Our Top 15 Picks for Things to do in Brisbane with kids

We’ve enjoyed two recent 4-5 week trips to the Brisbane area with our girls. The city and surrounding areas offer numerous attractions and activities for families. We certainly didn’t get to do everything on offer, so we’ll look forward to visiting again!

Read on to discover our top picks for things to do in Brisbane with kids. Whether you’re looking for fun and free places to visit or want to splash out and do something a bit special, we’ve got you covered!

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Hang out at Southbank

South Bank is a must-visit spot if you’re looking for fun and free things to do in Brisbane with kids.

This place is the heart of the city and is truly beautiful, thanks to its riverside location, natural surroundings, and diverse wildlife.

Families will love swimming at the boat pool and Streets Beach. The beach is artificial yet gorgeous, making it the perfect place to cool off and enjoy the sand in the city. Aquativity is another option—a splash park that’s ideal for the kids. They’re all next to each other, and they’re all free!

Kids will also love the Riverside Green Playground, featuring excellent equipment, including a large mouse wheel.

South Bank is a place you can wander all day. The Nepalese Peace Pagoda and surrounding bamboo groves made us feel like we had stepped back into Asia. And the small rainforest walk is fantastic for spotting wildlife.

We saw various lizards and birds around South Bank—check out the riverbank, rainforest walk, and other green spaces, and you’re bound to spot some.

South Bank is also home to the Wheel of Brisbane, offering bird’s-eye city views, as well as numerous excellent restaurants and other entertainment options.

Head to Bluey’s world

Romy was very excited to visit Bluey’s World, a temporary attraction in Brisbane, which will run until February 2026.

This immersive experience takes visitors through each room of Bluey’s house, into her backyard. You’ll even get to visit a pond and lie under the stars!

Rhonda, the garden gnome, guided us through the house, engaging and entertaining the kids along the way.

We got photos with Bluey and Bingo after exiting the house. An indoor playground, shop, and cafe open up at the end of the experience, so you can stay and enjoy all things Bluey for a while.

Although you can’t take photos inside the house, you can snap some pics outside the front and in the playground area.

Bluey’s World is situated on the riverfront, adjacent to a café and a small playground, making it easy to stay for a while.

We didn’t book our tickets in advance, although I’d recommend doing so. We went on a weekday, and the first available session was 2.5 hours after we arrived.

Check out the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA)

The Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) has some fantastic contemporary art exhibits. If you’re looking for free things to do in Brisbane with kids, take a look!

It’s home to the Children’s Art Centre, which features craft stations set up to keep the little ones happy. Additionally, the riverfront location is ideal if you want to visit other central Brisbane attractions afterward.

Enjoy time in Nature at Indigiscapes

Indigiscapes is one of our favourite places to visit in Brisbane for a nature escape near the city. It’s located in Capalaba, is free to visit, and offers so much for families.

You can:

– Visit the learning centre for fantastic information about local wildlife. They also have games and books.
– Stroll around the small botanical gardens and walk along the short boardwalk
– Grab a bite from the cafe and sit outside amid nature
– Enjoy the nature-inspired playground
– Do the two short bush walks on offer (15-20 minutes return each – we saw a cute and friendly water dragon!)

We highly recommend checking out Indigiscapes if you’re looking for fun and free things to do with kids in Brisbane.

Splash about at the Wynnum Wading Pool

The Wynnum Wading Pool is a must-visit for families on Brisbane’s Bayside. This huge wading pool is free to use and perfect for the young ones.

It’s not deep like the pools at Aquativity in Southbank, and it’s nicely designed with steps around the perimeter where you can sit and relax. The kids will also love the little slide.

The pool is next to Whale Park Wynnum, an excellent playground with a splash park. With the jetty in front and long paved coastal pathways, there’s plenty to keep families here all day.

Pandanus Beach is in front of the whale park, so that’s another nice option for family-friendly swimming at high tide (it’s a bit muddy at low tide).

Don’t miss the Wynnum Wading Pool and whale park if you’re looking for family-friendly activities in Brisbane.

Drive to the Mount Coot-Tha Lookout for excellent views

Mount Coot-tha is the best place in Brisbane for hilltop views of the city and beyond. You can drive up or walk one of the hiking trails to the top.

[If you’re interested in hiking, check out this post about the best walks and hikes in Brisbane, including Mount Coot-tha.]

Grab a bite to eat at the cafe while you enjoy the vistas. You could also visit the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and Planetarium during your Mount Coot-tha outing. You’ll pass them on the way up to the lookout.

Take a ferry ride along the Brisbane River

If you’re wondering what to do in Brisbane with kids, take them on a ferry ride along the Brisbane River. Ferries leave regularly from most stops, and they’re counted as regular public transport, so it’s only 50 cents wherever you go.

One idea is to start and finish at Southbank, where there are tons of family-friendly (and free) activities like the pools, beach, and splash park.

Then take a ferry ride a couple of stops east, enjoying the striking views of Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park along the way.

Get off at the Howard Smith Wharves, where you’ve got lots of waterfront cafes and restaurants to choose from. Betty’s Burgers is one for the whole family, or enjoy the waterfront bean bags at Felons Brewing next door.

While you’re there, go up the Petrie Point Elevator for stunning views of the cliffs, river, and the Story Bridge.

[Did you know that you can take a day or night adventure climb up the Story Bridge? Ages six and older can join, with discounts for children and seniors].

This area is also ideal for taking a leisurely river walk. Continue east along the New Farm Riverwalk, a boardwalk where you’re almost walking in the river, or walk back to Southbank.

Prefer a guided tour along the river? This 90-minute all-ages river cruise includes morning tea and a live onboard commentary.

Hang out at Wellington Point and Walk to King Island

Wellington Point is a fun spot to visit if you’re looking for things to do in Brisbane. Check the tides before you go! One of the area’s most unique draw cards is walking to King Island at low tide.

We loved the windy walk along the strip of sand that connects the mainland to the island at low tide. It’s also fun to watch the kite surfers take advantage of the windy conditions.

Wellington Point is also a great place to have a picnic or eat at the cafe near the waterfront. You can watch people fish from the jetty (on the calm side of the point!), take short nature walks, and enjoy stunning views of Stradbroke and Moreton Islands.

The area is very family-friendly with two playgrounds for the kids. Full disclaimer—we went without the kids this time, on our first date in eight months 😅 (thanks, Nannie Annie!)

Cool off at Plantation Aquatic Centre

The Plantation Aquatic Centre in Gumdale is a fun place for the whole family to cool off. It features a regular swimming pool and another pool with two small but fast slides that our kids loved.

The facility also has three playgrounds (best for younger ones) and plenty of space for a picnic. At only $6 for adults and $5 for kids, it’s an excellent spot to hang out for a few hours or more.

Enjoy a walk or hike in the city or nearby

Brisbane features several nature reserves and decent areas for family-friendly walking and hiking. Read our recommendations for walks and hikes in the area here.

Take a day trip to North Stradbroke Island (Straddie)

A day trip to North Stradbroke Island (Straddie) is a must-do if you’re looking for things to do in Brisbane for families.

Ok, so we chose one of the rainiest days possible (as we booked the ferry in advance), but it was still gorgeous!

North Stradbroke Island offers a wealth of natural beauty. You can snorkel, dive, swim, surf, hike, and observe the local wildlife.

The ferry leaves from Cleveland on the mainland and arrives in Dunwich. From there, we drove to Point Lookout on the island’s northeastern tip.

We got just enough of a weather break to enjoy the 1.2km North Gorge Walk. I highly recommend this easy-level boardwalk track. It’s full of rugged coastal vistas and breathtaking beauty.

After lunch at Point Lookout, we drove through the little village of Amity, but it was too wet to stop. So what better way to finish our reading day out than with a beer at the brewery in Dunwich!

You can also visit Straddie on a guided tour. This 9.5-hour North Stradbroke Island Wildlife Adventure Tour departs from Brisbane and is suitable for ages seven and up.

Enjoy the City’s Many Beautiful Parks and Playgrounds

Brisbane is home to numerous fantastic parks and playgrounds. They’re a fun and free way to enjoy time outdoors and burn off energy. Some of our favorites include the Roma Street Parklands in central Brisbane, Underwood Park in Priestdale, and Jingeri Park in Redland Bay.

Check out our post about the best parks and playgrounds in Brisbane and the Redlands here.

Head up Mount Gravatt to enjoy the city views

Mount Gravatt is another lookout area where you can drive or hike to the top to enjoy views of the city. The vistas aren’t quite as good as those at Mount Coot-tha, but it’s still a lovely spot with a café and picnic benches. The hikes are also a bit shorter than Mount Coot-tha, and you should be able to reach the top within 30-60 minutes.

Cool off at the Manly Pool

The Manly Pool is another good aquatic centre for families on Brisbane’s Bayside. It features a fun tube slide suitable for most people (adults may need to lie back a bit).

The slide is included with your entry fee but is only open certain hours, so check before you go. Other than that, the facility has a regular pool, a splash pool for young kids, a small grassy area, and a few tables.

Our entry fee was approximately $16 for three of us, making it a fun and budget-friendly day out. The pool is located next to the Manly Playground, which is ideal for a play session after your swim.

Family-friendly Brisbane tours

Several guided tours are on offer from Brisbane. They’re an excellent way to tap into local knowledge and explore several attractions in a short period.

This small-group walking tour is suitable for all ages and covers a nice mix of iconic landmarks and hidden gems. Or, book a private day tour for the ultimate personalized experience. If you’ve got a little more cash to spend, this private helicopter tour offers unbeatable bird’s-eye views of the city.

Finally, if you’d like to venture out of the city, the world-famous Gold Coast is only about an hour south of Brisbane. This Gold Coast day trip from Brisbane is suitable for ages three and older. It covers the perfect mix of attractions, including beach time at Surfers Paradise, lunch at the Skypoint Observation Deck, and a guided rainforest walk at Springwood National Park.

Things to do in Brisbane with kids | In conclusion

In a city the size of Brisbane, you’ll never run out of fun places to visit and things to do with your kids. We hope you’ve now got some fun ideas to make the most of your upcoming trip and keep the whole family happy.

Traveling to nearby destinations? Those visiting the Sunshine Coast will want to check out these family-friendly walks in Noosa and our Aussie World theme park review. If you’re heading south, try these ideas for fun and free places to visit on the Gold Coast with kids.

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