Things to do in Ipswich for Families

If you’re looking for things to do in Ipswich for families, then we’ve got you covered! Known for its rich cultural history and instantly recognisable by its iconic Queenslander-home-lined-streets, Ipswich has also firmly established itself as an unmissable destination for families.

There are activities to suit all interests and ages; from award-winning animal encounters like EWE Nique Hobby Farm to the fun-packed and insightful Queensland Museum Rail Workshops. Foodies are also spoiled for choice, with dining options ranging from the super-charged General Public Ipswich to the lush Rafter & Rose where you’ll find decadent pastries and Instagram-worthy cakes.

Whether you spend a day or are lucky enough to stay for the weekend, your visit to Ipswich will surely fill up your buckets and have you planning your next trip pronto!

Family Accommodation in Ipswich

While Ipswich is only a 45-minute drive from Brisbane CBD, you might want to consider booking a night or two away to truly experience all this region has to offer and see the sights at a more relaxed pace, just as the locals do.  

Twigley Farm

One Ipswich accommodation option is the picturesque Twigley Farm at Haigslea, located just outside of town, where you’ll be met with birdsong, rolling hills, farmyard friends and warm, countryside hospitality that’ll make you feel a world away from the chaos of everyday life. This beautiful, sprawling 20-acre property offers luxurious glamping for couples or the stunning, three bedroom Linning’s House which is ideal for families with older children aged 10 and up.

Not a single detail has been spared in the lovingly refurbished Linning’s House, with antique furnishings and cosy décor adorning every wall and surface. It makes for an excellent base to explore the surrounding attractions such as EWE Nique Hobby Farm and Summer Land Camels at Harrisville, or to simply enjoy a fire roasted marshmallow under the stars at night. Unfortunately, due to the working nature of the farm and hazards such as electric fencing and a dam, it is not suitable for young children to visit or stay.

Twigley Farm is located at 110 Linnings Road, Haigslea 4306.

Find out more at https://www.twigleyfarm.com/.

Other Hotel Accommodation in Ipswich

If you’ve got little ones on board and are looking for more centrally located hotel accommodation then you can’t beat the convenience and affordability of Best Western Ipswich, Oaks Ipswich Aspire Suites and Quest Ipswich. These will land you right on the doorstop of the Ipswich CBD and a stone’s throw away from the buzzing Nicholas Street Precinct.  

Ipswich Kid Friendly Activities

Queens Park

Queens Park, located in the centre of Ipswich, is the blueprint for family fun and a real “box-ticker”, with a massive playground, hands-on environmental education centre, nature reserve, and a café serving fresh food and drinks seven days a week. Put aside a few hours of your day to enjoy the generous grounds and bring a gold coin donation along to meet some of the native residents at the Ipswich Nature Centre, including wallabies, bilbies, snakes, turtles, dingoes and even a wombat. Adjacent to the animals is a large playground complete with water pumps, flying fox, slides, social swing circle, and climbing frame, which is bound to entertain the minis while mum and dad enjoy a coffee from the Queens Park Café. This budget-friendly attraction really is a must-add item to your Ipswich city itinerary!

Queens Park is located at 10A Milford Street, Ipswich 4305.

Find out more at https://www.ipswich.qld.gov.au/explore/parks_reserves_precincts/parks_search/queens-park.

EWE Nique Hobby Farm

Ipswich is home to some of the best farm animal experiences in South East Queensland and EWE Nique Hobby Farm in Haigslea certainly earns a place on that list. As the name suggests, you’ll come face to face with an adorable array of animals including sheep, alpacas, goats, geese, and peacocks. Unlike some other farm tours, EWE Nique Hobby Farm allows visitors to feed and interact with the animals at their own pace, creating an intimate and casual vibe that is great for small children. There’s also an aviary full of vibrantly coloured birds and life-like dinosaur models which are sure to delight and create some fantastic photo opportunities. An on-site café sells refreshments and fresh honey to round out what is a wholesome family outing.

EWE Nique Hobby Farm is located at 187 Missigs Rd, Haigslea 4306.

Find out more at https://www.eweniquehobbyfarm.com.au/.

Queensland Museum Rail Workshops

Inquisitive minds and busy hands will be enthralled by the engaging exhibitions on display at the Queensland Museum Rail Workshops. Children need not be train enthusiasts to enjoy a visit to this remarkable, heritage listed venue which combines history, science, engineering and play all under the one roof. The floors of this converted rail workshop tell the stories of Queensland’s locomotive past and invites children into the driver’s seat with a range of interactive activities. The museum also features a huge indoor play area, science centre, café and special school holiday programs which are sure to have the kids begging for a return visit.

Queensland Museum Rail Workshops is located at North St, North Ipswich 4305.

Find out more at https://www.museum.qld.gov.au/rail-workshops. 

miniBOUNCE Ipswich

Nothing screams “fun” quite like an indoor play centre designed especially for toddlers through to six-year-olds! miniBOUNCE Ipswich is located in the Nicholas Street Precinct − the beating heart of the Ipswich CBD and mecca for family entertainment. This vibrant and welcoming centre includes a soft play area, ball pit, slides, interactive screen, wind tubes, climbing wall, and mini trampolines (of course!). It’s a weatherproof way to spend a couple of hours and get those energetic, little bodies moving in an environment which was made just for them.

miniBOUNCE Ipswich is located at 37 Nicholas Street, Ipswich 4305.

Find out more at https://www.bounceinc.com.au/minibounce.

Other Kid Friendly Activities in Ipswich

Make the most of your time in Ipswich and immerse yourself in the city’s emerging cultural scene with a visit to the Ipswich Art Gallery and their designated kids’ section. The IAG Kids program allows children to express their creativity in a fun and purpose made space and best of all participation is completely free.

While in the city centre, take a short walk to Tulmur Place at Nicholas Street Precinct and discover the wonders of Australia’s only public children’s library – the Ipswich Children’s Library. Tulmur Place also boasts a zero-depth water play zone which is perfect for a quick cool down – just try to remember those togs or a spare change of clothes!

If you’ve got a passion for the great outdoors, then you’ll find no shortage of family friendly bushwalks within a short distance from the city. There are walks to suit all abilities, from the popular White Rock Spring Mountain Conservation Estate tracks to the beginner path at Denmark Hill Conservation Reserve, where kids’ efforts will be rewarded with a nature-based playground at the end.

Animal lovers have a variety of unique and hands on experiences to choose from, including The Llama Farm at Pine Mountain, Naughty Little Kids in Peak Crossing and Summer Land Camels in nearby Harrisville. Get up close and personal with these countryside creatures and maybe even learn a thing or two about life on the farm. Whatever your interests, you’re guaranteed to find an activity in Ipswich that’ll excite the whole family.

Family Dining in Ipswich

A busy day exploring in Ipswich will undoubtedly lead to some big appetites and a chance to check out some of the city’s best eateries. The recently opened General Public Ipswich on Nicholas Street takes family dining up a notch with their “eatertainery” style venue that mixes delicious eats with good old-fashioned family fun. After a bite to eat at one of the many tables available, you can try your hand at ten-pin bowling, darts, pool, shuffleboard, virtual golf, or arcade games. It’s loud, it’s lively, and it’s a whole lot of fun for the little kids, big kids and everybody else in between!

For a casual, family-friendly setting with the nostalgic feel of a heritage-listed building, then you can’t go past Ipswich Jets Leagues Club. It is situated in the old Hotel Cecil on Downs Street and has a relaxed, modern look that serves pub favourites like twice-cooked pork belly, chicken parmigiana, and surf and turf beef.

The newly refurbished Hotel Commonwealth on Union Place offers a contemporary and elevated pub scene with a grand interior and expansive dining room. Kids are well catered for with a thorough kids’ menu, plus it’s within walking distance to Tulmur Place, miniBOUNCE, and the HOYTS movie cinema.

Continuing on a culinary journey through Ipswich, you’ll find the retro themed UB’s (Ungermann Brothers) Milk Bar on Brisbane Street plating up classic American diner food and tunes along with an assortment of intriguing ice cream flavours such as salted caramel bacon. It has a laidback atmosphere, making it an easy lunch time pit stop for families.

If you’re early to rise, like many families with young children, then start your day with breakfast at one of Ipswich’s most sought-after cafes – Rafter & Rose on Ellenborough Street. Set in amongst a sea of greenery, this gorgeous café is packed with plants and charming curiosities, as well as a fully-stocked dessert cabinet which will satisfy even the sweetest of tooths. This popular spot only accepts walk-ins, so be mindful of waiting times during busy periods.

Another breakfast option is the trendy and modern Stellarossa Café on Nicholas Street. A nearby neighbour to miniBOUNCE, it’s great for a babycino break or to fuel up on a delicious brunch before a big day of adventuring. The café is spacious, with your choice of either inside or outside seating depending on your preference.

Lastly, no day out with the kids would be complete without a sprinkle-filled finale at Gelatissimo Ipswich on Nicholas Street. Every member of the family will leave happy, with over 30 indulgent flavours to choose from including Candy Wonderland, Mango Passion Pavlova, Vietnamese Coffee, and Chunky New York Cheesecake. Take a seat and savour your gelato, or take it with you as you take a stroll around Tulmur Place.

How to Get Around in Ipswich and Other Information

Ipswich city is a short drive from Brisbane CBD and is reachable via car, bus or train.

• Centrally located parking can be found at Nicholas Street Precinct Carpark and provides easy access to many of the places listed above (please double check which locations before departing).
• Nicholas Street Precinct Carpark is completely free to use on the weekends and there’s no cost for your first 3 hours during the week.
• All the animal experiences listed above are located in the surrounding suburbs of Ipswich, including Haigslea, Pine Mountain, Harrisville, and Peak Crossing. You’ll require your own personal transportation for these locations.
• Ipswich railway station is located in the centre of Ipswich and runs on the main line. It is within walking distance to all Nicholas Street Precinct activities and top of town attractions such as the Ipswich Art Gallery.
• Ipswich weather tends to vary slightly from Brisbane, so be sure to check the forecast before you leave.

Embark on a “choose your own adventure” and create some lasting memories as a family in Ipswich; from camel rides and trampoline playdates to a special park visit, or maybe even a selfie with a llama! If you haven’t visited Ipswich, or you haven’t been for a while, do yourself a favour and start planning a trip today.

For more ideas about things to do in Ipswich for families, check out https://www.ipswich.qld.gov.au/explore.

Brisbane Kids was hosted in Ipswich by Ipswich City Council. We were also invited to attend many of the venues mentioned above for the purpose of a review. All opinions contained in this article are those of the writer. This article has not been sponsored.