Best things to do in Brisbane with kids

South Bank’s Cultural Centre is where art, science, and imagination meet. Wander through QAGOMA’s vibrant exhibitions and hands-on fun at the Children’s Art Centre. Head next door to Queensland Museum for dinosaur displays, wildlife wonders and the always-fascinating SparkLab.

Need a creative cooldown after? Pop by Colour My Pot in nearby Cleveland, where the kids can paint their own ceramic masterpiece (perfect rainy-day plan or birthday party idea).

Pack snacks and your walking shoes. Brisbane’s Botanic Gardens at Mount Coot-tha is a leafy wonderland made for wandering. Little legs will love the rainforest trails and Tropical Dome, and you can gaze at the stars (and planets) at the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium next door.

Entry’s free (except Planetarium shows), and you’ll want to stay all day. And don’t miss the summit lookout - those city views? Chef’s kiss.

From hiking trails to summit lookouts, there's plenty more to explore while at Mount Coot-tha. Get the guide here.

3. Meet koalas at Daisy Hill Conservation Park

Daisy Hill Conservation Park is just half an hour south of the city, this 570-hectare eucalypt forest is a wild wonderland for kids. Walk or cycle through the bush, picnic under the trees and visit the Koala Centre for close-up marsupial moments - no binoculars required

Note: If you have a pram or toddlers, stick to the Paperbark Trail or the Tree Discovery Trail as they are the easiest and shortest to manoeuvre.

4. Beach day in the city

Where else but Brisbane has a beach in the middle of town? South Bank’s Streets Beach is a sandy, splashy, totally free treat for kids (and grown-ups). Lifeguard-patrolled with a lagoon and nearby water play park, it’s the ultimate city cool-down.

For seaside vibes north of the city, check out Settlement Cove Lagoon in Redcliffe. Water play area? Tick. BBQs? Tick. Bay views? Tick.

More splash spots here.

5. Explore Boondall Wetlands Reserve

Long before Brisbane became Brisbane, it has been Meanjin to its Indigenous inhabitants. Kids can learn more about Aboriginal cultural heritage by following the Nurri Millen Totem Trail at Boondall Wetlands - spotting aluminium totems that reveal how the clans used the wetlands.

Visit the Environment Centre for hands-on displays and native critters (stick insects included).

6. Picnic at a park

Whether it's South Bank, New Farm Park or Kidspace at Chermside, Brisbane’s parks aren’t just green - they’re gold. Load up a basket, bring a footy or frisbee, and let the playgrounds and riverside lawns do the entertaining.

Cheap things to do in Brisbane with kids

7. Putt your stuff at Victoria Park

Putt-putt but make it next-level. Victoria Park’s 18-hole course has sand traps, themed décor and skyline views. It’s open day and night, and kids under 4 play free.

A round of putt-putt is free for kids under four years of age, $14 for kids 4-17 years, and $16 for parents playing with kids 17 and under.

8. Hop on a CityCat

Brisbane’s ferries are fun, fast, and a hit with all ages. Jump on a CityCat and cruise all the way from the University of Queensland to Northshore Hamilton.

To experience Brisbane from a new angle, here's your CityCat guide.

9. Wander through a market

Live tunes, food stalls and handmade goodies. Brisbane’s weekend markets are a sensory playground. Eat Street Northshore is a family favourite with global eats, fairy lights and entertainment. Or check out the Jan Powers Markets and Mount Gravatt Street Food for relaxed local feels.

10. Pedal the river paths

Brisbane’s riverside bikeways are perfect for family rides - flat, scenic and picnic-ready. Hire bikes at Riverlife or BYO, and stop along Kangaroo Point, South Bank or New Farm.

Feeling adventurous? Take the crew to Hidden Vale Adventure Park for mountain biking trails that suit all skill levels.Located in the Scenic Rim and operated by Spicers, there's over 100km of multi-use trails ideal for mountain bikers of all levels. Day passes are $10 for kids and $20 for adults, with the option to pay for bike hire and uplift, too. 

Check out this guide for the best bike trails around Brisbane.

11. Experiment at SparkLab

Part science lab, part fun factory - SparkLab at Queensland Museum is hands-on learning at its best. Designed for kids aged 6–13, it’s packed with experiments, puzzles and interactive exhibits that spark curiosity (and maybe future careers).

Tickets are $13 per child, and worth every cent.

12. Feed a camel

Yes, really. Brisbane’s Summer Land Camels is Australia’s largest camel farm, and it’s as quirky as it sounds. Feed camels, learn their history, ride one (if you’re game), and try the famous Camelcino or camel milk gelato. Entry’s free, activities extra from $33.

13.  Island hop to Coochiemudlo Island

Just a 10-minute ferry ride from Victoria Point lands you on Coochiemudlo Island - a pint-sized paradise where the kids can paddle, picnic, and pretend they’re a million miles from home. The journey to the island is an adventure in itself: enjoy the boat ride across the bay and spot for dolphins and dugong along the way. 

Want more island fun? Bribie Island is the only one you can drive to - road trip, anyone?

Big-ticket fun (That’s worth it)

14. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

This one’s iconic. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is home to more than 100 koalas and a whole lot of other Aussie legends. Hand-feed kangaroos, watch birds of prey in flight, and join daily shows. Perfect size for young explorers, with enough to fill a full day. And it can be reached via a short drive, bus ride or river cruise from Brisbane City

Here's how to spend your time. 

15. Ride the Wheel of Brisbane

Towering over South Bank, this giant ferris wheel gives unbeatable city views by day or all lit up at night. It’s stroller-friendly, air-conditioned, and includes fun audio commentary as you go.

16. Conquer Story Bridge

Older kids (6+) and parents can tackle Brisbane’s most thrilling climb: the Story Bridge Adventure Climb. It’s two hours of adrenaline and unforgettable views. Try the twilight session for golden-hour magic.

17. Workshops Rail Museum (Ipswich)

All aboard! Just 40 minutes from Brisbane, this heritage-listed museum in Ipswich brings railway history to life. Big exhibits, hands-on fun and tons of space to play. If your kid loves Thomas, this is a no-brainer.

18. Feed wild dolphins on Moreton Island (Mulhumpin) 

How’s this for a bucket list moment? At Tangalooma Island Resort, kids can hand-feed wild dolphins that come in each evening. Add snorkelling sunken ships, sand tobogganing, and beach games and you’ve got the ultimate family escape just 70 minutes from Brisbane.

19. Run wild at Thunderbird Park

Jungle laser tag. Treetop ropes courses. Mini golf. Gem fossicking. It’s all happening at Thunderbird Park in the lush Tamborine rainforest. Bonus: there’s on-site camping and cabins if one day’s not enough (spoiler: it won’t be).

While you're there, check out the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk.

20. Set sail for the bay

For a family day out with serious wow-factor, jump aboard Aria Cruises to explore Moreton Bay’s islands, beaches, and snorkel spots. This purpose-built sailing catamaran will be equal parts fun and equal parts relaxing.

Looking for more family activities or holiday ideas? Head here.