Summer in the City' program runs through July 19 at various venues including King George Square and South Bank. The program features free live performances, hands-on workshops and roving entertainment. No booking is required for most events, though some workshops have limited capacity.

State Library of Queensland on Stanley Place at South Bank is running 'Curious Crafts' sessions each afternoon until July 18, aimed at children aged five to 12. The sessions are free but require online registration. Library staff said spaces were filling quickly as of Friday.

The Museum of Brisbane at City Hall is showing 'Play Up!', an interactive exhibition that invites kids to design their own city using giant blocks and digital tools. Entry is free for children under 12.

Outdoor adventures and markets

Roma Street Parkland is hosting its weekly 'Nature Play' program every morning this week from 10am to noon. The free sessions include bush tucker walks, bug hunts and storytime under the fig trees. Meet at the park's lake side entrance.

If the family needs a sugar fix, the Eat Street Northshore markets at Hamilton run Friday and Saturday nights from 4pm to 10pm. Entry is $5 for adults, with kids under 12 free. More than 70 food stalls will be open, plus live music and a dedicated kids' zone with face painting and balloon twisting.

For something active, Boulders Climbing Gym in Fortitude Valley offers a family climbing session on Saturdays from 10am to noon. Cost is $18 per child and $12 for adults, with all equipment supplied. Bookings essential.

Queensland Museum in South Bank has extended its 'Dinosaur Discovery' exhibition until July 19. Tickets are $16 for children and $22 for adults, with family passes available for $55. The exhibition features life-size animatronic dinosaurs and fossil-digging stations.

For families willing to drive, the Woodford Folk Festival winter programme at the Woodfordia site, about an hour north of Brisbane, runs a one-day 'Winterfest' on Saturday July 18, from 10am to 5pm. Tickets are $35 for adults, $15 for children, and include music, circus workshops and craft stalls.

Practical advice for the final week

Several council libraries, including Chermside, Carindale and Indooroopilly, are running 'Holiday Hacks' sessions, free 45-minute workshops teaching kids how to make their own toys from recycled materials. Sessions run until July 17, but some have already filled. Check the Brisbane City Council website for availability.

Public transport is a smart option. Brisbane buses, trains and ferries offer a 'Family Fare' deal on weekends: up to five people can travel all day for $10, using a go card.

One thing worth noting: several venues close early during the school holidays. South Bank Parklands' visitor centre closes at 5pm on weekdays, and the State Library shuts at 5pm daily. Checking opening hours before heading out will prevent disappointment.