Searching for something to do with the kiddies? If you live in and around Brisbane, then we’ve got 7 things that can quell the boredom and bring the whole family together.
Let the fun begin!
1. Head to Wonderland
Also known as QPac, which from 3 January 2018 to 13 January 2018, will be transformed into The Funatorium: Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. Inspired by Alice in Wonderland, the show is as crazy as they come, with acrobatics, singing, dancing and roller skates.
You can get your tickets from QPac. There’s also a few other kid-friendly shows at QPac, including Brainiac Live! and The Little Mermaid (in ballet form).
Or, you can keep the kids entertained over summer and head to the Brisbane Arts Theatre for a stage rendition of Beauty and the Beast, another classic made especially for kiddies.
2. Jump aboard a museum tour
Summer Days at the Workshops Rail Museum provides a perfect day out with the kiddies. Their school holiday exhibits feature massive mammals, insects and real life trains and diesel locomotives. Their program runs until 21 January 2018.
There’s a few other cool exhibits going on at the various museums in and around Brisbane over summer. Queensland Museum has a Gladiator School from 8 to 19 January. If you’re further up north, The Museum of Tropical Queensland (in Townsville) have a Pirate Holiday Program. Argh mateys.
3. Island hop, family style
There’s heaps to do on land in Brisbane. But you can also find your sea legs by taking a day trip to one of the many islands off the coast.
In Brisbane, there’s North Stradbroke Island which offer amazing beaches and hikes, Moreton Island, which is ideal for families who love the great outdoors (and own a 4×4) and Coochiemudlo Island, which is perfect for water sport lovers.
If you’re heading up north I highly recommend Magnetic Island (off of Townsville) or Green Island and Fitzroy Island (off of Cairns). The Whitsundays are also great for families. Just be sure to check the weather report for cyclones first!
4. Surprise them with science
Science is actually pretty cool. And Sciencentre is always a great place to explore on the school holidays. In January they have heaps of different shows, including a Fire and Ice Show, Balloon Show and Space Show. Plus, they have their Perception Deception exhibition on, which is sure to enthrall kids of all ages.
The shows take place every day throughout the January school holidays.
5. Go for Launch
Brisbane and surrounds have soooo many amazing parks to explore (Roma, South Bank, Kalinga Park, Hidden World, Rocks Riverside Park, Robelle Domain, Frew Park, to name a few).
Frew Park is about to get even better when rockets launch there on 9 January, 2018. Australia’s only water rocket specialists will entertain your children whilst building and flying water rockets over 80 metres high.
This is only one of the many kid-friendly free activities launching around Brisbane. Check out Brisbane City Council Chill Out Program for the full list of other venues and events, including rock climbing, fishing, soccer and ZUMBA for kids.
6. Swim with the Minions
Queenslanders know that there is nothing better than being submerged in water. Except perhaps watching a movie at the same time. Caboolture Splash and Movie brings the best of both worlds together for a wild and wet evening.
Head to Caboolture Swimming Pool to see Despicable Me 3 on the big screen on 20 January 2018, starting at 5.30pm. There will be heaps of pre-movie entertainment including a climbing wall, jumping castle and inflatable slide.
7. Find your fun at a festival
Take in a family-friendly festival on 14 January 2018 at Wood Park for the Jamboree 50th Anniversary Festival. You and the kids can check out the market stalls, ride billy carts, take on the obstacle course and listen to live music.
Of course, these are only seven of MANY different things you can check out in Brisbane and surrounds. Have a look at Queensland Art Gallery GOMA, South Bank, the Queensland Maritime Museum, the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium and the Brisbane Libraries for more school holiday fun.
And if you’re travelling interstate check our other summer fun guides for Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide.
