Want to bring a little culture to your Brisbane Kid’s weekend? There are tons of great places to take your kids here in Brizzy. It’s time to expand those little horizons and learn a bit about the cultures around us!
China Town
Located in the heart of Fortitude Valley, Brisbane’s China Town mall on Duncan St is full of Chinese architecture, cuisine and art, with other Asian cultures, including Japanese and Korean shops and restaurants located here too. Show your Brisbane kids the architecture and then pop into Berlington’s Market for a little eye opening about Asian food. From the dehydrating ducks to a freezer full of exotic creatures, it’s a great way to show your kids a more ‘authentic’ insight into Asian cultures. It’s the perfect way to make school projects come to life too!
On Chinese New Year (February) don’t miss the dancing dragons, crackers and street festival, it’s a brilliant way to introduce your Brisbane kids to Chinese culture.
Paniyiri
Held in May each year, this festival celebrates Greek culture through food, dance and music. Did you know that Melbourne is the second biggest city on earth for Greek people? Only Athens has more Greeks! It’s a great family weekend held at Musgrave Park Edmonstone St South Brisbane, just down from The Greek Club. Show your kids the delights of Greek honey puffs, that sometimes it’s ok to smash plates, and learn a new dance – the Zorba. Admission charges apply.
Multicultural Festivals
A celebration of the diverse cultures that call the Valley Precinct home, this annual festival is held in the Chinatown Mall in July. Admission is free and the festival features market stalls, music, dance and performance art.
Kids will love the annual, free 4EB multicultural festival too! Mostly kids will love the famous GIGANTIC paella as much as the seafood loving adults as it takes four people just to stir it! There are plenty of sites, flavours and exhibits to enjoy and is held at the 4EB building under the Story Bridge.
Zillmere State School holds an annual multi-cultural fete every June and features dance troops, food, rides and plenty of Pacific Island cultural treats! The fete boasts two stages, arts and crafts, attractions for little kids like fire trucks and police cars and a host of delicious meals and sweets for mums, dads and kids alike.
Nudgee Bora Ring Walk
Take your children on a walk through Brisbane’s Aboriginal heritage to one of the last remaining Bora Rings in Brisbane. These rings were used for ceremonies and corroborees and had great significance to the local Aboriginal people. Park at the Nar-Dha facility at the Nudgee Waterholes, Childs Rd Nudgee and follow the signs and path to the east to discover the Bora Ring. While you’re there, check out the turtles, eels and ducks in the waterhole and keep your eyes peeled for kangaroos. http://www.northgateward.org/home_nudgeewaterholesdevelopment.html
Evergreen Taoist Temple
41 Depot Rd Deagon. Visit the largest Taoist Temple in the southern hemisphere. Visitors enter through the large wooden doors and can observe the ancient rituals that take place in the four ornate halls The Hall of Three Purities, The Hall of Three Masters, The Hall of Guardian Angels, and The Hall of Ancestors. On religious days, you can watch cultural shows and sample delicious treats. They have a facebook page here
Chung Tian Temple
Chung Tian Buddhist Temple is open for visitors 9am-5pm Tuesday to Sunday, at 1034 Underwood Rd Priestdale. The Chung Tian Temple, meaning “middle heaven” was constructed in 1992 using traditional Chinese Buddhist architecture. The Temple holds many festivals and community events throughout the year. http://www.chungtian.org.au
Brisbane Irish Festivals
This is a must-do for any Brisbane Kid! St Patrick’s Day is 17 March and is a celebration of everything Irish. Take the kids to watch the parade through the Brisbane CBD held each year. The Queensland Gaelic Football and Hurling Association have a family sports day in early August each year at Gaelic Park 308 Bowhill Rd Willawong. See Gaelic football, tug-o-war, hurling and camogie (a stick and ball game) with food stalls and live music.
Bastille Day
Bastille Day is held on the anniversary of the French Revolution, which began on 14 July, 1789. A festival celebrating French culture is held at Southbank on the closest weekend. Enjoy market stalls packed with breads and tasty treats and also French art, craft, and design. Take your Brisbane Kids along for a taste of all things French – oooh la la!
Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology
Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology houses exhibits and artefacts that date back 500,000 years and spans until the beginning of the 20th Century. They include many different cultures and civilisations. The museum is located at The Abbey Place, Caboolture and is open 10am-4pm Monday to Saturday. Admission charges apply. http://www.abbeymuseum.com.au/
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