16 family-friendly activities in Brisbane

Updated: 15 July 2021

Brisbane is the perfect family-friendly destination to explore this summer. With milder temperatures and a casual-cool city vibe, there’s plenty of fun and exciting activities to entertain kids of all ages.

Eat Street Northshore

For ultimate carnival vibes and culinary delights to match, look no further than Brisbane’s iconic Eat Street Northshore markets. Converted shipping containers are home to 70+ traders, plus there’s this sweet thing called Kombi Alley that is dedicated to sweet treats – think Doughnut Nachos, Nutella Pie Fries and Danish Cronuts galore.

GoBoat

Get the troops together (even the furry ones) and cruise the Brisbane River at your own pace with GoBoat Brisbane! The new eco-friendly (and user-friendly) electric boats don’t require a license and comes complete with a large picnic table and sunshade, and yes, they’re doggo friendly! Just BYO picnic spread.

River to Bay

What’s better quality family time than a day out in the stunning Moreton Bay? River to Bay offers tours of beautiful Moreton Bay and its islands, giving you a chance to experience paradise just an hour from Brisbane. Book your tour today.

Go karting

Satisfy young speed demons with a trip to the track. Not just for horse racing, Eagle Farm is now home to Go Karting Brisbane, which features 400m of adrenalin-pumping action and karts that speed up to 70kph. Kingston Park Raceway delivers on the ultimate fun and thrill of go kart racing that is suitable for the whole family. 

Victoria Park Golf Complex, Herston

Make like Jason Day and try your hand at golf (or Mini Golf for mini people). Victoria Park Golf Course offers putt putt golf, which makes for a perfect family day out.

Riverlife Adventure Centre, Kangaroo Point

If the kids are looking for something a little more adventurous, take a trip to Riverlife, nestled below the Kangaroo Point Cliffs. Here you can book a guided rock climb, abseil, Segway tour and kayak or even hire a pair of roller blades to explore at your own pace. 

TreeTop Challenge, Thunderbird Park, Mt Tamborine

Get fit while having fun at the same time with the high ropes course at Thunderbird Park. This is a great activity for families with older kids.

Markets, across Brisbane

Visit South Bank’s Young Designer Markets to shop for fashion and jewellery from up to 80 new designers. Then, stroll into West End to the Boundary Street Markets for live music, second-hand wares and cheap eats. Dine at the popular Eat Street Markets, where food and wares are housed in shipping containers.

Bicycle ride

Feel the wind in your hair with a bike ride along the Brisbane River. Extensive bike paths make it safe and easy for the whole family to get out and enjoy the great outdoors. Sign up online for the CityCycle. These bright bikes are dotted around the city and are an affordable way to get around. Note: riders must be at least 16 years old, and everyone must wear a helmet.

Gallery of Modern Art, South Bank

For the budding artist, why not take a trip to Gallery of Modern Art? There are hands-on activities in the Children's Art Centre to keep your young Picasso entertained.

Queensland Museum, South Bank

Take a walk on the wild side with dinosaurs at the Lost Creatures exhibit and experience what life was like for these giant titans that once roamed Earth. Downstairs at the Sciencentre you’ll find an entirely hands-on area full of fun and educational activities (but the kids won’t know it!).

Brisbane City Hall clock tower

Take the kids on an exciting tour of Brisbane City Hall's clock tower. The free guided tour runs every 15 minutes and gives you an interesting city view from the top. Book online to secure your spot.

Brisbane Greeters tour at South Bank

Explore South Bank from a different perspective with a Greeters tour. Departing 10am daily from the South Bank Visitor Information and Bookings Centre. Bookings essential. Call (07) 3029 1797 or email [email protected]. Stick around after the tour for a cooling dip at Streets Beach, the Boat Pool or for a splash at Aquativity.

Brisbane’s local parks

Summer is here and Brisbane’s warm and slightly drier days are best spent outdoors. Kids will have fun running, jumping and climbing while you sit and relax. That looks like a win-win to us!

Mt Coot-tha and Brisbane Botanic Gardens

Wow kids with the spectacular view from Mt Coot-tha. Take the drive yourself, then come back and jump on the mini bus tour of the Brisbane Botanic Gardens which runs Monday to Friday from 10.30am.

Queensland Maritime Museum, South Bank

Ahoy there! Little sailors will enjoy a day out at the Queensland Maritime Museum where they can explore the decks, engine room and staff quarters of the warship Diamantina.

Cruise the Brisbane River

Explore the River City with a cruise along the Brisbane River. The CityCats are quick, easy and cost only a few dollars for maximum enjoyment.