School is almost out for the summer and if you’re a parent, that means long days ahead with energetic kids to entertain. Luckily Brisbane has plenty of family-friendly activities and events popping up. From educational exhibitions to animal sanctuaries, we have some of the best and most fun activities to make sure you never hear the dreaded “I’m bored” once this summer!
1. Play some summer sports at South Bank
From December 14, South Bank’s Summer of Wonder is making a splash. With Christmas-themed events going until December 22 and summer activities planned all the way through January 27, you’ll have no trouble keeping the young ones entertained all summer long! The Cultural Forecourt will be hosting fun, have-a-go sports (for free!) and there will be live music, food trucks and even a bar for when you need a break from your little balls of energy.
📍Melbourne St, South Brisbane
2. Marvel At Your Favourite Movie Heroes At Warner Bros Movie World
Get lost in a world of your favourite movies at Warner Bros Movie World on the Gold Coast. The park is designed to be family-friendly, with a focus on creating an enjoyable and safe environment for visitors of all ages. Kids can enjoy specifically designed family rides, while those who enjoy a bit more of the fear factor can brave the thrill rides. There are also areas specifically designed for younger children, ensuring that the whole family can have a good time.
During your visit, you can enjoy shows, parades, restaurants and more. This is the ideal place for children to immerse themselves in movie magic, and for adults to feel like a kid again. Plus, from December 7 to December 21, the park transforms into a winter wonderland with its White Christmas celebration!
📍Pacific Mwy, Oxenford
3. Learn To Surf At Broadbeach
Get the whole family down to the beautiful Broadbeach for a day of sea and sun. Spend 2-hours at one of Australia’s favourite surf schools that has been operating since 1987. You’ll be provided with a long sleeve rash shirt and a soft beginner surfboard, as you head out into the water. Guided by a professional instructor the whole family will be standing on their first wave in no time!
4. Expand Your Mind At Queensland Museum
From Saturday 14 December to Monday 27 January at Museum of Brisbane you’ll be able to learn, create and spark you and your kids’ curiosity through their hands-on workshops, interactive exhibits, and summer adventures.
If you have a budding photographer on your hands, they can learn how to transform a simple cardboard box into their own camera obscura or even design their own unique photo collage zine. What about making your own macaranga leaf as a family or creating a one-of-a-kind kite with your favourite family picture? With such original activities, it’s sure to be a summer to remember! Learn more here.
📍Level 3, Brisbane City Hall, 64 Adelaide St, Brisbane CBD
5. Get Creative At Queensland Art Gallery of Modern Art Children’s Centre
Visit the Children’s Art Centre at the QGOMA to experience exhibitions and activities created in collaboration with artists, or take part in one of the many programs, especially for children under six years of age. There are a variety of art workshops, story times and interactive events that will help to cultivate a love for art in your children. It’s never too early or too late to be creative!
📍Gallery of Modern Art, Stanley Pl, South Brisbane
6. Pet A Rescued Deer
Just thirty minutes north of Brisbane, Lyell Deer Sanctuary is a family-run animal rescue service, home to not only deer but also goats, cows, chickens, guinea pigs, peacocks and more. It’s usually open on the weekends, which is great to know and give the kids something to look forward to.
📍6 Lyell Ct, Mount Samson
7. Picnic With An Alpaca
A little farther away, but after a beautiful drive, the Mountview Alpaca Farm in the Scenic Rim offers up alpaca experiences that are extremely popular because why wouldn’t you want to picnic with an alpaca? Ed Sheeran, Pancake, Snowball, Tim Tam, and Peanut — yes, they have names — are so friendly that you can get up close. The bonus is that they’ve been trained as therapy animals, so they’re really good at peace and relaxation.
📍852 Lamington National Park Rd, Canungra
8. Stargaze At Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium
Super close to the city centre, the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium at Mt Coot-tha has got entertaining and informative shows for everyone. From Perfect Little Planet where kids can view the solar system through the eyes of an alien family to Cosmic Collision, there’s a lot to see, learn and be amazed by.
📍Mount Coot-Tha Rd, Mount Coot-Tha
9. Burn Energy At Urban Xtreme
Pent up energy needs to be released and that’s exactly what Urban Xtreme is for, especially during the school holidays! Families can enjoy scaling climbing-walls, bouncing on trampolines and trying their hand at obstacle courses.
📍4/370 Nudgee Rd, Hendra
10. Join the circus (temporarily)
Soar through the skies or learn how to juggle, with classes from 18 months to 101 years old, Flipside Circus will turn the whole family into acrobats — at least for the day! Introduce your kids to skills like tumbling and aerials, and find whatever suits them best through a free trial.
Price: free trial!
📍Brisbane Circus Centre at Northshore, 221 MacArthur Avenue, Hamilton
11. Run around at these playgrounds and water parks
With beautiful nature all around you in Brisbane, it’s easier than you might think to find free ways to keep the younger ones entertained! Lively spots like Rocks Riverside Park have something for everyone, from basketball courts and picnic tables to water play areas, so the whole family can enjoy a sunny day together this summer! See all the parks waiting for you to discover them here!
Price: free!
📍531 Seventeen Mile Rocks Rd, Seventeen Mile Rocks
12. Unleash their imagination at the library
Summer brings summer storms with it, but rain doesn’t have to mean boredom! From picture books to YA, you’ll easily find age-appropriate options for the whole family. Plus, if having a vast number of literary worlds at your fingertips wasn’t enough, local libraries also offer many other fun activities, such as book clubs, reading programs, writing workshops and even trivia. Check out all your local libraries here!
Price: Free!
SEE MORE: Wonderfully Welcoming Libraries In And Around Brisbane
13. Glimpse another realm through OTHERWORLD
Art, light, and technology come together in this experience to fully immerse you in an artsy, magical experience. Step into a 360-degree VR Dome that’ll leave young and not-so-young alike in awe, as you’re submerged into a world of light and colour. Who knew you could become a part of artwork in such a literal sense? Get your tickets here!
📍102 Jonson Street, Byron Bay
Editorial contribution by MJ Gayon.