The Best Things to Do in Brisbane with Kids

Brisbane, often called the "River City," is sometimes overlooked by tourists planning family trips in Australia because it's a business hub. But take your time with it! Once you give it a chance, you'll discover plenty of fantastic things to do in Brisbane with kids and nearby.

One of the best things about Brisbane is its perfect location. It sits right between the Gold and Sunshine Coast, making it an ideal starting point to explore the beautiful coastline. Within just an hour's drive south, you can reach the Gold Coast, while a one-hour and twenty-minute drive north takes you to the Sunshine Coast. So, you can easily plan day trips from the city to these amazing destinations.

What's more, Brisbane is incredibly welcoming to families. You'll find many family activities in Brisbane and outings perfect for kids of all ages. And guess what? Many of them are free! So, look below at some of the top things to do in Brisbane with kids and make your family vacation unforgettable with exciting and fun-filled experiences.

Explore the Cultural Centre

The Queensland Cultural Centre is like Brisbane's vibrant playground for arts and culture. It's a collection of amazing buildings right by the Brisbane River in South Bank, where kids can have a blast discovering incredible artworks and fascinating animals while learning new things.

There's never a dull moment at the Cultural Centre! The Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) always has exciting art exhibitions, and they even have a special Children's Art Centre that your little ones will love. 

You can explore captivating exhibitions about Queensland's wildlife and rich Indigenous history at the Queensland Museum. 

When it's time to take a break and recharge, you'll find a great selection of cozy cafes and delicious restaurants in and around the Cultural Centre area. So, you can enjoy a tasty meal or a refreshing drink while soaking up the vibrant atmosphere.

Daisy Hill Conservation Park

Located on the southern outskirts of Brisbane, across 570 hectares, Daisy Hill Conservation Park is an incredible place to witness koalas in their natural habitat and discover more about these adorable marsupials that Queensland is famous for.

Even if you don't encounter Koalas during your nature walks, visit the Koala Center, where you can see these fascinating creatures.

It's a perfect spot to bring your kids for an adventure-filled day and one of the best things to do in Brisbane for kids. 

You can explore the breathtaking eucalypt forest and paperbark wetlands by hiking or biking, immersing yourselves in the beauty of nature. And when it's time for a break, you can enjoy a delightful picnic in the lush picnic area.

Please remember that if you have a pram or toddlers with you, it's best to stick to the Paperbark Trail or the Tree Discovery Trail. These trails are the easiest and shortest to navigate, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Picnic at a Park

When it comes to picnicking in Brisbane, you're spoiled for choice! Roma Street Parklands, New Farm Park, Kidspace at Chermside, or Colmslie Beach Reserve has delightful wildlife and fantastic playgrounds to entertain the little ones. 

Especially the ones located along the river, they attract families like magnets every weekend. On your way to the park, remember to grab some delicious treats from a local deli or cafe.

Visit Queensland Museum

Regarding the best things to do in Brisbane with kids, you have some incredible free museums and art galleries that are perfect for keeping the whole family entertained for several days.

One of our favorites is the Queensland Museum, where you can explore the fascinating natural history of the state. Their native animal exhibit is particularly extensive and will surely captivate kids of all ages. 

And guess what? They even have a super cool science center now, an optional extra but worth it. Your kids will be thrilled to spend hours exploring and discovering there.

Other great options include the National Maritime Museum, the Queensland Art Gallery, and the Gallery of Modern Art. 

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Attend Mosaic Workshops with Kids in Brisbane

Fancy a creative and engaging thing to do in Brisbane with kids? Brisbane offers a variety of wonderful workshops where children can unleash their artistic talents and create beautiful mosaic masterpieces.

If your kids have been inspired by getting hands-on with art, why not plan their next birthday party or school holiday activity at Art Masterclass? 

Art Masterclass offers your child mosaic classes that they can easily apply and finally be satisfied with by creating works of art!

Putt Putt Mini Golf at Victoria Park Golf Complex

You'll have a blast spending an afternoon or evening playing 18 holes of exciting putt-putt golf. The course has thrilling challenges like sand pits, water traps, crazy bridges, and swinging poles to keep things exciting and test your skills.

Plus, they go all out with festive decorations for special events like Easter, Halloween, and Christmas, adding an extra dose of joy and excitement to your experience.

Go to The Beach in The City

No need to hop in the car! Brisbane has a delightful beach in the heart of the city's bustling Southbank precinct. It's the only artificial beach of its kind in Australia.

Located along the riverfront at South Bank, Streets Beach is a lifeguard-patrolled haven with sandy shores and crystal-clear water. It's the ideal spot to stay cool while enjoying the breathtaking views. Just nearby, you'll find the Boat Pool and Aquativity, a fantastic water-play park where kids can splash around and have a blast all day long.

If you head north of the city to Redcliffe, you'll discover another gem for families: Settlement Cove Lagoon. Overlooking Moreton Bay, this lagoon is a hotspot for families seeking fun activities in Brisbane with their kids. It features a water play area, a wading pool, and convenient beachside BBQs.

Take It To The Stage

Get ready to be captivated by these performances' talent, creativity, and sheer brilliance. The theater scene offers a range of things to do in Brisbane with kids.

For an unforgettable experience, head straight to the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC). It's the place to be for world-class music, dance, and theater performances. 

If you're in the mood for a spectacular show combining all three, catch QPAC's kid-friendly musicals. They're so impeccably produced that you might wonder if you've been transported from Brisbane to the bright lights of Broadway.

Discover Brisbane's Food Scene

Do you have a kid who always sticks to ordering nuggets and chips when you go out? Well, it's time to expand their taste buds and introduce them to a world of flavors! 

Take them to Eat Street, a unique food experience in Hamilton along the beautiful Brisbane River. It's open on Friday and Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons.

Here, you can discover culinary delights from various cuisines. For example, try Okonomiyaki, Japan's delicious take on pizza, to show your two-minute noodle-loving kid the real deal. 

Rediscover Brisbane's Past at Fort Lytton

Fort Lytton, a significant historical site in Brisbane, holds a rich heritage. Constructed in 1881 and serving as a defense stronghold until the conclusion of the Second World War, it stands as a testament to the city's past. Located near the Brisbane CBD, this remarkable fort is easily accessible.

You'll be delighted that Fort Lytton opens its doors to visitors almost every Sunday and on most public holidays. Even better, admission is completely free, and guided tours are available. Plan a visit on a Sunday or public holiday, and embark on an unforgettable journey through Brisbane's history.

You can reach our previous article from https://www.artmasterclass.com.au/blogs/news/things-to-do-in-sydney-australia-top-10-things-to-do