This article shares some of the amazing activities happening at the State Library Queensland!
The State Library of Queensland (SLQ) is a great place to visit with kids. We know what you’re thinking, a library is supposed to be quiet right? And the truthful answer is, the State Library is very quiet in places, but due to the library being split across multiple levels there are different spaces to meet different needs.
For families looking for fun, the State Library hosts a heap of free and paid activities where kids can get hands-on, dance, play and socialise with other kids. Importantly, they regularly update their program to respond to families looking for something educational AND fun to do! Plus, the play spaces are vibrant with spots for parents to relax while kids can safely explore the environment and learn!
Visiting the State Library of Queensland with children
Children are always welcome to visit the State Library of Queensland. The Corner is an interactive environment designed just for kids up to 8 years old, with themed book list suggestions, art-making resources, and electronic activities.
Getting to the State Library
The library is located in the South Bank Cultural Precinct. It’s a short walk from the Cultural Precinct Busway Station, South Brisbane train stationm or the South Bank City Cat ferry terminal. If you are driving in, parking is available in several nearby car parks for a fee. We particularly recommend the Cultural Precinct car park if you choose to drive as it is only $18 per entry per day, no matter how long you stay.
State Library Queensland Accessibility
The State Library of Queensland is fully accessible for families with disabilities and also pram-friendly. Facilities include:
- Accessible toilets
- Beautifully appointed carers room
- Wheelchair accessible desks
- Hearing aid induction loop
- Lifts and ramps to all levels
- Assistance animals welcome when wearing identity cards
- Cloakroom
- Low sensory hour, daily, 2pm – 3pm
Food and drink at the State Library
You can take your own drinks and snacks to eat in one of the many designated indoor and outdoor ‘food-friendly’ spaces. There’s also a great small cafe, The Library Cafe, offering a range of delicious dishes for young and old and an even better gift shop!
Winter at State Library of Queensland
This winter at State Library, settle in and stay a while as you explore every corner. Discover experiences that ignite curiosity, challenge perspectives and invite meaningful connection.
Dragon Boat Festival celebration
Celebrate the joy, rhythm and traditions of the Dragon Boat Festival at this vibrant multicultural family event.
Families are invited to gather for an afternoon of storytelling, music, movement and creative play inspired by Dragon Boat Festival traditions. Together, we’ll drum, dance, craft and row our way through a fun-filled cultural experience.
Children can get creative with zongzi-inspired craft and colouring, fold and decorate their own paper boats, and then bring it all to life in a playful dragon boat racetrack, climbing into wheeled cardboard boats and “rowing” their way around a looping course.
- When: Wednesday 17 June, 2026, 3pm – 4pm
- Where: The Corner
- Cost: Free. No bookings required
Night at the library
Children and families are invited to explore the library after dark for a special night at the library. Make your own shadow puppets, go on a neon scavenger hunt using special torches and discover what the library looks like after everyone else has gone home to bed.
- When: Saturday 27 June, 4pm – 7pm
- Where: The Corner
- Cost: Free. No bookings required
Ellis and the Night Orchestra
Ellis and the Night Orchestra is a tiny opera for tiny people that blends live music, gentle storytelling and playful imagination into a high-quality theatre experience not to be missed.
Ellis is too scared to sleep. Each time he lays down to close his eyes, he hears strange sounds. Is it a monster….or an airplane flying overhead? A creaky floor, or a ghost? They seem to be in the room with him. As the night goes on, Ellis befriends the sounds, becoming the conductor of his very own Night Orchestra and transforming his fears into beautiful music.
Developed especially for young audiences by writer-director Julie Ritchey and composer/performer Tim Munro, the show features live chamber musicians from the Southern Cross Soloists, creating a playful and heartfelt musical world.
- When: 27-30 June, 2026
- Cost: $15 per child, accompanying adults free
Bookings required. Click here for more info.
Tui n friends
Tui ‘n’ Friends is where hearts beat to the rhythm of Pasifika music and culture whilst having fun and bringing joy to families. Join Tui for traditional and original songs, story telling and dancing. Suitable for ages 0-8, this fun and interactive session will get the whole Aiga (family) dancing!
No bookings required for this free activity. Just drop in to have some fun.
- When: Saturday 20 June, 1-1:30pm
- Location: The Corner
- Cost: Free
Adventure Time Circus
Roll up, roll up! It’s time for your little acrobat’s next big adventure! With games, obstacle courses, storytelling, creativity and fun movement activities Adventure Time Circus with Circa Academy is the perfect introduction to circus for young people.
For children aged 18 months to 5 years only.
- When: 18-25 June, 2026
- Cost: $15 per child, accompanying adults free
Bookings required. Click here for more info.
Art and music with Cultural Collaborations
Cultural Collaborations invite everyone to connect to culture and country through art making, playing and learning together. Start the session by immersing yourself in the ancient sounds of the didgeridoo, then create with clay in a hands-on creative session perfect for all ages
- When: 7, 8, and 9 July, 10:30am – 12pm
- Location: The Corner
- Cost: Free
Lino printing with Cultural Collaborations
In this immersive workshop you will design and make your own stamp and then print a tote bag to take home. Bring your own t-shirt or other cotton fabric to print if you like.
- When:
- Tuesday 7 July, 1-2pm and 2:30-3:30pm
- Wednesday 8 July, 1-2pm and 2:30-3:30pm
- Location: The Corner
- Cost: $15. Bookings required.
Sand painting with Cultural Collaborations
In this immersive workshop you will design and make your own colourful canvas to take home using a clever sand painting technique that you can recreate at home
- When: Thursday 9 July, 1-2pm and 2:30-3:30pm
- Location: The Corner
- Cost: $15. Bookings required.
Scavenger Hunt
Are you a keen explorer and a master of puzzles? Then get excited and jump into the State Library’s scavenger hunt. This interactive onsite experience gets you collecting clues and completing challenges to uncover top secret library spaces, learn remarkable history and culture and explore the incredible artworks unique to the building. Go at your own pace in this accessible and family friendly experience designed for all ages and abilities.
Pop into the welcome desk on level 1 to start your adventure!
- When: Every day 10am – 5pm
- Cost: Free
No booking required for this free activity.
First 5 Forever at State Library
It’s pretty crazy when you consider that 90% of a child’s brain development happens in the first five years! First 5 Forever is an initiative of the Queensland Government, coordinated by State Library of Queensland, with the primary aim of providing strong early literacy foundations for all Queensland children aged 0-5 years.
The State Library of Queensland (SLQ) provides activities and workshops regularly as part of the First 5 Forever program. We’ve compiled a list of the most fun ways to explore the library with your kids:
Play Time in The Corner
From dress-ups and puppets, cool construction kits and sensory toys, each of the play kits has been specially selected to inspire children (and babies!) of all ages to explore their senses, come up with games and get creative. Step away from your regular routine and the distractions of home into a space just for you and your family or invite your friends for a special play date! Play Time takes place daily from 11am to 12:45pm. No bookings required. These are great hands-on, interactive sessions where kids can use their imagination and grow their social skills.
Baby Play in The Corner
Head along to a free Baby Play session, designed for babies 0-12 months (not yet walking) and their parent/carer. These sessions focus on baby-paced play, rhyme and shared story in a way that supports you as your baby’s most important educator – with plenty of opportunity to learn and grow together.
- When: Every Monday and Friday 11am – 11:30am
- Location: The Corner
- Cost: Free
Songs and Stories
Sing along to your favourite tunes, discover new ideas, and immerse yourself in engaging storytelling – there’s something for everyone to enjoy! These interactive sessions are filled with inspiration and make playful connections easy, bringing joy and wellbeing to you and your family. Connect with other families and stay and play after the session.
- When: Daily 10am – 10:30am
- Location: The Corner
- Cost: Free
First 5 Forever online
The First 5 Forever program also offers a great online offering with lots of fun activities for you to download and participate in.
For details of all the upcoming workshops, events, and activities in the SLQ First 5 Forever program, click here.
The Parlour
Drop into The Parlour anytime between 10am and 5pm daily to explore browsing the collection of books perfect for families. There are plenty of comfy places to sit, plus amazing city views: A perfect place to relax and share stories with family and friends. Here are some of the regular activities for children at The Parlour:
Play Matters Chinese Mandarin playgroup
Brisbane parents are warmly invited to embark on a delightful journey of Chinese cultural exploration with the Brisbane Chinese (Mandarin) Playgroup.
Children will joyfully learn through lively Chinese nursery rhymes and interactive musical games, have their imaginations sparked by captivating classic Chinese stories and experience crafts firsthand during traditional festivals, such as making beautiful lanterns and experiencing elegant calligraphy. No bookings required, just drop in and have some fun!
- When: Every Wednesday 3pm – 4pm
- Location: Parlour Terrace
- Cost: Free
Play Matters Indonesian language playgroup
The Brisbane Indonesian Playgroup invites families to play, sing and rhyme in Indonesian!
Their playgroup is in Indonesian to help children learn and connect with the Indonesian culture in a fun and welcoming environment through joyful songs, interactive or free plays, and exciting stories. Families from all Indonesian backgrounds are welcome. Sampai jumpa!
No bookings required for this free activity. Just drop in to have some fun.
- When: Every Tuesday 10:30am – 11:30am
- Location: Parlour Terrace
- Cost: Free
Sing and Tell in Portuguese
Join Marina, Beatriz and Larissa in The Parlour at the State Library for a joyful gathering that celebrates the rhythm and richness of the Portuguese language.
Each session brings rhymes, songs and stories inspired by Brazilian traditions. Through drumming, dance, and rhythm, they share the vibrant spirit of Brazil and the joy of cultural connection. The playgroup is entirely in Portuguese, helping children strengthen their language skills while experiencing the warmth, music, and traditions shared across Portuguese-speaking cultures. No bookings required for this free activity. Just drop in to have some fun.
- When: Every Wednesday 10:30am – 11:30am
- Location: Parlour Terrace
- Cost: Free
Sing n Tell in Spanish
You are invited to a joyful, play-based gathering that celebrates the richness and musicality of the Spanish language through stories, music and shared play. The playgroup is delivered entirely in Spanish, where participants can explore the language in a fun and engaging way. Families from all Spanish-speaking backgrounds and those interested in Spanish are warmly welcome.
No bookings required for this free activity. Just drop in to have some fun.
- When: Every Thursday 9:15am – 10am
- Location: Parlour Terrace
- Cost: Free
Play Matters German speaking playgroup
Enjoy a weekly Spielgruppe (Playgroup), conducted entirely in Deutsche (German). Every Friday, parents and children gather in The Parlour at the State Library of Queensland to spend a playful time together while sharing German language and culture.
In this playgroup, particpants sing, rhyme, and read stories to immerse children in the world of German tales. Afterwards, the little ones can make new friends and unleash their creativity during free playtime.
- When: Every Friday 9:15am – 10am
- Location: Parlour Terrace
- Cost: Free
Activities for kids of all ages
There’s lots for kids to do all year round at State Library of Queensland. Here’s what’s on now…
Sensory play
Get ready to splash, squish and create during this fun and interactive sensory play experience designed to engage and delight the senses of children (and adults!) of all ages. Explore colours and textures, dive into imaginary worlds and explore at your own pace. Each session is designed to spark curiosity, open up new discoveries and support sensory development – all in a welcoming, accessible and playful environment.
No booking required for this free activity.
- When: Every Wednesday and Friday 1pm – 2pm
- Location: The Corner
- Cost: Free
Make your own sky painting
Head along to the dedicated art studio for weekly painting workshops designed for children of all ages. Each week, you’ll create out-of-this-world artworks inspired by the dynamic wonders of the Earth’s sky. Using a variety of paint mediums and fun application techniques, these workshops focus on art experiences that are easy to recreate at home.
No bookings required for this free activity.
- Dates:
- Monday 15 June
- Sunday 21 June
- Monday 22 June
- Sunday 28 June
- Monday 29 June
- Monday 6 July
- Sunday 12 July
- Monday 13 July
- Sunday 19 July
- Monday 20 July
- Sunday 26 July
- Monday 27 July
- Time: 1pm – 2pm on each of the above dates
- Location: The Corner / The Studio
- Cost: Free
Make your own sun prints
Discover the magic where art meets science! In these hands-on sessions, you’ll use your imagination and the power of sunlight to create stunning sun prints and botanical silhouettes. Play with patterns, explore natural materials and create a unique work of art to take home. This fun and creative experience is perfect for all ages!
No bookings required for this free activity.
- Dates:
- Tuesday 16 June, 1pm – 2pm
- Sunday 21 June, 11am – 12pm
- Tuesday 23 June, 1pm – 2pm
- Sunday 28 June, 11am – 12pm
- Tuesday 30 June, 1pm – 2pm
- Sunday 12 July, 11am – 12pm
- Tuesday 14 July, 1pm – 2pm
- Sunday 19 July, 11am – 12pm
- Tuesday 21 July, 1pm – 2pm
- Sunday 26 July, 11am – 12pm
- Tuesday 28 July, 1pm – 2pm
- Location: The Corner / The Studio
- Cost: Free
Make your own sky mobile
Let your imagination take flight at The Corner for a fun and creative art session where you’ll make beautiful mobiles inspired by the wonders of the sky. Whether it’s fluffy clouds, vibrant rainbows, twinkling stars, or distant planets, you’ll get to design and build your very own hanging masterpiece to take home.
No bookings required for this free activity.
- Dates:
- Thursday 18 June, 1pm – 2pm
- Saturday 20 June, 11am – 12pm
- Thursday 25 June, 1pm – 2pm
- Saturday 27 June, 11am – 12pm
- Saturday 11 July, 11am – 12pm
- Thursday 16 July, 1pm – 2pm
- Saturday 18 July, 11am – 12pm
- Thursday 23 July, 1pm – 2pm
- Saturday 25 July, 11am – 12pm
- Thursday 30 July, 1pm – 2pm
- Location: The Corner / The Studio
- Cost: Free
Make your own flying machines
Build, test and launch your own flying creations, then watch them swoop, spin and soar through the air. Families can tinker, tweak and explore together as they discover the magic of movement through fun, hands‑on making.
No bookings required for this free activity.
- Dates:
- Saturday 20 June, 1pm – 2pm
- Saturday 27 June, 1pm – 2pm
- Saturday 11 July, 1pm – 2pm
- Saturday 18 July, 1pm – 2pm
- Saturday 25 July, 1pm – 2pm
- Location: The Corner / The Studio
- Cost: Free
Make your own cloud lamp
Get ready to build a dreamy piece of sky you can take home! In this playful workshop, children use real tools, timber and everyday materials to craft their very own glowing cloud lamps. They’ll explore different cloud types, experiment with light and texture, and bring a little slice of the atmosphere to life with creativity and hands-on making. It’s a fluffy, illuminated adventure that blends art, science and design in the most magical way!
- Dates:
- Thursday 2 July, 11am – 12pm, 1pm – 2pm, and 3pm – 4pm
- Saturday 4 July, 11am – 12pm, 1pm – 2pm, and 3pm – 4pm
- Location: The Corner
- Cost: $15 per child.
Bookings required. Click here for more info.
Make your own Earth, moon and sun model
Get hands‑on with the wonders of space! Design and build a moving model that shows how the Earth, moon and sun work together in our corner of the solar system.
Using a mix of tools, materials and clever building techniques, you’ll craft a spinning, orbiting mini‑system that comes to life right in your hands. As you build, test and set your creation in motion, you’ll discover how day and night happen, why the moon’s shape seems to change, and how these three celestial bodies dance across the sky!
- Dates:
- Friday 3 July, 11am – 12pm, 1pm – 2pm, and 3pm – 4pm
- Sunday 5 July, 11am – 12pm, 1pm – 2pm, and 3pm – 4pm
- Location: The Corner
- Cost: $15 per child.
Bookings required. Click here for more info.
School holiday activities at State Library Queensland, winter 2026
The State Library of Queensland hosts a range of activities and workshops for families throughout the year, but especially during school holidays. Most workshops are free to attend but require bookings so check the details to be sure you don’t miss out!
Stories and craft
Pop into Anzac Square Memorial Galleries during the winter school holidays for a special storytime session for young children and their families.
These special storytime sessions will take place inside the galleries from 10:30–11 am on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays between 21 June and 12 July, and include beloved children’s books such as Anzac Ted by Belinda Landsberry and Yvon’s Great Adventure by Peter Grose.
Following each reading session, families are invited to stay and decorate a free bookmark inspired by the Australian Defence Force. All materials will be provided at the craft table in the Post–World War II gallery. Families who would just like to decorate a bookmark are welcome to visit the galleries anytime between 10 am and 4 pm, Sunday to Friday.
Discussing war and commemoration with children can sometimes feel difficult or overwhelming. Books can be a gentle and accessible way to introduce complex topics without being too frightening for young readers. The reading nook at Anzac Square features a wide range of age-appropriate books exploring stories connected to the Anzac legacy.
- Dates:
- Sunday 28 June
- Wednesday 1 July
- Friday 3 July
- Sunday 5 July
- Wednesday 8 July
- Friday 10 July
- Sunday 12 July
- Time: 10:30am – 11am on the above dates
- Location: Anzac Square Memorial Galleries
- Cost: Free
State Library Queensland is always worth a visit
You can always rely on the State Library of Queensland to provide some of the best school holiday workshops in Brisbane. From STEM activities and robotics to craft, music, and performance. Be sure to check out their What’s On guide!
There’s just so much to do at the library! One option is settling in with a good book or magazine in one of the many air-conditioned spaces on offer. Alternatively, why not venture out onto one of the many deck areas overlooking the river for some privacy and let your boisterous little ones let off some steam. The quality of books is unmatched and there truly is something for all ages at the State Library. Plus it is definitely kid-friendly.
It’s a great spot to take a break when exploring GOMA or South Bank which are often much busier. We highly recommend a trip to the State Library next time you’re in the CBD.
If you can’t make it into the city here are some great articles to help your little one grow:
- Baby Language and Development
- Learning Out and About
- Play to Learn
- Early Literacy and a Lifelong Love of Language
- Visiting Your Local Library
We’ve also compiled a comprehensive list of free things for toddlers to do in Brisbane where you can apply your First 5 Forever learnings.
If you love books then you will also love the Lifeline Bookfest.
Just wondering what events there are for 3-5 year olds from early June?