If you are looking for fun things to do with your kids in north Brisbane that won’t break the bank than you are in luck. Far from costing you an arm and a leg, our list of awesome activities below are not only found locally north of the river but are also all completely FREE to do. So, leave your cares (and wallet) behind and try out as many things from the list below as you can!
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Free things to do in North Brisbane with kids
Visit a north Brisbane playground
Bradbury Park in Hamilton
North Brisbane is home to some of the biggest and best playgrounds our city offers. Pack your own picnic, find a shady spot and watch as your kids are entertained for hours at any of them. To find your new favourite, check out our list of the best north Brisbane playgrounds here.
Spend time at Northshore Riverside Park
Northshore Riverside Park is part of the largest urban renewal project in the state. Bring the kids and enjoy a range of free activities, including the pirate-themed playground, riverside beach, imaginative playscape, and stunning garden space with BBQ and picnic areas.
Enjoy Mt Coot-tha
Located only 15 minutes north of Brisbane’s centre, Mt Coot-tha is so much more than the stunning views of Brisbane that can be found at its peak. It is also home to one of Brisbane’s biggest and best botanical gardens, complete with a delightful playground and free children’s trail to discover.
Visit a north Brisbane library
Libraries are one of the best free venues to take kids if you are looking for free activities or workshops to do. Browse the long list of options at your local north Brisbane library or head there for some quiet time to escape the weather.
Sir Thomas Planetarium
While you are scoping out the heights of Mt Coot-tha why not go even further up and check out the stars at the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium? This free family favourite will have little science buffs in awe of everything space related.
Go fishing off a local pier
Brisbane’s largest pier can be found in north Brisbane and is the perfect place to throw in a line with your little ones. At over 350m in length, The Shorncliffe Pier is a restoration of the original and steeped in history for the locals. We also like fishing at Woody Point Jetty located at Clontarf.
Check out the bird of prey at Osprey House
Home to a nesting bird of prey, Osprey House is an environmental centre focused on the biodiversity and protection of the surrounding wetlands. It is highly interactive and educational (just pack your bug spray)
Moreton Bay Cycleway
If your kids love to get on their bikes, then you may want to introduce them to the Moreton Bay Regional Cycleway. Running for 150km, there are plenty of points to join in the northern suburbs, allowing you some pretty, uninterrupted coastal paths. You can find a map of the cycleway’s route here.
D’Aguilar National Park / Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre
If your children love being immersed in nature, a visit north to the D’Aguilar National Park will prove the perfect destination with a range of kid-friendly bushwalks. Although not free, the Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre (on The Gap side) only costs $4 for kids and has a wealth of native animals and interactive displays. (Our feature image shows the lush tropical rainforest you will find in Miaila Mount Glorious.
Head to the beach
You don’t have to head to the Sunshine Coast to visit a beach near Brisbane. There are numerous ones you can set your towel down on and swim in that are located north of Brisbane. You can check out our list of beaches near Brisbane here to find one closest to you.
Ride the KittyCat City Hopper
Ok, so the river divides the north and south of Brisbane so is not officially north, however, a free ride on the KittyCat will zig zag you between the two sides with ease. You kids will love gliding on the river and you can hop on and off as much as you like!
Boondall Wetlands
Boondall Wetlands can be found north of Brisbane and is made up of over 1,000 hectares of mangroves, wetlands, tidal flats, salt-marshes and open forest. There are plenty of boardwalks, cycle tracks and bush walks to explore. There is also an excellent environment centre to visit here too.
Sandgate-Brighton Foreshore
Another northside family hotspot is the Sandgate-Brighton foreshore offering wide flat coastal pathways popular with cyclists and walkers (BYO dog). There is a lovely beach and playground, fishing to be done off the Shorncliffe Pier, and lovely picnic spots and the Hornibrook Bridge to discover at Brighton. We love visiting on low tide and taking our dog for an explore of the mudflats (just make sure they are on leash so you can protect the migratory bird species in in the area)
Kumbartcho Sanctuary
Another nature adventure complete with a fairy trail can be found in Eatons Hill at the Kumbartcho Sanctuary. Follow the wildlife trail, visit the plant nursery, and, if you look carefully, find all of the hidden fairy characters and homes along the way. A small fenced playground at the front of the sanctuary offers a play opportunity before and after your visit.
Enoggera Reservoir
The Enoggera Reservoir is the perfect package for free nature swimming holes in north Brisbane. Pack a picnic and bring your kayak or canoe if you have one. The dam’s serene locale means it’s a wonderful spot to spread out a town, swim, or walk around the perimeter. The Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre is also located here.
Samford Valley / Dayboro
Two country towns located north of Brisbane are Dayboro and Samford Valley. Filled with colourful weekend markets, rolling hills, grazing animals, and country charm, these are beautiful places to drive to with the kids, taking in the scenery and local hospitality. Samford features family-friendly destinations like The Store of Requirement, Samford Lifestyle Centre and a little further out Cedar Creek Falls.
Mountain Biking
There are plenty of places to go mountain biking in and around north Brisbane, including the Mountain Bike Skills Course at the Gap or in the tracks within Bunyaville. Kids can test their skills, practise their moves and improve their technique on purpose-built trails that are suitable for learners as well as more experienced riders.
Visit Mathema
Take a picturesque drive up to Ocean View and browse through the only maths museum in the Southern Hemisphere- cool hey! They feature a massive collection of books, games and hands on activities- this is an activity perfect for kids who love their logic!
For more fun things to do in north Brisbane, you might also enjoy:
Best school holiday activities in North Brisbane
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