Your ultimate South Bank guide for kids

It's an urban playground on the outskirts of the Brisbane CBD but you’ll feel a million miles away spending the day exploring the South Bank Parklands through the eyes of your children. 

Whether you’re looking to inspire your kids at the museum, educate them on growing produce at the Epicurious Gardens, let them get a little wet and wild at the waterpark or tire out their little legs at the playground, South Bank will bring the good times for the whole family.

To get your little adventurers out and exploring we’ve put together a South Bank guide for kids, so all you need to worry about is packing the snacks.

9AM: Your chariot awaits 

Start the morning by taking the scenic route and arrive at South Bank on the CityCat. The kids will love it and you can enjoy the serenity as you take in the city views and step straight off the ferry into the heart of the South Bank Precinct. There are two ferry terminals at South Bank and the CityCat provides frequent services both up and down the river. You could also jump on the free CityHopper which is a complimentary ferry leaving from specific stops. Make sure to check out the Translink website for exact ferry times. 

We recommend jumping on the CityCat at New Farm park for the leisurely 30-minute ride to South Bank. It is long enough to enjoy but not too much time for the kids to get bored and there are lots of places to find parking around the area.

10AM: Learn something new

QAGOMA

The Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) is a short walk from the ferry terminal and first up on the South Bank itinerary while those mini minds are still fresh. 

QAGOMA has a year-round Children’s Art Centre where they collaborate with artists to create interactive installations and activities for kids. This free experience is such a beautiful space for kids to learn, discover and unleash their creativity and it can be easy to spend hours learning and creating here together.  

The Gallery has exhibitions throughout the year that are engaging for both kids and adults so keep an eye out for the timetable and new opening times once restrictions are lifted.

SparkLab

Let your little scientists follow their curiosity at the SparkLab at Queensland Museum. With 40 interactive exhibits for up to 13 years of age, kids can participate in live experiments and get hands on with exciting displays and demonstrations. 

Sparklab is an incredible learning environment to spark creativity and critical thinking as kids learn about science and the world around them.

Be sure to check the website for opening times once restrictions are lifted.

12PM: Picnic and play

A short 10-minute stroll from the Cultural Precinct is the Riverside Green Playground; the perfect place to pick a shady spot to stop and refuel over lunch. 

Pack a picnic rug or grab a table under the trees and enjoy your lunch alfresco. If you haven’t pre-packed a lunchbox for the family, you can pick up a bite to eat at any one of the South Bank restaurants you pass along your way. 

After lunch unleash your little explorers onto the playground of their dreams with obstacles for kids of all ages. Enjoy the peace and quiet as you watch them swing, climb, slide, and explore until their little hearts are content.  

1:30PM Make a splash

After working up a sweat in the playground it’s time to cool off at Streets Beach with the cityscape as your backdrop. The sparkling blue lagoon surrounded by white sand is free to use, fun to swim in and patrolled by a lifeguard so you can rest assured the kids are in safe hands. 

For the younger ones, The Boat Pool and Aquativity are interactive water play areas next to Streets Beach that will provide hours of entertainment and water play for the whole family. 

3:30PM Epicurious Gardens 

Once you’ve wrangled your little humans out of the water, dry off and continue your walk along the river towards the Epicurious Gardens. Wander through the tranquil surrounds of the gardens made up of fresh herbs, seasonal fruit and vegetables and exotic plants.

To preserve the conditions of the gardens for all to enjoy, produce can only be picked by volunteers but you can collect samples from the Harvest Cart from 7am-2pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

If you’re visiting outside of these hours, the gardens are still a great place to educate young minds about growing fresh produce and spark conversation on how different plants grow, smell and look.  

4:00PM: Time for a sweet treat

It’s been an action-packed day and everyone deserves to be rewarded with something sweet before embarking on the return ferry home. Happy Pops, in Stanley Street Plaza, are hand-crafted and made daily in store using all-natural ingredients and no-preservatives. They also make a smaller size for your young gelato connoisseurs so it’s a win-win for everyone.