With so many fun activities, adventures and areas to explore in Brisbane Southside, putting together a list of things you can do with your family is easier than you think. To help fill holidays with an abundance of local memories, we have compiled some of the best school holiday activities in Brisbane Southside you can share together.
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Daisy Hill Conservation Park and Koala Centre
When the sun is shining, pack the kids in the car and head to the Daisy Hill Conservation Park featuring the Daisy Hill Koala Centre. Built as a dedicated koala education facility, the centre’s resident national treasures have all been relocated here to be rehabilitated and cared for.
The interactive koala centre is well known for its hands-on immersive displays, and the daily tours and feeding sessions, led by knowledgeable staff, make this the best possible space to learn all about this iconic Australian species. Afterwards, enjoy a picnic or bush walk in the stunning surrounding parklands. Entry is free to Daisy Hill Koala Centre.
Go Karting
If you want something to get your adrenalin pumping and hearts racing, a day out at Kingston Park Raceway may be on the cards. Suitable for kids aged ten and over, this is a go-to activity for many Brisbane families.
Their 1100m international standard circuit with electronic live timing is as close to an actual race as possible, and there are also race nights, club events and weekly competitions. Be sure to check out the special offers on their website before booking.
South Brisbane Playgrounds
- Capalaba Regional Park
- Calamvale District Park
- Whites Hill Reserve
- Funderwood Hollow
- Rocks Riverside Park
Brisbane Southside Markets
Markets, with their colourful rows of eclectic finds and collectables, foods and crafts, are the perfect way to while away a few hours during the holidays with kids. Many of them now have on-site entertainment options, face-painting and even animal farms, making them a win-win for everyone who goes along.
The list of markets in Brisbane south is long and impressive, so you can either work through them one weekend at a time or pick your favourite and frequent it often!
Wynnum Foreshore
Nothing beats a trip to Wynnum Foreshore on an endlessly hot day with restless little people. Pack a swim bag and sunscreen and pile the kids into the car for this short road trip to family heaven. When you get to the foreshore, you will be spoilt for choice on what to do, with the whale water park, Wynnum wading pool, Pandanus Beach and multiple playgrounds all within a stone’s throw of each other.
When it’s time for lunch, walk across the road for some fish and chips or set up a picnic under the many shaded trees surrounding the area.
Ice Skating
On hot summer days, one spot in Brisbane south draws the crowds like no other. Iceworld in Acacia Ridge is everything its name promises. It is a land of cooling goodness where families can skate until their heart’s content and their toes are frozen before enjoying a warm bite to eat and hot chocolate.
The two-hour public skate sessions are a lot of fun and just the right length of time for most families to enjoy before leaving to defrost. It’s incredible to see how quickly even the youngest kids can develop new skills and independence in that timeframe.
Walk to King Island
We mention the walk to King Island quite a lot, and it’s because this simple, free outdoor adventure is one that the whole family can get a lot out of. Located only 1km offshore from Wellington Point, King Island itself is very small, but it is the walk there and back that is the real highlight of this unique trip.
As low tide hits, the waters seep away and leave behind a perfect shell-filled sand pathway linking the island to the mainland. Take a bucket for the kids to collect their finds, watch as they marvel at the tiny mud crabs that scatter into their holes, and make sure you walk back before the tide comes back in – or else it will be a swim home!
Afterwards, rest on a picnic blanket by the water while the kids play in the playground and climb the incredible climbing trees that canopy it.
Note: Make sure you head off when is the tide is low- ideally still going down. There are usually plenty of people making the same walk, so we try to be well ahead of the crowds.
Southbank
Southbank, with its central (and slightly south) Brisbane location, is always a popular option for families looking for a one-stop-shop of holiday activities for their kids. If the weather is scorching, the choice between Streets Beach, the Boat Pool or the Aquativity splash area means kids can play on the sand, swim in a pool and race through shallow waters.
Stay late and watch a nighttime movie at Streets Beach, or wander through the fairy-lit holiday markets hosted here. Multiple playgrounds, parks, walking and bike paths make this the perfect active day out.
The South Brisbane Cultural Precinct
Located in South Brisbane and right alongside Southbank lies Brisbane’s very own Cultural Precinct. All within a leisurely stroll of each other, there is an abundance of fantastic holiday workshops, shows and exhibitions that the kids can get involved in.
QPAC usually has shows that are created with kids in mind that play throughout the holidays and the Gallery of Modern Art’s children’s centre is full of fun craft and creative play too. While in the area, check out the State Library’s ‘Corner’, which has a designated children’s space. Finally, be sure to leave room for a visit to the Queensland Museum Kurilpa, home to three levels of wonder that is bound to ignite your children’s curiosity and love for all things science.
Mt Tamborine
Image credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
Just a short drive 30 minutes south of Brisbane lies the tranquil rainforest playground of Mt Tamborine. Close to the city but like a whole world away when you arrive, the mountain is home to some of the most spectacular natural scenery.
Enjoy breathtaking lookouts and views, admire hidden waterfalls, stroll beneath towering trees and immerse yourself entirely in this serene environment.
The kids will love the rock pools and you will enjoy wandering the many arts and craft stores, cafes and art shops that line the main street here. For something different, check out the glow worm caves or even try your hand at the treetop challenge.
Bowling Arcades
If your whole family is looking for an indoor play space to escape the weather, then places like Timezone will be the perfect destination for the school holidays. Pop on a pair of their unique shoes and challenge your whole family to a game of ten-pin bowls.
Afterwards, you can choose between a friendly game of Laser Tag, a ride on the bumper cars or even a turn on one of their many old and new-style arcade games. If your kids love arcades the most, you might also be interested in checking out one of Brisbane’s many other arcade venues.
Indoor Adventure Play
For so long, indoor adventure play areas have been most parents’ go-to school holiday venues. Regardless of how old your children are, Brisbane is home to an abundance of them, and there is sure to be one that caters to their abilities and interests.
For the youngest Brisbane kids, one of the many southside playcentres that cater for soft play and toddlers is ideal. If you have older children who need a bit more of a challenge, places like Bounce, Urban Xtreme or Area 51 will have them entertained for hours (and exhausted by the end!).
Mt Gravatt Outlook Reserve
Mt Gravatt Outlook Reserve is a destination that gets families out and about, and you will also enjoy some stunning views of Brisbane. Only 15 minutes south of Brisbane city, Mt Gravatt Mountain is an easy climb (or drive) for families, with several small walking tracks available to explore.
Keep an eye out for the abundance of animals, birds and wildlife you will spot. At the peak, there are breathtaking views of our city skyline and a delightful cafe as well as a small, fenced children’s playground.
Rock Climbing
Crank Indoor Rock Climbing, located in the southern suburb of MacGregor, is another hands-on school holiday activity that will pump your adrenalin. Climbing is a great physical exercise for kids and develops their strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination. It’s also a great confidence builder!
Crank’s climbs are designed for kids and created to work like puzzles. The variety of angles, corners and structures along the walls keeps things interesting, and there are even designated kids’ sections (think ladders and big, easy-to-grip handles).
If you are chasing even more ways to fill your calendar with fun things to do with the kids these school holidays, you may also want to check out:
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