As a mum of a toddler myself, I totally understand the need to find things to do with a toddler in Toowoomba. It can be a tricky age to find entertainment and activities in Toowoomba for toddlers that is suitable. They are often not quite independent enough to walk long distances, climb big playgrounds or appreciate activities and sights.
For a toddler we know they need space to move and as least amount of breakables as possible. I love having a list of activities and days out that cover all weather scenarios and interests. I truly think I keep my sanity by getting out of the house!
In this article we have researched and compiled the best activities in Toowoomba for toddlers. To help you find exactly what you are looking for quickly (because, seriously, who has spare time with a toddler!?) we have broken our list into categories.
Mothers’ group and playgroups in Toowoomba
There are a range of mother’s groups and playgroups in Toowoomba. These are the perfect place where your little once can socialise and play with other children. These are also so beneficial for mums and dads too.
Making Rainbows Toowoomba
Your child will love experiencing music, movement and sensory play at Making Rainbows. They offer a baby class for 0 – 15 months and a mixed age class for 0 – 5 years. They run in term blocks (see website for specific days and times) and are $19.50 a class or $195 for a ten week term.
Little Ducklings Toowoomba
Little Ducklings Toowoomba is a playgroup that runs from 9:30 – 11 am each Wednesday morning during the school terms. They do a story each session, and focus a craft and sensory play on this story.
Thrive Playgroup Toowoomba
This community based playgroup runs through the New Hope Community Centre. Each Wednesday they offer new meet ups at various parks across Toowoomba.
Mamma Collective Toowoomba
Mamma Collective is the hub where Mums can come together and share stories and support. It’s a place where they can make meaningful relationships. Through eight one-hourly sessions you will get to listen and learn from a range of guest speakers.
After the Bump
After the Bump is a program led by a maternal child health nurse and provides a place where new mums can connect with each other. This program provides a community of support. There are three different groups:
- Mumma to be for expecting mothers
- Mumma tribe is birth to 12 months
- Mumma tribe play is for 12 months plus.
Little Explorers of Toowoomba
This is a local Facebook group that has been curated with the purpose to facilitate nature/outdoor play meet ups all over Toowoomba. They love to get out and help little ones explore, teach, grow and care. These meet ups cater for children under give, but all children are welcome. Join the Little Explorers Facebook group here
Time to be Sensory
This is a company based in Toowoomba that sells sensory play kits. However, they often host playgroups and meet ups in the Toowoomba region. We recommend following their Facebook page for when they release dates for these!
Playful By Nature
Run by a local mum with a passion for outdoors and nature play, Playful By Nature runs a weekly Bush Kindy on Tuesday mornings as well as a monthly playgroup on the last Friday of the month. Here you’ll find people who value connection and nature they see kids as capable and competent, as they have opportunities for what some call ‘risky’ play within their sessions too.
Indoor activities for toddlers in Toowoomba
When the weather is colder (or too hot) and you want to find a comfortable, sage indoor venue for your toddler, here are our favourite places to hang out and watch them grow!
Tabatinga Toowoomba
This indoor play centre will provide fun for hours! They have play areas for all ages. There is a toddler play area, multi-level climbing structure, junior ninja course, mini sports centre and a mini car track. Equipped with party rooms, a disco den and a café!
Chipmunks Toowoomba
Chipmunks is a haven for children ages 0 to 11 years. A guaranteed energy burner with all of the running, jumping, sliding and climbing that they will do. A perfect rainy-day activity as it is all indoors. Parents will love the onsite café to get their caffeine fix.
The Empire Theatre
Visit the largest performing arts precinct in the Darling Downs. We know it’s hard to get toddlers to sit still, but we think they may love watching a show at The Empire Theatre! Be sure to check out what is on.
Ten Pin Bowling
This activity is super fun for the whole family. There is plenty to do and see inside Ten Pin Bowling facilities that will keep toddlers entertained too. Whilst not only having fun, they can increase their hand eye coordination (with the help of an adult of course) to participate in the game!
Go bowling at Sunset Superbowl or iPlay Tooowoomba! If visiting iPlay, be sure to check out the indoor play centre and multitude of arcade games!
Kloud9ine Toowoomba
Kloud9ine is an indoor trampoline park kitted out with more trampolines than you could even imagine! Toddlers will love having the space to roam, explore and practice their jumping skills.
Inflatable World Oz
The perfect place for your toddler to bounce out their energy! There is plenty of jumping, climbing and sliding to be done. We love this venue as not only is it fun for the kids, the adults will enjoy it just as much. Check out Inflatable World Oz for a bouncing good time!
Glennie Gymnastics
The Glennie School offer KinderGym through their Glennie Gymnastics venue. This is the perfect place to grow, learn and play with your little one. It is suitable for all ages as they cater for a range of ability levels through different gross and fine motor skill practice.
Allstar Gymnastics
Allstar Gymnastics offer a range of classes suited to toddlers. Babystars is for those babies up to 12 months, this class gives the perfect opportunity for new mums to get out of the house. Steppingstars is for those confident walkers up to two years. This class offers practice of balance, movement, swinging, jumping and landing. See class times and prices through the link.
Maggie Moo Music
This is a fun and interactive music session for those with children from 0 to 5 year old. Parents, grandparents and carers must attend, but are encouraged to get involved too. Children will love to sing, dance and play with Maggie Moo. Attend a Maggie Moo music session.
SenseAbility Lane – Inclusive Magical Moments
A small mobile business that holds sensory based workshops and events onsite, offsite, and provide DIY kits for all ages. Click here to learn more about SenseAbility Lane.
Dance lessons
We LOVE a good groove and we know toddlers do too. Dancing is so good for physical and gross motor development. We have an awesome article with a round up of all the dance classes available around Toowoomba. Perhaps you could teach your toddler some awesome songs with dance moves.
Check out our collection of dance classes in Toowoomba here.
Outdoor activities for toddlers in Toowoomba
Toowoomba is an absolute treasure trove for playgrounds, parks and walks that are perfect for toddlers to enjoy. Giving them space to explore, play and learn!
Queens Park
This is an absolute must visit destination for those with toddlers. This park has plenty of beautiful pathways for a relaxing walk, where you can enjoy the lush greenery. Once your toddler has had enough of being restrained, they will love to roam around the gardens. The park is also home to some amazing playgrounds for toddlers. Lyndsey Street park offers climbing structures, musical chimes, a digger, slides and toddler safe swings. Margaret Street park has a train, merry go round, swings and small slides, and a sandpit!
Lake Annad
We think this is a great venue to get out of the house for a few hours. The park has plenty of gazebos, perfect for a picnic, also including toilets and barbeques. The connecting paths make it a great spot for your toddler to practice their bike riding skills. The playground here is very impressive as well, the kids love the wooden pirate ship and the larger rocker.
Picnic Point
Picnic Point is the place if you want to stop and enjoy the view! And what a view it is. We think its name is one of truth, and highly recommend having a picnic here. It has all of the picnic facilities you might need. After some lunch, you can then go explore the pathways and find some of the playgrounds. Lions Park and Heller Street park are both at Picnic Point and have parts that are suitable for toddlers.
Peacehaven Botanic Park
This is located about 15 minutes out of Toowoomba, but well worth the drive. This park is kitted out with all of the amenities like picnic tables, BBQs, toilets and onsite parking. This is a nature inspired adventure playground and it is incredible. There is a giant sandpit, a water pump (always a win with toddlers), and a slide. Be sure to spot some of the incredible wildlife that calls this park home.
Laural Bank Park
This park has stunning gardens that your toddler will love exploring. There is even a hedge that has been turned into Thomas the Tank Engine! Take your toddler through the scented garden and marvel at the large water feature. With plenty of lawn space, you can picnic, play games and relax to your heart’s content. The playground has slides, nets and more that will also be enjoyed by your toddler.
Toowoomba Botanic Gardens
Whilst there is no playground here, there is plenty of space to enjoy. Pack up the pram with some of your little one’s favorite toys and let them play amongst the beautiful scenery of the Botanic Gardens. There are plenty of paths here so perhaps a long walk or a ride on their bike will be enjoyed too.
Webb Street Park
With three playground areas, there is something for all ages. Toddlers here can enjoy the merry go round and swings! This park also has beautiful views of the Toowoomba Range. It also has all the amenities required for a picnic.
Newtown Park and Queensland State Rose Garden
The park for those that love to stop and smell the roses! Don’t worry, we know toddlers are hardly impressed with flowers, so hopefully they will enjoy the grounds. There is plenty of lawn space to run and roam. The main playground has swings, slides and seesaws.
Japanese Gardens
These Japanese gardens span over 4.5 hectares and are totally devoted to a traditionally designed Japanese stroll garden. It is a place of beautiful peace and tranquil surroundings. There is a mountain stream, waterfall, 3km of paths and 230 species of trees and plants. We know toddlers and parents would love adventuring around these beautiful gardens.
Educational activities for toddlers in Toowoomba
Getting out of the house can be fun and educational! There are plenty of educational activities for toddlers in Toowoomba. Especially for those who love trains!
Cobb and Co Museum
The Cobb & Co Museum is fantastic as it is super interactive. There is plenty to do. With lots of workshops, exhibitions and historical carriages to view. Our favourite toddler friendly section is the coach stop play area. Here they can dress up and play for hours!
Buy tickets to the Cobb and Co museum here
Downssteam Tourist Railway and Museum
We highly recommend a visit here if you have a train obsessed toddler. You will love exploring the restored station building, the informative museum displays and the multiple coaches that you can look through. It is a restoration of the last remaining steam locomotive built at the Toowoomba Foundry Company. We love that it is run solely by volunteers!
Spring Bluff Railway Station
This heritage listed sight is truly a delight. With the decommissioned station surrounded by magnificent gardens, all ages will enjoy a visit. If you visit during carnival of flowers (which we highly recommend), you can even ride aboard a diesel train. On site you will find a children’s playground and a café!
Visit Spring Bluff Station here
Toowoomba Live Steamers
Another one for the train obsessed toddlers. Toowoomba Live Steamers is an operating miniature railway! Located in Lemway Park and operating on the third Sunday of every month. Your child will love going aboard and around the 900m railway track. There is a pirate themed playground at this location as well.
Families Tip: If you are heading to Brisbane and looking for places to go with kids who love trains, click here.
Darling Downs Zoo
If you are wanting to see some animals and are up for a 45 minute drive, look no further. At Darling Downs Zoo you will find animals from all over the world like giraffes, monkeys, meerkats and more. On daily at the zoo is interactive events like feeding of animals and guided tours. We wrote about our trip to the zoo here.
Toowoomba City Library
A great educational and indoor activity is a visit to the Toowoomba City Library. With a beautiful kids section, there is nothing better than immersing yourself in the world of literature with your little one. If you want something a little more, they have four different First 5 Forever sessions. These include story reading, singing and play, we have linked to find session times below. Find times for the First 5 Forever sessions at Toowoomba City Library here
10 easy activities in Toowoomba for toddlers at home
We get it! Sometimes it is just not feasible to get out and about with toddlers – perhaps you have a toddler and anew baby at home? So these at home fun activities for toddlers will kept them occupied and develop a range of skills, without going anywhere!
1. Sensory learning whole body number line!
Introduce your toddler to counting with this whole body number line that keeps them moving! One to Ten – let’s do it again!
Find out how to create this easy fun number line here.
2. Dinosaur craft
Does your toddler love dinosaurs? Simply print and cut this template out, then your toddler can color the Dino of their choice! Choose from a triceratops, brachiosaurus, stegosaurus and pterodactyl.
Download your dinosaur printables here.
3. Homemade playdoh recipe
Homemade playdough is the perfect way to keep your toddler entertained for hours. The best part is that you can make this easy recipe in your slow cooker with items from your pantry.
4. Learn about bees
Teaching toddlers about bees not only stirs the imagination but nurtures fine motor skills. Create this adorable felt honeycomb hive to teach your toddler about the various shapes and sizes of honeycombs. Add a few twigs from the yard and you have a learning activity that fosters a love of nature and easily entertains little ones for hours.
Learn more about bees and find the instructions to make a felt beehive here.
5. Frog hop games for toddlers
Get your toddler moving with this free frog hop game. Print out the sheets, set them up around the yard, and have them leaping, hopping, and jumping to find the next one.
All the frog hop game details are here.
6. Yoga at home for kids
The sensory benefits of yoga for kids are impressive! Yoga is a GREAT way to get proprioceptive (joints/heavy work) and vestibular (inner ear/balance) input. And it’s just plain fun.
Find all the details for kids yoga here.
7. Dot marker colouring in farm animals
Dot marker pages are so much fun for toddlers to do at home! They are so easy to set up and there’s no mess either.
Download the farm animal pages here.
8. Physical challenge activity for toddlers
This 30 day physical activity challenge is perfect for toddlers! They will earn a badge each day along with completing a fun physical activity.
Check out the 30 day challenge here.
9. Music at home
Anything and everything can be musical, you just need to think outside the box sometimes! From pots and pans to blowing raspberries, we have some great ideas on how to make music with your baby and toddler in our article.
Find out how to make music at home here.
10. Pre-reading literacy games
Play naturally encourages learning but in a fun, organic way that feels effortless for the child. Through simple pre-reading games, your child can start to develop many of the skills required for reading, including phonics, phonological awareness and vocabulary.
Read up on these reading games here.
Activities for toddlers in Toowoomba
There will be no need to guess now what do with your toddler in Toowoomba. With a range of indoor, outdoor, educational and home based activities – we are sure these will keep you busy. We know that Toowoomba has a great range of activities for toddlers.
If you are looking for things to do in Toowoomba with kids who are a bit older, we know that too!
Hopefully these will tire them out a little bit for you! 😉
