10 Fun & Free Things to Do in Brisbane with Kids These Spring School Holidays
Spring is here, and so are the school holidays!
Time to wrangle the kids, fill up the calendar, and make some family memories.
But don’t worry – it doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg (or your sanity!). We’ve got 10 free or super-affordable activities around Brisbane that will keep your kids entertained and you relaxed – well, as relaxed as you can be during school holidays!
Bonus tip: If you need a set of wheels to get around, grab a GoGet and make it easy. Be it a zippy little hatch or a roomy SUV. Just a couple of taps on the app and you’re off on your next adventure!
Ready? Let’s hit the road!
1. Go Koala Crazy: Explore the Wild Side at Daisy Hill Koala Centre
What’s more Aussie than hanging with koalas? Head to the Daisy Hill Koala Centre for an adventure that’s equal parts educational and cute. The centre is free to enter and offers interactive displays where the kids can learn about koalas and their habitat. You can even take a bush walk along the nearby trails and try spotting one in the wild!
Got a crew in tow? Hop into a GoGet SUV or people mover, pack a picnic, and make a full day out of it. Just remember – no koala cuddles (they can be feisty!), you can love them from a distance!
2. Pack a Picnic and Play the Day Away at New Farm Park
Spring means sunny days, and New Farm Park is a go-to spot for a family day out. Pack a picnic, bring the cricket set or frisbee, and let the kids burn off some energy on the iconic playground. New Farm’s riverside location makes it perfect for a relaxing stroll after lunch, or you can grab some gelato from a local cafe.
3. Catch a Free Ride and Float into Fun with the CityHopper
Ahoy there, mini explorers! Take the family on a free cruise across the Brisbane River with the CityHopper ferry. You’ll hit all the top riverside spots like South Bank and Kangaroo Point, plus the kids will love the novelty of being on the water. Who said ferries had to be expensive? This one’s completely free!
Fancy a ferry-and-drive combo? Park the car and ferry-hop your way around Brisbane’s best riverside gems.
4. Unleash Your Creativity at Queensland Art Gallery & GOMA
Let your little Picassos shine at the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA). Both offer free kids’ activities that’ll have your youngsters painting, crafting, and creating all day long. It’s a great way to keep them busy (and bonus points for sneakily squeezing in some cultural learning!).
Feel like stretching your legs? GOMA is right next to South Bank, so you can follow up your art adventures with a riverside stroll or a play in the park.
5. Wander and Wonder at Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens
If your crew is itching to explore, why not take them for a hike at the Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens? This spring, the gardens are blooming with colourful flowers, and the free walking trails are a hit for active kids. You can also check out the tropical dome or wander through the Japanese Garden. There’s plenty to see and loads of space for the kids to run around.
Need a little more room for all the picnic gear? A GoGet SUV like Gruse the RAV4 is perfect for springtime adventures!
6. Catch a Movie Under the Stars
Who needs expensive cinemas when Brisbane is rolling out free outdoor movies? This spring, you can catch family favourites at parks around the city – just bring a blanket, pack some popcorn, and enjoy the flicks under the stars. Check the Brisbane City Council website for dates and locations, and make it a weekly ritual!
Perfect for when the kids won’t sit still at home but will happily watch a movie somewhere cool.
7. Spring Into Adventure at South Bank
There’s always something happening at South Bank, and these school holidays are no exception. With lush green spaces, the Streets Beach lagoon, and epic playgrounds, you’ll have no trouble filling a day here. And the best part? It’s all free! Challenge the kids to a game of frisbee, take a dip in the pools, or stroll through the Epicurious Garden to see what’s growing this season.
South Bank is the ultimate “no planning required” spot, and it’s easily reachable with a GoGet if you’re not keen on public transport with kids.
8. Explore the Roma Street Parkland
Another green gem in Brisbane’s crown is Roma Street Parkland. This spring, the gardens are alive with blooming flowers, making it a beautiful spot for a family day out. There are BBQ facilities if you’re up for a cookout, and the playgrounds and walking tracks will keep the kids busy. Bonus: Keep an eye out for the free guided walks to learn more about the flora and fauna of the parkland.
9. Head to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Alright, technically not free, but Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is too good not to include! It’s the world’s first and largest koala sanctuary, and your kids will love getting up close with these sleepy marsupials. You can also meet kangaroos, wombats, and even a platypus! It’s a perfect day out for animal lovers.
If your own "zoo" (aka the kids) needs space to spread out, a GoGet SUV or People Mover like Armeni the Carnival might be just what you need!
10. Take the Kids on a Scavenger Hunt
Who said learning couldn’t be fun? Organise a Brisbane scavenger hunt with hidden treasures for your kids to find around the city. From iconic statues to famous buildings, create clues that get them exploring Brisbane’s landmarks. Or, if you’re up for it, download a Geocaching app and turn it into a tech-powered adventure!
A zippy GoGet Corolla Hybrid like Brett the Corolla will get you from clue to clue – making your scavenger hunt a full city adventure!
There you have it, parents – 10 fun, free (or nearly free) ways to keep the kids entertained these spring school holidays. Ready to get out there? If you need a set of wheels to make these adventures happen, just grab a GoGet. With cars all over Brisbane, there’s always one nearby for your next family adventure.
Time to make some memories – the fun starts now!
Make Brisbane your playground! Grab a GoGet for epic school holiday adventures.
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