FREE school holiday activities Brisbane northside! What are they and where can you find them? The answer is they are everywhere but not always easy to find. That’s why we’ve done the heavy lifting and created this list of the BEST FREE school holiday activities Brisbane northside.
Yep, that’s right! We’ve collated a comprehensive list of free school holiday ideas for kids that don’t cost a thing.
And because we know it is not always possible to travel far from home we have only listed activities on the northside of Brisbane and near or in the CBD. This will mean you can find something to do with the kids these school holidays that is near your suburb!
You can find our list of best free school holiday activities on the Southside here.
This list of free things to do in the summer school holidays will keep the kids entertained and your holiday budget happy!
As with everything, please check directly with the venue to ensure they are open on the days you wish to visit!
FREE school holiday activities Brisbane northside
It doesn’t matter if you live in Sandgate, Bracken Ridge, Albany Creek, Windsor or somewhere in the Moreton Region like North Lakes, because we have free school holiday fun for you. We have listed something in most northside suburbs to to suit everyone … and they are all free!
ALERT! FREE e-book with photos! 50 day trips to do around Brisbane with kids! – Click here!
These are our picks of Brisbane northside suburbs venues that are perfect for kids looking for an easy day out, locally!
- Roma Street Parkland
- Brisbane Citycat rides (free on the weekend for kids)
- The Cube at QUT
- City playgrounds
- Best cycle paths for families with kids
- Best trees to climb in Brisbane
- Local libraries
- Free QLD school holiday destinations
- Kids eat free at these restaurants
- Brisbane Skate Parks
There are LOADS more things to do on our School Holiday Activities Events Calendar. We also have the best school holiday activities list in Brisbane that includes discounted options too! Learn how to download our ‘Families fun’ calendar so you can stay up to date here.
Below is a day by day list of the FREE school holiday activities northside Brisbane has on offer!
FREE school holiday activities Brisbane Northside – Summer 2023
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 | Scarborough Beach Park
For the second day of the school holidays, let your kids climb the trees and play on the wooden train at Scarborough Beach Park. There’s also a jumping pillow close by, and you can bring food to cook on the BBQ so you can stay all day. What a great way to begin the holidays!
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 | Picnic at Lower Moora Park, Shorncliffe
Shorncliffe locals are so lucky to have this incredible playground right on their doorstep. It can be a little tricky to find this gem but trust us, it is worth the effort. Read our full review here!
Thursday 14 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.
Friday 15 December | Settlement Cove Lagoon, Redcliffe
Enjoy a lazy day by the lagoon, stroll along the beach front and pack a picnic.
Saturday 16 December | Free art activities at Redcliffe Art Gallery
Come one come all, all kids big and small to Art Collection up close these school holidays!
Visit Redcliffe Art Gallery as the studio is transformed into a fun-filled, mind-expanding activity space for kids. Find out more here
Sunday 17 December | Go fishing!
If you’ve got the gear already, head out to one of north Brisbane’s best fishing spots for kids such as Hornibrook Bridge or Redcliffe Jetty. 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!
Monday 18 December | Christmas crafting
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 | Head to Bongaree Beach | Bribie Island
Families with kids of all ages enjoy the beach and surrounding parklands. If you are lucky, you may even spot a dolphin or a dugong!
Saturday 30 December | The Mill & Waterpark, Petrie
This waterpark and playground has been designed with kids and families in mind. There are playgrounds for older and younger children, plus an array of interactive water play equipment including spouts that kids can twirl around to squirt each other, an inground ‘river’ for toddlers to follow and a large tipping bucket for the bigger kids. Read our full review here.
Sunday 31 December | Cycle the beach track around the Redcliffe Peninsula
You can decide how much or how little of the beach front cycle track you want to do, depending on how young your kids are. Pop on a backpack and stop for a picnic as you go, or stop off in Redcliffe for fish and chips or ice creams if you have a budget to spend.
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
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
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 | Wander along Shorncliffe Pier
Stretching 350m out into Bramble Bay, Shorncliffe Pier is an iconic sight. It makes a great spot for a family photo shoot – just bring your mobile phone and get snapping!
Wednesday 10 January | Creation station: Imagine, play create at Pine Rivers Art Gallery
Looking for a fun and free activity for the kids? Visit the Creation Station at the Pine Rivers Art Gallery and explore our free hands-on art activities. Find out more here
Thursday 11 January | Spend the day at South Bank
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 | Kids Art Trail, Caboolture
Drop into Caboolture Regional Art Gallery and partake in an exciting journey through the I, Object exhibition.
Discover the artworks along the kids art trail, and find them all to receive a prize. Kids will enjoy learning about Indigenous perspectives through contemporary painting, sculpture and installation. Find out more 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 | Old Petrie Town
Visit this charming restored historic village spread across 48 acres of parklands with heritage buildings. Every Sunday, markets are held from 7am – 1pm. Take a picnic, and although it’s not free, you could spend a few dollars to give your kids access to the jumping castle for as long as they have the energy!
Monday 15 January | Picnic at New Farm Park
Locals love New Farm Park – and it’s not hard to see why. One of the city’s most popular parks, grab the chance to sit on the grass by the river and watch the CityCats and other boats cruise up and down while embracing a riverside breeze, or drop a picnic rug under a tree in the main oval area and kick a football or throw a frisbee with friends. The playground is fabulous – read our review here.
Tuesday 16 January | 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.
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
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
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 Mob on the Move, Bribie Island
This summer, the Bribie Island Seaside Museum mini-imaginarium will transform into Mob on the Move.
Mob on the Move is an inspiring and immersive art exhibition featuring three First Nations artists.
Storytelling is central to Indigenous art; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples use storytelling to pass on their knowledge of land and sea, events, and their culture and beliefs.
This free exhibition focuses on using storytelling to encourage unity. It tells us how we can all move forward together by sharing, connecting, and embracing the culture of First Nations people. Find out more here
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 ideas
Saturday 16 September | Day at Scarborough Beach Park
For the first day of the school holidays, let your kids climb the trees and play on the wooden train at Scarborough Beach Park. There’s also a jumping pillow close by, and you can bring food to cook on the BBQ so you can stay all day. What a great way to begin the holidays!
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 | Picnic at Lower Moora Park, Shorncliffe
Shorncliffe locals are so lucky to have this incredible playground right on their doorstep. It can be a little tricky to find this gem but trust us, it is worth the effort. Read our full review here!
Tuesday 19 September | 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
Wednesday 20 September | Museum of Brisbane, Brisbane
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.
Thursday 21 September | Go Go GOLFING, Ferny Hills
Learn about golf and the skills required to get the ball racing towards the hole!
Instruction will be followed by fun games and challenges.
Note: Participants require adult supervision for the duration of the activity. Wear enclosed shoes and suitable clothing. Bring a water bottle, suncreen and golf clubs (if applicable). All equipment is provided. Find out more here
Friday 22 September Clay: Collected Ceramics, 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 | Agents of Discovery, Mt Coot-tha
Download the free Agents of Discovery mobile app and join the fun to complete a series of app-based challenges while exploring the collections of native and exotic plants in the gardens.
From 9 September to 3 October, users can complete missions across South East Queensland for the chance to win prizes. To be in the prize-draw make sure you’re logged into the Agents of Discovery app when you complete your mission.
All children must be accompanied by an adult. Please wear a hat and enclosed shoes; and bring a snack and keep-cup or water bottle. Start at the Visitor Information Centre.
Participants are required to download the free Agents of Discovery app to a mobile or iPad device from Google Play or the Apple store. Find out more here
Sunday 24 September | Smart Phone Eco Photography, Boondall
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
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.
Wednesday 27 September | What Lurks Below, Redcliffe
Visit the Imaginarium at Redcliffe Museum and explore life under the sea – without getting wet at What Lurks Below!
The waters of Moreton Bay are teeming with life, from small pieces of coral to the large humpback whale. Investigate all the nooks and crannies and discover amazing creatures living in the most unexpected places. The exhibition is on until 22 October, and it is free. The museum opens Wednesday to Friday from 10 am to 4pm and weekends from 10 am to 3 pm.
Find out more here.
Thursday 28 September | Settlement Cove Lagoon, Redcliffe
Enjoy a lazy day by the lagoon, stroll along the beach front and pack a picnic.
Friday 29 September | Go fishing!
If you’ve got the gear already, head out to one of north Brisbane’s best fishing spots for kids such as Hornibrook Bridge or Redcliffe Jetty. 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!
Saturday 30 September | 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.
Sunday 1 October | Head to Bongaree Beach, Bribie Island
Families with kids of all ages enjoy the beach and surrounding parklands. If you are lucky, you may even spot a dolphin or a dugong!
Monday 2 October | The Mill & Waterpark, Petrie
This waterpark and playground has been designed with kids and families in mind. There are playgrounds for older and younger children, plus an array of interactive water play equipment including spouts that kids can twirl around to squirt each other, an inground ‘river’ for toddlers to follow and a large tipping bucket for the bigger kids. Read our full review here.
Saturday 24 June | Meet a Baby Dino, North Lakes
Meet a baby T-Rex – don’t worry, he’s with a keeper!
Find out more about these amazing reptiles, play dino games, and discover dino eggs with Dino Encounters.
Ages 5-9. Free. Bookings required. Children/teens only require tickets to this event.
Find out more here
Sunday 25 June | Making Place: 100 Views of Brisbane, Museum of Brisbane
The Making Place: 100 Views of Brisbane exhibition at the Museum of Brisbane presents more than 100 historical and contemporary depictions of the Brisbane region. The exhibition is suitable for all ages and it’s FREE!
Monday 26 June | Kids Collective Kids Yoga and Soccer Fun, Victoria Park
Get your kids moving and having fun these winter school holidays with health and recreation activities at Kids Collective Victoria Park! Held on 26-28 June and 2-5 July 2023 from 9am-1pm each day, our activities will provide kids with fun and active experiences that will keep them engaged and energised. No bookings required.
Tuesday 27 June | Patterns in Nature, Pine Rivers
Wonder at the world around you as you play with scales, feathers, stripes and spots at Pine Rivers Heritage Museum. Patterns in Nature is an interactive exhibition for curious and creative minds.
You and your family will be able to see what is “invisible” to others and become pattern detectives specialising in symmetry, branching and camouflage!
Find Patterns in nature in our new Imaginarium! It is an intergenerational space for learning and play. The exhibition is on until Sunday 16 July at the Pine Rivers Heritage Museum (open Wed to Sun, 10am – 3pm) so even if this date doesn’t work for you, you can choose another time to visit. Entry is free.
Find out more here.
Wednesday 28 June | Ride the City Hall Clock Tower
Discover the hidden secrets of the heritage-listed City Hall building with a guided tour of Brisbane’s iconic Clock Tower. The tour includes a ride in one of Brisbane’s oldest working cage lifts, a look behind Australia’s largest analogue clock faces and time to explore the observation platform that shares a unique perspective of our city. See if you can catch a glimpse of the bells! Bookings recommended. Book HERE.
Thursday 29 June | What Lurks Below, Redcliffe
Visit the Imaginarium at Redcliffe Museum and explore life under the sea – without getting wet at What Lurks Below!
The waters of Moreton Bay are teeming with life, from small pieces of coral to the large humpback whale. Investigate all the nooks and crannies and discover amazing creatures living in the most unexpected places. The exhibition is on until 22 October, and it is free. The museum opens Wednesday to Friday from 10 am to 4pm and weekends from 10 am to 3 pm.
Find out more here.
Friday 30 June Fact Finders: Dinosaurs, Toowong
Explore the world of dinosaurs through staff-led craft and activities inspired by our amazing library collection. Ideal for children aged 6-10 years. Bookings required for this event which takes place at Toowong Library.
Saturday 1 July | Introducing Osmo, Nundah
Discover an educational gaming system that merges tactile exploration with innovative iPad technology, actively engaging children in the learning process. Introducing young minds to coding in an easy and fun way, Osmo enables children to explore the world of science, maths, art and more through creative problem solving. Ideal for children aged 5-12 years. Bookings required. Contact Nundah Library.
Find out more here.
Sunday 2 July | Smartphone Photography, Toowong
Bookings essential for this event at Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha. 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.
Monday 3 July | Kids Collective Kids Yoga and Soccer Fun, Victoria Park
Get your kids moving and having fun these winter school holidays with health and recreation activities at Kids Collective Victoria Park! Held on 26-28 June and 2-5 July 2023 from 9am-1pm each day, our activities will provide kids with fun and active experiences that will keep them engaged and energised. No bookings required.
Find out more here.
Tuesday 4 July | Settlement Cove Lagoon, Redcliffe
Enjoy a lazy day by the lagoon, stroll along the beach front and pack a picnic.
Wednesday 5 July | Kids Collective Kids Dancing in the Park and Kids Gym, Victoria Park
Get your kids moving and having fun these winter school holidays with health and recreation activities at Kids Collective Victoria Park!
Held on 26-28 June and 2-5 July 2023 from 9am-1pm each day, our activities will provide kids with fun and active experiences that will keep them engaged and energised. Wednesday’s programme is Dancing in the Park and Kids Gym.
Find out more here
Thursday 6 July | Harry Potter Family Trivia, Ashgrove
Merlin’s Beard! We are hosting the ultimate Harry Potter trivia challenge! Grab your cloaks, wands, family, and friends, to join us for an afternoon of trivia and games. Ideal for muggles of all ages. Bookings required, contact Ashgrove Library.
Find out more here.
Friday 7 July | Imagination Trail, North Lakes
Let’s tell a story together!
Become the hero of your own tale in this adventure role play with the Australian Acting Academy.
Ages 7-12. Free. Bookings required. Children/teens only require tickets to this event.
Find out more here
Saturday 8 July | Bracken Boredom Busters, Bracken Ridge
Join us at the community table every Saturday afternoon to discover what fun activity is available. Each week we offer a different activity, from brickbuilding to craft, boardgames and robotics. Drop in to see what’s happening this Saturday! Ideal for families of all ages. From 2pm – 3pm, no booking required.
Find out more here.
Sunday 9 July | Go fishing!
If you’ve got the gear already, head out to one of north Brisbane’s best fishing spots for kids such as Hornibrook Bridge or Redcliffe Jetty. 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!
Saturday 1 April | Maleny Eco Creative Festival
The Maleny Eco Creative Festival, is a 3-day event showcasing creatives who work sustainably, naturally, recycling, remaking, growing and any other practice that has an Eco theme. Meet makers and stallholders who create products from waste or found items, food items grown from sustainable practices, art from recycled products, items that can be recycled when no longer in use and creative repurposing. It will inspire your kids to get creative. We can’t promise you won’t be tempted to buy some things though!
Sunday 2 April | 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.
Monday 3 April | The Patch at Redcliffe Museum
Visit the Patch in the Imaginarium at Redcliffe Museum where you can plant your own pretend veggie patch, harvest fruits, create wildflowers and explore the backyard cubby. Start conversations about the natural world and encourage young minds to develop an appreciation of their environment. Who knows – they may become little green thumbs themselves!
Tuesday 4 April | Settlement Cove Lagoon, Redcliffe
Enjoy a lazy day by the lagoon, stroll along the beach front and pack a picnic.
Wednesday 5 April | Bankfoot House Easter Egg Hunt
Search for gold nuggets (aka Easter eggs!) at Bankfoot House on Wednesday 5 April 2023, the only surviving coach station on the famous Cobb & Co. run between Brisbane and Gympie.
Bring your own basket and fossick the two-acre property for shiny wrappers in the hopes of sweet gold.
No need for blasting or open cut mining, eggs will be hidden in plain sight. Increase your prospects by being ready at 10am when the gates open. Entry is free, but you need to register.
Thursday 6 April | Learn Junior Bike Riding Skills with Brisbane Cycling Festival
Get your little ones booked in for this free event as part of the Brisbane Cycling Festival. The event takes place at 10am at Bradbury Park. Through riding-based games and fun activities your child will learn the skills needed to have fun off-road and on the bikeways.
Find out more here and be sure to check out the other events taking place through the holidays.
Friday 7 April | Bluewater Festival at Shorncliffe
Organised by the Sandgate Bayside Chamber of Commerce, the famous Bluewater Festival held on Good Friday 7 April 2023 at Shorncliffe Pier is one not to be missed and a memorable day out with family and friends.
The Bluewater Festival is held on the scenic foreshore at Shorncliffe in conjunction with the annual Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race. It’s a perfect vantage point to watch the start of this iconic race plus an opportunity to see the Multihull Yacht race start up close off the Pier.
Lower Moora Park, Shorncliffe is jam packed with entertainment through the day with live bands, kids workshops, rides, food and markets all culminating into a beach party and fireworks in the evening at 7:30pm.
Saturday 8 April | Easter Bunny Trail at Victoria Park
Can you help find the Easter Bunny? From 3-10 April 2023, kids of all ages can hop on over to Victoria Park for The Great Easter Bunny Trail these school holidays.
Follow the trail of egg-citing clues through Victoria Park and collect six stamps along the way. Starting at the Herston Road entrance, all clue seekers will be provided with a clue map and stamp card. Once all six stamps are collected, hop over to the last clue to be awarded a special Easter treat. Don’t forget to take a photo of your adventure and tag #victoriapark #barrambin.
Sunday 9 April | Superpowered at QAGOMA
Fancy a day in the city? 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.
Monday 10 April | Garden with your kids at home 2023
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.
Tuesday 11 April | Making Place: 100 Views of Brisbane | Museum of Brisbane
The Making Place: 100 Views of Brisbane exhibition at the Museum of Brisbane presents more than 100 historical and contemporary depictions of the Brisbane region. The exhibition is suitable for all ages and it’s FREE!
Wednesday 12 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.
Thursday 13 April | Kids Collective at Southbank Parklands
Who doesn’t love a free activity in the city? 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 | Go fishing!
If you’ve got the gear already, head out to one of north Brisbane’s best fishing spots for kids such as Hornibrook Bridge or Redcliffe Jetty. 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!
Saturday 15 April | Movie in the Park at Sandstone Point
Experience a night of fun, family friendly entertainment at Movie in the Park Sandstone Point. Sit back, relax and enjoy this FREE screening of ‘Sing 2’.
Pack your picnic rugs and chairs and enjoy an evening under the stars at Sandstone Point Community & Sports Complex Hall. There will be plenty of movie treats available with popcorn and fairy floss for sale. Make sure you also pop in and grab a sausage sandwich from the Community BBQ which will be raising money for a local community group.
Sunday 16 April 2023 | Day at Scarborough Beach Park
For the final day of the school holidays, let your kids climb the trees and play on the wooden train at Scarborough Beach Park. There’s also a jumping pillow close by, and you can bring food to cook on the BBQ so you can stay all day. What a great way to finish the holidays!
Past school holiday events summer
Looking for more school holiday inspiration? Scroll through our list of past events and suggestions to get more ideas of fun things to do.
Saturday 10 December – Redcliffe Twilight Christmas Markets
Free to attend, although we can’t promise you won’t be tempted with the yummy food trucks! Enjoy the roving entertainers, snap a selfie with Santa and enjoy the fireworks at the end of the evening.
Sunday 11 December – Christmas crafting with the kids at home
Get the kids involved in making some Christmas decorations. We have lots of ideas including this wool star and a homemade snow globe.
Monday 12 December – Christmas on Queen | Brisbane
Brisbane Arcade’s Christmas Market is back for the third year with their designers, makers and creators spilling out onto Queen Street Mall for a festive marketplace. From Friday 9 – Saturday 24 December, enjoy Christmas-inspired pop-up performances and roaming entertainment in Queen Street Mall from 11am–3pm daily and 4.30–8.30pm during late night trade – so there are plenty of chances to catch the festive fun. Take your own snacks and drinks and come along to enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Tuesday 13 December – 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. Museum of Brisbane.
Wednesday 14 December – Christmas Movie Day
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!
Thursday 15 December – 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.
Friday 16 December – Settlement Cove Lagoon | Redcliffe
Enjoy a lazy day by the lagoon, stroll along the beach front and pack a picnic.
Saturday 17 December – DIY Christmas gift-making at home
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.
Sunday 18 December – Making Place: 100 Views of Brisbane | Museum of Brisbane 2022
The Making Place: 100 Views of Brisbane exhibition at the Museum of Brisbane presents more than 100 historical and contemporary depictions of the Brisbane region. The exhibition is suitable for all ages and it’s FREE!
Monday 19 December – Christmas Lights Road Trip | Local suburbs
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.
Tuesday 20 December – Visit the Brisbane City Christmas Tree | 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 25 November – 8 January in King George Square.
Wednesday 21 December – Scarborough Beach Park | Scarborough
Let your kids climb the trees and play on the wooden train at Scarborough Beach Park. There’s also a jumping pillow close by, and you can bring food to cook on the BBQ so you can stay all day.
Thursday 22 December – Picnic at Lower Moora Park | Shorncliffe
Shorncliffe locals are so lucky to have this incredible playground right on their doorstep. It can be a little tricky to find this gem but trust us, it is worth the effort. Read our full review here!
Friday 23 December – Explore Roma Street Parklands | Brisbane
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.
Saturday 24 December – Christmas Eve Box
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!
Sunday 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.
Monday 26 December – Play Backyard/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.
Tuesday 27 December – Garden with your kids at home
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.
Wednesday 28 December – 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.
Thursday 29 December – Head to Bongaree Beach | Bribie Island
Families with kids of all ages enjoy the beach and surrounding parklands. If you are lucky, you may even spot a dolphin or a dugong!
Friday 30 December – The Mill & Waterpark | Petrie
This waterpark and playground has been designed with kids and families in mind. There are playgrounds for older and younger children, plus an array of interactive water play equipment including spouts that kids can twirl around to squirt each other, an inground ‘river’ for toddlers to follow and a large tipping bucket for the bigger kids. Read our full review here.
Saturday 31 December – Explore the city & NYE fireworks
Spend the day exploring the city. There’s heaps of FREE school holiday activities you can find. Why not take a picnic and relax and take in the scenery of South Bank. Then wait around until evening for the NYE firework. There is a kid’s fireworks at 8.30pm or your traditional fireworks at midnight.
Sunday 1 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
Monday 2 January – Have a Slumber Party
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.
Tuesday 3 January – Guided tour of Museum of Brisbane | Brisbane
Take a free guided tour of Museum of Brisbane’s current exhibitions at 11am – 11.30am
Wednesday 4 January – Make Pasta at Home
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!
Thursday 5 January – Cycle the beach track around the Redcliffe Peninsula | Redcliffe
You can decide how much or how little of the beach front cycle track you want to do, depending on how young your kids are. Pop on a backpack and stop for a picnic as you go, or stop off in Redcliffe for fish and chips or ice creams if you have a budget to spend.
Friday 6 January – Go fishing!
If you’ve got the gear already, head out to one of north Brisbane’s best fishing spots for kids such as Hornibrook Bridge or Redcliffe Jetty. 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!
Saturday 7 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!
Sunday 8 January – Tinker Table, Brisbane Square Library | Brisbane City
Drop in for some hands-on experimenting with robots and more. Explore STEAM, coding and robotics in an open learning environment. Ideal for children aged 4 years and older. Booking is required – find out more here.
Monday 9 January – Water Play | Barrambin
Enjoy old favourites with a new twist! There’s relay races with wet sponges, ball games using buckets of water and more (plus other water-themed events on different days!). No bookings required, just show up to Victoria Park / Barrambin, Park entry off Gilchrist Avenue on any of the following dates for some watery fun: 9–11 January and 16–18 January 2023 from 9am to 1pm each day. More info can be found here.
Tuesday 10 January – Freestyle scooter coaching | The Gap
Learn new skills on your scooter and how to ride the park safely. This is a Chillout event suitable for young people 6 -17 years. Event takes place 10am – 12pm at Walton Bridge Reserve, meet at The Gap Bowls. No booking required. You need to bring your scooter, helmet and safety pads. More info can be found here.
Wednesday 11 January – KineticKids Multi-Sports & Mindfulness | Bracken Ridge
Learn multi-sports skills and experience age-appropriate mindfulness activities that will relax an active mind and body. A fun class with active games and challenges. This is a Chillout event suitable for young people 6-12 years. Booking is essential and can be made here.
Thursday 12 January – Make and create at Bracken Ridge Library | Bracken Ridge
Drop in and enjoy free school holiday craft activities. Ideal for children aged 4-8 years from 10.30am – 12pm.
Friday 13 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.
Saturday 14 January – Spend the day at South Bank | South 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.
Sunday 15 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.
Sunday 15 January – Old Petrie Town | Petrie
Visit this charming restored historic village spread across 48 acres of parklands with heritage buildings. Every Sunday, markets are held from 7am – 1pm. Take a picnic, and although it’s not free, you could spend a few dollars to give your kids access to the jumping castle for as long as they have the energy!
Monday 16 January – Wander along Shorncliffe Pier
Stretching 350m out into Bramble Bay, Shorncliffe Pier is an iconic sight. It makes a great spot for a family photo shoot – just bring your mobile phone and get snapping!
Tuesday 17 January – Go on a Brisbane Greeters tour
Let a local show you around so you can see the city through someone else’s eyes. Tours are free and kids are welcome.
Wednesday 18 January – Ride the City Loop bus
Did you know there are three free City Loop buses? Look out for the red buses for a free ride from QUT to Eagle Street every 10 minutes from Monday to Friday. Jump on the 40 (clockwise) or 50 (anti-clockwise) routes from the red bus stops.
Thursday 19 January – Lord Mayor’s Children’s Programme – Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes | Brisbane
Think you know the stories of the Three Pigs, Cinders, Little Red, Snow White, Jack, or Goldilocks? Think again! shake & stir co’s nationally acclaimed adaption of Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes is the perfect summer holiday entertainment for the whole family. Frighteningly funny and seriously silly, Revolting Rhymes takes the world’s best-loved fairy tales and rearranges them with hilarious twists. Performance runs 11am – 12 and a second performance from 1pm – 2pm. Bookings are essential and can be made here
Friday 20 January – Enjoy a picnic at New Farm Park
Locals love New Farm Park – and it’s not hard to see why. One of the city’s most popular parks, grab the chance to sit on the grass by the river and watch the CityCats and other boats cruise up and down while embracing a riverside breeze, or drop a picnic rug under a tree in the main oval area and kick a football or throw a frisbee with friends. The playground is fabulous – read our review here.
Saturday 21 January – Check out the city 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.
Sunday 22 January – Back to School Baking
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 17 September – Makerspace | Everton Park
Drop into the library to enjoy free children’s craft activities every day of the school holidays. Ideal for children aged 4-11 years.
Sunday 18 September – Garden with your kids at home
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.
Monday 19 September – Inclusive Green Thumbs and Crafts | Chermside West
Learn how to get dirty by growing plants in your gardens, and how to look after them. Activity includes take-home projects including plants to grow in your gardens. This is a chillout event suitable for people aged 10-17 years.
Tuesday 20 September – Wheely Fun | New Farm
Riding’s more fun on two wheels – in just one session our friendly trainer will help your young one make the transition from training wheels to two wheels, and provide some tips for how you can keep encouraging them.
Wednesday 21 September – Learn to Skateboard | Ashgrove
Gain confidence, get comfortable with your balance and learn a whole new set of skateboarding skills with excellent coaching. Bring your family members and friends and we’ll help you get up and skate on your own. This is a Chillout event suitable for young people up to 17 years old.
Thursday 22 September – Beginner Junior Mountain Biking | Mount Coot-Tha
For riders that can ride but want to improve skills for off-road. Session is held on grass only. Suitable for 6 – 15 years.
Friday 23 September – Rescue and Re-Make it! Recyclables workshop | Chermside West
Children will learn how to make a difference to the natural environment through re-using and upcycling materials to make a bean sprout farm, a seedling pot or a wicking pot. All children must be accompanied by an adult carer.
Saturday 24 September – Creative Superstars | The Gap
Engage in drama, art and team building games and activities that are fun, inspiring and interactive. Everyone will get to know one another better, build trust, and learn about each other’s strengths. This experience will give you the wonderful opportunity to learn strategies to build your resilience and find out how to show more care and consideration for others.
This is a Chillout event suitable for young people 10-17 years.
Sunday 25 September – 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 26 September – Memory Boxes | Redcliffe
Take a stroll down memory lane with Memory Boxes. Each box has objects thematically curated to various rooms of the home, and include delightful items from past eras ranging from a gas lamp to playing cards to pudding bowls. Enjoy a rummage and uncover items from the past.
Tuesday 27 September – Agents of Discovery | Virtual
Get involved with Agents of Discovery, a free educational mobile gaming app designed to get kids active and engaged with the world around us. Join Agent Bill the Platypus on the Mission Trails as you develop a newfound love for the outdoors and all things environment.
Wednesday 28 September – Spring baking | At home
Have fun with some spring baking with the kids. Check out this recipe for gluten-free self saucing lemon pudding.
Thursday 29 September – Get outdoors with a family bushwalk
Still looking for more FREE school holiday activities Brisbane southside? 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 30 September – Great Southern Bioblitz | Virtual
The council is excited to participate in the Great Southern Bioblitz for 2022. Citizen scientists all around the southern hemisphere come together to partake in this fun opportunity to record our special and unique biodiversity. Get your kids involved and learn how to use the app.
Saturday 1 October – Settlement Cover Lagoon | Redcliffe
Enjoy a lazy day by the lagoon, stroll along the beach front and pack a picnic.
Sunday 2 October – Fish Wise | Nudgee
You will have a ball learning the basics of fishing from the award winning team at 2 Bent Rods. Learn to tie a fishing knot, gather bait, cast a rod and hopefully land a fish. All equipment and bait is supplied. This free event is is a GOLD’n’Kids event suitable for seniors and children 4 years and over.
Monday 3 October – Scarborough Beach Park | Scarborough
Let your kids climb the trees and play on the wooden train at Scarborough Beach Park. There’s also a jumping pillow close by, and you can bring food to cook on the BBQ so you can stay all day to celebrate the end of the holidays.
Saturday 25 June – Create It! | Redcliffe
Drop in to Redcliffe Library and get creative these holidays! With a range of different activities suitable for school-aged children, you’re sure to find something that sparks your imagination. Ages 6-11 and their families. Free. No bookings required.
Sunday 26 June – Magic Mayhem | Redcliffe
Drop in to Redcliffe Library for Harry Potter-inspired games, and magical craft. Fun for the whole family. This is one event in the July celebrations of The-Boy-Who-Lived, to mark the 25th anniversary of the release of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. All ages. Free. No bookings required.
Monday 27 June – Caboolture Festival, Wildlife Unleashed | Caboolture
Meet snakes, lizards and birds with the Wildlife Unleashed team as part of Caboolture Festival! Learn about these amazing creatures and get the chance to hold them. All ages. Free. Bookings required for kids/teens only. Bookings are required for this event.
Tuesday 28 June – Scribbly gum secrets | Kumbartcho Sanctuary
Discover the magic hidden in gum trees with author Dannika Patterson and her delightful book, Scribbly Gum Secrets. Plus, create your own piece of sustainable art. Ages 4-10. Free. Bookings required for kids only. NB: They may head out into the park beside the library so please bring a hat.
Wednesday 29 June – Winter baking | At home
Snuggle up at home and do some winter baking with the kids. Check out this recipe for gluten-free self saucing lemon pudding.
Thursday 30 June – The Dark Room | Redcliffe
Welcome to The Dark Room – a space to play with light, shadows and storytelling! Discover the development of the camera and the ways artists use photography to tell a story. Did you know the word photography is from the Greek words phōtós and graphé, which means drawing with light?
Early photographs were captured using light sensitive photographic film and paper. These photos were printed in rooms called darkrooms, because they needed to be almost completely dark to make the images emerge. Visit The Dark Room at Redcliffe Art Gallery to create your own inspired patterns, shapes and stories. Drop-in sessions, no bookings required. Find out more.
Friday 1 July – Smartphone eco photography | Kalinga Park
Bring along a smartphone 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. This is a Chillout event suitable for young people 10-17 years. Booking is essential.
Saturday 2 July – Familiar Monsters | Pine Rivers
What is it about monsters that evoke fear? We all have our own monsters that lurk and skulk in our company. Mark du Potiers’ solo exhibition at Pine Rivers Art Gallery interrogates these monsters we encounter in our everyday lives. In the spirit of using art as medicine, du Potiers invites you to a special kind of wild rumpus at the gallery. Over two cycles of the full moon, costume, sculpture, installation, dance, music, activity and more will help cast the demons away. Collaboration, connection, community, and conversation can aid in shining a different kind of light in places that need it most: you and me. Exhibition developed by Moreton Bay Regional Council.
Sunday 3 July – 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. Museum of Brisbane.
Monday 4 July – Flying Origami | Milton
Learn new and innovative folding techniques to make your planes soar through the park higher and faster than ever before. Get active in a hands-on competition of your flying prowess. This is a Chillout event suitable for young people 10-17 years and it takes place at Frew Park, Milton. Booking is essential.
Tuesday 5 July – Hop on a City Hopper 2022
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!
Wednesday 6 July – Garden with your kids at home
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 7 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.
Friday 8 July – Library Laboratory | Chermside
Calling all budding young scientists! Join library staff for some fun and entertaining science experiments at the library lab. Ideal for children aged 6-12 years. Booking required.
Saturday 9 July – Visit GOMA | South Brisbane
GOMA (Gallery of Modern Art) or as it’s now officially known QAGOMA in Brisbane’s beautiful South Bank precinct is the perfect destination for families with children of all ages. There is so much to explore and there is always new exhibitions happening. Some exhibitions may cost money.
Immerse the family in creativity at the Children’s Art Centre or, for older kids, view the best in international film and video at the Australian Cinematheque. Check out our article on GOMA for kids.
Sunday 10 July – Visit Mt Coot-tha
Mt Coot-tha is a great place to relax with the family. There are a variety of FREE school holiday activities to do there! Take a picnic and take in the views of the city. Explore the Botanical Gardens and Tropical Dome. Choose one of the many trails and hike up Mt Coot-tha. You could also visit the planetarium (this involves costs).
FREE school holiday activities Brisbane Northside – Easter
Saturday 2 April – APT10 Kids | South Brisbane
Check out this amazing exhibit before it closes! Featuring seven projects by artists from across the Asia Pacific region, APT10 Kids celebrates inclusion and diversity, and the importance of collaboration and community. At this FREE exhibition, families can engage with these themes through hands-on making and multimedia activities, artwork displays and large-scale installations. APT10 Kids projects are located across both the Queensland Art Gallery (QAG) and the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) buildings.
Sunday 3 April – Head to Bongaree Beach | Bribie Island
Celebrate Australia Day at the beach! With crystal clear water, fine white sand and no waves to speak of, Bongaree Beach on Bribie Island is the perfect day trip from Brisbane. Families with kids of all ages enjoy the beach and surrounding parklands. If you are lucky, you may even spot a dolphin or a dugong!
Monday 4 April – The Great & Grand Rumpus | South Brisbane
The Great and Grand Rumpus is a great exhibition held by the State Library of Queensland and runs from 11 Dec 2021- 18 April 2022. It is a sculptural, digital, and immersive installation and it is bound to entertain the whole family. You can register to attend a curator tour, family tour or a make and design tour. Families can also get involved in making workshops where kids can get hands on make their own creations. PLEASE NOTE: SOME EVENTS IN THIS EXHIBITION ARE NOT FREE.
Tuesday 5 April – Flying Wildlife Show | Woodford
This is the perfect FREE activity for those animal loving kids! During the show kids will discover amazing facts as you meet a range of Australian animals from owls and cockatoos to gliding possums with the Geckoes Wildlife team. This is for A=ages 5-11. It is FREE, however bookings are essential. Find out more here.
Wednesday 6 April – In Transit at the Museum of Brisbane | Brisbane
Enjoy a colourful and fun day out with the family. In Transit will transform Museum of Brisbane’s (MoB) entry into a colourful celebration of cultural diversity and creativity. Celebrating the limitless potential to transform and adapt, this exciting new body of work by Filipino-Australian artist Rhanjell Villanueva will create a captivating entrance to the Museum, combining queer-coded digital imagery and video in an immersive installation.
Thursday 7 April – Fruit Salad, Tales of a Convent Cat | Brisbane
Discover one of Brisbane’s hidden cultural gems, Adderton: house & heart of mercy. There’s plenty of FREE activities to capture the imagination in the Mini Mercy children’s space. Armed with a free copy of the beautifully illustrated activity book, Fruit Salad, the adventurous tales of a Convent Cat, children can discover simple ways to make a positive difference in the world. Bookings required. Adderton House.
Friday 8 April – The Mill & Waterpark | Petrie
This waterpark and playground has been designed with kids and families in mind. There are playgrounds for older and younger children, plus an array of interactive water play equipment including spouts that kids can twirl around to squirt each other, an inground ‘river’ for toddlers to follow and a large tipping bucket for the bigger kids. Read our full review here.
Saturday 9 April – Fishing for beginners | Shorncliffe
Ever wanted to teach your tweens/teens to fish? The award winning team at 2 Bent Rods will show them. Your tween/teens will learn how & where to catch bait, tie fishing knots, bait hooks, cast a fishing rod and learn plenty of tips to make your next fishing trip more successful. All equipment and bait are supplied. Bookings essential. This is a Chillout event suitable for young people 10-17 years.
Sunday 10 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. Museum of Brisbane.
Monday 11 April – Meet a Knight | Caboolture
Have your kids love stories about knights in shining armour. Well now they can meet one in real life thanks to the Abbey Museum team and Caboolture Library. Kids will understand what was it like to be a knight in medieval times? Try on a knight’s armour for size and find out about jousting and a knight’s life with The Abbey Museum team. This is an ages 7+ event. It is FREE, however bookings are required.
Tuesday 12 April – Dylan Mooney: Blak Superheroes | Brisbane
This powerful exhibition is a must for your family. In his series Blak Superheroes displayed at the Museum of Brisbane, proud Yuwi, Torres Strait Islander and Australian-born South Sea Island man, Dylan Mooney depicts First Nations characters in a dynamic comic-book style. Incorporating a combination of drawing, printmaking and street art, Dylan’s work is inspired by history, culture and community. It tell stories of survival, pride and power. Find out more here.
Wednesday 13 April – Backyard Series: Worm Farm | Boondall
This activity is not only fun for the kids but will also be a great lesson to keep our planet clean. Join in on the fun and learn how to turn kitchen and garden waste into rich nutrients for your soil through a worm farm. Feed your plants and reduce the organic waste we send to landfill. Help and have fun at the same time! FREE but bookings are essential.
Thursday 14 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.
Friday 15 April – Redcliffe Festival of Sails | Redcliffe
This Good Friday, point the steering wheel towards Redcliffe and spend the day by the seaside at the very popular Redcliffe Festival of Sails. Easter Bunny, will make an appearance via water this year and kids will love the FREE Easter Egg Hunt. Plus, there will be a Kids Zone jam-packed with children’s entertainment, stalls and activities. The beach will come to life with LIVE sand sculpting displays, a giant egg and spoon race, beach sports and more! Journey through the Pop-up Ice-cream Fair, dedicated to everything sweet, creamy, and frozen, and set your tastebuds dancing at one of the many food trucks.
Saturday 16 April – Easter Baking at Home
Bunny Down a Hole Mini Carrot Cakes are the cutest thing we have seen this Easter. And here’s how to make them!
Sunday 17 April – Easter Sunday at The Sound Society | Brisbane
Pull up a rug in Brisbane’s biggest sub-tropical backyard, relax and listen to smooth, jazzy tunes at The Sound Society. To satisfy your lunchtime cravings, The Garden Room Café will be creating picnic hampers, specially curated for the event. Feel free to pack your own picnic should you not wish to pre-order from the Café. Roma Street Parklands. Find out more here.
Monday 18 April – Picnic at Lower Moora Park | Shorncliffe
Spend Easter Monday and the last day of the school holidays relaxing. Shorncliffe locals are so lucky to have this incredible playground right on their doorstep. It can be a little tricky to find this gem but trust us, it is worth the effort. Read our full review here!
WHY WE LOVE FREE SCHOOL HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES BRISBANE NORTHSIDE!
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 northside? Let us know in the comments.
Love the library events that are free during the holidays! Thanks for the reminder!
Hi there
when will the September school holiday list for teens be available
regards
Roberta
Don’t forget the free Caboolture Kids Health Check Day on 5 July!