With the school holidays just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to start planning some fun-filled activities in Brisbane to keep the family entertained. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, creative projects, or day trips to explore new places, there’s plenty to do during the upcoming break. So get ready to make the most of the time off with these 10 fantastic activities that are sure to create lasting memories for everyone involved!

Outdoor Events:

Going on a Bear Hunt:

This is one I will be taking my 1 and 4 year old to. Ideal for kids aged 4 and up, and a wonderful opportunity for grandparents to get involved, this event takes place at Yeronga Memorial Park. Booking in advance is necessary. For further details and reservations, visit the link provided. More info and booking here.

Schools out on the green:

Come together with the community to mark Brisbane Youth Week at the School’s Out on the Green gathering. Enjoy live music spotlighting talented young performers, delicious offerings from food trucks, and engaging free activities for all ages. The event will be held at the Bracken Ridge Library Complex, located at 58 Bracken St, Bracken Ridge. Don’t miss out on the fun! Thursday, March 28th, starting at 5pm. Start the School Holidays strong!

The famous Bluewater Festival:

Don’t miss out on this unforgettable day out with family and friends, set against the stunning backdrop of Shorncliffe Pier. Friday, March 29th, for a festival not to be missed!

Held on the picturesque foreshore of Shorncliffe, this event coincides with the annual Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race, offering the perfect spot to witness the race’s exhilarating start. You’ll also have the chance to see the Multihull Yacht race begin right from the pier.

Moora Park, Shorncliffe, will come alive with entertainment throughout the day, including live bands, kids’ workshops, rides, food stalls, and markets. The festivities will culminate in a beach party and spectacular fireworks display in the evening. It’s an event you won’t want to miss!

Park Play: At Victoria Park

Embark on an enriching journey at Park Play, a free kids program nestled in the heart of Victoria Park. This Autumn school holiday, delve into the fascinating world of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with an exciting blend of fun and education. With carefully crafted activities and workshops are designed to spark curiosity, promote critical thinking, and inspire a passion for exploration.

Taking place on April 1-3 and 8-10, 2024, from 9am to 1pm each day, children will dive into hands-on experiments, uncover the marvels of robotics, and awaken their inner scientists through engaging STEM activities. Led by experienced educators, our program offers a safe and stimulating environment where every child can flourish and embrace the thrill of learning.

Come to Victoria Park for a holiday brimming with laughter, curiosity, and unforgettable STEM adventures. I know we will have bucketloads of fun there. No bookings are required—simply show up on the day and immerse yourself in the fun. While the activities cater to kids aged 3-12, all ages are welcome to join the excitement!

Playtopia:

Embark on a journey of wonder at Roma Street Parkland’s newest kids event – Playtopia! Join for a delightful array of free activities held over the school holidays every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9am to 1pm.

Save the dates for April 3-5 and 10-12 as Roma Street Parkland blossoms into a haven of excitement and exploration.

Tailored to captivate children aged 5-12, Playtopia offers a diverse range of activities crafted to spark their imagination, nurture creativity, and promote social interaction.

Each day brings new themes, whether it’s crafting jellyfish, launching rockets, or delving into the world of geology, ensuring a dynamic landscape of fun and learning.

Playtopia promises a morning brimming with entertainment, education, and hands-on experiences for every curious mind. It’s a celebration of childhood, where every child can indulge in exploration, learning, and the creation of unforgettable memories.

No need to book in advance – simply drop by whenever it suits your schedule. Don’t miss out on Playtopia, a delightful event with something for every member of the family.

For more information, visit romastreetparkland.com.au and embark on a journey of fun and exploration with your little ones at Roma Street Parkland.

Free Water park:

Perfect for kids of all ages, Rocks Riverside Park in Seventeen Mile Rocks is a favourite of ours and our girls, Wynnum Aqua Park, and Aquativity at South Bank Parklands also offer a jam-packed family day out, with water-play areas and surrounding playgrounds.  The three water parks feature varying attractions such as miniature river rapids, flying foxes, spray zones, tidal wading pools and educational play elements about the water cycle and preservation. The day out won’t cost you a cent, with barbecues and picnic areas for your own BYO feast.

Journey into the natural world

With three environment centres in Brisbane at Boondall Wetlands, Downfall Creek and Karawatha Forest these are wonderful places to explore Brisbane’s diverse bushland, wetlands and forests. We are closer to Karawatha and love taking our kids. Also a great place to take your furry family members to as well. Each centre offers a unique nature experience, with opportunities to learn about local flora and fauna, and participate in free or low-cost activities such as canoeing, guided walks, bird watching and crafts. There’s lots of things to see and touch these school holidays, so the kids will love this adventure. 

Indoors these school holidays:

The Planetarium:

This was a yearly outing when I was a kid and am keen to take my eldest again. Blow your mind with fun facts on the solar system at the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium. Escape to far-flung destinations departing from the Cosmic Skydome with most public shows including a full-dome, immersive presentation that finishes with a guided tour of the Brisbane night sky. The laser-powered system generates one of the world’s brightest and most detailed night sky experiences! The Planetarium also includes an observatory and gift shop and the Sundial Courtyard.

Rearranged: Young Explorers Tour at the Museum:

Explore the Museum before hours! Ever wanted to have a Museum all to yourself? Gather up your favourite little art lovers these school holidays for an exciting and very exclusive adventure as we open our doors early just for you with the return of our Young Explorers Tours! In this fully immersive excursion, your little art fan will go on a special tour of our exhibition Rearranged: Art of the Flower. Tailored for curious young minds, this tour will introduce some of the ideas and themes behind the art, share some secrets about creativity and help spark their curiosity. They’ll be able to get hands on with some real life artworks with our special interactive touch trolley before trying their hand at making a creation to take home and keep. Parents and carers can choose to tag along or sit back and relax in the Dome Gallery while they wait. Museum of Brisbane is Brisbane City Council’s leading history and art museum where you can experience our city’s vibrant culture.

Bookings required. To book visit Museum of Brisbane.

Clock Tower Tours:

Discover the hidden secrets of your heritage-listed City Hall building with a guided tour of Brisbane’s iconic Clock Tower.

The Clock Tower Tour is a “must do” while in Brisbane!

For many years, City Hall’s Clock Tower elevated the building to Brisbane’s tallest, offering visitors a magnificent 360 degree view of the city around them. Whilst the view has changed significantly over the last 90 years, the time-honoured tradition of “taking a trip up the tower” happily continues at Museum of Brisbane.

The Clock Tower Tour includes a ride in one of Brisbane’s oldest working cage lifts, a look behind Australia’s largest analogue clock faces and time to explore the observation platform that shares a unique perspective of your city. See if you can catch a glimpse of the bells!

Pre-booking required via the Museum of Brisbane website. Spaces are limited and fill up quickly.

Please note, tickets must be booked for all members of your group.

Museum of Brisbane, Brisbane City Hall, 64 Adelaide Street, Brisbane City

And while I said 10 things to do… Heres an extra that has plenty all year round! Libraries:

Most Libraries have a make and create session for your 4-12 year olds to enjoy. Drop into your local library to get creative with free art and craft activities.

I already have my list of activities planned out, from teddy bears in the park, to a beach day my daughter has asked for. Personally I can’t wait to go to the planetarium again and a walk in Karawatha. Whatever you plan to do though, just enjoy the time with your children. One day you won’t be taking them out on school holiday outings and all you’ll have left is memories. Even if they give you grief(yes I’m talking about those pre-teens/teens of yours) drag them out somewhere, they’ll thank you for it later. I promise! And if all these don’t sound like they are up your alley, why not plan a family photoshoot. Give your family an heirloom they can cherish forever.