BEST THINGS TO DO IN BRISBANE WITH KIDS

INSIDE: Roam the Gnome’s Epic Guide of all the fun things to do in Brisbane with kids and family. Updated 2024.

Brisbane is the most family friendly city in Australia.

There’s NO doubt about that.

The weather is warm, the people are generous of spirit, there’s LOTS of open space and parkland in the city, and plenty of room to walk (or run) by the river.

The SPACE in this city is one reason people move here.

But there’s so much to do.

Take a look below for a big list of things to do in Brisbane with kids and family.

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Table of Contents

BEST THINGS TO DO IN BRISBANE WITH KIDS

Correct at time of publication on Roam the Gnome. Please check with venue for updates. We apologise in advance if there have been any changes we are unaware of. All prices in AUD dollars, unless otherwise stated

Brisbane is a relaxed, soul reviving place with enough city vibe, events, shows, art and culture to satisfy the most die-hard city dwellers.

It’s a winner.

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No.1: GOMA Museum of Modern Art for Kids

Visit GOMA (Gallery of Modern Art) with kids.

There’s new hands-on exhibitions every few months, so you can call in again and again.

They also run Art Explorers (formerly Toddler Tuesday) at GOMA.

There’s three different playgroups:

one for babies
one for toddlers and
one for 3-5 year olds.

Click the link above to read all the details.

No.2: State Library of Queensland

Right next door, the State Library of Queensland has a special spot for kids to read and play too. Check out “The Corner”.

Stop by the Library Shop too.

No.3: Brisbane Science Centre SPARKLAB

The Brisbane Science Centre on the ground floor is full of hands-on games and activities for kids.

Visit the Whale mall while you are there, and then head into the Queensland Museum to see all the stuffed taxidermy animals.

It’s weird but wonderful.

MORE FUN BRISBANE ATTRACTIONS FOR KIDS

Kangaroo Point to see the abseilers doing their thing
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Seeing the Story Bridge
Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium

There’s so many fun things for kids to do in Brisbane, you won’t be stuck.

EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY

Roam the Gnome loves Sushi Edo Brisbane, the best sushi train restaurant in Brisbane for kids.

Ordering by iPad makes it fun for kids too.

Check back soon for more yummy places to eat with Kids in Brisbane.

EPIC PLAYGROUNDS IN BRISBANE FOR KIDS

Brisbane City has the BEST playgrounds around.

Visit these ones for yourselves!

No.1: New Farm Park Playground

Be enchanted by the magical New Farm Park playground in amongst the Moreton Bay figs.

Catch the ferry from the CBD for a bonus bit of fun!

BYO picnic and footballs to kick too.

No.2: Brisbane Botanical Gardens Playground

Walk down from Queen Street Mall to find this all-abilities playground in the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens.

No.3: Riverside Green Playground Southbank

Riverside Green playground at Southbank is an amazing playground on the other side of the Brisbane river, over at Brisbane South bank Parklands.

No.4: Picnic Island Green Southbank Parklands

Picnic Island Green at Southbank is just a bit further along too

No.5: Frew Park Milton playground

Frew Park playground in Brisbane is the best one for older kids and teenagers.

It’s cool!

Parkour fans will rate it.

No.6: Funderwood Hollow

We ADORE the whimsical FUNderwood Hollow Playground in Underwood Park, Priestdale.

And you will too!

No.7: Hidden World playground Fitzgibbon

Here’s another playground with a cute backstory!

Hidden World playground in Fitzgibbon is a winner.

No.8: Rapunzel style playground near Ikea Brisbane

Visiting Ikea in Logan?

Stop by this playground afterwards.

It’s just across the highway from this monster Swedish furniture chain.

No.9: Roma Street Parkland playground

This one is cool too, and right in the CBD.

It’s about a 5 minute walk from Roma Street station, a wonderful place to visit in school holidays when there’s kids events and free guided walks.

SPECIAL EVENTS IN BRISBANE FOR KIDS

No.1: QPAC shows

Take the kids to see a Musical at QPAC at the Lyric Theatre, Playhouse, or Concert Hall.

Book tickets to see shows such as:

Deadly 60 with Steve Backshall
Operation Ouch! with Dr Chris and Dr Xand
The Nutcracker by the Queensland Ballet
Bluey’s Big Play
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory musical
Fantastic Mr Fox
School of Rock
Matilda the Musical
A Christmas Carol
The Gruffalo, & The Snail and the Whale live shows
The 13-Storey Treehouse
The Funatorium: Mad Hatter’s Tea Party
Brainiac Live!

FESTIVALS IN BRISBANE

No.1: Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest in Brisbane has a family day, specially for families and kids.

If you love German culture, music, dancing, dressing up in National costumes, and beer, don’t miss it.

No.2: Out of the Box Festival

“Out of the Box presents works and ideas that engage the youngest citizens with the world around them.

The program is curated to inspire children, their parents, carers and educators in the idea that children are important creators of and participants in the arts.”

Out of the Box festival for kids is great fun and happens once a year, with bucketloads of art events, shows, and creative things to do for kids in Brisbane.

Our favourite Out of the Box festival experience so far was The Gazillion Bubble Show with bubble artist Melody Yang.

But you can’t go wrong with anything you book.

The Out of the Box performances for kids are outstanding!