FREE School Holiday Activities Brisbane Southside – Summer

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

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

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

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

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

Free school holiday activities Brisbane Southside

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

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

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

• School holiday activities in Logan
• School holiday activities in Ipswich
• Daisy Hill Koala Centre
• GOMA – Queensland Gallery of Modern Art
• Queensland Museum
• Roma Street Parkland
• Wynnum Mangrove Boardwalk
• Brisbane City rides (free on the weekend for kids)
• Ipswich Art Gallery
• 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

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

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

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

Free school holiday activities Brisbane Southside – Summer 2024

Saturday 14 December: Hour of Code: Mario’s secret adventure | Sunnybank Hills

Build your own interactive Mario-themed game while learning basic coding skills and game development principles. No prior programming experience is required. Ideal for children aged 7-12 years. Bookings are required.

• Time: 10am – 11am
• Location: Sunnybank Hills Library, Sunnybank Hills Shoppingtown, 661 Compton Road

Phone Sunnybank Hills Library on 07 3407 0571 to reserve your place. Click here for more information.

Sunday 15 December: The 11th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art | QAGOMA, South Brisbane

Seventy artists, collectives and projects from more than 30 countries will feature in the eleventh chapter of the flagship Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) exhibition series, the Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art.

Bringing compelling new art to Brisbane, the Triennial is a gateway to the rapidly evolving artistic expression of Australia, Asia and the Pacific. Alongside artists and makers whose work has not been previously seen in Australia are a raft of new co-curated projects investigating artforms and cultural contexts rarely encountered outside their home localities.

• Time: Saturday 30 November – Sunday 27 April 2025
• Location: Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art, Stanley Place, South Brisbane

No bookings required. Find out more information here.

Monday 16 December: Freestyle scooter clinic | Acacia Ridge

Learn new skills on your scooter that will help you ride skate parks safely and have more fun! This is a Chillout event suitable for young people 4-17 years.

• Time: 11am – 12pm
• Location: Meet at the carpark off Achievement Crescent (look for the Active and Healthy sign)

No bookings required. Click here for more information.

Tuesday 17 December: Water Stories Art Experience | Karawatha

Come join us for a unique event at the Karawatha Forest Discovery Centre. Have a yarn and learn traditional First Nations customs and painting techniques with Our Yarn (Ngalin Ayeye) at the Urban Utilities Visual Art Water Stories Experience. This is an interactive and engaging painting workshop for children, led by Our Yarn, that raises awareness about the urban water cycle and its deep connection to First Nations culture, histories and stories.

• Time: 11am – 12pm
• Location: Karawatha Forest Park and Discovery Centre, 149 Acacia Road, Karawatha

Bookings required. Click here for more information.

Wednesday 18 December: Intro to squash | Upper Mount Gravatt

Learn the skills as a new squash player so you can confidently enter a court and give it a go.

• Time: 10am – 12pm
• Location: Mt Gravatt PCYC, 90 Klumpp Road, Upper Mount Gravatt

Bookings essential. To book, email Mt Gravatt PCYC or phone 0408 753 784. More details here.

Thursday 19 December: Christmas scavenger hunt | Sunnybank Hills

Join us for a Christmas-themed scavenger hunt. Ideal for all ages and abilities.

• Time: 10am – 11am
• Location: Sunnybank Hills Library, Sunnybank Hills Shoppingtown, 661 Compton Road

Phone Sunnybank Hills Library on 07 3407 0571 to reserve your place. More details here.

Friday 20 December: A Whimsical, Wonderful Christmas Show | Brisbane City

Sleigh into Queen Street Mall for a magical journey as they unwarp the joy of the holiday season with an enchanting Christmas feature show, ‘A Whimsical, Wonderful Christmas’. This is a free family event.

• Time: 5pm – 7.30pm
• Location: Main Stage outside Uptown

Find more information here.

Saturday 21 December: Nature Journalling | Karawatha

Discover the joys of connecting with nature through the calming, creative practice of nature journaling. Environment Centre staff will guide you through some fun and simple exercises in this introductory session to learn the basics.

Nature journaling is the practice of recording your interactions with nature on paper. All materials are provided, but it is recommended you bring your own basic sketch/art book so you can keep your creations in one place. Limited seating available. Ages 7-12 years.

• Time: 10.30am – 12.30pm (arrive 10 mins earlier to check in with staff at the environment centre)
• Location: Karawatha Forest Park and Discovery Centre, 149 Acacia Road, Karawatha

Bookings are required. Find out more here.

Sunday 22 December: Kickboxing | Kuraby

Bring a friend and enjoy learning the basics of kickboxing! This is a Chillout event suitable for young people 5-17 years.

• Time: 2pm – 2.45pm
• Location: Svoboda Park, 1490 Beenleigh Road, Kuraby

Bookings essential. To book, email KMA Brisbane or text 0410 645 552. More details here.

Monday 23 December: Kickboxing | Kuraby

Enjoy learning the basics of kickboxing, bring a friend! This is a Chillout event suitable for young people 5-17 years.

• Time: 2pm – 2.45pm
• Location: Svoboda Park, 1490 Beenleigh Road, Kuraby

Bookings essential. Find out more information here.

Tuesday 24 December: Christmas in the Library | Inala

Celebrate the festive season with a Christmas story, carols and some jolly craft. Ideal for all ages.

• Time: 10am – 11am
• Location: Inala Library, Inala Civic Centre, Corsair Avenue, Inala

Bookings not required. More details here.

Wednesday 25 December: Lone Pine Sanctuary

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, located in beautiful Fig Tree Pocket, Brisbane is the ideal place for a thoughtful, enjoyable and educational family outing. The Lone Pine Zoo has been a Brisbane institution since 1927 and is open 7 days a week from 9am to 5pm. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, located in beautiful Fig Tree Pocket, Brisbane is the ideal place for a thoughtful, enjoyable and educational family outing. The Lone Pine Zoo has been a Brisbane institution since 1927 and is open 7 days a week from 9am to 5pm.

Thursday 26 December: Take a hike at Karawatha Forest Park | Karawatha

Karawatha Forest Park is 18 kilometres south of Brisbane’s CBD and is one of Brisbane City Council’s largest bushland reserves. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching, bushwalking, off-road cycling tracks and using the picnic and barbecue facilities. You can also visit the Karawatha Forest Discovery Centre and nature playground. Find out more information here.

Friday 27 December: King Island Walk | Wellington Point

The kids are sure to have a blast on the easy 2km return ‘walk on water’ at low tide from Wellington Point to the uninhabited King Island. Please be wary of the time and make sure to return before the tide comes in! Perhaps you might even be able to spot some crabs scuttling home. Check out more details here.

Saturday 28 December: Scavenger hunt | State Library of Queensland

Are you a keen explorer? Are you a master of puzzles? Do you love a challenge? Yes? Then get excited and jump into the State Library of Queensland’s scavenger hunt. This interactive onsite experience gets you collecting clues and completing challenges to uncover top secret library spaces, discover cool activities and explore the history and culture of the great sunny state.   

• Time: 10am – 3pm
• Location: Pop into the welcome desk on level 1 to start your adventure

More details can be found here.

Sunday 29 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 here in your backyard.

Monday 30 December: Portrait play | State Library of Queensland

Drop into kuril dhagun and experience the vibrant world of Deaf in dance, an exhibition that celebrates the people and passion behind the Deaf Indigenous Dance Group (DIDG). Feel the beat as you explore dancer portraits adorned with words and drawings by the artists themselves, alongside digital stories and a focus on accessible design. 

Then create your own portrait masterpiece to contribute to our giant mural. Use a mixture of stickers, pens, paper and collage to unleash your creativity and celebrate the power of community and identity. 

• Time: 10am – 2pm
• Location: kuril dhagun, State Library of Queensland

Click here for more information.

Tuesday 31 December: Make it, change it, save it | State Library of Queensland

Drop in any day of the school holidays to Make it, save it, change it presented by State Library of Queensland and developed in collaboration with Reverse Garbage Queensland for a loose parts experience like no other. Construct robots, build cool creations and create your own playful worlds using repurposed objects of all kinds. Explore the sensory loose-parts playground and join in the fun with daily story play sessions at 10 am. 

Once in The Corner, look up and uncover the upcycled dragon swooping overhead! With the help of friends at Reverse Garbage Queensland, they’ve transformed ordinary materials into an extraordinary creature—proving that one person’s trash can truly be a dragon’s treasure! 

• Time: 10am – 12.30pm
• Locaiton: The Corner, State Library of Queensland

Find more information here.

Wednesday 1 January: Visit Tamborine Mountain Botanic Gardens | Tamborine Mountain

The Tamborine Mountain Botanic Gardens is one of the very few botanic gardens in Australia administered entirely by volunteers. Take in the sights and appreciate the vast display of flora and fauna there. The Tamborine Mountain Botanic Gardens are open to the public every day of the year from dawn until dusk.

• Time: Open from dawn until dusk
• Location: 25 Forysthia Drive (off Long Road), Tamborine Mountain QLD 4272

Find out more information here.

Thursday 2 January: Make and create for kids | Carindale

Drop into the library to get creative with free art and craft activities. Ideal for children aged 4-12 years and their carers.

• Time: 1pm – 2pm
• Location: Carindale Library, Westfield Carindale, 1151 Creek Road (near Millennium Boulevard), Carindale

Bookings not required. Find out more details here.

Friday 3 January: Champs versus challengers | Carindale

Calling all gamers! Show off your gaming skills and challenge the librarians on Carindale Library’s new Nintendo Switch consoles. Can you beat the librarian? Enter the tournament to find out! Ideal for children aged 7-11 years.

• Time: 2pm – 3.30pm
• Location: Carindale Library, Westfield Carindale, 1151 Creek Road, Carindale

Bookings required. Phone Carindale Library on 07 3407 1490 to reserve your place. More details here.

Saturday 4 January: Movies in the Park | Manly

Bring a folding chair, rug or cushion and settle in for a great evening’s entertainment. Pack a picnic or grab takeaway from one of the many nearby Manly Harbour Village restaurants and outlets. Geet in early to grab your spot and let the kids have a dance – music will be played from 4pm on event days. The movie will commence on sunset.

• Time: 4pm – 9pm
• Location: Little Bayside Park, The Esplanade, Manly

For more information, click here.

Sunday 5 January: Wynnum Whale Park

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

Monday 6 January: Kids book chat: World of Minecraft | Inala

Calling all Minecrafters! Join us these school holidays for some fun activities as we celebrate the amazing world of Minecraft and the popular Diary of a Minecraft Zombie books! Ideal for children aged 7 years and older.

• Time: 2pm – 3pm
• Location: Inala Library, Inala Civic Centre, Corsair Avenue, Inala

Bookings required. Phone Inala Library on 07 3403 2205 to reserve your place. Find more information here.

Tuesday 7 January: Fun basketball skills and games at a basketball court | Balmoral

Skill development and fun games with fundamental basketball drills and 3×3 action. This is a Chillout event suitable for young people 5-12 years. Children under 12 must have a supervising adult present.

• Time: 3.30pm – 4.15pm, 4.15pm – 5pm
• Location: Quinn’s Street Park, 216 Thynne Road, Balmoral

Bookings essential. To book, visit Made Concepts. For more information, phone 0434 433 078. Click here for more information.

Wednesday 8 January: Ozobot treasure hunt | Greenslopes

During this workshop, participants will work in pairs to create a simple program for an Ozobot miniature robot to navigate a maze and get to the treasure. Ideal for children aged 8-12 years.

• Time: 11am – 12pm
• Location: Stones Corner Library, 280 Logan Road, Greenslopes

Bookings required. Phone Stones Corner Library on 07 3403 2170 to reserve your place. Find more details here.

Thursday 9 January: Slow mindful yoga for tweens and teens | Camp Hill

Reduce your stress and anxiety and discover your true self. Yoga is so much more than just an exercise but rather a union of mind, body and spirit. Learn key tools that can help you on a daily basis. This is a Chillout event suitable for young people 10-17 years. Bring an exercise mat.

• Time: 2pm – 3pm
• Location: Whites Hill Reserve, 205 Jones Road, Camp Hill

Bookings essential. To book, email Nicole Dooley. Click here for more information.

Friday 10 January: Brick builders club | Bulimba

Join us for an afternoon of fun challenges as you build your own colourful constructions. Ideal for children aged 5-12 years.

• Time: 10.30 am – 12pm
• Location: Bulimba Library, 219 Oxford Street, Bulimba

Bookings required. Phone Bulimba Library on 07 3407 8223 to reserve your place. Find more details here.

Saturday 11 January: Daisy Hill Koala Centre | Daisy Hill

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

Sunday 12 January: Albert River Park | Eagleby

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

Monday 13 January: Freestyle scooter clinic | Coorparoo

Learn new skills on your scooter that will help you ride skate parks safely and have more fun! This is a Chillout event suitable for young people aged 4-17 years.

• Time: 11am – 12pm
• Location: The Common Park, 88a Cambridge Street, Coorparoo (meet at the skate park)

No bookings required. For more information, phone 0421 701 448 or click here.

Tuesday 14 January: Obstacle training | Calamvale

Challenge your whole body with this introduction to obstacle course racing. Learn some new skills and techniques that will help you run and overcome obstacles. Great for building strength and fitness. This is a Chillout event suitable for young people aged 12-17 years.

• Time: 9.30am – 11.30am
• Location: Doulton Street Park, 154 Illaweena Street, Calamvale

Bookings essential. To book, click here. Find more details here.

Wednesday 15 January: Fun basketball skills and games at a basketball court | Acacia Ridge

Skill development and fun games with fundamental basketball drills and 3×3 action. This is a Chillout event suitable for young people 12-17 years.

• Time: 4.15pm – 5pm
• Location: YMCA Acacia Ridge Youth Centre (The Ridge), 10B Mannington Road, Acacia Ridge (meet at the basketball half court)

Bookings essential. To book, visit Made Concepts. More details here.

Thursday 16 January: Ninja warrior | Carina

Calling all Ninja Warriors! This activity program will have you moving like a Ninja in no time. Using mostly body strength, we have some fun training activities and games to test your Ninja skills and challenge your strength. Improving your agility, grip strength and upper body power to move like a Ninja. This fun program will have you jumping, hanging and lifting your own body weight to get through your session. Suitable for all fitness levels. This is a Chillout event suitable for young people 6-17 years.

• Time: 9am – 11am
• Location: Preston Road Park, 276 Meadowlands Road, Carina

Bookings essential. To book, click here.

Friday 17 January: Junior run squad | Hawthorne

Come and try running with fully accredited coaches. Learn techniques that will help you run stronger and smarter. These sessions focus on technique, speed, endurance and fun. All levels welcome. This is a Chillout event suitable for young people 8-17 years.

• Time: 10am – 11am (please arrive 15 minutes prior to the session)
• Location: Hawthorne Park, 140 Riding Road, Hawthorne

No bookings required. Click here for more information.

Saturday 18 January: Learn to skate workshop

Free skateboarding lessons for young people of all skill levels. This is a Chillout event suitable for young people aged 6 to 17 years old.

• Time: 9am – 10.30am
• Location: Wally Tate Park, 95 Warrigal Road, Runcorn (meet at Kuraby skate park)

Bookings not required. Find more information here.

Sunday 19 January: City Clock Tower | Brisbane City

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. 

Monday 20 January: Freestyle scooter clinic

Learn new skills on your Scooter that will help you ride skate parks safely and have more fun! This is a Chillout event suitable for young people 4-17 years.

• Time: 3pm – 4pm
• Location: Hibiscus Skate Park, 90 Klumpp Road, Upper Mt Gravatt

No bookings required. More information here.

Tuesday 21 January: Summer reading: Go animating mad! | Holland Park

Toonworld invites you to the wonderful world of stop-motion animation. During this simple and exciting workshop you will learn tips on how to animate effectively. Each participant will get to construct their own cool clay characters that they can take home and make their own movies! Ideal for those aged 5-15 years.

• Time: 10am – 11am
• Location: Holland Park Library, 81 Seville Road, Holland Park

Bookings required. Phone Holland Park Library on 07 3403 7755 to reserve your place. Click here for more information.

Wednesday 22 January: Make and create: Friendship bracelets | Sunnybank Hills

Come along and create a friendship bracelet! Ideal for 8-12 year olds.

• Time: 10am – 11am
• Location: Sunnybank Hills Library, Sunnybank Hills Shoppingtown, 661 Compton Road, Sunnybank Hills

Bookings required. Phone Sunnybank Hills Library on 07 3407 0571 to reserve your place. Find more details here.

Thursday 23 January: All Together Now: A Celebration of Cultural Diversity | Upper Mt Gravatt

Hosted by Melek and Zac, stars of the Australian children’s book series Hijabi Girl, this musical puppet show features a fun, colourful, diverse cast of Muppet-style puppet characters performing skits, jokes, catchy original songs and live interaction with the audience. Ideal for children aged 5-9 years and their families.

• Time: 11am – 12pm
• Location: Garden City Library, Garden City Shopping Centre, Corner Logan and Kessels Road, Upper Mt Gravatt

Bookings required. Phone Garden City Library on 07 3403 7745 to reserve your place. Click here for more details.

Friday 24 January: Meet rugged robot | Stones Corner

Meet Rugged Robot, our amazing all-terrain buggy! Enjoy this interactive event where you can program a Rugged Robot to navigate fun challenges and obstacles. No prior programming experience required. Ideal for children aged 3-8 years.

• Time: 2pm – 3pm
• Location: Stones Corner Library, 280 Logan Road, Greenslopes

Bookings required. Phone Stones Corner Library on 07 3403 2170 to reserve your place. Find more information here.

Saturday 25 January: 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 26 January: Go fishing!

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

Monday 27 January: Get outdoors with a family bushwalk

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

Past school holiday activities

Saturday 14 September: Brick Builders Club | Carindale

Visit Carindale Library for Brick Builders Club, a morning of fun challenges as you build your own colourful constructions! Ideal for children aged 5-12 years. Bookings required. Phone Carindale Library on 07 3407 1490 to reserve your place.

• Time: 10am – 11:30am
• Location: Carindale Library, Westfield Carindale, 1151 Creek Road

Monday 16 September: Kids Book Chat Pokémon | Inala

Are you a Pokéfan? Visit Inala Library these school holidays for some fun activities to celebrate the amazing world of Pokémon! Ideal for children aged 7 years and older. Bookings required. Phone Inala Library on 07 3403 2205 to reserve your place.

• Time: 2pm – 3pm
• Location: Inala Library, Inala Civic Centre, Corsair Avenue

Click here for more information.

Tuesday 17 September: Meccano Construction for Families | Sunnybank Hills

Do you have a construction whiz in your family? Bring your children or grandchildren along for a memorable hands-on family STEAM session. Using traditional STEAM skills, build a working model using metal strips, plates, girders, and wheels that are connected together with nuts and bolts. Ideal for children aged 10 and older. Bookings required. Phone Sunnybank Hills Library on 07 3407 0571 to reserve your place.

• Time: 1:30pm – 3:30pm
• Location: Sunnybank Hills Library

Find out more here.

Wednesday 18 September: Make and create | Mt Gravatt

Drop into the library to get creative with free art and craft activities. Ideal for children aged 4-12 years and their carers. Bookings required. Phone Mount Gravatt Library on 07 3403 7775 to reserve your place.

• Time: 2pm – 3pm
• Location: Mount Gravatt Library

Click here for more information.

Thursday 19 September: Fun basketball skills | Eight Mile Plains

Bookings essential. Skill development and fun games with fundamental basketball drills and 3×3 action.

This is a Chillout event suitable for young people 5-12 years. Children under 12 must have a supervising adult present. Bring your own basketball.

• Time: 3:30pm – 4:15pm
• Location: Meet at Dimitri’s Public Basketball half court near Goorari Street

Book here now.

Friday 20 September: Craft Craze | Redland Libraries

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

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

No bookings required – just drop in!

Saturday 21 September: Learn to skate workshop | Coorparoo

Free skateboarding lessons for people of all skill levels. This is a Chillout event suitable for young people 6 to 17 years old.

Bookings essential. To book, email SEQ Skateboard Coaching. For more information, phone Kale on 0411 784 612.

• Time: 9am – 10:30am
• Location: The Common Park, 88a Cambridge Street, Coorparoo

Click here for more information.

Tuesday 24 September: Nature Journalling | Karawatha

Discover the joys of connecting with nature through the calming, creative practice of nature journaling. Environment Centre staff will guide you through some fun and simple exercises in this introductory session to learn the basics. Nature journaling is the practice of recording your interactions with nature on paper. You can use sketches, paintings, poetry, species lists, numbers, graphs, cartoons and more. It’s a fun, easy, relaxing practice and encourages mindfulness, hones observation skills, and cultivates a sense of wonder.

All materials provided, but it is recommended you bring your own basic sketch/art book so you can keep your creations in one place. Suitable for ages 12 years and older.

• Time: 10am – 12pm
• Location: Karawatha Forest Park and Discovery Centre, 149 Acacia Road, Karawatha

Bookings required.

Wednesday 25 September: BMX skills sessions | Macgregor

Open BMX skills session. Suitable for all ability levels, this session will build your confidence and provide tips and tricks on how to ride safely and have fun at your BMX park.

Must bring a safe and suitable bike (BMX or mountain bike), helmet and closed in footwear.

Presented as part of Council’s Cycling Brisbane program.

• Time: 10am – 11am
• Location: DM Henderson Park, 114 Granadilla Street, Macgregor

Bookings essential.

Thursday 26 September: Storytime and craft | Carindale

Join local author Dannika Patterson as she invites children to play with perspective – both literally and figuratively! Enjoy a reading of Dannika’s brand-new picture book Zoom, about a child who gains a fresh perspective as he learns to ‘zoom out’ from the details of his tough day at school and see a bigger picture. Join in the fun by discovering some old-fashioned cameras before taking part in a themed craft activity. Ideal for children aged 4-10 years. Bookings required. Phone Carindale Library on 07 3407 1490 to reserve your place.

• Time: 10am – 11am
• Location: Carindale Library, Westfield Carindale, 1151 Creek Road

Click here for more information.

Friday 27 September: How to draw every animal on the planet with Cartoon Dave | Inala

Cartoon Dave is back in Australia to deliver some fun and interactive cartoon workshops to the kids of Brisbane. Dave’s NO-RULES approach to cartooning and fully interactive sessions will cover a wide range of topics across Brisbane. Ideal for children aged 7-12 years.

• Time: 10am – 11am
• Location: Inala Library, Inala Civic Centre, Corsair Avenue

More information here.

Winter Night at the State Library of Queensland

Join SLQ in staying up after dark for Winter night – a special nocturnal program with illuminated inflatable animals, games, light projection, music and more. Bring a picnic rug to enjoy the sunset from Maiwar Green or pick up some delicious wood-fired pizza available from 4pm. 

Lord Mayor’s Children Program, Brisbane City

The Brisbane City Council is once again running the Lord Mayor’s Children’s Program this winter to give local families the opportunity to attend a professionally presented show suitable for kids and their families in the city. This July, the Lord Mayor’s Children’s Program will present 2 shows where you can see a production called ‘The Singing Chefs and the Tub-thumping Orchestra.’

Friday 29 March | Easter baking

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

Saturday 30 March | Easter Big Bash, Bulimba

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

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

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

Tuesday 2 April | Visit your local library

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Find out more here: Proudfoot and Friends

Friday 5 April | Craft Craze, Redlands libraries

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

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

No bookings required – just drop in!

Saturday 6 April | ImagiNation Children’s Festival, Kingston

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

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

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

In Tim Burton’s live-action reimagination of Lewis Carroll’s story, Alice (Mia Wasikowska) is no longer a child, but a headstrong nineteen-year-old struggling with the expectations associated with her coming-of-age. Escaping her engagement party by following a rabbit to ‘Underland’, Alice encounters the feverish realm of her childhood dreams inhabited by extraordinary characters like The Mad Hatter (Johnny Depp), who introduces her to a resistance movement working to overthrow the despotic Red Queen (Helena Bonham Carter). Showing in the GOMA cinema at 10:45am.

Monday 8 April | Science Squad, Ipswich

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wednesday 10 April | Obstacle course in your backyard 

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

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

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

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

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

Saturday 13 April | Albert River Adventure Park

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

Saturday 9 December | The Castle of Tarragindi, QAGOMA

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

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

Sunday 10 December | Junior Curators Mysterious Realms

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wednesday 13 December | Visit your local library

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

Thursday 14 December | Go fishing!

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

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

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

Saturday 16 December | Albert River Adventure Park | Eagleby 

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

Sunday 17 December | Robelle Domain Parklands | Springfield

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

Monday 18 December | Christmas crafting

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 | State Library of Queensland, Brisbane

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

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

Saturday 30 December | Logan Gardens Waterpark | Logan Central 

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

Sunday 31 December | Wynnum Whale Park | Wynnum 

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

Monday 1 January | Obstacle course in your backyard

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

Tuesday 2 January | Climb the Clock Tower, Brisbane

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 | Lake Moogerah Day Trip, Lake Moogerah

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

Wednesday 10 January | Ipswich Children’s Library 

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

Thursday 11 January | Spend the day at South Bank

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

Friday 12 January | Karawatha Forest Discovery Centre, Karawatha

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

Saturday 13 January | Go on a Brisbane Greeters tour 2023 

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

Sunday 14 January | Ipswich Nature Centre | Ipswich 2023

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

Monday 15 January | Springbrook Day Trip | Springbrook 2023

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

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

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 | Thornlands Community Park 

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

Sunday 21 January | Insect Agency, Qld Museum

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

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

Saturday 16 September | Clay, Ipswich

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

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

Sunday 17 September | MOSAIC Multicultural Festival, Roma Street Parkland

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

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

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

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

Monday 18 September | V-Art Studio, Indooroopilly

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

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

Tuesday 19 September | State Library of Queensland, Brisbane

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. Find out more

Thursday 21 September | Spring Vibes, Ipswich

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

Activities include: Seedling Pot Making, Cupcake Liner Flower Craft, Windmill Making and Bubble Workshops. Find out all the details 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 | Sphero and the Enchanted Forest, Fairfield

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

Sunday 24 September | STEAM Sundays, Indooroopilly

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

Find out more here

Monday 25 September | Climb the Clock Tower, Brisbane

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

Tuesday 26 September | Visit your local library

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

Find out more here

Wednesday 27 September | Daisy Hill Koala Centre, Daisy Hill

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

Thursday 28 September | Day out at South Bank

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

Friday 29 September | Robelle Domain Parklands, Springfield

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

Saturday 30 September | Albert River Adventure Park, Eagleby 

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

Sunday 1 October | Obstacle course in your backyard 

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

Monday 2 October | Family bushwalk

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

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

Why we love free school holiday activities Brisbane southside!

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

Click here for more ideas for things to do in winter in Brisbane.

Looking for more free school holiday activities Brisbane southside?

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