Beat the Boredom: 10 FREE & Fun Brisbane School Holiday Activities For Kids

School's Out - Don't Freak Out! We’ve Got 10 Free (or seriously cheap) and Fun Brisbane Adventures To Keep The Kids Entertained These Winter School Holidays

Brisbane school holidays are upon us, and the bank account is starting to sweat! But fear not, fellow parents! We've scoured Brisbane city and surrounding suburbs to find 10 fantastic activities this Winter that are either free or so affordable you'll have spare cash for that giant hot chocolate with marshmallows (because, let's be honest, you want one too!). Best of all, they’re all within a 30-minute radius of the city, and these adventures are guaranteed to keep your little rascals entertained without breaking the bank!

Car Unavailable and Public Transport Not Your Thing?

No problem! Simply grab a GoGet to suit your adventure and get going. Whether you need a small hatch for zipping round the city or a spacious SUV to take the whole fam. Just a few taps on the app and you’ll be off! So buckle up and get ready for a fun-filled adventure!

1. Unleash Your Inner Detective and Crack the Case at the Free Queensland Police Museum

Calling all junior detectives!  Dust off your magnifying glasses and sharpen your senses, because it's time to crack the case at the Queensland Police Museum. This thrilling (and completely free) museum is jam-packed with interactive exhibits that will have your little investigators uncovering the secrets of forensic science, police history, and crime-solving.  They'll learn how fingerprints are used to identify bad guys, see real-life police equipment, and even suit up in a police uniform and pose for a mugshot (minus the crime, of course!).  So ditch the detention vibes and lock boredom away for good with a crime-fighting good time at the Queensland Police Museum!

2. Explore Brisbane's Aboriginal History on a Free Walkabout Wonders Tour

Shake things up these school holidays with a Brisbane adventure that's both educational and exciting! Immerse yourselves in the rich culture of the First Nations people with a free, self-guided Aboriginal Cultural Centres of Brisbane Walk. These downloadable maps (or library pickups) lead you on a fascinating journey through Brisbane's Aboriginal history. Learn about the traditional custodians of the land, discover the significance of landmarks, and immerse yourselves in the rich stories passed down for generations. This free adventure is a win for the wallet and the soul! So lace up your walking shoes, pack a water bottle and a picnic lunch, because Brisbane's Aboriginal heritage awaits!

3. BYO Blanket & Popcorn: Catch a Free Flick Under the Stars

Lights, camera, action! School holidays are here, and Brisbane's parks are rolling out the red carpet (or should we say picnic blanket) for a lineup of free outdoor movie nights during the school holidays. That's right, you can catch free flicks under the stars with the whole family! Grab a picnic blanket and your Oodies, pack your favourite snacks, and settle in under the starry sky for a night of cinematic fun with the fam. From heart-warming animations to hilarious comedies, there's something for everyone. Check your council website (Brisbane City Council or your local council) to see what's showing at a park near you. So skip the overpriced popcorn (your wallet will thank you) because Brisbane's putting on free shows, and your whole family is invited!

4. Free Fun Activities and Story Time Spectacular at Brisbane Libraries

School holidays got the kids climbing the walls? Don't worry, Brisbane libraries are here to save the day (and your sanity)! These treasure troves, with 33 branches conveniently located across Brisbane, are bursting with free activities and events during the school holidays, designed to keep kids of all ages entertained. From magical story time sessions that bring books to life, to exciting arts and crafts workshops that let them unleash their creativity, there's something for every young adventurer. And that's not all!  Many libraries even host movie nights, so you can cuddle up for a family film fix (check local library websites for specific events). The best part? It's all completely free! Don't forget, a library card (which is also free) unlocks a world of possibilities – borrow books, audiobooks, and even musical instruments to extend the learning and fun long after you leave the library. So head to your nearest Brisbane Library branch – a world of literary wonder awaits!

5. Park It Up! Explore Brisbane's Free Green Oasis

Brisbane's parklands are calling! Escape the concrete jungle and breathe in the fresh air at one of Brisbane's stunning parklands. Roma Street Parkland and the City Botanic Gardens are sprawling green havens, perfect for a picnic lunch, a frisbee showdown, or a leisurely bike ride. Want to explore further? Brisbane's got you covered! Within a 30-minute drive, you can be picnicking beside the Brisbane River at New Farm Park, or letting the kids burn off some energy at another awesome Brisbane playground. Feeling adventurous? Head to the Brisbane Botanic Gardens at Mount Coot-tha.This expansive green space boasts not only stunning gardens but also a playground that's guaranteed to keep them entertained for hours. Think slides, swings, climbing frames, and plenty of space to run around and explore. So ditch the indoors, pack a picnic lunch, and get ready for a fun-filled day under the Brisbane sun. Just remember – sunscreen's a must even in winter because Brisbane's sneaky sunshine will still toast you.

6. Catch a Ferry, Catch Some Fun: Hop On, Hop Off for Free Adventures

Budget blues got you feeling like a pirate without a ship? Brisbane CityHopper ferries are here to save the day (and your wallet)! These free ferries are your treasure map to an adventure from the heart of the Brisbane river. Cruise the river from North Quay to New Farm, hopping on and off at various stops to explore vibrant neighbourhoods, and visit must-see sights. The CityHopper connects you to epic places like South Bank Parklands, perfect for a picnic lunch or a family bike ride. Feeling like a junior detective? North Quay is a short walk from the Queensland Police Museum – the CityHopper can be your launchpad for many of the epic Brisbane adventures on this list! So raise the anchor, and get ready to set sail (well, kind of) on a free river tour of Brisbane!

7. Free Winter Fun That Won't Leave You Chilly at South Bank Parklands

South Bank Parklands is the perfect place to play these school holidays, even in winter! This vibrant precinct offers a smorgasbord of fun for the whole family, and while a dip in the lagoon might be a bit on the refreshing side this season (brrr!), there's still plenty to keep everyone warm and entertained. Challenge the littlies to a frisbee showdown on the grassy fields, let the kiddos loose on the giant playground to burn off energy, or watch them conquer the BMX track. Feeling artistic? Take advantage of the free public art displays scattered throughout the parklands. Love a good story? Curl up with a book under the winter sun while the kids play. Need a caffeine fix? South Bank is lined with cafes, perfect for warming up with a hot chocolate (don’t forget the marshmallows!). So ditch the winter blues, and get ready for a fun-filled family day at South Bank Parklands – there's something for everyone, no matter your winter weather whim!

8. Unleash Your Inner Picasso With Free Winter Art Adventures for Kids

Spark some creativity these school holidays at some of Brisbane's amazing galleries and museums!  Many of these cultural hubs offer free art workshops for kids during the school holidays, the perfect way to keep those little Picassos entertained and learning something new.  From pottery pals to paint-splattered masterpieces, these workshops cater to a range of ages and interests.  Feeling curious?  Check out the websites of these Brisbane gems:  Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA), Museum of Brisbane (MoB), and the Queensland Museum.  With a smorgasbord of creative adventures to choose from, the only limit is your imagination! So ditch the screens, grab a GoGet if you need a ride, and get ready for a winter wonderland of artistic exploration!

9. Unleash Your Inner Explorer with a Free Scavenger Hunt

Spark some curiosity and rediscover Brisbane with a city scavenger hunt! Craft a list of clever clues that'll send your little adventurers on a mission to unearth Brisbane's hidden secrets and uncover hidden gems and iconic landmarks. From the majestic City Hall clock tower to the whimsical sculptures lining the riverwalk, Brisbane is a treasure trove waiting to be discovered and the city becomes your giant treasure map waiting to be explored. Or, for a tech-twist, why not try Geocaching? This high-tech treasure hunt uses GPS to lead you on exciting adventures, with hidden caches waiting to be found all around Brisbane. No matter which path you choose, this interactive adventure is a fantastic way to combine learning with laughter, and maybe even a healthy dose of friendly competition! So ditch the boredom, grab your detective hats, and get ready to unleash your inner explorer with a brain-teasing Brisbane treasure hunt!

10. Dig Up Dino-Mite Fun at the Queensland Museum

Unearth a world of wonder at the Queensland Museum! This treasure trove of discovery boasts interactive exhibits that will have your little palaeontologists digging for dinosaur bones (figuratively, of course). Explore the fascinating world of mummies, blast off on a space odyssey, and so much more. Feeling like a budding scientist? SparkLab is your stomping ground, brimming with hands-on experiments that will ignite a love for all things science and technology. While there is an entry fee, it's a small price to pay for a day filled with awe-inspiring adventures. So ditch the couch potato routine, grab a GoGet if you need a ride, and get ready for a Jurassic journey at the Queensland Museum!

And there you have it, 10 creative (and free or low-cost), boredom-busting activities to entertain the whole fam these Winter school holidays.

From junior detectives to budding artists and mini explorers, there's something here for everyone. So grab the reins, pack your sense of adventure, and get ready to conquer these Brisbane escapades. The school holidays are calling – let the adventures begin!

Make Brisbane your playground! Grab a GoGet for epic school holiday adventures.

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