Explore the top kids activities in Brisbane
The Queensland capital of Brisbane is packed full of adventure that the whole family can enjoy. You’ll find plenty to see and do no matter what you’re interested in thanks to the cosmopolitan city centre and the scenic surrounding natural features. Additionally, you’ll find some of the province’s top restaurants and shops in Brisbane with world-class restaurants and massive pedestrian shopping malls. With so many options available suitable for the whole family, you won’t have to look far to find the top kids activities in Brisbane. Check out the most popular options, and discover which would work best for your family’s unique interests.
1. See the furry critters at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
When you visit the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, you’ll find yourself close to a wide range of these incredible animals, which are one of the most iconic species in the country. You’ll be able to see rescued koalas, as this sanctuary primarily exists to take care of sick, injured and orphaned koalas. When your family visits, you can learn a lot about these animals as well as conservation efforts towards their protection. You can visit with peace of mind as well because this sanctuary is dedicated to properly managing its social and environmental impacts for maximum sustainability.
2. Explore the animals at Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre
At Walkabaout Creek Discovery Centre, you’ll find a wide variety of native animals that you and your family can explore up close. This nature play zone features numerous paths that you can traverse on foot or by bike that show off the impressive nature of the Brisbane area. The wildlife here is kept in large exhibits designed to match their native habitats, including a nocturnal house and a subtropical aviary. This wildlife centre is also home to the Gondwana Platypus Rockpool, where you and your little ones can see this bizarre and fascinating creature.
3. Bring the whole family to Colmslie Beach Reserve
At Colmslie Beach Reserve, you’ll find a relaxing park that you can take it easy in while your kids play on thrilling playgrounds. Not only will you find the standard playground equipment here, but you’ll also find an Octopus Garden that your kids are sure to love. This park also features sheltered picnic spots, barbecues and its own sandy beach. Don’t hesitate to bring the whole family along, as this park is pet-friendly without leash restrictions, provided that your dog is well-behaved. The entire park has a notable aquatic theme, so if your kids are looking for some time at the beach, this is one of the best destinations in the Brisbane area.
4. Splash around at an inner-city beach at Streets Beach
Streets Beach is a unique location in Brisbane where you’ll find a man-made beach with white sand and plenty of subtropical plants. When your family visits, you can find plenty of fun in the water, but that’s just the beginning. This park also contains the Aquativity space, which is a water play park specifically designed for children. You don’t have to pay anything to enter the area, and it’s patrolled by lifeguards all year long, allowing you to let your kids play with peace of mind. Just keep in mind that the lifeguards’ hours may not be the same every day.
5. Let your kids play at the Riverside Green Playground
The Riverside Green Playground is where you need to go if you have young kids who love playing outside. Not only will you find lush surroundings here, but you’ll also find state-of-the-art play equipment suited for kids anywhere from 2 years of age to 15. Just keep in mind that some equipment has a stricter age range. The Pirate Ship, for example, is best used by kids between 2 and 6 years old with older kids being a bit too big. Additionally, equipment like the Mouse Wheel and Supernova is restricted to kids who are at least 6 years old. While you’re here, you’ll also find picnic tables and barbecues for your convenience.
6. Play games at Strike
When you take your family to Strike looking for things to do for kids in Brisbane, you may expect a fun game of bowling. While you can certainly find fun bowling lanes here, that’s just the beginning of what this facility has to offer. You can also enjoy laser tag games, karaoke and even an escape room that lets you and your family test your wits and problem-solving. Additionally, you won’t have to go anywhere else to grab a bite to eat, as they feature a gourmet kitchen alongside a full cocktail bar for the adults in your family.
7. Step into the past at Fort Lytton
Fort Lytton is an important historical site in the Brisbane area where you’ll find the remnants of a 19th-century fortification built right along the coast. These fortifications were once the front line of defence for Brisbane, and now they serve as a fascinating look into the past. When you visit, you’ll be able to see what’s left of the fort itself alongside several artefacts from the time showcasing what life was like for those who patrolled the coast here. Be sure to check the local schedule before visiting, as you and your family could see a live demonstration of the cannon fire.
8. See the vibrant greenery of Epicurious Garden
If your family is interested in the natural beauty found in Brisbane and beyond, there’s nothing quite like the Epicurious Garden. This garden, found along South Bank, is home to a variety of herbs and plants, some of which are native to the area, with others that aren’t usually found in Australia. The plants are all edible, producing herbs, vegetables and fruits, though exactly which ones are on offer during your visit will depend on the time of year. Keep in mind that you and your family can’t actually harvest the plants directly, so you’ll have to collect from the harvest cart. It’s a first-come, first-served situation, so arrive early if you want the biggest selection.
9. Find endless fun at Urban Xtreme
Located between Brisbane’s city centre and the Brisbane Airport, Urban Xtreme is your one-stop shop for thrilling adventures that the whole family can enjoy. You’ll find a variety of activities available here including an indoor trampoline park, laser tag, dodgeball and even an obstacle course designed for parkour. Additionally, you’ll find opportunities for rock climbing as well as snow sports on their simulated slopes. The kids’ play centre is especially popular for families with younger kids, as its climbing and sliding activities are designed for kids from walking toddlers to 6-year-olds.
10. Play putt-putt at Victoria Park
Victoria Park is a gorgeous green space that has much to offer in its own right, but when you’re looking for family activities in Brisbane, the putt-putt course may be your best bet. You’ll be able to enjoy breathtaking views of the Brisbane skyline during your game while trying to conquer the 18-hole challenge on the course. You can play in the morning, at noon or at night, so it’s easy to fit this activity into your itinerary whenever you like. Be wary of the sand and water traps along with the swinging poles that seek to add a bit of a challenge to your putt-putt experience. Rest assured, however, that no portion of this course is too difficult for even younger family members to eventually beat.
11. Look to the stars at Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium
Whether you have aspiring astronomers in your family or just a passing interest in space, the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium is an unforgettable experience your family won’t want to miss out on. You’ll find a wide variety of exhibits here not only showing off the wonders of space but also a catalogue of humankind’s efforts to conquer the final frontier with space ships. No visit here would be complete without checking out the Cosmic Skydome, a massive projection dome with a diameter of 12.5 metres. Be sure to check their calendar to see what shows and entertaining performances are being held, as many of these are catered directly to kids offering fun and education in equal measure.
12. Test your courage at the TreeTop Challenge
The TreeTop Challenge is an adventure park outside of the city where you and your family can soar among the treetops on zip lines and take on rope courses. No matter what you do, you’ll be supported with a safety harness throughout the entire adventure so that you’re always safe. While not all the courses are appropriate for all ages, you’ll find plenty for kids to do, including particularly young kids, with their special courses. Whatever your comfort zone and experience level is, you’ll find plenty of high-speed action to enjoy including a zip line that will have you soaring over a pit of alligators high enough to be far out of their reach.
13. Discover history at the Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology
When you visit the Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology, you and your family can take a step back into the past across several cultures from around the world. You’ll find artefacts and remnants from prehistoric cultures to the Industrial Revolution and beyond to the rise of imperialism that still haunts the modern world. More than 500,000 years of humankind is covered here, and your family can explore it all at your own pace or with a guided tour. You’ll find temporary exhibits here that often offer insight into niche topics like historical calligraphy.
14. Explore nature at the Brisbane Botanic Gardens
The Brisbane Botanic Gardens offer an unforgettable experience that everyone can enjoy when you’re looking for nature-oriented fun things to do in Brisbane for kids. Here, you’ll find 56 hectares of gardens holding a wide variety of plants focusing primarily on those native to a subtropical climate. Several themed sections can be found at the gardens including a Bonsai House project that’s particularly interesting if you’re looking to see plants that aren’t native to Australia.
15. See a show at Brisbane Arts Theatre
If you’re looking to sit back and enjoy some entertainment, the Brisbane Arts Theatre has got you covered. Here, you can see live play performances of original works and cherished classics. More importantly, however, this theatre strives to offer family-friendly content that you and your little ones can enjoy. They have 80 seasons of experience producing all-ages content, and they also offer training workshops for kids as young as 7 years of age. Check out their calendar before your visit to see what kind of shows are going to be on while you’re in Brisbane.