School Holiday Activities in Brisbane for Winter!

Whether you are looking for Snow Festivals, strawberry picking, local events or a big day out these holidays, this article is a detailed guide with my personal suggestions and ideas for school holiday activities to do in Brisbane and surrounds over the winter break. I have booked my own children into many of these activities.

Are you looking winter fun school holiday activities Brisbane style? I have just updated this article and it gives you guys a detailed list of the all best things to do these June/July school holidays with kids in Brisbane. I love this list – it is my ‘go-to- when I am looking for something to do with my kids! We have a huge range of school holiday ideas as well as updated school holiday events at local theatres in this bumper guide.

This article is a Brisbane day trip guide that has a tonne of things to do in school holidays in Brisbane that is written by me, (a Brisbane local) for locals…. and visitors too!

Janine’s suggestions for upcoming winter school holidays:

• Lord Mayor’s Children’s Program (city) – free kids shows
• Museum of Brisbane (city) – free and paid kids activities and programs
• Circus Fun House (Hamilton) – with extra shows over the school holidays
• 2 Snow Festivals – one northside, one southside

Here are our local area holiday guides to use if you just want something super local to you. Or, if you are keep to stretch your wings these holidays, DO read this article to the bottom with a huge range of ideas!

Choose your school holiday ideas by local area:

Choose your school holiday events by activity:

• Local library events
• Brisbane shopping centre school holiday activities
• Kids movies OUT NOW – read our reviews
• Tween and teen school holiday activities
• School holiday ideas for animal lovers
• Holiday programs for childcare options

Ideas for stops on the train for a ‘half day out’

Perhaps you want to jump on a train to see a new stop with a playground and cafe or library. We took a tonne of train rides and wrote up what you can do at each stop.

• Caboolture Line
• Shorncliffe Line
• Ferny Grove Line
• City Stations
• Beenleigh Line
• Gold Coast Line

10 fun FREE school holidays activities!

Looking for cheap school holiday activities? These school holiday activities are FREE!! They are my favourite free, cool things to do in the school holidays.

Don’t miss our School Holidays Discount Codes and Coupons article with CHEAP things to do over the school holidays. Read all the ideas below first, then come back to this highlighted box to find discounted options. I personally update it the week before EVERY school holidays! 🙂

1. Lord Mayor’s Children’s Program: FREE kids shows | Brisbane CBD

Lord Mayor’s Children’s Program presents The Singing Chefs and the Tub-thumping Orchestra designed for children ages 5-12 years old.
 
Follow the action packed musical adventure as Mollie, played by Alessia Lily Monteverde, a 10-year-old who wants to be on kids’ Master Chef, Grandad Oski played by Roger Davy, who collects and keeps everything, and Chef Luigi, played by Michael Balk, a dynamo in the kitchen who all create their own fabulous Orchestra out of everyday objects in the kitchen!
Mollie and Chef Luigi are preparing a surprise 70th birthday celebration for Grandad Oski at their famous Italian restaurant. The guests arrive, scrumptious food is prepared and musicians are booked when disaster strikes. Mollie and her friends save the day with the invention of The Tub-thumping Orchestra.
 
Featuring all recycled materials and original music composed by Tsoof Baras and Rhonda Davidson-Irwin alongside percussion group Sound Struck featuring musicians Lachlan Hawkins, Thomas Sweeper and Zachary Brankovich. Go and join all the fabulous fun, with this loud, tub thumping, musical adventure. Read more and book here.

2. Museum of Brisbane & Clock Tower | Brisbane City

With a fun adventure available every single day of the week, there’s so much to see and do at Museum of Brisbane.

School holiday activities include:

1. Gather up your little art lovers and go on a special tour of their exhibition Rearranged: Art of the Flower. Tailored exclusively for young, curious minds.
2. Go chill in their Cosy Crochet Club every day where you’ll learn how to crochet your very own friendship bracelet inspired by Rearranged: Art of the Flower artist, Millie Radovic.
3. For crafty teens, learn from Millie (the artist herself!) how to create a beautiful crochet garland to take home in Teen Weavers.
4. Mix up colours and shapes to create your very own Botanical Wall Hanging to take home, inspired by Artist in Residence, Chantal Fraser.
5. Become a detective for the day with a fun game of Little Artist’s Eye Spy.
6. Take a ride up the famous Clock Tower and see the city sights.

Dates and session times vary so check individual activities for more details.

3. Botanic Gardens playground | CBD

4. Queensland Museum | South Brisbane

We are so lucky to have the Museum on our doorstep. It houses permanent and changing exhibitions. It is a great place to teach the children about Queensland’s history. There are lots of hands on exhibits. Most of the Museum is free, although the visiting exhibits usually have an entrance fee.

Families tip: There is a family friendly café on the premises which is great for a quick coffee or lunch. It is pram friendly and a place where you can set your own pace. Opening hours are 9.30am – 5pm daily. Click here.

5. Queensland Gallery of Modern Art | South Brisbane

QAGOMA is also located in the Cultural Precinct of South Bank. It houses over 16 000 works of Modern Art. Entry to the Children’s Art Centre is free. Here you will find interactive installations, artist projects and activities for your Brisbane Family. The projects and activities change throughout the year to keep your little ones interested. There are different dining options to suit you from a café to a restaurant. Or do what we do and pack a picnic and sit in the lovely grounds that surround the Gallery. They are open daily from 10am – 5pm. Read our GOMA Review to find out more or go straight to the current exhibit here!

6. Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens | Mt Coot-tha

These Botanic Gardens are a favourite for my family. We either pack a picnic and enjoy it amongst the gardens, or visit the café for coffee or lunch. Have you checked out the hide and seek children’s trail, where your children can hunt for native bees, a crocodile, water dragons, dragonflies and other critters? I recommend it! You can easily head up Mt Coot-tha when you are finished in the gardens and let your children see Brisbane from a different perspective.

Families tip: While you’re in the area, we highly recommend a visit to the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium.

7. South Bank | South Brisbane

Located on the banks of the Brisbane River, South Bank is 17 acres of lush parkland full of play areas for children, eateries and an amazing lagoon and water park area. And best of all, you can use it all for free! We find it easy to spend a whole day here in the warmer months, playing in the water and exploring the play areas. The views are fantastic and the atmosphere happy! There is always something happening at South Bank and their Riverside Green playground is nothing short of spectacular. It gets busy though so my advice is to go early!

8. Daisy Hill Koala Reserve | Daisy Hill

Do your children love koalas? If so, this is the place to take them and it is all FREE! This dedicated Koala education facility has large koala enclosures and lots of interactive displays. There are two level boardwalks from which you can view the koalas. It is a great place for a picnic and opportunities for bush walking and spotting other critters and creatures. Open daily 10am – 4pm.

9. Take a ride on the CityHopper

Cruise the Brisbane River literally free! We wrote about his last time we did it on a Sunday here. 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: Kids travel free on weekends but on other days, 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!

10. State Library of Queensland | South Brisbane

The State Library of Queensland is a great place to visit with kids. Split across multiple levels, there are activities available for all ages. I love the free workshops including craft, STEM, music and performance. You can find out more about visiting here.  

5 fun CHEAP school holiday activities

Fancy an affordable day out? Here’s five fun school holiday activities that your kids will LOVE for under a tenner per child! Cheap school holiday ideas for kids in Brisbane are some of the best things to do in Brisbane with kids! Here are 5 fun cheap school holiday activities to help you over the June/July holidays.

1. Brisbane Tramway Museum | Ferny Grove

You can step back in time in Brisbane and ride a tram at the Tramway Museum as many times as your Brisbane Family would like. Set in a bushland setting, you can explore restored trams and other reminders of Brisbane’s tramway era. There are plenty of spots for picnics and souvenirs and drinks available. It is open Sundays from 12.30 – 4pm. Find prices here.

2. Queensland Maritime Museum | South Brisbane

You can discover historic vessels of all shapes and sizes at the Maritime Museum. It is located on the banks of the Brisbane River at South Bank. The children will enjoy the big exhibits such as the warship Diamantina. Take a complimentary audio-guided tour to make the most of your visit. It is open 10am – 4pm Wednesday to Friday, 9.30am – 4.30pm weekends, closed Monday and Tuesday. 

3. Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium | Mt Coot-tha

If your little ones are interested in all things astronomical, then this is my pick for fun things to do in the school holidays with them. You can view regular shows in the Cosmic Skydome which are projected onto the dome. These shows are recommended for different age groups, so check that detail when deciding which show to go to. There is also the Galaxy Gift Shop where you can buy all things cosmic.

Opening hours:

• Tuesday to Thursday, 10am-4pm
• Friday, 10am-8pm
• Saturday and Sunday, 10am-6pm.

They often host fun holiday activities for kids! Read our Planetarium review and check the website for opening times as they do vary. Find prices here.

4. Ipswich Art Gallery | Ipswich

My kids love, love, love the Ipswich Art Gallery during the school holidays. Ipswich Art Gallery is Australia’s first permanent interactive children’s space designed for the under twelves. They are committed to delivering child-centred programs that you will not see anywhere else. They have different exhibitions that are VERY hands on for the children. This is not a place for the children to be directed by adults, it is a space for the children to really explore and self direct.

The exhibits for the children range from free to around the $5.00 mark. They are open daily from 10am – 5pm. And I know I said it before but this is one of our favourite kids’ activities for the school holidays. Watch our Ipswich Art Gallery video review here.

5. Bricks 4 Kidz |  Various locations

If you have a Lego lover in your house, then this is for them. They have school holiday activities and workshops for LEGO and coding! The school holiday workshops are designed for children aged 5-12 and are staffed by trained, screened Bricks 4 Kidz instructors. Find out more about Bricks 4 Kidz school holiday activities here.

Find other LEGO activities in Brisbane here.

10 BIG days out in Brisbane – winter school holidays

Right, it’s not just about the big-ticket theme parks. There are other great ways to treat your kids to an amazing school holiday excursion. Here are some school holiday ideas for an amazing family day out over the break – that aren’t just about the theme parks!

Here are our top 10 favourite school holidays activities for making special winter memories:

1. Victoria Park Golf Complex | Herston

Victoria Park is your one-stop destination for all things fun during the school holidays! With plenty of activities around the complex to keep the whole family entertained, it’s sure to be a great day out. Make your way around the challenging putt putt course, stop by the driving range and swing for the city, then head up to the Bistro to enjoy the alfresco dining areas and seasonal menu. Bookings essential. The fun doesn’t stop there though!

There’s a free on-site kids playground for all Bistro diners, plus there’s a free giant games areas on weekends with giant chess, giant jenga, badminton and more! To find out more about all the fun activities at Victoria Park.

Click here to learn more about Victoria Park school holiday activities

2. Circus Fun House | Hamilton

Join Ringmaster Francois and his talented international circus performers for an unforgettable adventure filled with music, comedy, dance, and jaw-dropping circus acts. Perfect for children of all ages, this reimagined circus experience promises to captivate and delight. They have 9 Circus Fun House shows over the QLD school holiday period.

School holiday show date:

• Saturday 22nd June
• Thursday 27th June
• Friday 28th June (2 Shows – Matinee & Evening)
• Saturday 29th June
• Thursday 4th July
• Friday 5th July (2 Shows – Matinee & Evening)
• Saturday 6th July

Don’t miss out on this magical school holiday experience – book now!

2. Head to one of the two Snow Festivals on this winter!

Snow 4 Kids at North Lakes

• 📅 Date: June 1 to July 28, 2024
• 🕒 Operating hours: 9am to 6pm (last session starting at 4.30pm)
• 📍 Location: Westfield North Lakes (outside car park next to Ikea)
• 🎫 Ticket Cost: $29 per person or $99 for a family of 4 pass.

Winter Wonderland at Victoria Point

Winter Wonderland is returning for another year, and will be a fire and ice spectacular.

• 📅 Date: Sunday 30 June
• 🕒 Operating hours: 3:00pm -8:00pm
• 📍 Location: Victoria Point Lakeside
• 🎫 Ticket Cost: TBC

There will be entertainment for the whole family with a fire show, market stalls, food trucks and fireworks at 7:30pm.

3. Dopamine Land | Brisbane City

Dopamine Land is a multisensory experience in Brisbane that combines media, technology and play in one place. It’s an interactive museum made up of colourful installations that channel the limitless imagination of your inner child into reality. Take a break from your everyday life, have some fun, take some photos and boost your happy emotions!

Grab all the details here.

4. Archie Brothers | Bowen Hills

We tried out the brand new Archie Brothers venue at Bowen Hills last week and hoooo boy we had fun!! Packed full of arcade games, virtual reality rides, bowling lanes as well as yummy food and drinks, this is a serious contender for our favourite thing to do these school holidays. If you want to see how we went on the rides and what the food looks like, check out our Facebook post here. We loved it!

5. Ice Skating at Iceworld | Acacia Ridge and Boondall

Ice skating in Brisbane – it’s like bobsledding in Jamaica! If you are looking for places to go ice skating Brisbane city, with all its sunshine, might seem a long way down your list of possible destinations. Amazingly Brisbane has TWO Olympic sized ice skating rinks: Iceworld Boondall and Iceworld Acacia Ridge! The venue has heaps of free parking available, a coffee shop, free skate hire and an Olympic-sized ice skating rink ensuring room for all. We went along to see what facilities and ice skating Boondall had to offer.

Check out our Iceworld review and video then check out the session that works for you here – then just rock up at the front door to buy your ticket for your session entry!

6. Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre

Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre offer seasonal holiday programs during Queensland school holidays—4 times a year (Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring). Each program is packed with lots of fun nature-based activities about conservation and wildlife to help keep kids active and engaged during the school holidays.

Here’s whats on at Walkabout Creek this holidays:

• Joey Rangers (Children 4 years and under with parent)

Online bookings essential. You can find more on the program at Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre here.

7. SparkLab at the Sciencentre | South Brisbane

The Sciencentre is located on Level 1 of the Queensland Museum. They have permanent and changing exhibitions and your Brisbane Family can be very hands on to learn more about science. You can play and investigate your way through SparkLab, using lots of the same skills that scientists, engineers and mathematicians use in their everyday.  SparkLab is a timed entry experience. Choosing your preferred time will reduce waiting times and provide an enjoyable experience for all visitors. 

SparkLab session times are: 9:30am, 10am, 10:30am, 11am, 11:30am, 12pm, 12:30pm, 1pm, 1:30pm, 2pm, 2:30pm, 3pm. See more details about the Sciencentre and all that is happening there.

8. School holiday fun at The Workshops Rail Museum | Ipswich

For a relaxed day out with your Brisbane Family, you can’t go past The Workshops Rail Museum. There is so much to do here – you can drive a train on the simulator, check out the miniature railway, explore the history of trains, get hands on with the interactive exhibits, get creative at the Creation Station and let off steam at the indoor playground Nippers Railway. You can either pack a picnic or buy food from the café onsite. They are open daily 9.30am – 4pm. Read our Ipswich Rail Museum review here.

9. Junior Joeys and Senior Serpents Keeper for a Day | Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary | Fig Tree Pocket

Your children can spend a day with an experienced wildlife education officer at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. They will discover all areas, including behind the scenes, of the Sanctuary. They will get to clean enclosures, feed the animals, train birds of prey and get a photo with a koala as well as much more. This experience is suitable for 5 – 8 year olds (Junior Joeys) and 9 – 12 year olds (Senior Serpents) and sells out quickly, so this might be something you plan for your next school holiday. Bookings are essential.

Find out how to get discounted entry every day to Lone Pine – click here

10. Cross River Rail Experience Centre | CBD

The new Cross River Rail Experience Centre is open and it is the perfect destination for curious minds of all ages. The Centre is fully interactive and immersive. Go and explore Brisbane, from the past to the future, and learn about the science behind a once-in-a-generation project that is Cross River Rail. From the VR Station to the Reality Theatre, the Centre has been created in partnership with the Queensland Museum, to ensure every experience is world-class, fun and informative. You can find the Experience Centre at 151 Elizabeth St, Brisbane. And exploring it should take about an hour or so. It is open weekdays from 10am – 4pm, and weekends 10am – 2pm. It is closed Tuesdays. For more information, click here.

Theatre & shows for kids in Brisbane in the June/July school holidays

We love, love, LOVE going to the theatre with our kids! Here is what’s on these school holidays at the local theatres in Brisbane!

Lord Mayor’s Children’s Program – The Singing Chefs and the Tub-thumping Orchestra | Brisbane CBD

This FREE performance will take you on a visit to 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 that will delight people of all ages from the young to the young at heart.

Bookings essential – find out more here.

Pat Malone’s Magic Garden | Logan & Cleveland

Pat Malone’s Magic Garden is an exciting adventure for families, offering exploration and creativity. Follow Pat, a wilderness explorer and Mythical Creature Researcher, as he conducts specialised research on Autonomous Imaginary Species, or A.I.S. These creatures originate in the imagination or collective consciousness and then manifest as real, physical creatures with lives of their own. Wednesday 26 June in Logan. Friday 28 June & Saturday 29 June, Redlands.

Alice in Wonderland | New Farm

Meet the White Rabbit, the eccentric Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat and of course, the boisterous Queen of Hearts as a cast of brilliant actors bring over 20 curious characters to life. Featuring breath-taking costuming and puppetry using ingenious stagecraft and limitless imagination, this glorious production of Alice in Wonderland will thrill children and adults alike. Tumble down the rabbit hole and join Alice on her captivating and magical adventure. Saturday 29 June and Sunday 30 June. Bookings essential. Brisbane Powerhouse.

13 Storey Treehouse | Brisbane City

Ladies and gentlemen, please give a warm welcome to Andy and Terry! Today is the big day when Andy and Terry will bring their stories to life in their very first play. The only problem is, they forgot to write it! Where will they find flying cats, a mermaid, a sea monster, an invasion of monkeys, and a giant gorilla? After successful runs across the country, the incredibly popular The 13-Storey Treehouse is back on stage for children aged 6-12 and their adults. 22 June to 24 June. Bookings required. QUT Gardens Theatre.

Dorothy the Dinosaur | Redcliffe

This school holidays, Dorothy the Dinosaur will be performing a mix of dance hits that will have everyone clapping their hands and tapping their toes! This extravaganza will feature show-stopping songs, including The Wiggles’ greatest hits like “Rock-A-Bye Your Bear,” “Hot Potato,” and “Do the Propeller.” But that’s not all! Joining Dorothy on stage will be all her Wiggly friends, including Wags the Dog, Henry the Octopus, and Captain Feathersword. Get ready to shake your hips, move your arms, and sing along to all the fun! Friday 5 July. Bookings required. Redcliffe Performing Arts Centre.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show | Brisbane

One of the most-read and famous children’s books of all time, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, comes to life in a wonderful theatrical experience for children 18 months and older, along with their adult companions. Created by Jonathan Rockefeller, the show features a variety of over 75 enchanting puppets, including the main character – The Very Hungry Caterpillar – and an Australian cast who bring these beloved books to life. New readers, first-time theatre-goers, and those who grew up with these books will delight in experiencing one of the most popular children’s books ever written. Wed 26 June – Sun 30 June. QUT Gardens Theatre. Get the details here.

You Are a Doughnut | Cleveland & Sunnybank

From the creators of “The Alphabet of Awesome Science” comes a brand-new, multi-award-winning family show – “You Are a Doughnut!” It’s true! You are a great big fleshy lump with a remarkable hole running all the way through your middle – your digestive system. Join biology teachers Oesoph A. Gus and Dewey Dean as they embark upon an utterly brilliant, all-singing, all-dancing (and all-clowning!) exploration of every twisting tube and remarkable organ – with sketches, songs, and sensational science. 25 June at SunPAC Sunnybank Performing Arts Centre. 27 June at Redlands Performing Arts Centre.

The Gruffalo’s Child | Brisbane CBD

Join the Gruffalo’s Child on her adventurous mission in this magical musical adaptation of the much-loved picture book. One wild and windy night, the Gruffalo’s Child ignores her father’s warnings about the Big Bad Mouse and tiptoes into the deep dark wood. After all, the Big Bad Mouse doesn’t really exist… does he? The Gruffalo’s Child combines physical theatre, music, and puppetry to deliver songs, laughs, and scary fun for children aged 3 and up, and their adults. Friday 5 July – Sunday 7 July. QUT Gardens Theatre. Find out more.

School holiday activities at home

If you are looking for what to do in the holidays at home, we know that too!

Over 100 at-home activities

There are so many ways to keep your kids entertained during the holidays. Take a look at these links for fun ideas as well as these 100 school holiday activities you can set up at home.

• List of boredom busters for kids – A list of over 20 things to do when there is “nothing to do”.
• Cinema at home –  You can still have that home cinema experience with streaming, downloads or online DVD orders. Take a look at our suggestions!
• Virtual museum tours – Visit 17 different museums across the world with a virtual tour!
• Go to virtual Disneyland – You can ride all the rides without queuing! Want to know how? Click the link!

More school holiday fun around Australia

We have lots of ideas for school holiday fun around Australia!

• Find the BEST list of things to do on the Gold Coast with kids here.
• Check out this list of things to do over the Sydney school holidays here.
• Find the BEST list of things to do over the Melbourne school holidays here.
• Check out this list of things to do over the Perth school holidays here.
• Find the BEST list of things to do over the Adelaide school holidays here.

Whatever you are doing, may your next school holiday activities be full of fun with the kids!

Check this out if you want more ideas of things to do in winter in Brisbane.