Chasing some free fun in the beautiful city of Moreton Bay? If so, you are in luck! Overflowing with fantastic activities, events and adventures you can share with your kids, these are some of the best free things to do in Moreton Bay City with kids.
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Free things to do in Moreton Bay City with kids
Visit a National Park
There are many stunning national parks in the Moreton Bay region, and all of them will provide your family with hours of free time in nature. From bush walks to swimming holes, lookouts, waterfalls and trails, there’s nothing like some time out in nature to put a smile on everyone’s face. One of our favourite national parks in the region is the Mount Nebo and the South D’aguilar, which has lots of walking trails for all types of explorers.
Go Fishing at Woody Point Jetty
Cast a line off one of Moreton Bay City’s most popular fishing spots – the Woody Point Jetty. With its own rich history dating back to the 1880s, there is plenty of room for the experienced and beginner fisher to get a good haul. The adjacent Crockatt Park is an added bonus – with its flying fox and superb ocean views, it’s perfect for a fish and chip picnic by the seaside.
Cool down at Settlement Cove Lagoon
With its beachside location, variety of shallow pool activities for younger children, and chlorinated lagoon for all ages, it’s not surprising that the Settlement Cove Lagoon area is a firm favourite with locals. Best of all, it is completely free!
Top tip: Get there early as it is a super popular location to stay cool in the summer months.
Grab a bike and ride the Moreton Bay Cycleway
With over 150km of coastal pathways to explore, the Moreton Bay Cycleway is the perfect way to spend some outdoors time with the kids – for free! Spend a few hours cycling between some of the other free attractions we’ve mentioned, or just take in the region’s stunning landscape.
Day Trip to a Local Country Village
Within easy day trip distance, it’s not hard to take a drive to one of the delightful country villages located in the Moreton Bay hinterland, such as Dayboro, Samford or Woodford. Stop in at the Store of Requirement in Samford for a Harry Potter fix, see the grazing animals scattered throughout the hillsides, or take in the laidback charm the locals exude.
Spend time at the Caboolture Regional Art Gallery
Foster your child’s creativity and imagination with a visit to the Caboolture Regional Art Gallery. Their free Long Gallery space is perfect for hands-on art activities that will delight both children and adults. Be sure to check out the gallery’s current exhibitions and their events that often include free activities for families.
Discover the Fairy Trail at Kumbartcho Sanctuary
Open every day of the year from 7am – 7pm, the Kumbartcho Sanctuary is completely free for families to explore. A flora and fauna sanctuary, it is also home to a park, playground, BBQ area, walking tracks, native plant nursery (open Tuesday to Friday, 9am to 3pm and Saturday to Sunday 8am to 12pm), an Environmental Education and Activity Centre (open Tuesday to Friday, 9am to 2pm), and even a hidden fairy trail too!
Picnic at the Redcliffe Botanic Gardens
The manicured green spaces found within the Redcliffe Botanic Gardens make it the perfect inner city oasis for locals and visitors. With fountains, spacious lawns, shaded trees, and picnic spots, it is a wonderful play to relax and unwind with the kids on a sunny day, or even to host a birthday party (bookings can be made via the council website).
Head to the Beach
You really can’t go wrong with a day at the beach with the kids. With its long stretches of coastal towns and beaches, you are also spoilt for choice when it comes to kid-friendly swimming in Moreton Bay. From sandcastles to water sports, fossicking to snorkelling, the options for free fun with the kids at the beach are almost endless.
Top tip: Do your research beforehand and grab some locally-recommended fish and chips, or BYO picnic to make a whole day of your trip to the beach – you’ll feel like you’ve gone on a rejuvenating mini-break!
Explore Bribie Island
A day at Bribie Island with the kids can include numerous free activities. Body surf at the beach, wander through the Seaside Museum, swim in the sheltered waters of the Pumicestone Passage, visit the art centre, go for a bushwalk or bike ride, stroll through the markets, or visit one of the local parks or playgrounds.
Go to a Movie in the Park at Sandstone Point
While in Bribie Island, check if there are any free movie screenings happening at Sandstone Point Hotel. A family-friendly hotel with expansive lawns and fantastic playground, the screenings are often also accompanied by free face painting and free rides for the kids too.
Visit an Environmental Education Centre
Take your pick between the Caboolture Regional Environmental Education Centre (which also features a wonderful playground), Osprey House, Moreton Bay Environmental Education Centre or Kumbartcho Sanctuary. All offer free activities for the kids to enjoy as they learn all about the surrounding wildlife and environment, as well as popular events throughout the year for families.
Swim in a Natural Water Hole
Moreton Bay City has many natural water holes and swiming creeks that are tucked away within its hinterland. Some of our recommended places to explore here are Rocky Hole at Mount Mee, and Bunya Crossing Reserve.
Step Back in Time at Old Petrie Town
Step back in time, do a spot of shopping, have a bite to eat, and let the kids play at the charming Old Petrie Town. Visit the weekend markets, explore the museums and experience a feel of what life was like many years ago.
Visit the Redcliffe Museum
Providing another look into the history of the Moreton Bay area, a visit to the Redcliffe Museum is not only free but will give the kids a unique background of the people, places and the stories of the Redcliffe Peninsula.
Go bird watching at Lake Eden
Take a stroll around the picturesque Lake Eden at North Lakes, and enjoy a quiet picnic and a play in one of the several playgrounds around the lake; all while seeing how much of the local wildlife you can see while there with a spot of birdwatching.
Visit a Moreton Bay City Playground
There are some pretty incredible playgrounds in the City of Moreton Bay. Regardless of your age or ability, there is plenty of free fun to discover, with water play areas, all-abilities equipment, traffic tracks, toddler play, and parkour areas. We’ve compiled the best playgrounds in Moreton Bay here, as well as the best toddler playgrounds of the region here.
Climb a Mountain
There are many forested mountain ranges just waiting to be discovered in Moreton Bay City. The DโAguilar, Blackall and Conondale Ranges all offer kid-friendly trails and bush walks, with many spectacular outlooks to enjoy along the way.
Go for a Scenic Drive
With numerous scenic coastal, mountain and country drives in the Moreton Bay Region, a lovely way to spend the day with the kids is simply by packing some snack, jumping in the car and driving the many picturesque routes.
Head to the Caboolture Family Fun Day
The Caboolture Family Fun Day is the ultimate event for free family fun, held in August each year. With free entry, free rides, free entertainment, and plenty of free kids activities too! Dogs are also welcome at this action-packed event.
Stroll through the Weekend Markets
There is something about the laidback and festive atmosphere of weekend markets that make for a great day out. With plenty of them coming to life every weekend in Moreton Bay City, you can go for a stroll through the many eclectic stalls before heading to the local park or beach nearby.
Visit a Moreton Bay City library
Council libraries offer a lot of surprises for families looking for a quiet escape from the weather outside. With free activities and workshops for kids filling their weekly calendar, and even more throughout the school holidays, a trip to a local Moreton Bay City library is a perfect way to spend time with the kids.
Top tip: Check out your local library’s calendar regularly and book well in advance for these events!
Stroll down Bee Gees Way
Even if they are a little young to know the music, there is always time to educate your kids on the wonder that is the Bee Gees. With this world-famous band having grown up in the area, City of Moreton Bay have created Bee Gees Way to pay homage and act as a permanent memorial to the band’s success.
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