As any parent will be able to tell you, finding ways to keep your little ones occupied can be a difficult ask. Thankfully though, Brisbane is home to all manner of activities and experiences that even the toughest little critics will love – and here are 10 of our favourites.
1. 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
2. Museum of Brisbane
If your kids are more on the artsy side, take them to Museum of Brisbane these September school holidays for a range of activities, some of which are totally free to attend.
The free activities include eye spy, clock tower tours, as well as bird-making mosaic and collage art classes. There are also clay workshops for $10 per person, where kids get to make their very own multicoloured paper clay pot to take home and display.
Price: $0 – $10
Spring School Holidays at Museum of Brisbane
3. 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
4. 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
5. 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
6. 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
7. 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
8. Spooky Putt Putt
Get into the Halloween spirit at Spooky Putt Putt when it returns to Victoria Park. The course is getting a haunted makeover, decked out with giant props such as wicked witches, spiders, zombies, skeletons, and pumpkins.
Open from Friday, September 15 to Monday, October 31, Halloween Putt Putt serves up a frightfully fun mini-golf experience the whole family will love.
The re-vamped course (see what we did there?) features spooky season-themed runs such as an evil carnival and a toxic zombie wasteland.
Price: from $17
9. Oz Comic-Con
Oz Comic-Con is returning to Brisbane on the first day of the spring school holidays. Over two massive days (September 16–17), there will plenty of events to check out spanning multiple fandoms, from The Mandalorian and Power Rangers to Lord of the Rings, Arrow and more.
Price: from $25
10. 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