Best Things To Do In Brisbane City With Kids

Are you travelling to Brisbane City in Australia with your kids and need some ideas on entertaining them? Welcome to Brisbane’s biggest parenting community. We are experts in things to do in Brisbane City with kids, so let us show you our town!

The Brisbane Kids Criteria

This best-of list isn’t like our other lists. For example, if we were to list the best playgrounds in Brisbane, we wouldn’t be listing all 400+ of them. We would curate a small list based on several different factors including our local expertise.

Instead, for this particular resource, we are giving you the best things to do close to the centre of Brisbane City. Because of the geographic limit, it’s a reasonably exhaustive list of what we recommend visitors do if they want to stay close to the heart of Brisbane. Welcome to our city! 

Parks And Playgrounds

There is lots of green space in Brisbane CBD and plenty of things to do in the great outdoors. Here’s our pick for must-see parks and playgrounds for kids in Brisbane city!

Roma Street Parkland

Location: Access from Parkland Boulevard, Albert Street or Wickham Terrace

The gorgeous Roma Street Parkland is a tropical paradise in the heart of the city. 

This park has 16 hectares of manicured gardens and lawns for the public to enjoy, including a fantastic kids’ playground at the park’s northern (uphill) end of the park. There is also a separate area with a liberty swing and a trackless train your kids can ride for a fee.

Roma Street Parkland also boats an onsite café, or you can bring your own picnic or barbecue and enjoy it at one of the many stunning picnic areas. Your kids will appreciate the grass for running around or lazing about, and we always enjoy the garden displays with artwork and quirky pruning to look out for!

If you are visiting during Queensland school holidays, check out our calendar of events to take advantage of the free kids’ holiday workshops often conducted in this park.  

City Botanic Gardens

Location: 147 Alice Street, Brisbane (main entrance)

The sprawling City Botanic Gardens officially opened in 1855, with plantings dating back to 1828, and is a treasure among locals and visitors alike. 

Aside from the gorgeous gardens and shady trees, there is an awesome playground inside the gardens, with the best access from the Edward-Alice Streets gate.

This is one of two Brisbane Botanic Gardens; this one in the city, and the other about a 10 minute drive from the city centre at Mt Coot-tha (located next to the Sir Thomas Planetarium). 

When visiting City Botanic Gardens you can follow the path along the river, past the fig tree avenue to find the boat-shaped playground. The City Botanic Garden are close to The Cube at QUT and QUT Gardens theatre and you can reach South Bank via the footbridge next to QUT Gardens Point campus. 

South Bank Parklands

Location: Clem Jones Promenade, South Brisbane

While the South Bank Parklands are located on the southern bank of the Brisbane River, opposite the CBD, we still consider South Bank part of the city. 

South Bank Parklands features a permanent (man-made) sandy beach called Street’s Beach, a children’s water play area – Aquativity, two land-based playgrounds, and many pathways and grassy nooks to explore.

Restaurants and cafes line Little Stanley and Grey Streets, as well as many inside South Bank itself. Lifestyle markets are held starting Friday night and over both days of the weekend in the Stanley Street Plaza, often featuring live music.

The Wheel Of Brisbane in the Cultural Forecourt is one of the best ways to get your bearings of Brisbane city, offering a 360 degree view of the city from 60 metres up. 

Oh and don’t forget to take a pic with the BRISBANE sign. 

South Bank is a popular destination for residents and tourists with various fun things to do, with easy access via CityCat, bus, train, car, bicycle or walking.

Captain Burke Park at Kangaroo Point

Location: 117 Holman Street, Kangaroo Point

The commanding Kangaroo Point cliffs are popular amongst locals and visitors, for many recreational activities, particularly abseiling and rock climbing. Cycle and walking paths run along the top and bottom of the cliffs with stair access, perfect for leisurely exercise. 

Under the southern end of The Story Bridge at Holman Street, Kangaroo Point, you will find Captain Burke Park, a colourful, nautical themed playground. Featuring a ship adorned with anchors, compasses, steering wheels, lifebuoys and treasure chest, and more, stopping for a play should be high on your to-do list. 

In the area you will find barbecue and picnic areas with spectacular views of the city, making it a great spot to rest and relax. The park is accessible by the river’s CityCat, cycling and walking paths, bus, or car.

New Farm Park

Location: Brunswick or Sydney Street, New Farm (multiple access points)

New Farm Park is perfect for those looking to explore parklands a little further than the CBD without venturing too far. A short CityCat ride from North Quay or Riverside to New Farm delivers you to a park of approximately 37 hectares with rose gardens, mature trees and a fantastic playground for kids of all ages.

Why not get your older kids to grab their cameras and take in a Brisbane Photo Walk? Between all the great green spaces, our meandering river, exciting entertainment precincts and beautiful architecture, Brisbane is an excellent place for a photo walk. Point, shoot, and then jump on a ferry to the next picturesque location.

Vehicle access is via Brunswick Street, New Farm, with cafes and restaurants a short stroll away, in the trendy suburb of New Farm.

Finding the Above Brisbane CBD Parks

This map will help you locate each park mentioned above within Brisbane City. . 

Museums and Libraries

Note for visitors: Queensland Museum, Science Centre, Queensland Art Gallery, State Library and Gallery of Modern Art are all located within the same precinct (at South Bank), and around a couple of minutes walk from each other. All these venues are accessible, as are the walkways between them. 

Queensland Museum Kurilpa 

Location: Grey and Melbourne Streets, South Brisbane

A visit to Brisbane’s main museum with the family is always a must when visiting the city. Focusing on Australian fauna and flora, but also displaying natural history, cultural heritage, and science, in permanent and seasonal exhibits, there is always something fascinating to see at this museum (including the massive skeleton of the Muttaburrasaurus!)

One of the best things about this museum is it’s free to enter (though sometimes individual exhibitions cost money).

Read our Queensland Museum Kurilpa review.  

SparkLab (Sciencecentre)

Location: Level 1, Queensland Museum Kurilpa, South Brisbane

SparkLab, located within the Queensland Museum Kurilpa, is a permanent, interactive science exhibition perfect for inquisitive children who want a hands-on experience.  Admission charges apply to visit SparkLab. 

Read our SparkLab Review

Queensland Art Gallery (QAG)

Location: Stanley Place, South Brisbane

Suitable for the older children or those with an interest in art, the Queensland Art Gallery is free to visit, though some visiting exhibitions and events may require paid admission. 

Gallery Of Modern Art (GOMA) 

Location: Stanley Place, South Brisbane. 

One of the great things about GOMA is its Children’s Centre, which offers free kids’ activities year around (usually aimed at young children), often to match with visiting exhibitions in the main areas. 

Read our GoMA Review

Queensland Maritime Museum 

Location: Stanley Street, South Brisbane (Southern end of South Bank Parklands)

Showcasing historical artefacts including a decommissioned World War 2 frigate ‘Diamantina,’ families can explore Queensland’s maritime history as well as visiting exhibitions. Admission charges apply.

Read our Queensland Maritime Museum review..

Museum of Brisbane

Location: City Hall, Level 3, 64 Adelaide Street, Brisbane

Not to be confused with Queensland Museum at South Bank, The Museum of Brisbane is located in the city centre at the Brisbane City Town Hall. Showcasing the history of Brisbane, and holding regular workshops, guided tours, talks and exhibitions, this museum will be sure to capture the attention of visitors, young and old. 

Read our Museum of Brisbane review. 

State Library Of Queensland

Location: Stanley Place, South Brisbane

The State Library of Queensland has many areas to explore, including ‘The Corner’ an interactive space for children under 8 years. There is also a library shop and cafe to enjoy while visiting. 

Read our State Library of Queensland review.

Brisbane Square Library

Location: 266 George Street, Brisbane.

This library, run by the Brisbane City Council, offers many child-friendly activities, including story times and craft activities in the large children’s section. 

Read our Brisbane Square Library review. 

Brisbane City Markets

Brisbane City Markets – Cathedral Square

Weekly, on a Thursday, pop into the Cathedral Square markets between 8am and 2pm, to have a bite to eat and relax. 

Brisbane City Markets – Reddacliff Place

Each week on a Wednesday, between 8am – 6pm, Reddacliff Place (at the end of the Queen Street Mall) is bustling with delicious market eats, farm fresh produce, hand made provisions, gifts and more.

Brisbane City Markets – Queen’s Wharf

A new market held Thursday’s, 8am – 2pm, selling gourmet street food, local and artisan wares, fresh flowers and more. 

Riverside Markets – City Botanic Gardens

Located in the picturesque City Botanic Gardens, on Sunday’s between 8am and 3pm, is the Riverside Markets, boasting fashion, international food and coffee, live music and plenty of local and hand made goods. 

Other Places Of Interest And Things To Do

The Sky Deck, located beside the Brisbane River in the Queen’s Wharf Brisbane precinct is a ‘must see’ attraction, offering FREE views of South Bank, Brisbane City and beyond. Situated on the 23rd floor, they even have a glass-floored viewing deck!

Brisbane’s City Hall stands proudly in the city centre and offers a free tour of the hall, or even a free tour of the clock tower, which is also part of the historic building.  

Queen Street Mall is located in the heart of the city centre, and is a shopping mall with several arcades to explore. Queen Adelaide Building, Brisbane Arcade, Broadway on the Mall, Wintergarden, Uptown and Queens Plaza are all located with entrances onto Queen Street Mall. Perfect for some retail therapy. 

Cruise the Brisbane River on a CityCat – Brisbane’s own catamaran ferry service, a fleet of CityCats run from University of Queensland to Northshore Hamilton and will help you make the most of the River City. Fares are now extremely reasonable, with a journey costing just 50 cents. 

Catch a FREE city bus to explore the city. With free services running every 10-15 minutes during the day, a ride on the bus will help you get around quicker and save tired little legs from long walks. 

Places To Eat in Brisbane 

Like most other cities in the world, Brisbane has many different restaurants, cafes, and eateries for all tastes and budgets. We’re lucky to have some of the world’s best seafood and fresh produce, so it’s well worth sampling!

Here are a few of our tried-and-true child-friendly favourites.

Grill’d 

For the best “real” burgers around and scrumptious sweet potato fries, head to Grill’d, at either the Wintergarden or South Bank. They also have many suburban locations to enjoy. 

Vapiano

Head to 191 Albert Street, for a feast of pizza and pasta at Vapiano. Lunch specials, a kids menu and happy hours make it an affordable family dining experience. 

Pancake Manor

The Pancake Manor not only has pancakes, burgers, salads and more, but it is open 24/7 and is housed in a gorgeous old church at 18 Charlotte Street, Brisbane. 

Gelatissimo

When it is time for ice cream (and let’s face it, it’s bound to happen) head straight to Gelatissimo, on the corner of Albert and Queen Streets, to sample one (or two) of their deliciously refreshing flavours. 

Supermarkets 

If you are looking to stock up on staples, your kid’s favourite snack or something else, there are several supermarkets in the CBD. You will find both Coles and Woolworths, plus numerous 24 hour convenience shops dotted throughout the area.

Woolworths – Macarthur Central, 259 Queen Street, Brisbane

Coles Express – Uptown, Level E, 91 Queen Street, Brisbane

Coles Local – Corner Of Albert Street And Burnett Lane, Brisbane

For further inspiration to fill hungry tummies check out our long list of suggestions of Places to Eat Out with Kids. 

Venturing Further Afield

While Brisbane City has plenty to offer locals and visiting families, our suburbs and neighbouring regions, the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, are just as fantastic, and offer lots of fun, family-friendly activities. For further inspiration browse:

Things to Do in Surfers Paradise for Families

Best Toddler Playgrounds on the Gold Coast

Day Trip Destinations on the Sunshine Coast

Things to Do on the Sunshine Coast in Winter