As any parent will be able to tell you, finding ways to keep your little ones occupied can be a lengthy task. Thankfully though, Brisbane and its surrounds are home to all manner of activities and experiences that even the toughest little critics will love – and here are 15 of the best.
1. Dopamine Land
Explore Dopamine Land, an immersive journey set across 10 distinctively themed rooms. The experience uses all four senses to create a space of fun and playfulness. Traverse through a luminous forest, inhaling the fragrance of fresh pine needles, or venture into a ball pit with retro disco tunes.
Price: $21 – 28 per person.
2. Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq
Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq doubles as both a circus-themed arcade and bar – in other words, it’s perfect for kids, teens and adults, with more than enough activities for an enjoyable time.
The dazzling Bowen Hills space features plenty of old-school arcade games such as Mario Kart, Hungry Hungry Hippo and Connect 4 Hoops, as well as ten-pin bowling lanes, karaoke, virtual reality experiences, party rooms and more.
Price: $30 for arcade games, $12 for bowling.
Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq
3. Circus Fun House
This high-energy production has become Brisbane’s only continuously-running children’s stage show, full of vibrant costumes, daring aerial stunts and acrobats, alongside plenty of laugh-out-loud comedy.
Price: from $25 per person.
4. Daisy Hill Koala Centre
If your little one(s) loves animals, you can take them to this lovely koala education facility down in Daisy Hill.
Daisy Hill Koala Centre will be open from June 12, featuring a huge outdoor koala enclosure nestled amongst eucalypt trees, as well as interactive displays and a chance to learn more about koalas and their conservation.
Price: free.
5. Kids Cooking Classes
If you’ve got a culinary enthusiast at home, you can enrol them in cooking classes here in Brisbane. Karen Browne at Come and Cook offers classes for kids and teens, where they develop hands-on skills in a fun and friendly environment.
The classes take place in Come and Cook’s purpose-built kitchen at The Gap.
Price: from $87 per class.
6. Possum Magic theatre show
Monkey Baa Theatre Company is bringing the beloved Possum Magic tale to Brisbane these winter school holidays from July 2 to 3.
Featuring puppetry and original music, this nostalgic show will see the iconic picture book brought to life on stage.
Price: from $31 per person.
7. BrickResales
If you’re looking for somewhere to take your LEGO-loving kids on a rainy day these school holidays, be sure to check out BrickResales, which is home to Brisbane’s first and largest showroom of pre-loved LEGO.
Located in Coopers Plains, BrickResales is a place where you can dig through the many tubs of pre-loved and brand-new LEGO, and also look at some awesome LEGO displays.
8. Candlelight concerts
Who says kids can’t discover legendary music from a young age? At Candlelight, everyoneo (8 years or older) is welcome to take a seat and hear some of the greatest songs and classical compositions of all time reimagined by skilled musicians at spectacular venues. And with a variety of programmes to choose from, such as Taylor’s pop hits and magical film soundtracks, there’s something for everyone—young and old.
Price: from about $28
9. Museum of Brisbane
Museum of Brisbane hosts a bunch of free activities for kids, including child-friendly guided tours of the museum, crafts and more.
Price: $0.
See what’s on at Museum of Brisbane
10. Area 51
Underwood’s massive indoor family entertainment centre Area 51 is wildly popular among families who want to keep their kids occupied for hours at a time. So if parkour, rock climbing, mega slides, ropes courses and trampolining sounds like it will keep the little ones occupied, Area 51 has you covered.
Price: from $15.
Area 51 also hosts adults-only nights
11. Hijinx Hotel
Hijinx Hotel is an immersive entertainment space comprising of challenge rooms, making it a perfect activity in Brisbane for kids.
Each of the eccentric and wild escape rooms is designed for a physical or mental challenge, plenty of games to test your skills. The rooms are designed for both kids and adults too.
Price: from $20.
12. DIY Invasion
If your kids like to get messy, the Splatter and Splash Room in Stapylton is a choice place to do just that.
You and the kids will start by choosing the music to soundtrack your paint splatter experience. Then, prepare to throw paint bombs at the walls and at blank canvases.
Price: from $40.
13. Lyell Deer Sanctuary
Tucked away in a serene hideaway just thirty minutes north of Brisbane, Lyell Deer Sanctuary is the perfect spot to get up close and personal with adorable rescue deer of all sorts, from red and rusa to fallow deer.
The sanctuary, usually open to the public on weekends, is a family-run animal rescue service, home to not only deer but also goats, cows, chickens, guinea pigs, peacocks and more.
Price: from $3.
14. Mountview Alpaca Farm
Located just an hour north/south/west of Brisbane at O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards, Mountview Alpaca Farm is home to herd of alpacas so friendly that you can get up close and personal to them.
As for the encounters, you can choose between 15, 30, or 60 minutes of quality time with an alpaca of choice. You’ll take a stroll around the farm with your new furry friend, feeding them along the way.
Price: from $24.
15. Dinosaurs Unearthed
If you’re looking for something free and fun to do with the kids, Queensland Museum has a permanent gallery dedicated to dinosaurs.
Learn more about prehistoric times through geological treasures, cutting-edge palaeo technology and ground-breaking research from the museum’s scientists.
You’ll also get to discover Queensland’s own dinosaurs, giant marine reptiles, supersized megafauna, and more.
Price: free.
Dinosaurs Unearthed: Explore Prehistoric Queensland