Things To Do With Kids Brisbane: Complete Family Guide

Brisbane offers incredible opportunities for family fun throughout the year. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventures, interactive learning experiences, or rainy-day activities, this guide covers the best things to do with kids Brisbane that will keep your family entertained and engaged.

Top Family-Friendly Attractions

Brisbane's most popular family destinations offer something for every age group. South Bank Parklands remains the city's premier family destination, featuring the CitiZen play areas, free splash pads (perfect for winter months when temperatures cool to 10-15°C), and the excellent Queensland Museum with its dinosaur exhibitions and interactive science displays.

Australia Zoo at Beerwah, 45 minutes north of Brisbane, provides close encounters with native wildlife including crocodiles, koalas, and kangaroos. The zoo offers excellent educational presentations throughout the day and dedicated children's play areas. Book tickets online in advance for better rates.

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary on the Brisbane River offers a more intimate wildlife experience. You can hand-feed kangaroos, hold koalas, and watch live animal handling demonstrations. It's easily accessible by ferry from the City Botanic Gardens, making it an adventure in itself.

Interactive Museums and Learning Venues

The Sciencentre at South Bank provides hands-on STEM experiences with rotating exhibitions. During winter school holidays (July), they typically offer special programming and extended hours. Entry is free with South Bank Parklands entry.

Queensland Museum features the award-winning Prehistory Gallery with full-scale dinosaur skeletons that captivate children. The Wild Queensland exhibition showcases native animals and ecosystems. General admission is free, making multiple visits feasible.

Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) offers family art programs on weekends. Kids can participate in creative workshops and interactive art experiences designed specifically for different age groups. Check their events calendar monthly for scheduled activities.

Outdoor Adventures and Parks

Brisbane's subtropical climate allows year-round outdoor activities. Lone Pine's riverside location provides beautiful walking trails suitable for prams. City Botanic Gardens offers peaceful exploration with playgrounds and impressive tree collections.

Brisbane Powerhouse at New Farm Park hosts outdoor family cinema nights during summer months (November-February) with free activities and food vendors. Bring a picnic and blanket.

Story Bridge Adventure Climb isn't just for adults—families with children aged 10+ can experience this thrilling 80-minute guided climb with specially designed harnesses for younger climbers. The views across Brisbane, Moreton Bay, and the D'Aguilar Range are unforgettable. Book ahead, especially for school holidays.

• Karawatha Garden - Peaceful rainforest setting with easy walking paths
• Mt Coot-tha Lookout - Short drive with panoramic city views and picnic areas
• Brisbane River walks - Flat, pram-friendly paths from South Bank to the Gardens

Seasonal Activities and Events

Winter (June-August) brings cooler temperatures (15-22°C) perfect for outdoor exploration. The Brisbane Festival occurs in August with family-friendly performances and outdoor events. School holiday programs run through July at major venues.

Summer (November-February) features outdoor cinemas, open-air concerts, and water-based activities. The Brisbane River becomes a hub for kayaking and paddleboarding with several family-friendly rental operators.

Spring (September-October) showcases wildflowers at local parks and perfect weather for hiking and cycling. The Brisbane Valley Wine Region, one hour west, offers family-friendly estates with open spaces for children.

Autumn (March-May) brings the Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) in August—actually early spring—featuring carnival rides, animal exhibitions, and agricultural displays that fascinate children.

Rainy Day and Indoor Activities

Brisbane receives most rainfall during summer months. Timezone Entertainment Centre at Fortitude Valley offers arcade games, laser tag, and bowling suitable for various ages. Bounce Inc provides trampolining parks with separate areas for toddlers and older children.

State Library of Queensland features the children's library with comfortable reading areas, digital screens, and regular storytelling sessions. Entry is completely free.

Brisbane Aquarium showcases Australian freshwater and saltwater species with touch pools where children can interact with marine life. Located at South Bank, it pairs well with other attractions for a full day out.

Insider Tips for Family Visits

Purchase a South Bank Parklands annual pass if you visit more than twice yearly—it provides unlimited entry to museums and cost savings. Visit major attractions early in the day or on weekdays to avoid crowds during school holidays (July and April are peak times).

Brisbane's public transport is excellent. The South Bank ferry terminal offers scenic river journeys to Lone Pine, and the free CityHopper ferry provides entertainment value alone. Family myki cards offer discount fares.

Pack plenty of water—Brisbane's summer heat (30-35°C) requires hydration. Most venues provide shaded areas and water fountains. Use the BrisKids app for real-time event listings and venue updates.

For current events, seasonal updates, and detailed venue information throughout 2026, check The Daily Brisbane—your trusted source for Brisbane family entertainment and local activities.

This article was compiled by AI and screened before publishing. See our editorial standards.