Ten reasons why Brisbane is one of the best cities to raise a family

Kids love having the best of everything. So how do parents make sure they can offer their kids the very best?

They live in Brisbane.

There are endless reasons why Brisbane is one of the best cities to raise a family, here are just ten:

1. The Weather

Brisbane is an all-year-round city. The weather really is beautiful one day, perfect the next. Summers are hot and sunny, keeping our kids in the pool and parks all day long, and winters are mild enough to enjoy outdoors without layers and layers of clothes to negotiate.

2. Parks and Playgrounds

The parks and playgrounds in Brisbane are as awesome as they are plentiful. Head out for a walk in any neighbourhood and it will not take you long to find a grassy knoll with shady trees and some form of playground. Most suburbs will also have a feature park that is larger in size and has toilets and BBQ amenities as well as larger playgrounds that appeal to all ages. Add to that the mega parks, such as New Farm Park, Rocks Riverside Park or Kidspace and Seventh Brigade Park, and you will be able to find something for every type of Brisbane Kids’ playtime needs and desires in Brisbane.

3. A Beach in the City

Not many cities can boast having a beach that overlooks the city skyline! Streets Beach and Aquativity at Southbank Parklands is a fantastic way to treat the kids to a day at the beach without having to travel to the coast. It is a great way to enjoy some sun and sand in the winter months, or to cool off in summer.

4. Brisbane Culture

Brisbane has so much to offer kids in the way of culture and learning. The Cultural Centre precinct at Southbank encompasses the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, where many kids concerts such as Justine Clarke and kid friendly musicals such as The Lion King have performed, the Sciencentre, which has many hands-on activities for kids to explore their world, the Queensland Museum, which runs kid-focussed exhibitions particularly in the school holidays, the State Library of Queensland, with its dedicated kids’ area – The Corner, and the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), which often has kid-centric exhibitions and hands-on activities year-round.

5. The Brisbane River

A city built around a river always offers lots of exciting opportunities for kids. Whether it be day tripping on the City Cats and pass under the many bridges of Brisbane, jumping off the jetties for a splash in the quiet reaches, enjoying a picnic in a park along the river banks, or bike riding or walking along one of the riverside pathways, kids love the chance for some fun on the Brisbane river.

6. Brisbane Schools

Brisbane schools not only provide a great education for our kids in the classroom but also provide wonderful grounds for kids to learn and explore nature. Most schools in Brisbane have as much if not more grass than concrete and an abundance of trees not only shading the grounds but also hosting many different varieties of wildlife.

7. Cafes and Restaurants

The Brisbane food scene has developed and matured in recent years. Not only with regards to the foodie but also places to eat with kids. Many more cafes and restaurants are realising the benefits of catering for kids. Some go all out with playgrounds, games rooms and entertainment, while more and more are providing parents with the option of decent kids’ menus beyond nuggets and chips.

8. Pools and Water Playgrounds

The awesome summer weather in Brisbane calls for even more awesome pools and water playgrounds, and Brisbane certainly doesn’t disappoint. Most council swimming pools in Brisbane now have some form of water play area for kids of different ages, often including slides, spouts and mega buckets. Check out the Chermside Swimming Pool as an example.

9. Sport for kids

For the sporty kid, Brisbane is a mecca of opportunity. There are clubs and sports classes for every sport under our wonderful Queensland sun – from soccer and rugby, to netball and hockey, or even more unique sports like lawn bowls or croquet – there is a club for your sports crazy kids to sign up for.

Beyond the clubs, Brisbane has one of the best sporting stadiums in the world in Suncorp Stadium – great place for kids to enjoy a day out and take in some footy. The iconic Gabba hosts the AFL and cricket, and netball is easy to find at the Brisbane Convention Centre. All three of these venues are centrally located on the edge of the city with lots of public transport options making it a great day out with the kids.

10. Proximity

Brisbane is perfectly located just one hour’s drive from two of Australia’s favourite beach strips – the Gold and Sunshine Coasts. The big three theme parks – Dreamworld, Movie World and Sea World are also within an easy hour’s drive of Brisbane. Head inland and the same length of drive will find you in a quaint country town or a hinterland retreat for a great daytrip out with the kids.

The list of reasons that makes Brisbane a great place to raise a family goes on and on. No matter what age your kids are or what they are into, Brisbane is the city with it all to offer families with Brisbane Kids of every age. For younger Brisbane Kids, we have also put together this guide to must-do Brisbane activities while the kids are still young.