THINGS TO DO IN BRISBANE WITH KIDS

Kid friendly activities in Brisbane to keep the whole family happy

When the sun's out the fun's on.

While we might not be able to travel everywhere we want in Australia, or the world at the moment, it’s still possible to enjoy quality time with your family and what better place to start exploring than in your own backyard? If you live in Brisbane, or nearby, there are an abundance of things to do in Brisbane with kids that are as fun as they are adventurous.

Here are some great things for kids to do in Brisbane that will keep the whole family busy, local and happy!

cycling and things to do in brisbane with kids

Exercise and enjoy the sights on Brisbane’s cycle trails

For family activities, Brisbane City Council has been working hard in recent years to create new bikeways and upgrades to old bike tracks. They’re designed to suit people of all ages and fitness levels and provide an abundance of adventure. At the same time, they allow you to explore the sights, flora and fauna of the local region. If you’re in the city centre, the Brisbane River Loop is a scenic ride that takes you from Kangaroo Point, New Farm (where you can ferry back to Kangaroo Point). Outside the city, and one of the most popular trails is the 6km Wynnum to Manly shoreline track that takes you along the ocean’s edge. Or you might like to follow the historic Ferny Grove Rail Trail which ends at a bat colony!

Explore the beauty of nature at the Botanic Gardens

There are actually two botanic gardens, and you can explore either one with the kids for a guaranteed great family day out in Brisbane. The City Botanic Gardens is located on the Brisbane River, close to the city centre and offers an abundance of gardens and historical attractions, not to mention an all abilities playground where the kids can expel some extra energy. Take a walk through Bamboo Grove; see the Cannon (serial 63914); and discover the ornamental ponds that were created in the mid-1900s.

Heading out of town, the Botanic Gardens Mt Cootha are Queensland’s best subtropical botanic gardens. The gardens are filled with native and exotic flora and local wildlife. Here you can also explore the fragrant garden, arid zone, waterfalls and the largest collection of Australian native rainforest trees that exists in the world. Take the kids on an adventure with the Hide ‘n’ Seek Children’s Trail – grab a map at the start of the trail and see what plants you can find!

Learn sailing and shipping history at the Maritime Museum

If you’re a history buff or a lover of ships and sailing, head to the Queensland Maritime Museum in South Brisbane, just south of South Bank Parklands and (next to the Goodwill Bridge). Founded in 1971, the museum provides a range of fun activities and an intriguing outline of the history of sailing ships, merchant shipping, early cargo ships, modern container ships, cruise liners and tankers. On hot days, top this off with a cool high tea or ice cream and a visit to Streets Beach or shop around then find some businesses on the Shop Small^TM map where you can spend your time and money helping small local business get back on track.

Enjoy a fresh air picnic in the tropics at Roma Street

Covering 16 hectares in the city centre, Roma Street Parkland is the world’s largest subtropical garden located in a city centre. You can grab a map from the small information booth and start your adventure at the Queensland’s Greats wall, where you can step on board the trackless train, the Parkland Explorer. Kids of all ages will love the round trip through the gardens, which takes around 20 minutes, and it’s a great way to decide where you want to go next. Roma Street Parkland is also home to two playgrounds, with obstacles, swings, flying fox, climbing frame, slide and other equipment to keep them entertained while you sit and relax with a picnic lunch and breathe in the fresh air.

OBSTACLES, SWINGS, FLYING FOX, CLIMBING FRAMES, AND SLIDES WILL KEEP THEM ENTERTAINED WHILE YOU SIT AND RELAX.

Escape the hustle and bustle in national parks

If you’re searching for family friendly activities for kids, why not head to the local national parks during the school holidays to escape technology for a while. Fort Lytton National Park is not far from the Brisbane airport, and includes an 1881-built pentagonal fortress that was actually used up until the end of World War II. Venman Bushland National Park and Daisy Hill Regional Park provide abundant opportunity to explore, offering a 2.5km and 7.5km circuit track. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a koala so keep an eye out – this is one of the largest eucalypt forests in the coastal lowlands near Brisbane. D’Aguilar National Park is just 10 minutes from the city and includes remote gorges, subtropical rainforest, eucalypt woodland and endless walking trails. If you want to head further out, Gold Coast Hinterland is a stunning day trip.

Adventure and sea air: A day out in Moreton Bay

Moreton Bay region extends from Mount Glorious in the south-west, to Bribie Island in the north-east, and Bellthorpe (past Woodford) in the north-west. And along with the bay itself, the region provides an abundance of options for family fun and adventure: a great, kid friendly day out and about. The biggest highlight is of course, the beaches, and they never fail to disappoint. The Moreton Bay Marine Park is filled with offshore reefs, islands, wetlands, seagrass meadows, white sandy beaches – and you might even see a Dugong! Also, in the Bay, you can explore Teerk Roo Ra National Park by boat, and see Queensland’s first penal settlement, St Helena Island National Park. Bribie Island is a getaway paradise, whether you’re going for a day trip or a week away! It’s easy to access with a bridge to the mainland and great for 4 wheel driving.

If that’s not enough, there are plenty of other activities for kids in Brisbane year-round. Simply get online and search for the kids activities in Brisbane you’re after and you’re bound to find something to suit!

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