The best Queensland kid-friendly events for 2024

Bluey’s World: From 7 November 2024

Where: Brisbane

If you’ve got Bluey fans in your family, get ready for what will be the highlight of their year. Exclusive to Brisbane – Bluey’s hometown – Bluey’s World opens in 2024, a one-of-a-kind, life-sized immersive experience where you can experience a day in the life of the Heeler family.

Explore authentic sets, including Bluey and Bingo’s bedroom and the big backyard, wander through the cul-de-sac, meet the beloved characters and take part in fun games and surprises along the way. It’ll be a day to remember.

Where: Woodford, Brisbane

Forgo your usual beach getaway this Christmas for something a little different. Woodford Folk Festival is Australia’s largest annual gathering of performers, but this festival in the parklands known as Woodfordia, an hour’s drive outside of Brisbane City, is so much more than a celebration of arts. It’s a celebration of community, and the whole family is invited to join.

Set up camp and be a part of an event that welcomes people of all ages and walks of life. There are unforgettable performances that span music, dance, cabaret, comedy and film, along with hands-on workshops, powerful ceremonies, and new experiences around every corner.

This isn’t a festival where kids just tag along. Family and togetherness has always been at the heart of Woodford Folk Festival, with a huge children’s program that creates a wondrous world of imagination and play.

Read why Woodford Folk Festival will be a family adventure to remember.

Where: Brisbane

Does your kid always ask those questions about the world that you just can’t answer?

World Science Festival Brisbane returns to spark curiosity in young minds, and connect them with awe-inspiring concepts and discoveries that are shaping our world. If you’ve got a future scientist in your midst, or want to open their mind to the wonders of the universe, you’ll find a range of activities in this year’s festival – especially at South Bank’s City of Science which will be packed with engaging, free, hands-on activities perfect for the entire family. 

There’s a range of ticketed experiences too, from electrifying robot battles to behind-the-scenes lab experiences, exploring interactive exhibits with the fascinating Art/Science program, and even the chance to watch baby loggerhead turtles hatch. Learn more about this year’s World Science Festival here.

Noosa Festival of Surfing: TBC March 2025

Where: Noosa, Sunshine Coast

Got a budding Stephanie Gilmore or Mick Fanning in your midst?

Boys and girls 15 years and under can compete in the junior divisions of the Noosa Festival of Surfing – Australia’s largest longboard surfing event. Make sure you check out the action on shore too, with films, art, surf culture and live music adding to the gnarly action of this 10 day beach party.

Here’s everything you need to know about Noosa Festival of Surfing.

Moreton Kids Festival: TBC March 2025

Where: Strathpine, Brisbane

Strathpine’s Pine Rivers Park will transform into five huge worlds for kids, offering endless fun with unlimited rides, live stage shows, kids' activities, workshops, wildlife encounters, educational displays, innovative technology, food trucks, market stalls, and so much more!

Big smiles – and very tired kids at the end of the day – are guaranteed.

Where: Brisbane

The whole family can have the ride of their life when Brisbane Cycling Festival rolls into town. Tour de Brisbane (14 April) is the ultimate Sunday out, and while serious cyclists might be going for the podium, families are welcome to join the Big Family Ride. Kids 8 years and older can ride solo, while those 3-7 years can hop on with mum or dad in a bike trailer or bike seat – enjoying a leisurely pace along fully-closed Brisbane City streets.

If you want to catch the action of some seriously elite athletes, don’t miss the AusCycling Track National Championships or 2024 Oceania Championships, taking place in March and April.

Where: Maryborough, Fraser Coast

“Anything can happen if you let it!” said Mary Poppins. And in the charming town of Maryborough, that’s exactly what they do. Let it happen.

Every year in the winter school holidays, the birthplace of PJ Travers – the author of Mary Poppins – celebrates the life of their “practically perfect” nanny in full colour with a free festival of art, culture and fun.

It’s your chance to play dress-up on a life-size scale. Watch the historical streets of this charming town come alive with scenes straight out of storyland, enter in novelty races like the Great Nanny Challenge and the Chimney Sweep Dash, plus enjoy market stalls, rides, and entertainment.

Gold Coast Marathon: TBC July 2025

Where: Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast

Have a future Olympian on your hands?

Tens of thousands of athletes will descend upon Surfers Paradise for the iconic annual Gold Coast Marathon – and while 42km is little far for tiny legs, kids can feel the rush of excitement and lace up their runners for the Junior Dash events, held on Saturday 6 July 2024.

Children aged 5 – 10 years can hit the pavement along the 2km event (and can have a parent run with them if they need extra support), while a 4km Junior Dash is open to those aged 5 – 14 years.

Abbey Medieval Festival: TBC July 2025

Where: Caboolture, Brisbane

Step back in time to the Middle Ages these July school holidays, when the Abbey Medieval Festival offers a unique weekend of fun for all ages. Held on the grounds of the Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology, enjoy re-enactments and medieval performances, jousting competitions, and so much more to capture the imagination.

Royal Queensland Show (Ekka): TBC August 2025

Where: Brisbane

Carnival rides, fairy floss, dagwood dogs, fireworks… what kid isn’t in heaven at Brisbane’s annual Ekka?

There’s just so much to see and do, whether you’re bee-lining to the live shows, show bags, or sideshows. Kids can learn about life in the country, be wowed by some really cool science experiments, or meet their favourite TV show characters. And be sure to factor in time for multiple visits to the animal nursery.

Grab an iconic strawberry sundae for the kids, then taste your way through the award-winning food and wine tents. Everyone wins at the Ekka.

Pacific Airshow Gold Coast: TBC August 2025

Where: Brisbane

The most exciting time to be in Brisbane is during the annual art and culture extravaganza known as Brisbane Festival: whether you’re a local or planning a trip, the city sparkles more than ever.

The festival program bursts at the seams with hundreds of world-class acts both free and ticketed, and many events are dedicated to families with teens, tots and all ages in between.

South Bank and the City light up on opening weekend for Riverfire, when fireworks, vibrant light and laser shows paint Brisbane’s skyline in colour. Nab a viewpoint by the river and enjoy the show.

Across the month there are immersive art exhibits, music, circus, theatre performances for young kids and young thespians, and nightly lights shows at South Bank.

Where: Toowoomba, Southern Queensland Country

Welcome the change of season with good food, good vibes, and mesmerising flower displays at Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers. In 2025, the event will bring floral fun across four weekends, and that extends right down to the little ones, with their very own craft-filled play areas, parklands to explore, carnival rides, a Ferris wheel, fireworks and more.

Kids will love the floral floats, stilt walkers and carnival characters at the Grand Parade. Though parents might want to time their visit for the Festival of Food & Wine. Perhaps multiple visits are in order! Get the guide here.

Redcliffe Kitefest: TBC September 2025

Where: Redcliffe, Brisbane

Let’s go fly a kite! Redcliffe Kitefest is here to sweep families away with fun, with colourful and unique kite displays, expert kite flyers from around the world, stage entertainment, kids activities, fun craft workshops and so much more.