Holidays are coming in hot and for parents that means one thing. Bored kids begging to hit up theme parks, trampoline parks, and other exciting yet pricey adventures.
If multiple trips to Movie World just aren’t in the budget this summer, we hear you. The good news is that there is plenty of excitement to be found in Brisbane without spending a dollar—as long as you know where to look.
From meeting local wildlife to becoming a ping pong master, here are the best free things to do in Brisbane that will entertain your kids over the holidays.
Make Learning Fun At The Queensland Museum
Did you know that general admission to Queensland Museum is free for both kids and adults? Discover and explore everything from Australia’s natural wildlife history to some of the world’s most precious and stunning gems. Make sure you stop by the Cafe Muse for much-needed brain fuel—we’re talking masterfully made coffee for you and epic dino nuggets for the little ones.
Catch A Free Play Session At The State Library
Looking for a regular fun and free play session for your tiny tot? The State Library has you covered. Every week they host multiple open-ended playtime sessions in The Corner. This isn’t just guided storytime—though they have plenty of that too. Your kids will love exploring everything from their cool construction kits and sensory toys to their overflowing dress-ups.
Explore Your Local Library’s Kids Activities
The kid-friendly fun doesn’t stop at the State Library. Pretty much every public library in Brisbane has a section geared to kids and runs weekly kids’ groups, play sessions, or reading circles at no charge. Check out your local library and have a chat with the legendary librarians on staff to discover what’s going on in your neighbourhood.
Go For A Kid-Friendly Hike Or Pram-Friendly Walk
Whether your kids are old enough to hit the trails with you or are comfier in the pram, there are plenty of walks and hikes around Brisbane that accommodate all ages. From stepless, wide-pathed strolls suitable for even the chunkiest stoller, to picturesque trails your kids will love to investigate, check out our rundown on the best hiking trails to hit up with kids and Brisbane’s most pram-friendly walks.
Hit Up A Kid-Friendly Beach
Have a full day up your sleeve? There is nothing quite like surf, sand, and fun in the Aussie sun with your littles. Head to one of the many kid-friendly and absolutely free beaches around Brisbane with some sunscreen and digging toys in hand. Discover the best beaches for your kids to enjoy a safe splash here.
Meet and Learn About Rescued Koalas
The Daisy Hill Koala Centre is a conservation park that does the good work of protecting koalas and other native animals. The best part? It’s absolutely free. Take a stroll through the expansive park—all pram-accessible—and teach your kids about cute and cuddly koalas and what we can do to help them thrive. You’ll even meet a few of their rescued koalas from the viewing boardwalks.
Learn How To Play Disc Golf At A Free Course
What is disc golf, you ask? Mentally combine frisbee and putt putt and you probably have a good idea. Simply rock up to either Cadogan Street Park in Carindale or Freney Street Park in Rocklea with a disc in hand to get started. The courses begin with a handy game explanation and map that will set you and your family on the right path.
Master Ping Pong At An Outdoor Tennis Table
With the Brisbane Olympics on the not-too-distant horizon, now is the time to uncover your kid’s hidden talent for ping pong. Thanks to the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games back in 2018 there are several table tennis tables that are free for anyone to use in various parks across Brisbane. Check out this list to find the nearest ping pong table near you and where you can borrow bats and balls.
Cool Down At A Free Aqua Park
Don’t have a pool? We have the next best thing. Thanks to our scorching summers, Brisbane is packed with free public pools, aqua parks, and water play areas. We’re talking slippery slides, drop buckets, mushroom fountains, jets, and more free fun every kid needs on a hot day. Click here to find the closest free water play area near you.
Get Creative At The Children’s Art Centre
As always, QAGOMA is coming in clutch with exciting exhibitions and creative workshops that will inspire both you and your kids. Their Children’s Art Centre is always playing host to one or two kid’s exhibitions—currently the space explores the work of Indigenous Australian artists. Stop by for a free exhibition featuring interactive projects that will spark any kids’ imagination.
Want more things to do over the holidays? Check out the best things to do with kids in Brisbane, paid or otherwise, right here.
Image credit: Urban List