With school holidays on the horizon, plenty of exciting activities are taking place across Brisbane. Ranging from limited time only exhibitions and one-off events to popular staples within the city, adults can get their kids out of the house and engage their minds in many supportive, yet entertaining settings.
With the variety on offer, there’s a free experience everyone can enjoy, without parents having to reach for their wallet.
Eager to get the kids out and about and learning these school holidays? Here are the best free things to do with kids this winter in Brisbane.
Little Jammers Live
Kids can learn how to sing and dance at the Little Jammers Performance Workshop at the Gallery of Modern Art.
Not only can children look forward to an appearance from the JADE New World Collective, but also a combination of interactive elements including rhythms, strings, and soundscapes. The Little Jammers workshop takes place at the end of June.
When: Sunday, 30th June
Where: Gallery of Modern Art, South Brisbane
South Bank Parklands
Though it may be too cold for a dip in the lagoon, the South Bank Parklands still contain a vast collection of exciting things for children to enjoy. Kids can climb and swing throughout the large playground, located next to Street’s Beach, or admire the beautiful city skyline with a ride on the Brisbane Wheel.
Those looking to get in touch with nature can wander through a lush rainforest walk or stroll alongside the Brisbane River.
Alternatively, head over with the whole family on the weekend and browse the goods on offer at the markets. With an endless list of things to do, it’s no wonder South Bank is a popular option for parents during the school holidays.
Holiday Movie: Matilda
For any Roald Dahl fans, the Brisbane Square Library is screening the popular flick, Matilda, in early July. The movie kicks off from 1:30 pm, runs for 98 minutes, and is available for children between the ages of 5 to 12 years. Booking is required and can be made via the Brisbane Square Library.
When: Monday, 1st July
Where: Brisbane Square Library
WATCH: Matilda‘s 1996 trailer. Continues after video …
Dino Zoo Gardens Theatre
Children are offered the opportunity to meet life-sized dinosaurs at The Cube in the Garden’s Theatre. With the help of artificial intelligence, the prehistoric creatures are very realistic, behaving and moving like real dinosaurs.
Kids can learn all about these creatures with many digital activities, an archaeological dig simulator, a timeline of Earth, and heaps more. The experience is available between the 7th and 14th of July, between 10 am and 4 pm.
Parking is available at QUT for a small fee.
When: Saturday, 7th July
Address: The Cube, Gardens Theatre
Cartoon Dave
Cartoon Dave is heading to the Garden City Library to teach kids the art of cartooning through interactive workshops. The artist has taught his craft at schools, libraries, and festivals all over Australia, with the help of his seven how-to publications, two picture books, and six novels.
Bookings are required for Cartoon Dave’s workshop and can be made via the Garden City Library.
When: Tuesday, 9th July
Where: Garden City Library
Daisy Hill Koala Reserve
There’s no better place to escape the buzzing city and learn all about koalas than the Daisy Hill Koala Reserve. Kids can listen to the wildlife officers talk about these creatures at 11 am and 2 pm every day.
Booking forms should be completed by anyone interested in attending a talk. Alternatively, the Koala Centre is open from 9 am, home to some of the resident koalas.
Hours: Monday to Sunday (9 am to 4 pm)
Address: Regional Park, 253 Daisy Hill Rd, Daisy Hill QLD 4127
Street Science: Glowing Bouncy Balls Workshop
Science enthusiasts between the ages of 6 and 12 years will love the Street Science workshop at the Carindale Library. Children can learn how to make glowing bouncing balls by handling polymers in various procedures. Bookings are required for the experience. Reservations can be made through the Carindale Library.
When: Saturday, 13th July
Address: Carindale Library
Queensland Museum
Located in South Brisbane, the Queensland Museum is home to a diverse range of elements for children to marvel. Families can admire the cultural/ historical collections, stop by for exclusive events, or enjoy the many exhibitions on offer, including ‘Lost Creatures’, ‘SparkLab’, and more. Admission into the museum is free. Head to the website to view the current activities.
Hours: Monday to Sunday (9:30 am to 5 pm)
Address: Grey St & Melbourne Street, South Brisbane QLD 4101
Queensland Gallery of Modern Art
GOMA is a popular attraction of South Bank, home to many exhibitions and events specifically for children. Families can head down for Toddler Tuesdays, teaching children all about art through games, storytelling, and other activities. The Children’s Art Centre is also designed specifically for kids, with interactive exhibits to enjoy. Head to the GOMA website to plan a visit.
Hours: Monday to Sunday (10 am to 5 pm)
Address: Stanley Place, South Brisbane, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
For more inspiration when it comes to things to do with kids, Get Out with Kids shares reviews of kid friendly places to eat, play and travel around Australia and beyond!