The Ultimate Family Guide to Brisbane
Exploring Brisbane with your family offers a wonderful mix of outdoor adventures, educational experiences, and delicious dining options that cater to the whims and fancies of all ages. Whether a local or visiting the River City, discover our go-to guide of top things to do with the kids to ensure you make the most of family time in Brisbane.
Things To Do in Brisbane with Kids
Brisbane's climate is perfect for outdoor activities almost year-round, and there's no shortage of spaces where kids can run, play, and explore.
Bluey’s World at Northshore Pavilion (Coming Soon)
Located at the Northshore Pavilion in Brisbane, Bluey's World promises an immersive, one-of-a-kind experience that the kids will love. Families will have the chance to explore the Heeler's iconic Queenslander home and backyard, with real-life sets and recognisable scenes from the iconic show. Visitors can venture through multiple rooms and play their favourite games from Bluey. Opening its doors in November 2024, it's a must-visit destination for families exploring Brisbane.
For tickets and more info visit https://ticketek.blueysworld.com.au/
Image Credit: https://www.queensland.com/au/en/home
Mount Coot-tha Botanic Gardens
Start your adventure at the Mount Coot-tha Botanic Gardens, where 56 hectares of rainforest trees and subtropical gardens await. The gardens offer insights into native and exotic flora and fauna, with a range of attractions from the Sensory Garden and Bonsai House to the Bamboo Grove and Aboriginal Plant Trail. Kids will love the Hide' n Seek rainforest trail, which has plenty of surprises and interesting plant facts to keep them entertained.
Roma Street Parkland
The Roma Street Parkland is another local gem, perfect for families. With sprawling lawns, colourful flower displays, a large children's playground, BBQs and picnic areas, it's the ideal spot for a family day out. The parkland, located a short walk from Brisbane CBD, often hosts free kids' events and workshops, especially during school holidays, making it a vibrant hub of activity for families.
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
No trip to Brisbane is complete without a stop at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the world's largest koala sanctuary. Here, families can interact with over 130 koalas and get up close and personal with a memorable Koala Encounter. The sanctuary also houses a variety of Australian wildlife, including kangaroos, wombats, dingoes and Tasmanian devils, with plenty of interactive experiences like feeding kangaroos and watching birds of prey take flight. It's a perfect mix of fun and learning, offering a hands-on approach to understanding and appreciating Australian wildlife.
Image Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
Playgrounds in Brisbane
For more structured play, Brisbane boasts some fantastic playgrounds. Check out the Howard Smith Wharves Playground for its prime waterfront views, the Riverside Green Playground at South Bank for its accessible play areas and interactive equipment, or venture to nearby Picnic Island Green, which offers engaging play structures in a tranquil setting beside Brisbane River.
Adventurous Kids Activities in Brisbane
If your family is up for a bit of thrill, Brisbane has you covered with a variety of unique adventure activities.
Urban Xtreme
Head to Urban Xtreme in Hendra, located 20 minutes from the city, where adventure sports meet indoor fun. This Brisbane adventure park offers ten exciting activities all under one roof, from skiing, snowboarding and rock climbing to laser tag, ninja and parkour courses, ensuring hours of fun for kids of all ages.
Treetop Challenge
For an outdoor adventure, the Treetop Challenge at Thunderbird Park on Tamborine Mountain—Australia's largest Zipline attraction—provides an exhilarating experience with canopy ropes courses and ziplines. It's an adventurous family day trip that's well worth the hour's drive from Brisbane, offering not just fun but stunning views of the lush forests.
Image Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
Educational Kids Activities in Brisbane
Brisbane is rich with interactive and educational experiences that cater to curious minds of all ages.
SparkLab
At the SparkLab in the Queensland Museum, science is brought to life with a range of hands-on activities and live experiments. Aimed at children ages 6 to 13, SparkLab features 40 interactive exhibits spread across three zones, encouraging kids to use their creativity, test ideas, and solve various challenges.
QAGOMA
Located in the heart of Brisbane's Cultural Precinct, the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) is a must-visit for families. The galleries offer a diverse collection of art spanning across time and continents, with a dedicated children's art centre providing specially curated activities that engage young minds. These interactive installations and hands-on workshops are designed to make art accessible and exciting for children, sparking their creativity while they learn about artistic expressions from around the world.
Image Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Brisbane
All that activity is bound to work up an appetite, and Brisbane is not short of kid-friendly restaurants that cater to fussy eaters and discerning parents alike. Start your day on a high note at Mews, a welcoming breakfast destination in Brisbane's Howard Smith Wharves. Enjoy a produce-driven menu that changes with the seasons, all in a vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere. Join us in this charming neighbourhood spot where breakfast and brunch are more than just a meal. Whether you prefer a hearty morning meal or a lighter fare, Mews offers a diverse range of choices, from traditional favourites to fun and flavourful creations, including a great kids menu.
Other great Brisbane kid-friendly restaurants include Victoria Park Bistro, which offers a charming alfresco setting, a kid-friendly menu, and a dedicated games area available on weekends. Additionally, the Pancake Manor, housed in a historic church, is a fun spot for a family meal, serving up sweet and savoury pancakes around the clock. Ice Cream is a must on any Brisbane family holiday, and the Goodtime Gelateria at Howard Smith Wharves is just the spot.
Brisbane Family Accommodation
If you're visiting or planning a staycation, Crystalbrook Vincent offers stylish, family-friendly accommodation with spacious rooms and all the amenities needed for a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Located in the bustling Howard Smith Wharves area, it's a perfect base to explore all the family attractions Brisbane has to offer.
Brisbane is brimming with opportunities to create unforgettable family memories. From the green expanses of its botanic gardens to the exhilarating treetop adventures, museums and galleries to cosy, delicious meals, there's something in Brisbane for every family. So pack your things and dive into the adventure that awaits in this vibrant city with your little ones.
View Crystalbrook Vincent's Family Escape package