Best things to do in Brisbane with kids

Nestled by the Brisbane River in South Bank is a hub of buildings where kids can be wowed by artworks —all while learning something new. There's always something exciting happening at the Cultural Centre: QAGOMA offers art exhibitions and a dedicated Children’s Art Centre, while Queensland Museum features engaging exhibitions on topics such as Queensland wildlife and Indigenous history.

When you need to refuel, there are plenty of cafes and restaurants in and around the precinct.

If getting hands-on with art has sparked their creative side, you can always plan the next kids' birthday party or school holiday activity at Colour My Pot, a local family-run ceramic studio that make creating your own masterpiece fun. 

Brisbane has many sprawling parks and green spaces, from South Bank to Roma Street Parklands, plus Brisbane City Botanic Gardens and the Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mount Coot-tha.

Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mount Coot-tha is the best option when travelling with kids and, as the name suggests, is located on Mount Coot-tha in Brisbane’s inner west. Founded in 1970 and opened in 1976, this 56-hectare land is Queensland’s premier subtropical botanic garden.

Featuring the world’s largest collection of Australian native rainforest trees, natural wildlife and the iconic Tropical Dome, you’ll want to dedicate a day to exploring this place. Walk through the glorious greenery on a self-guided trail (information at the Visitor Centre) or join a volunteer on a guided walk.

Plus, you can stop in at Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium for a taste of space. Tour the galaxy in the Skydome, marvel at incredible artefacts and check out the permanent display of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Astronomy.

Note: Admission is free, but scheduled shows require booked tickets.

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

3. Discover Daisy Hill Conservation Park

Set on 570 hectares on Brisbane's southern outskirts, Daisy Hill Conservation Park is the place to see koalas in their natural habitat and learn about Queensland’s most loveable marsupials. And if you don't spot any on the nature walks, pop into the koala centre for a guaranteed sighting.

Bring the kids to hike or bike around the stunning eucalypt forest and paperbark wetlands, then settle in for lunch in the lush picnic area. 

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. Go to the beach in the city

No need to jump in the car: Brisbane has a beach nestled in among the high-rise buildings of the city’s inner-city Southbank precinct. In fact, it’s Australia’s only inner-city, man-made beach.

Located on the riverfront at South Bank, Streets Beach is a lifeguard-patrolled beach with sandy shores and crystal clear water; so you can keep cool while you enjoy the cool views. Nearby, you’ll find the Boat Pool and Aquativity, a water-play park where the kids can splash around all day long. 

Make a day of it by packing a picnic and lounging on the banks of the river, or go in the cooler hours of the morning and then hit a local café on bustling Little Stanley Street for a treat once you’ve dried off.

North of the city in Redcliffe, Settlement Cove Lagoon is a hotspot for families looking for things to do in Brisbane with kids. Overlooking Moreton Bay, the lagoon is complete with a water play area, wading pool and beachside BBQs. The perfect place to soak up some sun and stunning views.

Here are more beaches in the greater Brisbane area to cool off at. 

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.

A visit to the Boondall Wetlands Environment Centre is another must-do while visiting this remarkable location. Kids can learn about the area’s flora and fauna (and even become friends with the stick insects), play in the animation centre and marvel at the interactive display. They will no doubt leave this destination knowing the importance of preserving natural areas.

6. Picnic at a park

Brisbane isn't short of places to picnic. Whether you choose Roma Street Parklands, South Bank, New Farm Park, Kidspace at Chermside, or Colmslie Beach Reserve - you're guaranteed to have a great day out. 

Bursting with flowers, wildlife and plenty of playgrounds to keep the little ones busy, the parks (especially those located riverside) are a major drawcard for families every weekend. Stop by a local deli or cafe on your way, or pack a picnic lunch from home, spread out a blanket and relax.

Cheap things to do in Brisbane with kids

7. Play putt-putt golf at Victoria Park

With views of the Brisbane city skyline and a fully licensed cafe, this destination is fun for the whole crew. Enjoy an afternoon or evening playing 18-holes of putt-putt with sand pits, water traps, crazy bridges and swinging poles thrown in to keep it challenging. The course even gets dolled up in theme for events like Easter, Halloween and Christmas - so it's always plenty of festive fun.

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. Cruise Brisbane River

To experience Brisbane from a new angle, head to the Brisbane River and enjoy the magnificent views. No need for an expensive cruise, jump on board the affordable CityCat ferry to explore all there is to offer. 

For a shorter trip, you can hop on the free CityHopper, smaller KittyCat vessels that service from North Quay to Sydney Street. It'll give the kids an exciting taste of life on the water, and the opportunity to check out South Bank, the CBD and even Howard Smith Wharves. 

9. Visit the markets

On any given weekend in Brisbane, you can find dozens of markets around the city and suburbs - offering plenty of eats and entertainment for young and old. Those coming to fill their stomachs will find nirvana at Eat Street - a global street food market open Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Pay a small entry fee, take your pick from cuisines to purchase from, grab a seat and enjoy live entertainment. 

Mount Gravatt Street Food and iconic Jan Powers Farmers Markets are among the many others. 

10. Hop on your bikes and ride

One of the best things to do in Brisbane with kids is to explore the winding riverside pathways by bike. It's flat, beautiful, and there's plenty of interesting places to stop and take a break. BYO bikes or rent them from Riverlife Adventure Centre - conveniently located in the heart of the action at Kangaroo Point. 

If your family has an adventurous streak and prefers off-road trails, Hidden Vale Adventure Park is a must-visit. 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. Ignite curiosity at Sparklab

What kid doesn’t love learning about how things work? SparkLab in Queensland Museum will bring out their inner scientist, encouraging kids to question, investigate and wonder about the world around them.

This destination of discovery and education is ideal for kids 6 - 13 years, with interactive, immersive activities that offer a glimpse into the science behind our everyday lives, you can spend hours learning about the human body, energy, light, sound and the earth’s elements.

While many of the exhibitions at Queensland Museum is free, SparkLab is ticketed, at $13 per child (5-15 years) or $47.50 per family. 

12. Feed - or ride - camels at a local farm

Australia's largest camel farm and dairy, Summer Land Camels, is located in Brisbane's Scenic Rim. Visit to get up close and personal with these curious creatures, learn about Australia's fascinating camel history, and feed some hungry camels too. There's plenty of school holiday activities including camel rides, and you can't leave without a pitstop at the Homestead Cafe for a scoop of camel milk gelato or the famous Camelcino.

Entry to Summer Land Camels is free, there's a small fee to feed the camels, and camel rides for kids start from $33. 

13. Day trip to Coochiemudlo Island

Island time, done simple. A ten minute ferry ride from Victoria Point on Brisbane's Redlands Coast will land you on Coochiemudlo Island - an awesome day trip with the kids.

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. Arrive at the island’s jetty and head straight to the beach for some good old-fashioned fun by the sea.

There are a couple of cafes on the island for refreshments, or pack a picnic and make the most of the sheltered barbecue areas that overlook the ocean.

If you want to drive to a Brisbane island, put Bribie on your to do list - there's oodles of family-friendly things to do here.

Things to do in Brisbane with kids that cost money - but are worth it

14. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Did you know the world's first and largest koala sanctuary is located in inner-Brisbane? And it can be reached via a short drive, bus ride or river cruise from Brisbane City.

Budding wildlife warriors will treasure a visit to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, where they can watch, meet and interact with native Aussie wildlife while learning how to protect the species. 

Here you’ll be transported to a world of wonderful creatures. Besides the koalas, you can say hello to birds, reptiles, wombats, kangaroos and more. For a really magical moment, buy a bag of pellets and feed the kangaroos by hand. 

Lone Pine is small enough for little legs that get tired easily, but big enough to entertain for a full day. Be sure to check out the range of educational shows, so the kids can learn more about the amazing animals they’ve befriended. Here's how to spend your time. 

15. See Brisbane from new heights

Much like the Eye of London, the Wheel of Brisbane can be seen from river boardwalks and many different spots around the city. This giant ferris wheel is a great way to get a birds-eye view of Brisbane, and can be ridden both night and day - with a wheelchair and stroller-friendly gondola for those who need it. 

Located in the heart of South Bank, there’s plenty to see and do around the Wheel of Brisbane, so you can easily make a whole day out of it.

16. Or climb to heights yourselves!

Got daredevil kids who prefer to take things into their own hands? Sign the family up for city views you have to literally climb for, on the exhilerating Story Bridge Adventure Climb. 

Open to those aged 6 years and older, the two-hour experience will have you journey up over the bridge's superstructure to the 80-metre summit for uninterrupted 360 degree views of Brisbane City, the river, mountain ranges and islands. Tours run throughout the day, but the Twilight Climb will give you one of the more memorable sunsets of your life.

17. Workshops Rail Museum (Ipswich)

All aboard for Australia’s oldest railway workshops still in operation. If you’ve got a Thomas-loving toddler, the Workshops Rail Museum is a must-do activity.

Just a 40-minute drive west of Brisbane, this heritage railway workshop - which was once the workplace of over 3000 railway workers - is bursting with fun for everyone. There are fifteen larger-than-life exhibits to explore, along with interactive activities that bring history to life, and fun activities and play areas for younger kids.

18. Feed wild dolphins on Mulgumpin (Moreton Island)

It's hard to imagine that just beyond the sparkling lights of Brisbane City lies two of the world's largest sand islands - but once you discover it, you come to know just how special our capital city really is.

Mulgumpin (Moreton Island) is one of them. This dreamy destination is just a 70-minute ferry ride from Brisbane: a paradise of sandy shores, glistening water, adventure sports, and sunken ships to snorkel through. 

Stay at the island's only resort, Tangalooma, and you'll have the amazing opportunity to hand-feed wild dolphins. The dolphins, who come in nightly to feed, are from two families who have been returning to the island resort since the early 1990s. 

19. Get among the trees at Thunderbird Park

Thunderbird Park really has it all. Nestled in the hinterland between Brisbane and Gold Coast, it's got so much to offer there's little wonder why so many families spend the whole weekend here.

Find treasure-filled thundereggs formed when dinosaurs roamed the earth, play laser skirmish in the jungle, tackle the high ropes course at TreeTop Challenge, boost the adrenalin with a thrilling ride on the Canyon Flyer or play a round of golf on the championship mini-golf course. The latest additions are Fun Fair with pedal bikes and boats, jumping castles and pedal go-karts, as well as Fairytale Farmers with pony rides for the kids!

20. Hit the water with River to Bay

River to Bay is your passport to explore, with a fleet of fast boats linking the city of Brisbane to the natural wonders of Moreton Bay and Islands. 

Those looking for things to do in Brisbane with kids should check out their day trips to Moreton Island  - which include plenty of time to snorkel the wrecks. Parents, bookmark their brewery tours along Brisbane River for your next child-free day.

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