Even with an abundance of new age technology, gadgets and games being created constantly, there is still an ongoing love of the simple yet fun old school activities that have been around for years. These age-old forms of entertainment have stood the test of time, still drawing in a crowd and popular with families of all generations. The reason? These activities are all centred around bringing the family together, in shared experiences that keep us connected in a much more physical way than any social media or online game ever could.
Below is a list of old school activities in Brisbane that are still going strong and where you can find them.
Drive-In Movie Theatres
Even with all the plush competition of gold class seating and waiter service that some cinemas offer, nothing beats bundling the kids up into the car and heading to the local outdoor drive-in theatre. There is something about watching a giant screen as you settle down within a plethora of pillows and blankets with those you love all beneath a canopy of stars. With family entertainment and food options on-site and a price per car that is usually cheaper than one adult ticket elsewhereโ is it really any wonder these outdoor cinemas are still such a hit?
Drive-in Movie Theatres in Brisbane
Yatala Drive-In
Latest blockbusters plus a 1950s American-style diner with life-size statues of Elvis and Marilyn.
Address: 100 Stapylton Jacobs Well Rd, Stapylton QLD 4207
Website: Yatala Drive-In
Tivoli Drive-In
Outdoor cinema showing family-friendly movies, with a takeaway cafe serving burgers, pies and chips.
Address: 50 Coal Road, Chuwar QLD 4306
Website: Tivoli Drive In
Lawn Bowls
Not just a much-loved pastime for retirees, lawn bowls clubs have been going strong for centuries and if anything, have become more popular amongst a younger crowd and families in recent decades too. Aside from a few hours of quiet, yet competitive fun with the family, may greens now also host activities for kids as well as events throughout the year. Always attached to a small pub with extremely generous food and drink prices, these are also popular venues for parties and celebrations โ regardless of your age!
Lawn Bowl Clubs in Brisbane
Lawn bowls are so popular there is almost one in every suburb, so below are a few of our Brisbane favourites.
Merthyr Bowls Club
More than just a bowls club, Merthyr Bowls is more of an institution. With prime reality that boasts both river and city views, this club specialises in functions and outdoor bowls fun for everyone.
Address: 60 Oxlade Drive, New Farm
Website: Merthyr Bowls Club
Camp Hill Bowls Club
Tucked away in the pretty southside suburb of Camp Hill, the Camp Hill Bowls Club is loved by its entire community as well as those passing through. Home to the very popular yet casual Pan Thai restaurant, the bowls club regularly offers up one green for bowls and the other for children to run free on and play games into the night. Also boasting city views, the club is a popular destination for Riverfire as well as many other regular events.
Address: 150 Ferguson Road, Camp Hill
Website: Camp Hill Bowls
Windsor Bowls Club
For something a little more stately with a broad menu and busy green, then head a little north and check out the Windsor Bowls Club. At over 100 years old, this club’s popularity is only going stronger with each passing year.
Address: 69 Blackmore Street, Windsor
Website: Windsor Bowls
Ten Pin Bowling
Again with a bowling ball but this time aiming for that ever-elusive strike, Ten Pin Bowling is another old school activity that remains just as popular today as it was when our grandparents enjoyed it all those years ago. Even though many centres now boast other forms of entertainment all under the one roof (laser tag etc) most people just love to get their family together, put on those trendy shoes, grab a bit to eat and settle in to see who can knock down the most pins. With many centres now featuring light-up alleys and music as a backdrop, the atmosphere and fun here are second to none.
Ten Pin Bowling Centres in Brisbane
Strike Bowling
Based in the heart of Brisbane City, Strike Bowling is so much more than just your average ten pin bowling alley. Home to 12 bowling lanes, an amazing laser tag arena, pool tables, private karaoke rooms and three exciting escape rooms there is actually almost too much here for just one day.
Address: Level 1 Wintergarden, Queen Street Mall, Brisbane
Website: Strike Bowling
Aspley 10 Pin Bowl
Aspley 10 Pin Bowl is a hugely popular choice for families due to its great prices and numerous deals. Here, adults can play for $12.50 and kids are only $10 per game. The more games you play the cheaper it gets too!
Address: 149 Albany Creek Road, Aspley
Website: Aspley 10 Pin Bowl
Zone Bowling
Zone Bowling is one of the biggest chains in Australia with Queensland centres in Robina, Richlands, Mt Gravatt, Capalaba, Loganholme and Garden City. Like Strike, it is not only bowling on offer with the family also able to book in and play laser tag or the arcade games as well.
Website: Zone Bowling
Strathpine Hyperbowl
Strathpine Hyperbowl is all about bowling and offers fantastic game prices to match. With adults only $13, students $12 and kids $10 it is one of the more affordable options for ten pin out there. They also offer discounts for groups and the more games you play the cheaper they get as well!
Address: Level 1 (Cinema Level), Strathpine Centre, 295 Gympie Road, Strathpine
Website: Strathpine Hyperbowl
Caboolture Bowl and Mini Golf
For something a little different why not head out for a drive to Caboolture and combine your ten pin with your golf? Along with 18 ten pin bowling lanes, Caboolture Bowl and Mini Golf also has a 9 hole mini golf course, amusement machines and laser force as well. If you are after some fantastic deals then you would be crazy not to check out the discount section on their website before going.
Address: 207 Morayfield Road, Morayfield
Website: Caboolture Bowl
King Pin
A large chain in both Australia and New Zealand, our Queensland King Pin offering is based in Chermside and is well worth the longer drive from town if you are after a full day (or more) of fun.
Address: Level 3, Westfield Chermside, Corner Gympie and Hamilton Roads, Chermside
Website: King Pin
Roller Skating
Who remembers the joy of lacing up a pair of old school roller skates (or blades for the adventurous) and gliding around a rink to the music of yesteryear, throwing in a few tricks if you could but mostly just being satisfied if you stayed upright the whole time? Whilst it may not be as popular as it once was, you can still head out on the weekend and introduce your kids to the smooth moves that can only be mastered within the sacred confines of a skating rink.
Roller Skating Rinks in Brisbane
Skate Paradise
Address: 34-38 Johnston Road, Hillcrest
Website: Skate Paradise
Skateaway
Address: Albany Creek Village Shopping Centre, 700 Albany Creek Road, Albany Creek
Website: Skateaway
Ice Skating
Living in the southern hemisphere in a country that is loved for its beaches and sun, nothing excites little people more than rugging up in mittens and jackets and donning a pair of skates meant for ice. Whilst they may not get snow on a regular basis, they can easily enjoy the crisp air and fun of ice-skating at any one of the local rinks that are still spotted around Brisbane. With tickets valid for a whole day of fun and inclusive of boot hire, the only way you will be able to drag them off the ice once they master it is via the warmth of the indoor cafes inside.
Ice Skating Rinks in Brisbane
Iceworldโข Olympic Ice Rinks
Iceworldโข Olympic Ice Rinks have been part of the Brisbane landscape for over 30 years, providing exclusive access to Olympic size ice rinks on the north and south side of Brisbane. Whether youโre a beginner or an expert Iceworldโข will soon be your favourite entertainment venue.
Address: 1179 Beaudesert Rd, Acacia Ridge
2304 Sandgate Rd, Boondall
Website: Iceworld
With all the options out there to keep us entertained nowadays, these activities have stood the test of time and continue to attract families in their droves. Based around having a good time together and creating memories to last a lifetime, they each offer some old fashioned fun the whole family can enjoy.
Other old school activities we love
- Icecreams on the beach
- BBQ breakfast at a local park
- A game of spotlight or 44 home with friends
- Hot chip sandwiches for dinner
- Board games
- Tree climbing
- Paper aeroplanes
- Jetty fishing with a hand reel
- Shadow Puppets
- Host a bbq and have a firepit with friends
What are some old school activities that you enjoy with your kids- let us know in the comments below!
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