This article shares some of the amazing activities happening at the State Library Queensland!
The State Library of Queensland (SLQ) is a great place to visit with kids. We know what you’re thinking, a library is supposed to be quiet right? And the truthful answer is, the State Library is very quiet in places, but due to the library being split across multiple levels there are different spaces to meet different needs.
For families looking for fun, the State Library hosts a heap of free and paid activities where kids can get hands-on, dance, play and socialise with other kids. Importantly, they regularly update their program to respond to families looking for something educational AND fun to do! Plus, the play spaces are vibrant with spots for parents to relax while kids can safely explore the environment and learn!
Visiting the State Library of Queensland with children
Children are always welcome to visit the State Library of Queensland. The Corner is an interactive environment designed just for kids up to 8 years old, with themed book list suggestions, art-making resources, and electronic activities.
Getting to the State Library
The library is located in the South Bank Cultural Precinct. It’s a short walk from the Cultural Precinct Busway Station, South Brisbane train stationm or the South Bank City Cat ferry terminal. If you are driving in, parking is available in several nearby car parks for a fee. We particularly recommend the Cultural Precinct car park if you choose to drive as it is only $18 per entry per day, no matter how long you stay.
State Library Queensland Accessibility
The State Library of Queensland is fully accessible for families with disabilities and also pram-friendly. Facilities include:
- Accessible toilets
- Beautifully appointed carers room
- Wheelchair accessible desks
- Hearing aid induction loop
- Lifts and ramps to all levels
- Assistance animals welcome when wearing identity cards
- Cloakroom
Food and drink at the State Library
You can take your own drinks and snacks to eat in one of the many designated indoor and outdoor ‘food-friendly’ spaces. There’s also a great small cafe, The Library Cafe, offering a range of delicious dishes for young and old and an even better gift shop!
First 5 Forever at State Library
It’s pretty crazy when you consider that 90% of a child’s brain development happens in the first five years! First 5 Forever is an initiative of the Queensland Government, coordinated by State Library of Queensland, with the primary aim of providing strong early literacy foundations for all Queensland children aged 0-5 years.
The State Library of Queensland (SLQ) provides activities and workshops regularly as part of the First 5 Forever program. We’ve compiled a list of the most fun ways to explore the library with your kids:
Little explorers
These open-ended play sessions are designed to inspire children aged 0-5 years to explore their senses, get creative, and build their brains through play and interaction. Step away from your regular routine and the distractions of home into a space just for you and your family, or why not invite your friends to a special play date!
No bookings required for this free activity. Just drop in to have some fun.
- When: Every Monday and Friday 11am – 12:30pm
- Location: The Corner
- Cost: Free
Baby Play in The Corner
Head along to a free Baby Play session, designed for babies 0-12 months (not yet walking) and their parent/carer. These sessions focus on baby-paced play, rhyme and shared story in a way that supports you as your baby’s most important educator – with plenty of opportunity to learn and grow together.
- When: Every Monday and Friday 10am – 10:30am
- Location: The Corner
- Cost: Free
Rhyme time for children aged 0-5 years
Join SLQ for a rocking sing along of all your favourite songs and rhymes! Learn some fun games, yarn about the world around us and maybe even dive into a storybook or dress up in a playful tutu.
No bookings required for this free activity. Just drop in to have some fun.
- When: Every Tuesday 10am – 10:30am
- Location: The Corner
- Cost: Free
Books and blocks
Connect with your favourite characters and books and explore stories through play! Dress up, imagine you’re in a land far, far away or build your own story. The possibilities are endless in this open-ended play session. Meet up with friends or make new ones and ignite your creativity.
No bookings required for this free activity. Just drop in to have some fun.
- When: Every Tuesday and Thursday 11am – 12:30pm
- Location: The Corner
- Cost: Free
Rhyme time in kuril dhagun
If you’ve got a babe in arms or a little one ready to dance, Rhyme Time is a special time for you and your little one where you can share rhymes, songs, stories and reading in a creative and relaxed environment. You’ll always have a laugh with your child at these sessions which are often high-energy and full of giggles. No bookings required.
- When: Every Wednesday 10am – 10:30am
- Location: kuril dhagun
- Cost: Free
Play Time in The Corner
From dress-ups and puppets, cool construction kits and sensory toys, each of the play kits has been specially selected to inspire children (and babies!) of all ages to explore their senses, come up with games and get creative. Step away from your regular routine and the distractions of home into a space just for you and your family or invite your friends for a special play date! Play Time takes place daily from 11am to 12:45pm. No bookings required. These are great hands-on, interactive sessions where kids can use their imagination and grow their social skills.
First 5 Forever online
The First 5 Forever program also offers a great online offering with lots of fun activities for you to download and participate in.
For details of all the upcoming workshops, events, and activities in the SLQ First 5 Forever program, click here.
The Parlour
Drop into The Parlour anytime between 10am and 5pm daily to explore browsing the collection of books perfect for families. There are plenty of comfy places to sit, plus amazing city views: A perfect place to relax and share stories with family and friends. Here are some of the regular activities for children at The Parlour:
Play Matters Chinese Mandarin playgroup
Brisbane parents are warmly invited to embark on a delightful journey of Chinese cultural exploration with the Brisbane Chinese (Mandarin) Playgroup.
Children will joyfully learn through lively Chinese nursery rhymes and interactive musical games, have their imaginations sparked by captivating classic Chinese stories and experience crafts firsthand during traditional festivals, such as making beautiful lanterns and experiencing elegant calligraphy. No bookings required, just drop in and have some fun!
- When: Every Monday 9:30am – 10am
- Location: Parlour Terrace
- Cost: Free
Play Matters Indonesian language playgroup
The Brisbane Indonesian Playgroup invites families to play, sing and rhyme in Indonesian!
Their playgroup is in Indonesian to help children learn and connect with the Indonesian culture in a fun and welcoming environment through joyful songs, interactive or free plays, and exciting stories. Families from all Indonesian backgrounds are welcome. Sampai jumpa!
No bookings required for this free activity. Just drop in to have some fun.
- When: Every Tuesday 10:30am – 11:30am
- Location: Parlour Terrace
- Cost: Free
Sing and Tell in Portuguese
Join Marina, Beatriz and Larissa in The Parlour at the State Library for a joyful gathering that celebrates the rhythm and richness of the Portuguese language.
Each session brings rhymes, songs and stories inspired by Brazilian traditions. Through drumming, dance, and rhythm, they share the vibrant spirit of Brazil and the joy of cultural connection. The playgroup is entirely in Portuguese, helping children strengthen their language skills while experiencing the warmth, music, and traditions shared across Portuguese-speaking cultures. No bookings required for this free activity. Just drop in to have some fun.
- When: Every Wednesday 10:15am – 11:15am
- Location: Parlour Terrace
- Cost: Free
Sing n Tell in Spanish
You are invited to a joyful, play-based gathering that celebrates the richness and musicality of the Spanish language through stories, music and shared play. The playgroup is delivered entirely in Spanish, where participants can explore the language in a fun and engaging way. Families from all Spanish-speaking backgrounds and those interested in Spanish are warmly welcome.
No bookings required for this free activity. Just drop in to have some fun.
- When: Every Thursday 9:30am – 10:30am
- Location: Parlour Terrace
- Cost: Free
Play Matters German speaking playgroup
Enjoy a weekly Spielgruppe (Playgroup), conducted entirely in Deutsche (German). Every Friday, parents and children gather in The Parlour at the State Library of Queensland to spend a playful time together while sharing German language and culture.
In this playgroup, particpants sing, rhyme, and read stories to immerse children in the world of German tales. Afterwards, the little ones can make new friends and unleash their creativity during free playtime.
- When: Every Friday 9:15am – 10:30am
- Location: Parlour Terrace
- Cost: Free
Activities for kids of all ages
There’s lots for kids to do all year round at State Library of Queensland. Here’s what’s on now…
Tui n friends
Tui ‘n’ Friends is where hearts beat to the rhythm of Pasifika music and culture whilst having fun and bringing joy to families. Join Tui for traditional and original songs, story telling and dancing. Suitable for ages 0-8, this fun and interactive session will get the whole Aiga (family) dancing!
No bookings required for this free activity. Just drop in to have some fun.
- When: Every Saturday 10am – 10:30am
- Location: The Corner
- Cost: Free
Puppet time
Puppets, puppets, everywhere! Under the table, under the chair! Every Wednesday and Saturday The Corner gets overrun by puppets. Play your way through the space or join our team to discover simple ideas to make your own puppets at home. Recommended for children aged 0-8 years. No bookings required.
- When: Every Wednesday and Saturday 11am – 12:30pm
- Location: The Corner
- Cost: Free
Story play
Explore the world of songs and stories through play. Our team will delight young and old with clever and creative storytelling, with lots of ideas to inspire playful interactions with your children. Connect with other families and stay and play after the session.
No bookings required for this free activity. Just drop in to have some fun. Recommended for children aged 0-8 years.
- When: Every Thursday and Sunday 10am – 10:30am
- Location: The Corner
- Cost: Free
Challenge accepted
Get creative in The Corner with these family challenges. Depending on what the team has set, you could end up creating your own puppets, building bridges or something completely different! Recommended for children aged 3-8 years. Drop in anytime during the session to join the fun.
No bookings required for this free activity. Just drop in to have some fun.
- When: Every Sunday 11am – 12:30pm
- Location: The Corner
- Cost: Free
School holiday activities at State Library Queensland
The State Library of Queensland hosts a range of activities and workshops for families throughout the year, but especially during school holidays. Most workshops are free to attend but require bookings so check the details to be sure you don’t miss out!
Remembrance and rosemary
Collect and decorate your free pot of authentic Gallipoli rosemary at Anzac Square Memorial Galleries these Easter 2026 school holidays.
Suitable for all ages, this 30-minute family-friendly activity explores the special connection between rosemary and Anzac Day.
Participants will receive a free Gallipoli rosemary plant in a plastic tube, along with craft supplies to decorate their pot in memory of our heroes or someone they are honouring.
- Dates:
- Tuesday 7 April
- Wednesday 8 April
- Thursday 9 April
- Friday 10 April
- Sunday 12 April
- Monday 13 April
- Tuesday 14 April
- Wednesday 15 April
- Thursday 16 April
- Friday 17 April
- Time: 10am – 10:30am on each of the above dates
- Location: Anzac Square Memorial Galleries
- Cost: Free. Bookings essential. Click here to book.
State Library Queensland is always worth a visit
You can always rely on the State Library of Queensland to provide some of the best school holiday workshops in Brisbane. From STEM activities and robotics to craft, music, and performance. Be sure to check out their What’s On guide!
There’s just so much to do at the library! One option is settling in with a good book or magazine in one of the many air-conditioned spaces on offer. Alternatively, why not venture out onto one of the many deck areas overlooking the river for some privacy and let your boisterous little ones let off some steam. The quality of books is unmatched and there truly is something for all ages at the State Library. Plus it is definitely kid-friendly.
It’s a great spot to take a break when exploring GOMA or South Bank which are often much busier. We highly recommend a trip to the State Library next time you’re in the CBD.
If you can’t make it into the city here are some great articles to help your little one grow:
- Baby Language and Development
- Learning Out and About
- Play to Learn
- Early Literacy and a Lifelong Love of Language
- Visiting Your Local Library
We’ve also compiled a comprehensive list of free things for toddlers to do in Brisbane where you can apply your First 5 Forever learnings.
If you love books then you will also love the Lifeline Bookfest.
Just wondering what events there are for 3-5 year olds from early June?