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FREE School Holiday Activities Brisbane Southside – Easter

This article is a detailed guide with my personal suggestions and ideas for best free school holiday activities Brisbane Southside and surrounds over the Easter break. I have booked my own children in to many of these activities.

We have collated a list of cool free school holiday ideas for kids that don’t cost a thing! Because we know it is not always possible to travel far from home to enjoy school holiday activities we have only listed activities on the Southside of Brisbane, in the CBD and South Bank of Brisbane. This will mean you can find something to do with the kids these school holidays that is near you! Below you will find the details of:

  • free shopping centre school holiday activities
  • Logan school holiday activities that are free
  • ideas for things to do in the Redlands for free

If you are north of the river, you can find our list of best free school holiday activities on the Northside here.

This list of free things to do in the Easter school holidays will keep the kids entertained and your holiday budget happy!

FREE school holiday activities Brisbane southside

It doesn’t matter if you live in Cleveland, Wynnum, Greenslopes, Carina, Sunnybank, or somewhere in Logan we have free school holiday fun for you. We have found free school holiday activities southside for most suburbs to suit everyone … and they are all free!

FREE e-book with photos! 50 day trips to do around Brisbane with kids! – Click here!

These are our picks of Brisbane southside suburbs venues that are perfect for kids looking for an easy day out, locally!

You will find LOADS more things to do on our School Holiday Events Calendar. We also have the best school holiday activities list in Brisbane that includes discounted options too!

Below is a list of the free school holiday activities that the southside suburbs of Brisbane have on offer!

Here you will find a day by day list of free fun things to do for the Brisbane school holidays – free school holiday activities Brisbane southside for everyone!

FREE school holiday activities Brisbane Southside – Easter 2024

Friday 29 March | Easter baking

Funfetti Sugar Cookies

Good Friday is a perfect day for relaxing at home and doing a spot of baking in readiness for the Easter weekend. This sugar cookies recipe is so easy to follow, and your biscuits are guaranteed to hold their shape whilst baking.

Saturday 30 March | Easter Big Bash, Bulimba

Easter Big Bash Bulimba
Easter Big Bash Bulimba

Hop on over to Bulimba Golf Club’s FREE Easter Big Bash on Saturday 30 March 2024 and let the fun begin! 

They’ve got everything you need for an epic Easter celebration from exciting Easter egg hunts to jumping castles, face painting, toe-tapping music, thrilling sack races, and even soccer pitch action! 

Get ready to play giant Jenga and indulge in endless Easter excitement. Find out how to book your free tickets here.

Sunday 31 March | Visit Daisy Hill Koala Centre

Kids in Logan
Daisy Hill Koalas

Visit Daisy Hill Koala Centre to see koalas in a natural outdoor setting. Come and be captivated by these amazing marsupials and discover more about the secret life of koalas. Admission is free.

Monday 1 April | Climb the Clock Tower | Brisbane

An absolute ‘must-do’ for anyone in Brisbane, get whizzed to the top of City Hall’s famous Clock Tower through an original hand operated lift from the 1930s. Get a bird’s eye view of the city and find out about the amazing history of this Brisbane icon. Then, take a peek behind the scenes of City Hall with a FREE tour of one of Brisbane’s most beautiful buildings. Bookings required. 

Tuesday 2 April | Visit your local library

Ipswich Childrens Library Nook
Ipswich Children’s Library

There are heaps of fun things on at your local library. With book clubs, reading programs, computer training, events and workshops. Visit your local library to join, renew or borrow books, and use the many resources on offer. 

Find out more here

Wednesday 3 April (and 10 April!) | Learn lawn bowls

Wellington Point Bowls Club is hosting free “come & try” days and inviting families to learn lawn bowls together. The fun even includes a free hot dog and drink!

Numbers are limited to 40 and bookings are essential. Click here to find out more.

Thursday 4 April | Proudfoot and Friends, Live at Ipswich Library

First Nations performer Lucas Proudfoot
First Nations performer Lucas Proudfoot

Enjoy a hilarious, sing-along story time with award winning First Nations performer Lucas Proudfoot. Be entertained by Lucas, his guitar, stomp-box and didgeridoo during this rib-tickling, toe-tapping performance.

Bookings limited. Suitable for 3-7 years with parents and/or carers. Please book for every person attending regardless of age – including babies.

Find out more here: Proudfoot and Friends

Friday 5 April | Craft Craze, Redlands libraries

Head into Cleveland, Capalaba, or Victoria Point Libraries for their Craft Craze workshops.

Use the power of imagination to create wondrous things with their craft treasure boxes bursting with inspiring materials. For this school holiday activity geared to ages 6 and up, they have tossed out the instructions! Kids’ imaginations are their only limit. Explore the craft box, select your own materials and then fold, colour, glue, thread, draw – they can’t wait to see the incredible creations.

No bookings required – just drop in!

Saturday 6 April | ImagiNation Children’s Festival, Kingston

ImagiNation Children's Festival
ImagiNation Children’s Festival

The iconic ImagiNation Children’s Festival event is returning to Kingston Butter Factory Cultural Precinct.

Prepare for a day jam-packed with fun activities, vibrant displays, imagination, and adventure. Best of all, it’s entirely FREE! It’s the perfect opportunity to keep the kids entertained during the school holidays

Find out more here.

Sunday 7 April | See Alice in Wonderland at GOMA (2010, PG)

In Tim Burton’s live-action reimagination of Lewis Carroll’s story, Alice (Mia Wasikowska) is no longer a child, but a headstrong nineteen-year-old struggling with the expectations associated with her coming-of-age. Escaping her engagement party by following a rabbit to ‘Underland’, Alice encounters the feverish realm of her childhood dreams inhabited by extraordinary characters like The Mad Hatter (Johnny Depp), who introduces her to a resistance movement working to overthrow the despotic Red Queen (Helena Bonham Carter).

Showing in the GOMA cinema at 10:45am.

Monday 8 April | Science Squad, Ipswich

The Nicholas Street Precinct in Ipswich are putting out the call for children to join their Science Squad these school holidays!

Indulge their curiosity and observe the fire and ice shows, featuring clouds, coloured fire and so much more. Get hands-on and experiment with one of the three engaging science workshops; select from snow, lava lamps or slime, each of which can be taken home as a delightful souvenir.

This event is everyday from Monday 8 April to Friday 12 April. Find out more here.

Tuesday 9 April | The Castle of Tarragindi, Living Museum of Logan

Taking part in an activity in ‘Natalya Hughes: The Castle of Tarragindi’
Taking part in an activity in ‘Natalya Hughes: The Castle of Tarragindi’

Living Museum of Logan is delighted to present The Castle of Tarragindi a Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) regional touring project for children and families.  Children and families can take part in a range of fun art-making activities by contemporary Australian artist Natalya Hughes.

Developed in collaboration with the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA), ‘The Castle of Tarragindi on Tour’ invites audiences to create their own digital hybrid creature, decorate and assemble a 3D object, make elaborate patterns using printed paper, and take part in self-portrait drawing activities.

Drop in anytime Tuesday – Saturday 10am-4pm, at the Living Museum of Logan.

Wednesday 10 April | Obstacle course in your backyard 

Need to burn off some energy?  Kids and adults can challenge each other by building an obstacle course right there in your backyard.

Thursday 11 April | Lord Mayor’s Children’s Program – Curbside Carnies

Curbside Carnies
Curbside Carnies

Head to the city and step into a world of wonder and excitement these holidays as Brisbane City Council presents the Lord Mayor’s Children’s Program,Curbside Carnies.

This free performance is produced by Sophie deLightful and will keep audience members entertained as they visit the curious world of circus and fun. Guests will be greeted with colour and sparkle at this not-to-be missed performance as roving performers guide audience members to their seats.

Keep an eye out for face-painting fairies who will work their magic on the audience as they wait for the show to start. This one-hour circus variety show will feature some of Brisbane’s best performers will feature in this one-hour circus variety show that will delight people of all ages from the young to the young at heart. Book your place HERE.

Friday 12 April | Wynnum Whale Park | Wynnum 

Splashing at Wynnum Whale Park
Splashing at Wynnum Whale Park

If you cannot make it into South Banks legendary Streets Beach, this is an excellent choice. It is an area of fountains and waterplay, complete with a giant tipping bucket. The park is situated on the beautiful, Wynnum foreshore on Moreton Bay, right next to the Wynnum jetty and comes with its own beach – Pandanus Beach. There’s also a great tidal wading pool and park with heaps of shade. A great sport for a relaxed post-Christmas family picnic. Read our full review here.

Saturday 13 April | Albert River Adventure Park

The new Albert River Park adventure playground at Eagleby was built for climbers and is sure to tire out even the biggest kids. This playground is set on a bend of the beautiful Albert River and has a few great spots to sit and watch the world float by. Read our full review here.

Sunday 14 April | Get outdoors with a family bushwalk 

Family bushwalking not only provides exercise but has a lot of added benefits. You’ll be together in a tech-free environment so expect the conversation to flow. Getting back to nature often promotes self-reflection and can have a calming effect on a stressed mind. Think of it as meditation while moving! See our favourite Brisbane walking trails for families here.

Past school holiday activities – Summer 2023/2024

Saturday 9 December | The Castle of Tarragindi, QAGOMA

For ‘The Castle of Tarragindi’, Australian artist Natalya Hughes invites children to explore the imaginative artform of the ‘grotesque’ through hands-on and multimedia interactives. Grotesque designs are characterised by hybrid forms made up of parts of animals, plants, and other shapes.

The exhibition design features a striking blue and white colour palette, referencing grotesque imagery in the style of French designer Jean Bérain, combined with Australian flora and fauna. The setting is STUNNING and the activities are perfect for all ages. Find out more

Sunday 10 December | Junior Curators Mysterious Realms

Junior Curators: Mysterious Realms is an exhibition curated entirely by young minds, featuring selected works from the Ipswich Art Gallery Collection.

Transporting audiences into imaginative realms, this exhibition disrupts traditional curation with the fresh perspectives of young curators. Through their creative reinterpretation of the Collection, they have crafted a narrative that speaks to the depths of their inner worlds. Guided by their chosen theme, their selected works encompass various artistic forms such as painting, sculpture, heritage objects, and ceramics. Find out more.

Monday 11 December | Rearranged: Art of the Flower, Museum of Brisbane

Brisbane has a strong culture of artists using floral imagery to tell stories of this place. In a space reminiscent of a quintessential Queenslander house, Rearranged: Art of the Flowerinvites families to stroll through a lush collection of paintings, textiles, sculptures, ceramics and new media.

Journey through the house, out the back and into the garden, and revel in the beautiful blooms of Brisbane. Find out more here

Tuesday 12 December | Lord Mayor’s Children’s Programme

The Brisbane City Council is once again running the Lord Mayor’s Children’s Program this summer to give local families the opportunity to attend a professionally presented show suitable for kids and their families in the city.

Based on the classic comic opera The Elixir of Love by Donizetti and reimagined for young audiences, FiZZ! follows a teenage love triangle between Nemorino, an awkward textbook nerd, Adina, his obsession and great beauty and Benny, the spoilt son of a supermarket tycoon.

With the help of a magic love potion, this coming-of-age story has at its heart the message that goodness can prevail.

There are TWO FREE shows on offer on this date but tickets must be booked in advance and the allocation goes super quickly, so don’t miss out!

Find all of the details and the booking link here

Wednesday 13 December | Visit your local library

There are heaps of fun things on at your local library. With book clubs, reading programs, computer training, events and workshops. Visit your local library to join, renew or borrow books, and use the many resources on offer. 

Find out more here

Thursday 14 December | Go fishing!

fishing gold coast
Fishing

If you’ve got the gear already, head out to one of south Brisbane’s best fishing spots for kids. If you don’t have the gear, don’t stress! 2 Bent Rods usually run a range of free and low-cost fishing lessons around Brisbane during the school holidays and they provide everything you need to get started! 

Friday 15 December | Visit Daisy Hill Koala Centre, Daisy Hill 

Visit Daisy Hill Koala Centre to see koalas in a natural outdoor setting. Come and be captivated by these amazing marsupials and discover more about the secret life of koalas. Admission is free.

Saturday 16 December | Albert River Adventure Park | Eagleby 

The new Albert River Park adventure playground at Eagleby was built for climbers and is sure to tire out even the biggest kids. This playground is set on a bend of the beautiful Albert River and has a few great spots to sit and watch the world float by. Read our full review here.

Sunday 17 December | Robelle Domain Parklands | Springfield

The Robelle Domain parklands,
The Robelle Domain Parklands

This spectacular parklands has so much to offer. There are 11kms of boardwalks, walking and cycling tracks, amazing water park areas, playgrounds, picnic facilities, waterfalls and a café. What else do you need for a relaxing day out? Click here for more information.

Monday 18 December | Christmas crafting

Christmas Craft with Kids Wool Wrapped Christmas Ornaments (1)
Christmas Craft

Get the kids involved in making some Christmas decorations. We have lots of ideas including this wool star and a homemade snow globe

Tuesday 19 December | Christmas movie day

Popcorn
Popcorn

Take the hassle out of going out and stay in for a movie day. Get the lollies and popcorn ready and then sit back and relax. There are lots of great kids’ movies out there to watch!

Wednesday 20 December | DIY Christmas gift making

We highly recommend spending a day at home crafting before the silly season gets even crazier on Christmas Day! Why not give the gift of homemade this Christmas? Here are 10 of the coolest homemade Christmas gift ideas that your kids can make, too.

Thursday 21 December | Christmas lights road trip

Grab some snacks, glow sticks, get the Christmas carols going and don some festive headwear and take the fam out for a self-guided Christmas lights tour using our maps of the best Christmas Lights in and around Brisbane, Ipswich, and the Gold Coast. We have the BEST Christmas lights maps that take you around all of the incredible displays in your local area. 

Friday 22 December | Visit the Brisbane City Christmas tree

christmas in brisbane tree
Christmas in Brisbane

Decorated with thousands of glittering fairy lights, and a huge star, the 22m iconic Christmas Tree in King George Square is a magical sight to be seen. It’s actually one of the largest Christmas trees in the Southern Hemisphere! The Brisbane Christmas Tree will be on display from 1 December until early January in King George Square.


Saturday 23 December | Explore Roma Street Parkland

Explore and play in the large Roma Street Parklands. It is a great day out and the perfect FREE school holiday activity in Brisbane! There are playgrounds, trees to climb, water features, beautiful scenery and more. Why not take a picnic to make the day complete and save you from buying city food. Check out our article on how to have a great day at Roma Street parklands.

Sunday 24 December | Christmas Eve box

Christmas Eve box ideas for christmas activities
Christmas Eve Box Ideas

There is a growing tradition of giving the kids a Christmas Eve Box on the 24th December to get them right into the spirit of Xmas. Some families I know use this additional gift as a way to get the kids to go to bed without a fuss on Christmas Eve as generally the box will contain brand new Christmas pyjamas.

Some families just love the opportunity of sharing a little bit more of the Xmas spirit just before the big day. Whatever your reason for creating a Christmas Eve box, we’ve put together a few ideas for your kids (and one for the mummas too!). Don’t forget to make some reindeer food too! 

Monday 25 December | Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens and Lookout

If you want to walk off all of that festive food, grab your kids and take a stroll through Brisbane’s Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha. Entry is open to pedestrians on Christmas Day, so pack some mince pies and explore the trails, gardens and lake.

Find out what else is open on Christmas Day here. 

Tuesday 26 December | Play Backyard/Beach Cricket

Family playing cricket on beach
Cricket

Nothing screams Boxing Day and Summer like a game of cricket. It’s a ritual that’s passed down from generation to generation in most Aussie families. Whether it’s garbage bin stumps in a backyard, a few sticks in the sand at the beach, or genuine wicket set in a park, there’s something intrinsically ‘summer’ about turning any kind of gathering into a test match, isn’t there.

Check out our article on playing beach/backyard cricket with the family.

Wednesday 27 December | Garden with your kids at home

gardening with kids
Gardening with kids

Make the most of having more time at home and give gardening with your kids a try.  Don’t forget most local councils provide a free native plant program to assist the community to plant and green their properties! If you can rustle up a few dollars here’s our pick of the best family-friendly nurseries to visit when selecting plants for your garden project. 

Thursday 28 December | Get outdoors with a family bushwalk

Free School Holiday Activities Brisbane Bush Walk
Family bushwalk

Family bushwalking not only provides exercise but has a lot of added benefits. You’ll be together in a tech-free environment so expect the conversation to flow. Getting back to nature often promotes self-reflection and can have a calming effect on a stressed mind. Think of it as meditation while moving!

See our favourite Brisbane walking trails for families here.

Friday 29 December | State Library of Queensland, Brisbane

Let your imagination soar on an awe-inspiring journey at State Library these school holidays with fun activities and workshops available from 16 September – 2 October 2023 from 10 am – 3 pm daily.

There will be a range of workshops and activities, both free and bookable suitable for children aged 0 – 12 that will inspire creativity and keep them entertained these school holidays. The bookable workshops and activities fill up fast, book now to ensure you don’t miss out. Find out more here

Saturday 30 December | Logan Gardens Waterpark | Logan Central 

Logan Gardens is a huge parkland space encompassing a water park, playground, dog off-leash areas, community gym equipment, a basketball court and much more. There really is something for everyone. It’s a perfect spot to burn off some excess school holiday energy. Read our full review here.

Sunday 31 December | Wynnum Whale Park | Wynnum 

If you cannot make it into South Banks legendary Streets Beach, this is an excellent choice. It is an area of fountains and waterplay, complete with a giant tipping bucket. The park is situated on the beautiful, Wynnum foreshore on Moreton Bay, right next to the Wynnum jetty and comes with its own beach – Pandanus Beach. There’s also a great tidal wading pool and park with heaps of shade. A great sport for a relaxed post-Christmas family picnic. Read our full review here.

Monday 1 January | Obstacle course in your backyard

Need to burn off some energy?  Kids and adults can challenge each other by building an obstacle course right there in your backyard.

Tuesday 2 January | Climb the Clock Tower, Brisbane

City Hall Clock Tower Tours
Take a City Hall Clock Tower tour

An absolute ‘must-do’ for anyone in Brisbane, get whizzed to the top of City Hall’s famous Clock Tower through an original hand operated lift from the 1930s. Get a bird’s eye view of the city and find out about the amazing history of this Brisbane icon. Then, take a peek behind the scenes of City Hall with a FREE tour of one of Brisbane’s most beautiful buildings. Bookings required. Museum of Brisbane. 

Wednesday 3 January | Hop on a City Hopper

Cruise the river on a City Hopper to take in the city from a different perspective. Best of all kids ride FREE on the weekend and seniors can travel for FREE off-peak! Make a stop at New Farm Park for a picnic or hit the impressive playground with the kids then hop on a double-decker CityCat for the trip home – it’s got an upper deck with seating for 20, allowing you to admire Brisbane’s stunning skyline. Families Tip: Just remember having a Go Card will make travel at least 30% cheaper than buying a paper ticket.  And remember the City Cat is good for kids!

Thursday 4 January |  Visit The Corner at State Library of Queensland

Enjoy this kid-friendly space and enjoy some creative, hands-on fun, digital games and reading. While you’re there, drop by the Queensland Museum.

Friday 5 January Saturday 6 January | South Bank Parkland guided tour

Discover the sights and stories of South Bank Parklands on a free 90-minute guided tour from 10am – 11.30am. Book via Brisbane.qld.gov.au

Sunday 7 January | Host a slumber party

Free School Holiday Activities Brisbane Slumber Party
Have a slumber party these school holidays!

Get together friends or the family and have a night of fun together. Watch some movies, play some games, eat some yummy food. You may even want to be adventurous and camp in the backyard! There are so many fun FREE activities for a slumber party. We’ve complied a list here. 

Monday 8 January | Make pasta at home 2023

This Easy Homemade Pasta is simple to make and oh so delicious too! With just four common kitchen ingredients, you can have Homemade Pasta from scratch on your dinner table this evening. So much fun for the kids to help make the pasta with you and they’ll be learning math as they measure out ingredients, science as they see ingredients come together and change into something new and culinary when they cook it. Best of all, you’ll have dinner tonight to share together around the table!

Tuesday 9 January | Lake Moogerah Day Trip, Lake Moogerah

Lake Moogerah Kayaking
Lake Moogerah

As far as free school holiday activities Brisbane Southside goes this is one of the best! Lake Moogerah is the perfect spot to take kids to enjoy all things water-related. Kids can swim, fish, get onto the water with an array of watercraft, bushwalk, cross the dam wall, and just have fun exploring. See our locals guide to Lake Moogerah here.

Wednesday 10 January | Ipswich Children’s Library 

The Ipswich Children’s Library proves how far libraries have come since we were kids. Australia’s only dedicated public Children’s Library features heaps of interactive digital experiences your kids are going to love. Read our full review here  

Thursday 11 January | Spend the day at South Bank

Moving to Brisbane South Bank Lagoon
South Bank, Brisbane

Explore the parks, walk along the river, take some sausages to cook on the free BBQs, pick herbs at Epicurious Garden and enjoy the summer sunshine.

Friday 12 January | Karawatha Forest Discovery Centre, Karawatha

Brisbane City Council’s Karawatha Forest Discovery Centre is located in Karawatha Forest Park. The centre includes Queensland’s first nature play space and aims to inform locals and visitors about the significance of the natural area, including the local frog population. While at the centre, explore with the Agents of Discovery mobile game by downloading the free app. 

Read our review here

Saturday 13 January | Go on a Brisbane Greeters tour 2023 

Let a local show you around so you can see the city through someone else’s eyes. Tours are free and kids are welcome. Find out more here

Sunday 14 January | Ipswich Nature Centre | Ipswich 2023

Ipswich Nature Centre features a range of Australian wildlife, lush landscaped gardens and exhibits that have been recreated to represent local bushland and flora communities. Admission is free, however a donation of a gold coin would be appreciated. Read our review here

Monday 15 January | Springbrook Day Trip | Springbrook 2023

Get 2022 off to a healthy and relaxing start with a day trip to Springbrook National Park to hike and swim with the kids. Springbrook National Park is one of those natural wonders that almost seem too beautiful to be real. Read our full review here.

Tuesday 16 January | Lord Mayor’s Children’s programme

Lord Mayor's Children's Program - Movie, Movie
Lord Mayor’s Children’s Program – Movie, Movie

The Brisbane City Council is once again running the Lord Mayor’s Children’s Program this summer to give local families the opportunity to attend a professionally presented show suitable for kids and their families in the city.

All your favourite musical movie moments rolled into a high energy show perfect for a family singalong!

Featuring your favourite songs from iconic family classics such as Trolls, The Lion King, Shrek, Matilda, Aladdin, Frozen, The Greatest Showman, The Sound of Music, Hairspray, Madagascar and more, this is the ultimate party playlist performed live onstage.

There are TWO FREE shows on offer on this date but tickets must be booked in advance and the allocation goes super quickly, so don’t miss out!

Find all of the details and the booking link here

Wednesday 17 January | Check out the city fairy lights

things to do with visitors in brisbane city of lights
Brisbane fairy lights

From Eagle St to QUT Garden’s Point – some of The City’s largest trees come to life with light as the sun sets. Enjoy the lights as you walk between destinations or seek out the best spots around The City for a snap. You can find a map of The City’s light installations here

Thursday 18 January | Walk the city Heritage Trail

Starting off at the Regent Theatre, follow the City Centre Heritage Trail and discover what it was like before it transformed into the city we know and love today. Of the 26 stops along the way, highlights include the beautiful Brisbane Arcade (try not to get lured in by all the beautiful stores), St Stephen’s Chapel and the site of the old convict barracks.

Friday 19 January | Back to school baking

Fairy Bread Baked Donuts

Get ready for the rush that is back to school!  We have five recipes that you can make and freeze so that there will always be something in the freezer for those busy mornings.

Saturday 20 January | Thornlands Community Park 

Thornlands Community Park Adventure Play Area

Looking for a great new adventure playground? Thornlands Community Park, opened mid-2020, and has a huge climbing plus adventure area that is a dream come true for active kids. When ‘the floor is lava’ there are limitless escapes through this maze of sky-high net tunnels, epic climbing towers, scramble nets, and giant slides, elevated over a mulch soft-fall base.

Sunday 21 January | Insect Agency, Qld Museum

Insects are everywhere, in a mind-blowing diversity of shapes, colours and species.

This brand new exhibition, developed by Queensland Museum, explores the surprising variety of ways insects do good – for the planet and humanity. Find out more here


Past school holiday activities – Spring 2023

Saturday 16 September | Clay, Ipswich

Clay Ipswich Art Gallery
Clay Ipswich Art Gallery

Get messy at the Ipswich Art Gallery’s Kids Clay Studio! This exciting exhibition offers children and adults alike the chance to get creative with their hands.

Working with clay is not only fun but is a great way to strengthen motor skills and improve dexterity. There are 2 x Daily Sessions | Session 1: 10:00am – 12:30pm | Session 2: 1:30pm – 4:00pm.

Find out more here

Sunday 17 September | MOSAIC Multicultural Festival, Roma Street Parkland

Multicultural Australia’s MOSAIC Festival held on Sunday 17 September 2023 at Roma Street Parklands from 10am-5pm is a vibrant celebration of the many cultures that make up our great state.

MOSAIC celebrates the contributions all of us bring to our multicultural Queensland through dance, music, spoken word poetry and storytelling, visual arts and crafts, children’s and family activities and delectable foods and cooking demonstrations.

To welcome the new spring, MOSAIC promises a refreshing celebration of music and dance from around the world performed by Southeast Queensland’s most talented world music artists including Rushma Banana, Bolivia Marka, Nii Odai Nmai, Matt Hsu Obscure Orchestra, and many more! At Rock Around the Wok, audiences can enjoy the traditional flavours from across Africa, Asia, and Europe, and the Middle East, and learn the traditional ways many age-old dishes are made.

Gather your family and friends for a wonderful picnic out, filled with fun games, arts and crafts, and an all-day concert from 12 pm at Roma Street Parklands. This is a FREE event for all ages.

Monday 18 September | V-Art Studio, Indooroopilly

V Art Studio
V Art Studio

Paint from a new perspective and create digital art these school holidays at Indooroopilly Shopping Centre from Saturday 16th September – Sunday 1st October 2023.

Visit the VR Art Simulator and paint a mural or customise characters created by Brisbane artist Hey Aidan in the digital drawing studio.

Find out more here

Tuesday 19 September | State Library of Queensland, Brisbane

Holiday Fun at State Library of Queensland
Holiday Fun at State Library of Queensland

Let your imagination soar on an awe-inspiring journey at State Library these school holidays with fun activities and workshops available from 16 September – 2 October 2023 from 10 am – 3 pm daily.

There will be a range of workshops and activities, both free and bookable suitable for children aged 0 – 12 that will inspire creativity and keep them entertained these school holidays. The bookable workshops and activities fill up fast, book now to ensure you don’t miss out. Find out more here

Wednesday 20 September | Museum of Brisbane, Brisbane

Spring School Holidays at MoB
Spring School Holidays at MoB

You’ll find all things bright, colourful and crafty at Museum of Brisbane these spring school holidays from Saturday 16 September – Sunday 1 October 2023. Head to Level 3 of City Hall for FREE and paid drop-in craft activities, Clock Tower Tours and the iconic Little Artists Eye Spy. Open daily 10am–5pm. Free entry.

Find out more

Thursday 21 September | Spring Vibes, Ipswich

Spring Vibes Ipswich
Spring Vibes Ipswich

Spring into September school holidays with Spring Vibes at the Nicholas Street Precinct from 20 September til 27 September. There will be a range of exciting activities planned to get your minds and bodies bouncing into the groove of spring! Spring Vibes will be action packed, with a DJ playing your favourite tunes to get you up on the dance floor with friends to show off your best dance moves, as well as Spring craft play, yard games, mini markets and food trucks.

Activities include: Seedling Pot Making, Cupcake Liner Flower Craft, Windmill Making and Bubble Workshops.

Fiind out all the details here

Friday 22 September | Clay: Collected Ceramics, Museum of Brisbane

A family at Clay: Collected Ceramics at the Museum of Brisbane
Clay: Collected Ceramics at the Museum of Brisbane

A celebration of contemporary ceramics and their imaginative makers.
From ancient vessels to figurines revealing the daily lives of people from antiquity, ceramics have been integral to cultures worldwide for millennia. Ceramics have stored our most precious resources, have been vehicles for knowledge and traditions, and passed between generations as heirlooms.

Clay: Collected Ceramics is a celebration of ceramics combining works from Museum of Brisbane’s Collection and Kylie Johnson’s personal collection. It is accompanied by Commune, a display of single pieces contributed by more than 300 makers responding to MoB’s largest community callout to date.

With pieces spanning 60 years of creativity, including fresh works never before displayed, Clay sparks a conversation about the relationship between potters and their visions. From functional wares of the 1970s to conceptual creations by iconoclastic makers of today, this exhibition will speak of the meaningful processes of making and collecting.

Find out more here

Saturday 23 September | Sphero and the Enchanted Forest, Fairfield

Help Sphero find his way through the enchanted forest using simple coding skills. No prior programming experience required. Ideal for children aged 5-8 years. The event takes place at Fairfield Library and booking is required. Find out more here.

Sunday 24 September | STEAM Sundays, Indooroopilly

Explore science, technology, reading and art during this hands-on, drop in session. Each week, challenge your thinking and bring out your creative side with new technology in a fun environment. Ideal for all ages. 

Find out more here

Monday 25 September | Climb the Clock Tower, Brisbane

An absolute ‘must-do’ for anyone in Brisbane, get whizzed to the top of City Hall’s famous Clock Tower through an original hand operated lift from the 1930s. Get a bird’s eye view of the city and find out about the amazing history of this Brisbane icon. Then, take a peek behind the scenes of City Hall with a FREE tour of one of Brisbane’s most beautiful buildings. Bookings required. 

Tuesday 26 September | Visit your local library

There are heaps of fun things on at your local library. With book clubs, reading programs, computer training, events and workshops. Visit your local library to join, renew or borrow books, and use the many resources on offer. 

Find out more here

Wednesday 27 September | Daisy Hill Koala Centre, Daisy Hill

Visit Daisy Hill Koala Centre to see koalas in a natural outdoor setting. Come and be captivated by these amazing marsupials and discover more about the secret life of koalas. Admission is free.

Thursday 28 September | Day out at South Bank

Who doesn’t love spending the day at the iconic South Bank in Brisbane?! There’s the inner city beach and plenty of shops and restaurants to explore, not to mention the playgrounds. If you fancy a stroll, you can pop over to Queensland Museum which is free to enter. Or just pack a picnic and sit on a blanket to enjoy the river views! It always makes a fabulous day out.

Friday 29 September | Robelle Domain Parklands, Springfield

This spectacular parklands has so much to offer. There are 11kms of boardwalks, walking and cycling tracks, amazing water park areas, playgrounds, picnic facilities, waterfalls and a café. What else do you need for a relaxing day out? Click here for more information.

Saturday 30 September | Albert River Adventure Park, Eagleby 

The new Albert River Park adventure playground at Eagleby was built for climbers and is sure to tire out even the biggest kids. This playground is set on a bend of the beautiful Albert River and has a few great spots to sit and watch the world float by. Read our full review here.

Sunday 1 October | Obstacle course in your backyard 

Need to burn off some energy?  Kids and adults can challenge each other by building an obstacle course right there in your backyard.

Monday 2 October | Family bushwalk

Family bushwalking not only provides exercise but has a lot of added benefits. You’ll be together in a tech-free environment so expect the conversation to flow. Getting back to nature often promotes self-reflection and can have a calming effect on a stressed mind. Think of it as meditation while moving! See our favourite Brisbane walking trails for families here.

Past school holiday events

Saturday 24 June | Fishing lesson, Beenleigh

Learn the basics of fishing with the multi award winning team at 2 Bent Rods. Tickets are free but must be booked in advance. Suitable for 5 – 17 years. Please note: This particular event is exclusive to residents of Logan only, however, 2 Bent Rods run a range of free and paid events across other locations during the holidays so be sure to check them out.

Sunday 25 June | Superpowered, South Brisbane

Superpowered

This exhibition at GOMA brings together four interactive projects by Indigenous Australian artists – Kaylene Whiskey (Yankunytjatjara people), Tony Albert (Girramay/Yidinyji/Kuku Yalanji peoples), Gordon Hookey (Waanyi people) and Vincent Namatjira (Western Aranda people) – who use their voices and their art to empower Aboriginal people and create inspirational imagery for all children.

Find out more here

Monday 26 June | Climb the Clock Tower, Brisbane

An absolute ‘must-do’ for anyone in Brisbane, get whizzed to the top of City Hall’s famous Clock Tower through an original hand operated lift from the 1930s. Get a bird’s eye view of the city and find out about the amazing history of this Brisbane icon. Then, take a peek behind the scenes of City Hall with a FREE tour of one of Brisbane’s most beautiful buildings. Bookings required. 

Tuesday 27 June | Abseiling, Kangaroo Point

Conquer your fears and experience the thrills of abseiling at Kangaroo Point under the safe instruction of qualified facilitators.

This is a Chillout event suitable for young people 12-17 years. Booking is essential.

Find out more here

Wednesday 28 June | Family Koala Fair, Nathan

Image

Join Griffith University for a day of family fun at the Family Koala Fair this school holidays! This free event offers a range of interactive and educational activities for all ages, including bushwalks to spot koalas, informative sessions with expert speakers, koala painting competitions with exciting prizes, face painting and more! Book your spot here.

Thursday 29 June | Draw with Osmo, Ommaney

Use the Osmo educational gaming system, which merges tactile exploration with innovative iPad technology, to create a fantastic drawing all of your own. Suitable for 8 – 12 years. Bookings required for this event at Mount Ommaney Library.

Find out more here

Friday 30 June | Visit your local library

There are heaps of fun things on at your local library. With book clubs, reading programs, computer training, events and workshops. Visit your local library to join, renew or borrow books, and use the many resources on offer. 

Find out more here

Saturday 1 July | Smartphone Eco Photography, Karawatha

Bookings essential. Bring along a smart phone to this eco photography workshop and see nature through a new lens. Seek inspiration from the trees; look high, look low, and look closely at all the patterns Mother Nature creates naturally. A creative and fun session that will get you moving and observing!

This is a Chillout event suitable for young people 9-17 years.

Find out more here

Sunday 2 July | Visit Daisy Hill Koala Centre, Daisy Hill 

Visit Daisy Hill Koala Centre to see koalas in a natural outdoor setting. Come and be captivated by these amazing marsupials and discover more about the secret life of koalas. Admission is free.

Monday 3 July | Albert River Adventure Park | Eagleby 

The new Albert River Park adventure playground at Eagleby was built for climbers and is sure to tire out even the biggest kids. This playground is set on a bend of the beautiful Albert River and has a few great spots to sit and watch the world float by. Read our full review here.

Tuesday 4 July | Youth yoga, Coorparoo

Youth yoga is a play-based active learning session that will guide you into a calm state. You will learn relaxation techniques which will improve sleep quality, concentration, discipline and focus.

This is a Chillout event suitable for young people 5-12 years. No booking is required for this event at Majestic Park.

Find out more here

Wednesday 5 July | Hedgehog the Wonder Dog, Mt Gravatt

Anyone can see that Hedgehog the wonder dog is no ordinary dog. Tell her to sit, and she’ll shake a paw; tell her to fetch and she rolls over. But it’s only kids like Sam who can sense her true superpowers.

Join author Dannika Patterson for a special reading of her book Hedgehog The Wonder Dog, a story about the healing powers of wonder dogs and super brave kids. Ideal for children aged 4-8 years.

Bookings required for this event at Mt Gravatt Library.

Find out more here

Thursday 6 July | Day out at South Bank

Who doesn’t love spending the day at the iconic South Bank in Brisbane?! There’s the inner city beach and plenty of shops and restaurants to explore, not to mention the playgrounds. If you fancy a stroll, you can pop over to Queensland Museum which is free to enter. Or just pack a picnic and sit on a blanket to enjoy the river views! It always makes a fabulous day out.

Friday 7 July | Jump aboard the CityHopper

Brisbane City Council’s CityHopper is a free inner city ferry service for the Brisbane River. You can hop on and hop off the CityHopper at six stops between North Quay and Sydney Street, New Farm. The service runs every 30 minutes between 5.30am and midnight, seven days a week.

Saturday 8 July | Robelle Domain Parklands | Springfield

This spectacular parklands has so much to offer. There are 11kms of boardwalks, walking and cycling tracks, amazing water park areas, playgrounds, picnic facilities, waterfalls and a café. What else do you need for a relaxing day out? Click here for more information.

Sunday 9 July | Get outdoors with a family bushwalk 

Family bushwalking not only provides exercise but has a lot of added benefits. You’ll be together in a tech-free environment so expect the conversation to flow. Getting back to nature often promotes self-reflection and can have a calming effect on a stressed mind. Think of it as meditation while moving! See our favourite Brisbane walking trails for families here.

Saturday 1 April | Indigiscapes Eco Markets | Capalaba 

Indigiscapes Eco Market

Spend the morning wandering through the botanic garden market lane to explore the range of unique stalls and sustainable products plus fresh produce available at the Indigiscapes Eco Markets on Saturday 1 April 2023.

Grab a coffee or a bite to eat at the IndigiCafé or try the fantastic fare from the food vans, while children are engaged in free craft and nature activities. Spend the rest of the morning relaxing in the shade of the trees, listening to beautiful live and local music on the outdoor stage, introduced by Ranger Stacey.

Find out more here

Sunday 2 April | Curiocity Brisbane 

Curiocity Brisbane

Head into the city for the day and enjoy the final day of Curiocity. Curiocity Brisbane will showcase 14 creations intersecting arts, science and technology over 12 immersive days for curious minds of all ages. From an earthly Trojan horse and singing seesaws, to autonomous systems creating cat-opias and cybernetic habitats, the Curiocity Brisbane artworks will transform Brisbane into a captivating wonderland for families.

Find out more here

Monday 3 April | Superpowered at QAGOMA | Brisbane

This exhibition at GOMA brings together four interactive projects by Indigenous Australian artists – Kaylene Whiskey (Yankunytjatjara people), Tony Albert (Girramay/Yidinyji/Kuku Yalanji peoples), Gordon Hookey (Waanyi people) and Vincent Namatjira (Western Aranda people) – who use their voices and their art to empower Aboriginal people and create inspirational imagery for all children. Together, the artists have created an immersive world full of cheeky humour and courageous characters for young visitors to explore.

Find out more here.

Tuesday 4 April | Learn BMX Skills with Brisbane Cycling Festival | Darra

Come along to Darra BMX Facility to learn some new skills. This free event is suitable for all ability levels as this session will build your confidence and provide tips and tricks on how to ride safely and have fun on your BMX. Must bring a safe and suitable BMX bike, helmet and closed in footwear.

Find out more here and check out the other free events as part of the Brisbane Cycling Festival

Wednesday 5 April | Climb the Clock Tower | Brisbane

An absolute ‘must-do’ for anyone in Brisbane, get whizzed to the top of City Hall’s famous Clock Tower through an original hand operated lift from the 1930s. Get a bird’s eye view of the city and find out about the amazing history of this Brisbane icon. Then, take a peek behind the scenes of City Hall with a FREE tour of one of Brisbane’s most beautiful buildings. Bookings required. 

Thursday 6 April | Visit your local library

There are heaps of fun things on at your local library. With book clubs, reading programs, computer training, events and workshops. Visit your local library to join, renew or borrow books, and use the many resources on offer. 

Find out more here

Friday 7 April | Obstacle course in your backyard 

Need to burn off some energy?  Kids and adults can challenge each other by building an obstacle course right there in your backyard.

Saturday 8 April | Wynnum Whale Park | Wynnum 

If you cannot make it into South Banks legendary Streets Beach, this is an excellent choice. It is an area of fountains and waterplay, complete with a giant tipping bucket. The park is situated on the beautiful, Wynnum foreshore on Moreton Bay, right next to the Wynnum jetty and comes with its own beach – Pandanus Beach. There’s also a great tidal wading pool and park with heaps of shade. A great sport for a relaxed post-Christmas family picnic. Read our full review here.

Sunday 9 April | Logan Gardens Waterpark | Logan Central 

Logan Gardens is a huge parkland space encompassing a water park, playground, dog off-leash areas, community gym equipment, a basketball court and much more. There really is something for everyone. It’s a perfect spot to burn off some excess school holiday energy. Read our full review here.

Monday 10 April | Get outdoors with a family bushwalk 

Family bushwalking not only provides exercise but has a lot of added benefits. You’ll be together in a tech-free environment so expect the conversation to flow. Getting back to nature often promotes self-reflection and can have a calming effect on a stressed mind. Think of it as meditation while moving! See our favourite Brisbane walking trails for families here.

Tuesday 11 April | Visit Daisy Hill Koala Centre | Daisy Hill 

Visit Daisy Hill Koala Centre to see koalas in a natural outdoor setting. Come and be captivated by these amazing marsupials and discover more about the secret life of koalas. Admission is free.

Wednesday 12 April | Check out the city fairy lights

Brisbane City Botanical Gardens Fairy LIghts Display

From Eagle St to QUT Garden’s Point – some of The City’s largest trees come to life with light as the sun sets. Enjoy the lights as you walk between destinations or seek out the best spots around The City for a snap. You can find a map of The City’s light installations here.

Thursday 13 April | Kids Collective at Southbank Parklands

Kids Collective

Create memories with your mini and enjoy a peachy morning out for free at South Bank Parklands’ Kids Collective program.

Held every Thursday, Kids Collective at South Bank offers a range of expertly led and curated classes from 9am-1pm. Bookings are not required – just come and go as you please.

Little ones can burn energy at a sport session on South Bank’s pristine lawns, indulge in a contemplative spot of crafting, unleash their inner maestro at music classes and much more. Everything is tailored towards toddlers and kids aged up to five some classes are suitable for babies. 

Friday 14 April | Albert River Adventure Park | Eagleby  

The new Albert River Park adventure playground at Eagleby was built for climbers and is sure to tire out even the biggest kids. This playground is set on a bend of the beautiful Albert River and has a few great spots to sit and watch the world float by. Read our full review here.

Saturday 15 April | Garden with your kids at home

Gardening with kids

Make the most of having more time at home and give gardening with your kids a try.  Don’t forget most local councils provide a free native plant program to assist the community to plant and green their properties! If you can rustle up a few dollars here’s our pick of the best family-friendly nurseries to visit when selecting plants for your garden project. 

Sunday 16 April | RAAF Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre Open Day | Amberley

RAAF Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre Open Day

RAAF Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre is holding a public open day on Sunday 16 April 2023 from 8:30am-1:00pm.

Get up close and personal with aircraft displays and learn about the rich past of our military. See the striking F-111 renowned for its dump and burns, the scale of the Dakota and Caribou responsible for transporting people and cargo all around the world, or imagine the wind beating down from the rotors of a Blackhawk, Iroquois and Sioux helicopters.

Explore a large range of military aircraft from years gone by, plus vehicles, aircraft equipment, reconnaissance cameras, a pop-up air raid shelter, cockpit modules, and other military memorabilia.

This event is suitable for young and old, so bring along the kids and anyone else who loves planes.

Find out more here.

FREE e-book with photos! 50 day trips to do around Brisbane with kids! – Click here!

Why we love free school holiday activities Brisbane southside!

Let’s be real. Trying to pay for weekly classes, childcare, school plus school holidays is a huge financial drain on every family. That’s why we’ve pulled this list together for you to ensure your family can enjoy the school holidays hopefully with a little less stress. Have we missed any great FREE school holiday activities on Brisbane’s southside? Let us know in the comments.

Looking for more free school holiday activities Brisbane southside?

You can’t go past a trip to the Gold Coast for a swim. See our list of the best things to do on the coast with kids. Some are FREE and some paid.

Photo of author

Janine Mergler

Janine Mergler is a veteran Queensland teacher, graduating from QUT with a BEd majoring in Social Sciences. After many years in the classroom, Janine moved on to academia. She has proudly trained new generations of teachers in her role as a lecturer at Queensland University of Technology Faculty of Education. She has also worked in the Queensland Government as an education specialist, developing education resources and delivering community awareness programs to help families conserve water. Currently she is the owner and editor of Families Magazine, a publication specifically targeted at parents who value a quality education for children.  Janine leads a team of professionals who write about family lifestyle, early childhood, schools and education information and family-friendly events.

7 thoughts on “FREE School Holiday Activities Brisbane Southside – Easter”

  1. May I get a confirmation on this event please?
    Tue 26 Sep FREE Holiday Fun with Trolls, Sunnybank Hills
    Once I click the link, it shows 28 August on the top above the Trolls banner, as well as the details at the end of the page.
    Is this event happening on Tue 26 Sep?

    Reply
      • Hi Janine,
        Thanks for sending an updated event via email. Sorry to be pain again. Is this event on Tue 26 Sep or 25 Sep? On the headline shows Tue 26 Sep, however the inside details showing 25 Sep above the Trolls banner and at the end of the page.
        I have to organise my leave for this event as my daughter loves Trolls so I would like to ensure the date. Thanks

        Reply
  2. Why do kids cease being kids once they turn 12? “Free meals are only available for kids under 12” Why so?

    Reply
    • I guess they know how much most teenagers eat and the free meals are not large enough for them! So to curb any complaints about meal size they end the deal at 12.

      Reply

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