Free things to do in Ipswich with kids

Ipswich City sits 40 minutes west of Brisbane CBD, taking in everything from the master planned communities of Greater Springfield and Ripley Valley to semi rural pockets on the city’s outer fringe. This area features some of our favourite playgrounds, outdoor adventures and school holiday activities- it was not difficult to find free things to do in Ipswich with kids.

Free Wildlife & Nature Encounters

Ipswich Nature Centre

Did you know Ipswich Nature Centre is the only free zoo type experience in Australia? While a gold coin donation is encouraged to support the centre, you can expect in return a wholesome animal filled visit with over 40 different species calling this sanctuary home. It runs on a circuit with a pram friendly loop trail and is situated within the wider Queens Park precinct which we will discuss further down.

Nerima Japanese Gardens

Also located within the Queens Park precinct is Nerima Japanese Gardens, with abundant water dragons and turtles. This perhaps isn’t a space you would go to by itself but its a bit like the Japanese Gardens in the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, when you visit Queens Park- you will always want to include it within your stay. Its actually the perfect spot to finish up before heading home- nice and peaceful.

White Rock – Spring Mountain Conservation Estate

Wander amongst the eucalypts along a variety of different walking tracks at White Rock Spring Mountain. Winter walks will hit different than Summer and you can look for wildlife including owls, falcons and koalas.

Trail distances

• Bluff Lookout Circuit, 200m one way (5 mins)
• Little White Rock Lookout Circuit, 200m one way (10 mins)
• Six Mile Creek Boardwalk, 300m one way (10 mins)
• Little White Rock Track, 600m one way (15 mins)
• Six Mile Creek Track*, 1.4km return (20 mins)
• White Rock Multi-User Trail*, 6.5km return (1 hour)
• Yaddamun Trail*, 19km return (4 hours)

Denmark Hill Conservation Reserve.

There are five short bushwalking tracks to be discovered in Denmark Hill Conservation Reserve which are ideal for beginner bushwalkers and young children. Look for the playground at the entrance to the walks along with picnic shelters and BBQs (and you can bring your dog (on leash)). Our biggest tip is to check out the maps before you go because signage is not the best and so we recommend planning out your adventure before you go.

Epic (Free) Parks & Playgrounds (plus waterplay!)

Queens Park playground

It wouldn’t be a playground list without Queens Park playground. It offers a great variety of play equipment in a shady space with twin slides (for races), a flying fox, a large climbing net and lots of swings. (Has toilets)

River Heart playground and Bob Gamble Park

For warmer days, the zero depth waterplay will be appreciated by toddlers and parents with lots of scope for a whole day affair. With BBQ’s, climbing frames and a flying fox there is a lot of fun to be had at River Heart Playground and in the wider Bob Gamble Park. Just be mindful of supervision around the river with little ones. (Has toilets)

Robelle Domain and Orion Lagoon

Orion Lagoon is one of the largest public lagoons in the Southern Hemisphere and this popular spot offers zero depth water playand deeper swimming opportunities. The wider Robelle Domain also features a playground with waterplay including a tipping bucket! There are walking trails within the space and plenty of places for a picnic. (Has toilets)

Splash’n’Play Adventure Park

We told you Ipswich delivers on family fun and Splash’n’Play Adventure Park at Providence is yes another fantastic free waterplay destination for families. There are two zones of aqua play, plus a fort and a dedicated toddler area making this perfect for mixed age groups. (Has toilets)

Lobley Park at Churchill

If your kids love planes then they will love the aviation theme of Lobley Park. This is unique to Ipswich and features a RAAF cargo plane, mock cockpit and control tower. Lots of opportunities for imaginative play here- even more fun in dress ups!

Daybreak Park in Walloon

Daybreak Park in Walloon is one of Ipswich’s most impressive playgrounds, packed with over 20 pieces of equipment including a mega tunnel slide, cliff riders, flying fox, in-ground trampolines, and accessible play features. Beyond the playground, the surrounding parkland offers a fenced basketball court, table tennis, a sports field, outdoor gym, electric BBQs, and sheltered picnic areas. This is a perfect destination park when you have kids of multiple ages or you are wanting a location for a birthday celebration. (Has toilets)

Free Arts Culture and Learning

Ipswich Art Gallery and Children’s Gallery

Ipswich continues to lead the way in catering for kids, with the first permanent children’s art gallery in Australia. Their rotating kids’ exhibitions are usually free or very low cost and you will usually find Ipswich Art Gallery‘s latest exhibitions featured on our events calendar.

Ipswich Children’s Library

Located within the spectacular Nicholas Street Precinct you will find Australia’s only public library dedicated to kids. With over 35000 books you don’t need a library card to enter Ipswich Children’s Library though if you are a local then you totally should become a member! We love the reading nooks, the digital screens (meet them where they are) and the design of the interior which is engaging and whimsical.

Tales and Trails

Tales and Trails is a free, self-guided outdoor reading experience where pages from Queensland children’s picture books are reproduced on large metal signs spread along nature walking trails in Ipswich parks. Families can also download free activity packs and scan a QR code at the trail’s end to enter a monthly prize draw.

Free or near free events and programs

Ipswich City Council School Holiday Programs

Council run a series of free school holiday program called Active Kids – just head to the council website and sign up. We have noticed sometimes they have some classes outside the school holiday periods too- some low cost and others free.

Ipswich Events and Festivals

Throughout the year, Ipswich have a number of popular free festivals and events such as their Planes Trains and Automobiles, Spark Festival and various family friendly events within the Nicholas Street Precinct. We list most of these on the Brisbane Kids Event Calendar.

RAAF Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre

Take advantage of free entry on the third Sunday of every month at the RAAF Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre. Your kids can climb aboard various aircraft – this is a fun activity for kids over the age of 5. There are some registration and ID requirements – you can find that information here

Planning Your Free Day in Ipswich – Practical Parent Guide

Combo 1: Nature Lovers Day — Ipswich Nature Centre + Nerima Japanese Gardens + Queens Park Playground
Combo 2: Hot Summer Day — Orion Lagoon + Splash ‘n’ Play Adventure Park + River Heart/Bob Gamble water play
Combo 3: Curious Minds Day — Ipswich Children’s Library + Ipswich Art Gallery & Children’s Gallery + Tales and Trails
Combo 4: Big Kids Energy Day — Daybreak Park + White Rock Spring Mountain walk + free BBQ picnic

Getting to Ipswich from Brisbane

Ipswich City is only 40 minutes from Brisbane, via the Ipswich Motorway