Family-Friendly Things to Do in Brisbane

Warm weather, places to swim, excellent dining, and plenty of kid-friendly entertainment and activities make Brisbane an ideal family holiday destination.

Whether you’re taking an extended trip or just spending a weekend in Brisbane, you'll find inspiration for your holiday itinerary with our guide to the best family-friendly activities that will entertain the kids and adults alike.

Sandwiched between the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast, it can be easy to overlook the many swim spots in Brisbane – but there are plenty of opportunities to cool off with the kids in and around the city. 

If you’re willing to spend a few hours in the car, there are plenty of beaches within driving distance of Brisbane. However, if the little ones don’t feel up for the journey, Streets Beach gives families a taste of the beach life in the heart of the city. Enjoy a lagoon-like swim surrounded by the white sandy shores of this man-made beach. 

Be sure to take the kids to the interactive water-play park, Aquativity, right next door. Both swim spots are free to enter, so they’re great things to do in Brisbane with family on a budget. 

For a family-friendly Brisbane hotel a short walk from Streets Beach and Aquativity, you can't go past Mantra South Bank Brisbane with its apartment style accommodation, pool, gym, and Mediterranean inspired Ovello Bar & Kitchen.

Another man-made swimming hole, Settlement Cove Lagoon in Redcliffe is perfect for families wanting a swim, sun and BBQ outside of Brisbane’s bustling CBD. Take your time near this Moreton Bay gem and spend a night or two at the family-friendly Sebel Brisbane Margate Beach (only a 3-minute drive from Settlement Cove Lagoon).

Brisbane is home to a number of lush parks and nature reserves if your family is craving some time outdoors. 

16 acres of subtropical flora make this impressive park an absolute must for things to do in Brisbane. With spectacular plant diversity, a rainforest walk, café,  and two large playgrounds, Roma Street Parkland has plenty to pique every family member’s interests.

For a true Brisbane inner city experience, book your stay at Mercure Brisbane King George Square and leisurely explore the parkland (just a 5-minute walk from the hotel). If you have little ones, consider seeing the park from the Xpress Fun Train on weekends from 10am to 4pm. 

Take the kids out for a picnic at this historic 37-acre park. New Farm Park has plenty of seasonal draw too, since the purple jacarandas can be seen in spring and the park hosts outdoor cinema nights in winter.

If you want to take a break from sightseeing, there are many other family-friendly things to do in Brisbane to blow off a little steam. 

Escape the Brisbane heat for a few hours and take the family out ice-skating. Iceworld has two locations – in Acacia Ridge and Boondall – and holds daily public sessions with skate hire included in entry.

This 18-hole outdoor mini golf course is bound to be a hit with adults and kids of all ages. Victoria Park Putt Putt is open daily and the course takes about 2 hours to complete during peak times – perfect for an afternoon activity.  

A family trip to Brisbane would be incomplete without seeing some of Australia’s most beloved wildlife up close.

Approximately 15 kilometres from Brisbane CBD, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is one of the top things to do in Brisbane with a family. From mammals to birds to reptiles, there’s a wealth of creatures big and small to visit at this much-loved sanctuary and research conservation centre. 

It might be a lesser-known spot, but Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre is a great day out for the family if you want to uncover Queensland’s native wildlife and biodiversity, take a bushwalk, or go for a paddle in Enoggera Reservoir.

Though it might not be the first thing that comes to mind for your family-friendly itinerary, Brisbane has a thriving arts and culture scene filled with museums and galleries worth visiting. 

Enjoy interactive art installations and activities or participate in one of QAGOMA’s many children’s programmes. Workshops are designed especially for children under 6 – making it ideal for young kids and families. 

Located at Queensland Museum right near QAGOMA, Spark Lab is tailormade for curious kids (6 – 13 years) who have a natural interest in interactive science, tech, engineering or maths. 

To truly get immersed in Brisbane’s museums and galleries, stay local in South Bank. Novotel Brisbane South Bank is less than a 10-minute walk from Brisbane’s cultural precinct, so you can have your pick of indoor activities and exhibitions.  

Perhaps you and your family only have time for a weekend in Brisbane. While there isn’t always room in the itinerary for full-scale activities, Brisbane has a wealth of gastronomical delights to make your trip a memorable one.

When the meal is the main event, there are a number of top eateries in Brisbane to satisfy your cravings and the palates of fussy kids. 

• Start with a hearty buffet breakfast at the family-friendly Goldfinch Restaurant and Street Cafe. Choose between a range of fresh pastries, seasonal fruits and classic hot breakfast items. 

• For indulgent lunchtime fare, treat your tastebuds the local, flavour-filled produce and seafood specialities on the menu at Suzette Buffet.

• Finish the day sampling a fusion of flavours inspired by cuisines of the world at Brisbane’s iconic Spice Central Kitchen & Bar. 

While there’s always ample food options down some of Brisbane’s laneways, sometimes a casual bite is best between a jam-packed day of sightseeing. 

If South Bank is your base, pop into Brooklyn Depot for a juicy burger and other American-inspired classics like hot dogs and loaded fries. If you’re looking for more diverse offerings, head over to Eat Street Northshore in Hamilton for street food favourites and a side of live entertainment.

With so many things to do in Brisbane, sometimes people forget to take stock of the city itself. Below are some incredible vantage points where you can see the city and its breathtaking surrounds. 

Experience the city 60 metres above ground on the Wheel of Brisbane. Carriages are fully enclosed and air-conditioned with space for up to 8 people, so you can enjoy a safe, spectacular view of Brisbane with the whole family.

The Story Bridge Adventure Climb offers panoramic views of the Brisbane Skyline, the Glass House Mountains, Moreton Bay and the Scenic Rim Mountains. Better yet, book your family climb on 'Sunday Funday' where kids climb free (aged 6 – 16 years, 1 child per adult). 

Heading north up the coast after your weekend in Brisbane? Make sure you check off the top 10 things to do in Noosa along your way.