Brisbane’s best art and culture experiences for kids

Do remember the thrill you felt as a kid when your parents took you to see live theatre? The atmosphere felt electric as the lights dimmed and a chorus of whispered ‘it’s starting’ swept through the crowd. How about the first time you heard musicians bring the magic of music to life, right before your very eyes? Keen to pass on the wonder of culture to the next generation? Well, Brisbane is where it’s at. In Queensland’s capital city, your kids minds, hearts and worlds will grow bigger and brighter with the incredible array of opportunities and experiences on offer.

Don’t know where to start? All good. We’ve curated a list of year-round cultural activities and experiences the whole family will enjoy. 

Take it to the stage

Whether you’re after a world class professional musical spectacle or a local play, Brisbane has just the thing for you your little thespians.

If you’re going all out, look no further than Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), home to world class performances of music, dance and theatre. Fancy catching all three disciplines in one magnificent kid friendly show? Check out QPAC’s musicals. These productions are so professional, you’ll wonder if you’re in Brisbane or Broadway.

But QPAC isn’t a one trick pony. They also stage circus, puppetry, ballet and plays. If the idea of taking your spirited babe to the ‘fancy’ theatre makes you a little nervous, don’t stress, QPAC ensures they have at least one ‘relaxed performance’ in each show’s season.

Another event to look out for at QPAC is the annual Out of the Box Festival. Held biennially, this fantastic festival features cultural activities for the under 8s. Artists from around the globe gather in Brisbane to ignite kids’ imaginations, curiosity and, of course, lifelong love of the arts.

Like the idea of a trip to the theatre with your little one, but not too keen on blowing the weekly entertainment budget? Brisbane’s theatre scene gets it, and they’ve got you. The more intimate Brisbane Arts Theatre, located on Petrie Terrace, will keep your family entertained all year round. This committed and passionate team work together to create an impressive amount of top-quality musical theatre throughout the year.  At an average of only $20 a ticket, you’ll soon find yourselves regulars at this iconic theatre.

If you grew up in Brisbane, there’s a very real possibility Boondall Entertainment Centre features fondly in your memories. From Brisbane’s city, head north-east and 20 minutes later you’ll find our state-of-the-art complex that plays host to the household names. The ones whose teams know how to stage an immersive spectacle you’ll feel in every cell in your body. So, if your tween or teens favourite artist happens to announce an upcoming show in Brisbane, be sure to grab a ticket. Depending on your child’s taste, and yours, we recommend a sneaky pair of earmuffs. 

Create a work of art

Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art offers programs and experiences that will introduce your child to the world of art before they can even walk. Located at South Bank, the Children’s Art Centre run several projects for little ones to access on weekdays. Art Starters is an interactive walking tour for babes aged 4 months to one year. Art Play Date is an immersive and play based program for the toddlers aged 1-3. And the pre-schoolers, from 3-5, will love Art Explorers which focuses on music and making their own pieces of art.

Come school holidays and you’ll see families flock to the Gallery of Modern Art for its latest exhibition designed to delight, educate and enrich. Here, kids are introduced to artistic concepts through age-appropriate media, artworks and activities.

Have a budding artist who is ready to create? Creative Kids in West End is a free, outdoor space for children. The sessions are held on weekdays, and you can rock up at any point during their open hours. Kids are offered materials and guidance to create a set piece, or they can go totally rogue and let their inner artist free.

Go back in time

Let Brisbane be your children’s teacher and you’ll never hear them say the words ‘history’ and ‘boring’ in the same sentence. Big call, we know, but we’re standing by it.

At The Queensland Museum, also located at Southbank, you’ll find three levels of artefact, fossil treasure. Take your kids on the Whale Walk. Located just outside the museum shop, you can stroll under giant life-like models of humpback whales suspended from the roof. Spark Lab is an interactive STEM space (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) designed to ignite kid’s imaginations and wonder about the world that surrounds them. Check out their website for information on their exhibits during school holidays.

Heritage listed Boggo Road Gaol is an iconic part of Queensland’s history and they run family friendly tours all year round. The re-enactments of prisoner stories are highly recommended for children of a more… boisterous nature. 

Discover Brisbane's food scene

Got a kid who will only order nuggets and chips when out? Take them to Eat Street and introduce their taste buds to the world. This unique experience can be found in Hamilton on the Brisbane River on Friday and Saturday nights and Sunday arvos. Grab some Okonomiyaki, Japan’s take on pizza. For the two-minute noodle loving kid, show them the real deal with some Pad Thai.

Take the kids to Greece, at South Bank, when you grab a bite at Zeus Street Greek. At this authentic Greek restaurant, you’ll be greeted with a smile and served a meal that will be hard to forget. Kids love the haloumi fries (does it get any better than fried cheese?), pita wraps and calamari. Seeing as you’re all about the full cultural experience, it would be remiss of you to leave without some loukoumades. What are they? Donut balls which can be topped with Nutella or salted caramel sauce.

A short walk from Southbank and you’ll find yourselves in West End.  If you want to introduce your little ones to some traditional Spanish cuisine and then let them run wild while you finish your bubbles in peace, Jugar (pronounced Hewy-gahr) is the place for you. Jugar literally means play, which is what your kids can do in the designated ‘play area’. We know! Good food, good drinks and a play area? You’ll have to see it yourself to believe it.