Brisbane is great during the school holidays, but it can sometimes be tricky working exactly what's worth doing and what's suitable for you and your family. From koala encounters to picnics and science experiments, there's something for everyone. Here are 15 school holiday activities you can do in Brisbane for a range of different ages and interests.
| Attraction | Location | Type | Age Range | Price | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Queensland Museum Kurilpa | South Bank | Indoor / Educational | All ages | Free | Dinosaurs, natural history, hands-on science |
| SparkLab (Queensland Museum) | South Bank | Indoor / STEM | 6–13 | $ | Interactive experiments, light and motion zones |
| QAGOMA | South Bank | Indoor / Art & Culture | All ages | Free | Children’s Art Centre, creative workshops |
| South Bank Parklands | South Bank | Outdoor / Leisure | All ages | Free | Gardens, playgrounds, picnic lawns |
| Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary | Fig Tree Pocket | Outdoor / Wildlife | All ages | $$ | Koalas, kangaroos, bird shows |
| Roma Street Parkland | Brisbane CBD | Outdoor / Nature & Play | All ages | Free | Gardens, playgrounds, BBQs, art trails |
| Museum of Brisbane | Brisbane CBD | Indoor / Cultural | 6+ | Free | City history, creative family activities |
| Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens & Planetarium | Toowong | Mixed / Nature & Astronomy | All ages | Free / $ | Rainforest walks, stargazing shows |
| CityHopper Ferry | Brisbane River | Outdoor / Scenic Transport | All ages | Free | River views, hop-on-hop-off ride |
| Brisbane Powerhouse | New Farm | Indoor / Theatre & Events | 6+ | $–$$ | Family shows, comedy, workshops |
| Queensland Maritime Museum | South Brisbane | Indoor / Outdoor Heritage | 6+ | $ | Historic ships, naval exhibits |
| City Botanic Gardens | Brisbane CBD | Outdoor / Nature | All ages | Free | Riverside paths, playgrounds |
| Eat Street Northshore | Hamilton | Outdoor / Market & Food | All ages | $ entry (under 12s free) | Food stalls, live music, family fun |
| Workshops Rail Museum | Ipswich | Indoor / History & Play | 4–12+ | $–$$ | Trains, model railways, STEM |
| Bribie Island Adventure Day | Moreton Bay Region | Outdoor / Beach & Nature | All ages | Free | Beach day, wildlife, sandcastles |
Queensland Museum Kurilpa
Queensland Museum is a great place for curious kids and a great indoor activity. There are dinosaur skeletons, fossil walls, and natural history displays. Parents will undoubtedly enjoy the air-conditioning and cafés nearby, but children will be more interested in playing and learning simultaneously. Since admission is free, it's one of the best school holiday activities in Brisbane.
SparkLab (Queensland Museum)
This is within Queensland Museum, but we've counted it as something else since it isn't included in the museum's free entry. This is for kids six and up and is full of experiments they can touch, test, and tweak. Kids can learn how things work, and with timed sessions, the crowds are light. This is a great rainy-day activity.
QAGOMA (Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art)
At QAGOMA, art becomes play. Kids here can touch, create, and experiment. The Children's Art Centre has interactive exhibitions where kids can learn about drawing, building, and storytelling. Parents can enjoy the world-class galleries while the kids make their own masterpieces. This is free, and the seasonal programs change, so you can go back throughout different school holidays. Visiting art galleries is an excellent idea for school holiday activities in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, or Adelaide, with most major Australian cities having their own noteworthy galleries.
South Bank Parklands
Lush gardens, open lawns, and shady riverside paths make this a popular spot for families year-round. Kids can enjoy the playgrounds, splash under the water features, or ride scooters along the boardwalk. Parents will enjoy the cafés, weekend markets, or skyline views. Completely free and easy to access, this is even better during the school holidays with pop-up events and performances.
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Animal lovers will enjoy a chance to meet some of Australia's most iconic creatures. This is by the Brisbane River, and kids can learn about wildlife conservation. There's easy ferry access from the city, and it's smaller and more personal than major zoos like the one in Melbourne. This is an excellent option for a relaxed half-day activity.
Roma Street Parkland
Bright flowerbeds, waterfalls, and wide grassy areas, Roma Street Parkland is one of Brisbane's best green escapes. Stroll through the themed gardens, explore playgrounds, and stop for picnics. Completely free, beautifully maintained, and open all hours. During the school holidays, you can enjoy live shows, community picnics, and evening light displays.
Museum of Brisbane (City Hall)
The Museum of Brisbane is perched atop City Hall. Here, you can explore Brisbane's history, art, and culture from traditional stories to modern creative design. Kids can ask questions, join art activities, and take part in guided programs. Free entry and centrally located, plus there's Queen Street Mall right outside. Whether you're looking for school holiday activities in Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, or any major Australian city, look to the local museums for cost-effective fun.
Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens & Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium
Here you can enjoy the wonders of our planet and everything beyond it. Spend the morning among rainforest trails and finish the day gazing at galaxies. The Botanic Gardens have lush paths, ponds, and butterfly gardens. The planetarium's dome show is a journey deep into space. Admission to the gardens is free, but you have to pay for the planetarium.
CityHopper Ferry (Scenic Family Ride)
The CityHopper ferry is a way to cruise from one end of the CBD to the other, and it's completely free. Encourage kids to spot bridges and high rises without having to worry about traffic or parking. Kangaroo Point is great for a picnic, and South Bank is good for ice cream. This is a scenic and straightforward free activity.
Brisbane Powerhouse (Family Events & Shows)
Brisbane Powerhouse hosts family theatre, comedy, and workshops during school holidays. Parents can enjoy stylish bars and restaurants overlooking the river, making it an excellent spot for a relaxed evening after a show. The Powerhouse captures everything fun and unexpected about Brisbane.
Queensland Maritime Museum
The Queensland Maritime Museum is a hands-on voyage through maritime history. Climb aboard real ships, peek into cabins, and imagine life at sea. The exhibits mix history with adventure, and children can learn about navigation and ship life.
City Botanic Gardens
The City Botanic Gardens, just like the Adelaide Botanic Gardens or any major botanic garden, are an excellent option for the school holidays. Kids can run across lawns, feed ducks by the ponds, or play on shaded equipment. During the holidays, there are regular events and outdoor yoga sessions. This is within walking distance of the South Bank and free.
Eat Street Northshore
Eat Street Northshore is full of stalls with music and the smell of pizza. This is a lively place that isn't overwhelming, as there's plenty of space to wander. This is great for an evening outing, with Fridays through Sundays the best nights to go.
Workshops Rail Museum (Ipswich)
This is heaven for train lovers. This museum is located in a heritage railway workshop where kids (and adults) can learn about history and engineering, and play all under one roof. Climb into real locomotives, control model railways, and take part in special STEM exhibits.
Bribie Island Adventure Day
Bribie Island is a great way to end the school holidays. It's less than an hour from Brisbane, offering calm beaches, gentle surf, and lots of wildlife spotting. Families can swim, build sandcastles, or explore walking trails along the national park.
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