7 budget-friendly activities for kids in Brisbane
Save money but don't skimp on fun with these free and low cost activities for Brisbane kids.
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If you're looking for fun, Brisbane is the place to be. Brisbane is known for family fun, but a day with kids doesn't have to break the bank. We've pulled together a list of budget-friendly activities that are easy on the wallet.
1. Tour Bluey's neighbourhood
Enjoy a relaxed family walk through Paddington, home of Australia’s beloved cartoon blue heeler, Bluey.
Your Bluey-loving youngster/s can say ‘wackadoo’, while you explore this charming suburb by foot. Look for buildings, streets and cafes that resemble locations featured in Bluey episodes.
Stop and refuel at one of Paddington's cafes at the end of your tour.
2. Get arty in the city
Play a game of 'I spy' through Brisbane’s laneways using the artworks in the Outdoor Gallery.
While in the city, visit the Museum of Brisbane for extra art, culture and history.
3. Live the park life
With more than 2180 parks across the city and great weather year-round, Brisbane is the spot to live the park life.
Pack snacks, scooters and sunscreen and head off on a family adventure to your favourite park. Popular parks include New Farm Park, Roma Street Parkland and South Bank Parklands. Or discover a new park like Torwood Park, Auchenflower or Kidspace Playground in 7th Brigade Park, Chermside.
Kids of all ages love Brisbane’s BMX parks and skate parks. Whether they skateboard, blade, BMX or scooter, there’s a track for them to have fun. You cheer on from the sidelines.
4. Spend the day stargazing
Send the kids to outer space at the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium. Sit back and relax under the Cosmic Skydome as you jet off on an out of this world adventure.
Make a day of it by exploring the Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha afterward.
For real-life stargazing, head to one of our lookouts after dark and explore the night sky at your own pace. Our vote goes to Mount Gravatt Outlook Reserve for its 180-degree cityscape views.
5. Let the trip be your destination
Do your kids love anything that floats, flies or drives? Spend the day riding public transport. Ride a Brisbane bus, explore the river onboard a CityCat, or travel by train, or do a combination of all 3.
Do you have a plane-spotter in the family? Pack a picnic and head to one of Brisbane Airport’s dedicated plane spotting sites.
6. Spark their creative side
Keep little hands and minds busy at your local Council library. They host a range of workshops and maker spaces for kids to explore their creativity.
Visit Reverse Garbage Queensland in Woolloongabba for creative ideas and eco-friendly supplies for DIY projects.
7. Once upon a time...
If your kids love books, open their minds to wonder at a storytime session at a Council library. Head to storytime at a Brisbane bookshop. Visit Quick Brown Fox in Grange or Where the Wild Things Are Bookshop in West End.
If your kids love Harry Potter, visit the themed room at Manly's Mad Hatter's Bookshop.
Keep the fun times rolling
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Editor's note: This article aims to inspire residents and visitors to plan a Brisbane day out. Brisbane City Council disclaims any relationship with, or endorsement of, businesses featured in this article.