Things to do in Toowoomba with Kids

Toowoomba, affectionately known as the ‘Garden City,’ is about a 90-minute drive west of Brisbane. Whether you are day-tripping, visiting for the weekend or planning an extended holiday, Toowoomba is the perfect place to spend some quality time with your family.

While the area is known for its parks and gardens, there is also a deep history to explore and lots of things to do in Toowoomba with kids. So grab the keys (and the kids), pack the snacks, turn on the road-tripping tunes and head to Toowoomba.

Toowoomba Parks and Gardens 

Queen’s Park and Botanic Gardens

This historic park, first opened to the public in the late 1800s, is home to a variety of community activities and annual events and contains several playgrounds, ovals, magnificent gardens and large open spaces.

Queens Park is an ideal place for a family outing when in Toowoomba, especially given its proximity to the CBD and the Cobb and Co. Museum. The State Heritage listed Queens Park, and Botanic Gardens features an abundance of spectacular gardens and monuments. Still, perhaps the most popular part of the grounds, amongst the little folk, is the playgrounds.

There are two main play areas: Lindsay Street All-Access Playground and Margaret Street Playground. The Lindsay Street Playground contains a Liberty swing, touch and feel play panels, musical instruments and sound-sensor games. 

The other playground within Queen’s Park is the Margaret Street Playground. It is sure to be a hit with the little ones and boasts swings, play trains, merry-go-round, and a water play station. There is ample shade, thanks to the well-established trees throughout the park, with several picnic tables, BBQ and amenities dotted throughout the area, making it a fabulous spot for a day out with the kids.

Picnic Point Parklands

Just a short drive from the Toowoomba CBD is the State heritage-listed parklands, Picnic Point. This popular spot amongst locals and visitors has stunning panoramic views of the Lockyer Valley and Table Top Mountain, avenues of pines trees and manicured lawns and gardens to explore.

The expansive parklands feature ample parking, a restaurant, café, picnic tables, and BBQs as well as children’s playgrounds. For the more energetic, why not traverse one of the many walking trails.

You might also be interested in our review of climbing Table Top Mountain with kids

Laurel Bank Park

Spending time walking around the picturesque gardens and grounds of Laurel Bank Park will instil a sense of calm and heighten your senses.  Garden beds are aplenty, with a variety of flowers, shrubs and plants on display throughout the year.

Of course, if you are in the area for Carnival of the Flowers, this will be one of the many places to visit and marvel at the stunning floral displays. The kids haven’t been forgotten either, with a unique Thomas the Tank Engine shaped hedge gracing the gardens, as well as a Scented Garden and an engaging playground, which includes slides, swings and climbing structures. 

The Japanese Gardens

The Japanese Gardens in Toowoomba, also known as Ju Raku En, is the most beautiful place to take the family to explore the many species of Japanese and Australian trees and plants. There is 3km of pram friendly paths that meander through the grounds, which span four and a half hectares. Keep your eyes peeled for a waterfall, bridges, fish and many species of birds and other wildlife.

Read a Brisbane Kids Review Japanese Garden Review

Other notable playgrounds in the Toowoomba area to explore are:

• Groom Park, South Toowoomba
• Lake Annand Park, Rangeville
• Glenvale Park, Glenvale
• Stenner Street Park, Middle Ridge
• Lemway Avenue Park, Kearneys Spring

Trains, Planes and Automobiles 

Cobb and Co Museum

This hugely informative and interactive museum is one to visit next time you are in Toowoomba. Children and adults will be entertained for hours as they make their way around the Cobb and Co Museum. Visitors can take part in hands-on workshops, interactive exhibitions, view a collection of historical carriages or have a bite to eat at the onsite café. Young children will particularly enjoy the Coach Stop Play Area, where they can dress up and let their imaginations run wild while playing. The museum also hosts many school holiday activities.

Read a Brisbane Kids review of Cobb and Co Museum

DownsSteam Tourist Railway and Museum

This hidden gem, run by volunteers, is well worth a visit, especially if you have a train-loving child (or adult).  At DownSteam Tourist Railway and Museum visitors can take part in a guided tour, visit the restored station building, see the rolling stock and view informative museum displays.

The highlight of the railway has to be the unique Dreamtime Journey Coach, which features hand-painted Indigenous art. There is also a dining carriage and gift shop on site.

Spring Bluff Railway Station

Pack a picnic and your camera and head to the heritage-listed Spring Bluff Railway Station. The decommissioned station, the spectacular gardens and breath-taking scenery is sure to delight visitors, young and old.

Be sure to visit in Spring, when the flowers are in full bloom! There is a café onsite as well as a children’s playground.  A diesel train runs during the Carnival of the Flowers. 

Toowoomba Live Steamers

Toowoomba Live Steamers operates a miniature railway on the third Sunday of every month (weather permitting) at Lemway Avenue Park, Kearneys Spring.

Climb aboard and cut a lap of the 900m railway track, which takes approximately 8-10 minutes. After you have finished, enjoy some time playing at the pirate-themed playground.

Highfields Pioneer Village

If you are searching for a place full of history, with over 60 authentic buildings, numerous museums, a toyshop, picturesque grounds, and a miniature train, then look no further than Highfield’s Pioneer Village in Toowoomba.

Adults and children will be engrossed and entertained visiting the Southern Cross Museum, Ambulance Museum, Transport Museum, Toowoomba Fire Brigade Museum, the Village Silversmith and Toyshop.

If you happen to be visiting on the last Sunday of the month, you can even take a ride on Myrtle May, the miniature train. When you get peckish, try out some authentic damper and billy tea. Highfields Pioneer Village is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm and is an excellent venue for affordable family fun. 

Carnival of the Flowers

Every year in September, Toowoomba comes alive for the ‘Carnival of the Flowers.’ There is an abundance of family-friendly activities on offer from tasting local food and wine, visiting the exhibiting gardens, viewing classic cars or listening to live music.

The highlight for many is the Grand Central Floral Parade which showcases many stunning floral displays and floats. The event runs over ten days so be sure to head to Toowoomba to witness this floral spectacular.

Read a Brisbane Kids review of the Carnival of the Flowers

Indoor Activities in Toowoomba

If the weather takes a turn for the worse when visiting Toowoomba, do not fear, there are plenty of indoor activities to partake in with your Brisbane Kids.

• Ten Pin Bowling
• Local libraries
• Empire Theatre
• Indoor Play Centres
• A Trampoline Park
• Cinemas
• An Escape Room
• Aquatic Centres

Visiting Surrounding Areas

If you are looking to explore a little further afield, then consider these fun options.

• The Jondaryan Woolshed (40km west of Toowoomba)
• Darling Downs Zoo (50km from Toowoomba)
• Crows Nest Falls (40km from Toowoomba)

Is there something you think we have missed? Let us know in comments below.