Best Things To Do With Babies And Toddlers In Brisbane

Finding fun things to do with babies and toddlers in Brisbane is pretty easy because this is a very child-friendly city. Whether you have an hour, a morning, a day or an entire childhood, rest assured that Brisbane will keep evolving and delivering family-friendly things to do. You can use our website search function, our mobile app for apple or android, our website events calendar or simply follow us on Facebook to keep updated. If you prefer to get email updates, you can sign up at https://brisbanekids.com.au/newsletter/.

GOMA, South Brisbane

The Gallery of Modern Art is full of colour and wonder for little Brisbane Kids (this can sometimes we be referred to at the Queensland Art Gallery). Organised activities for younger children, like Toddler Tuesdays, run at GOMA every week of the school term, with extra special organised activities held in the school holidays. Check out Brisbane Kids’ great rundown of GOMA for toddlers.

The Queensland Museum, South Bank

One of the best things to do with toddlers in Brisbane is visit the Queensland Museum, and it’s FREE! Download the museum’s manual ‘Enhancing Young Children’s Museum Experiences’ from http://www.southbank.qm.qld.gov.au/Learning+Resources/Kids+and+Families. This book was initially designed for Museum staff and features some great ways to maximise the museum experience for young children. For more on the Queensland Museum, take a look at our review of the Queensland Museum.

• Floor 0. The Dinosaur Garden with a range of interactive activities for toddlers. This is a nice open space and is also next to an accessible bathroom with baby changing facilities. 
• Level 1.5. Minerals also featuring hands on activities for busy toddler hands
• Level 2. Dinosaurs unearthed which is a permanent exhibition with a range of dinosaur fossils on display including the impressive skeleton of Queensland’s very own Muttaburrasaurus.
• Level 3. Featured exhibitions that change frequently and are sometimes ticketed.
• Level 4. Wild State Gallery and the Discovery Centre are also permanent fixtures and very toddler friendly with light play features in the Wild State Galleries and hands on open drawers in the Discovery Centre. 

The Corner at the State Library, South Brisbane

The Corner at the State Library is a unique space for children within the State Library of Queensland, with lots of fun activities online as well. For children 8 years and under and their carers, here Brisbane Kids can enjoy and experience some rare artworks and toys that are both entertaining and educational, as well as some fantastic books and artist-led activities. The Corner is open daily 10am – 3pm. 

Click here for more remarkable features of the State Library for Brisbane Kids. The great thing about this space is that it offers a relaxed welcoming environment where kids can be in a rich and cultural playspace.

FREE fun at your local library

Many council libraries throughout Brisbane hold regular FREE sessions for young children. Babies, Books & Rhymes for babies, Toddler Time for Brisbane Kids aged 1-3 years, and Children’s Storytime for kids aged 2-5 are entertaining weekly gatherings involving stories, rhymes, songs and dance. Each session is designed to help improve your child’s language, pre-literacy, communication and social skills.

Babies, Books & Rhymes, Toddler Time and Children’s Storytime sessions also provide an excellent opportunity for parents to meet and relax, knowing that their children are in a safe environment. Contact your local library in Brisbane for more information or search for all upcoming library events here.

Waterparks

We have a fantastic array of waterparks here in Brisbane, that little Brisbane Kids just love to splash around in and cool off on a hot Queensland day. Check out our list of the Best Free Waterparks in Brisbane here! Some of our favourites include Southbank, Orion Lagoon and Settlement Cove Redcliffe.

Roma Street Parklands

The beautiful Roma Street Parklands is a great place for little Brisbane Kids to get amongst nature, see fun water features and meet the resident ducks at the lake. Lovely paths are meandering through beautiful floral gardens that are extremely pram friendly, and kids can have a great time exploring the playground, which you can read all about here.

Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium

Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium, located within the grounds of Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens, is the best place to take toddlers keen on all things space. With a ton of displays, the cosmic skydome shows will really capture their attention. You can find details of what is currently showing here.

Hide’n’Seek Children’s Trail

Next to the planetarium is the Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens with its amazing Japanese Gardens. Showcasing a diverse range of landscapes, it is the hide’n’seek children’s trail that is the key to engagement here. Pick up a brochure as you walk in the gates and you can navigate the gardens and tick things off a list (a bit like a scavenger hunt), and it’s FREE! 

Fenced playgrounds

Since toddlers tend to toddle off and not so much road sense, fenced playgrounds are a perfect place for them to play in a secure environment. In addition to the hundred of local parks we have reviewed on the Brisbane Kids website, we also have highlighted all the fantastic fenced playgrounds around Brisbane for your little ones to enjoy! These fenced parks are a fun way for your kids to burn off some energy while you can semi-relax with a coffee. Check out all of our reviews here

Indoor play centres

Especially on rainy days, play centres can be a godsend. Most centres have safe separate play areas for different age groups and baby-safe areas for under two. Add to this a café, and air conditioning, and parents, bubs, and kids will enjoy a fun morning out. Play centres are ideal for parents’ group gatherings and catch-ups with friends. We have a list of great indoor Brisbane play centres on our website.

Animal encounters

Little kids love animals, especially when they get up close and personal with them! Brisbane, Australia, has some excellent wildlife sanctuaries and other animal attractions in and around Brisbane. Our Guide to Brisbane Zoos features everything from large venues like Brisbane’s largest koala sanctuary, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and niche animal experiences like Mount View Alpaca Farm that will be enjoyed by the whole family. Most Brisbane Zoo’s allow you to hand feed kangaroos which we find to be the stand out experience for most toddlers. If you are are watching your budget then check out Ipswich Nature Centre which offers semi free entry (gold coin donation) and a host of Australian animals to enjoy. 

Brisbane River

I know what you might be thinking. Rivers and toddlers don’t mix but let us tell you that riding on a CityCat down the Brisbane River will be an experience your toddler will love, and with designated space for a pram, it’s highly accessible too. We have a helpful guide Brisbane CityCats and suggest starting or finishing at New Farm Park for a play on the playground and a picnic in the grounds. 

Join a playgroup

Playgroups are the perfect opportunity for parents and carers to meet and relax whilst littlies play and interact with children of similar age. Held in countless homes, community centres and parks across Brisbane, we have an ever-growing list of fantastic playgroups for Brisbane Kids.

It is ok not to settle on the first playgroup you find, some playgroups are play-focused, others more relaxed, and some more centred on outdoor play. Find the one that suits you!

Swimming lessons

Living in the sunshine state, Brisbane, Kids need to learn to swim, so why not start them early? Not only will your tot be learning valuable skills to last a lifetime, but they will sleep much better for you when you get home too! Brisbane Kids has a comprehensive list of learn to swim venues in Brisbane. Many learn-to-swim venues offer a free or low-cost introduction to water programs for babies to allow you to start the transition into the water early.

Baby and toddler cinema sessions

When you have a baby or toddler in tow, watching a movie at the cinema is usually off-limits, but not in Brisbane! Here, we have many options for enjoying the cinema with your kids, from babes in arms showings to free screenings for kids. Check out Brisbane Cinemas with Kids for more information.

Special Events

Shows like the Playschool Live show, and The Wiggles can be inspiring events to enjoy with your little ones, and a great activity to do with toddlers. To learn about all the exciting new events in Brisbane, check out our Upcoming Shows page.

Feed the ducks

Providing enjoyment for Brisbane Kids of all ages, there’s nothing simpler than taking an outing to see and feed the ducks, especially for kids under two. Grab some wild duck food and head to one of our recommended spots with your Brisbane baby or toddler today. See Places to Feed the Ducks in Brisbane for where to go and rules and recommendations around what to actually feed them.

Classes for kids

We have an entire directory of Classes for Babies and Kids classes if you want a fun class to join with your baby or toddler. There are play classes, sports classes, music classes, educational classes and much more for whatever your little one loves the most!

National Parks

Brisbane is surrounded by National Parks and bushland offering a range of child-friendly hiking options like the pram-friendly walk at Daisy Hill Conservation Park. 

Other notable mentions of things to do with toddlers in Brisbane

• The Museum of Brisbane often has free toddler activities. Located on Level 3 of City Hall, in the centre of Brisbane CBD, near Shingle Inn (cake!) and underneath the Brisbane Clock Tower. 
• Brisbane Botanic Gardens in the City is popular with visitors and locals thanks to its onsite cafe and sensory playground. It is within easy walking distance to QUT Gardens Theatre. 
• Rock climbing is a toddler-friendly activity for older toddlers with some indoor rock climbing places offering special toddler-friendly setups. 
• Wheel of Brisbane is not for the faint-hearted but is a great way to show your toddler the river city from a birds eye view! 
• Daisy Hill Koala Centre is a free education centre all about koalas! They often have resident koalas on site (though no cuddling) and plenty of picnic areas. 
• South Bank Parklands is a nice central place to meet up with friends and enjoy the open space of the parklands including water play in the warmer seasons. 

For more inspiration for awesome things to do with your baby or toddler in Brisbane, check out our Free Activities and Fun Activities in Brisbane.  You may also be interested in our popular post 50 Things To Do With Kids … While Kids Are Kids.