Are you looking for things to do in Chermside with kids and want to make sure that EVERYONE has fun on a day out?
Chermside is located 10km north of the Brisbane CBD. Besides having one of the largest shopping centres in Australia, there are so many things to do with kids in Chermside that families can easily entertain themselves for a full day, with all of the activities below located within walking distance of each other.
Westfield Chermside with kids
Westfield Chermside was recently upgraded and is now full of fun things to do with kids.
Places to eat in Chermside | Dining Precinct
Firstly, if you head to the very top floor you’ll find the new dining precinct that gives most suburbs a run for their money. Not only is it packed with every variety of restaurant that you can imagine, but it also has an outdoor mall type appearance with fake grass in the middle and various play areas for kids (including a mini trampoline, things to climb on etc). A lot of the restaurants have fantastic kids menus too.
KingPin Bowling Chermside
KingPin Chermside has heaps of things to do with children, enough to keep them entertained for hours. On the lower floor you’ll find a massive playtime arcade, where you can pre-load money onto a playtime card, this is a great way to give the kids a spending limit. As they play, the card clocks up their points and they can cash the points in for prizes at the end of the session. This area also has free ping pong tables and several other free activities, along with a few tables and chairs and a limited dining menu.
Head upstairs and you’ll find the bowling alleys, they even have a private room that is reasonably priced for parties and functions, along with a larger dining menu.
Event Cinemas
Event Cinemas are located on the top floor, if you’re planning on going along regularly, make sure you sign up to Cinebuzz to receive special offers.
iFly indoor skydiving
Ready for some serious fun? iFly opened in May 2019 to provide thrill seekers of all ages and abilities the opportunity to experience the sensation of skydiving in a safe and controlled environment. The entrance is outside (near the main food court).
We wrote a detailed review about iFly here.
Family Friendly Facilities at Chermside
If formal dining with children isn’t your thing, the shopping centre has two informal food courts, one at each of the centre, both with mini play areas for younger children and all the family friendly facilities you’d expect, such as high chairs and the regular food chain options.
The centre has parent rooms throughout so you’re never left having to run too far for little emergencies.
For a special treat, you can hire one of the kids push wagons that have built in devices, suitable for kids up to around 5 years of age.
Westfield Chermside Activities
Throughout the year the shopping centre is home to various fun events, over the years they have had a lot of different school holiday activities, a great Christmas display, Octoberfest festivals and even a Christmas Colour Concert.
Chermside Library
Chermside Library has been recently renovated and now has its own child friendly area, packed with things to do.
You will find:
- books that you can borrow or sit and read (obviously!)
- an interactive play zone (a projector that is constantly projecting new interactive games onto the floor, a little word of warning, it’s near impossible to keep the kids quiet whilst they are using this)
- a kids play area with various cubby areas to play or sit and read
There is plenty of parking underneath the library too.
Chermside Aquatic Centre
Chermside Aquatic Centre is a great place to visit for a day, but if you’re a local, they offer season passes (that are cheaper if you purchase prior to summer, and cheaper again if you’re renewing an old membership).
The centre contains both an indoor heated pool and a larger outdoor pool. Note that the indoor pool is not always available for public use as it’s often occupied with various classes.
For older children, the aquatic centre contains heaps of different options, including 3 big water slides, a separate pool that has leap frog type challenges and another play pool that is quite deep, for the kids to splash around and cool down.
Please make a mental note that these facilities are only open on school holidays and weekends, NOT after school.
Children under 8 will enjoy the shaded wading pool with the mini slides and splashing equipment.
Kedron Wavell Services Club
Kedron Wavell Services Club is situated directly next to the swimming pool and library. It has a casual bistro and a more formal restaurant, but the most child friendly component is the kids club, on from 4pm to 6pm on the first Sunday of every month. The cost of kids club is a gold coin donation, but inside you’ll always find heaps of entertainment including jumping castles, child friendly food and snacks (and a bar for you) plus regular entertainment.
At special times throughout the year they have face painting and special themed nights / guests.
Kidspace
The Kidspace playground is located within 7th Brigade Park, it contains an absolutely massive wooden fort (which will leaving you chasing the children around if you want to keep your eyes on them) and various other play equipment close by.
Around 50 metres from the fort the park has a fantastic mini road system that is perfect for both bikes and scooters.
7th Brigade Park
7th Brigade Park covers a large space, and in addition to Kidspace, has a second (decent sized) playground located on the Newman Road side.
Other facilities include a fenced dog off leash area, with separate areas for large and small dogs. A 3rd mini playground is situated right near the dog park.
In addition to all the regular things to do with kids in Chermside, 7th Brigade Park is also home to quite a few events, fairs and movie nights (usually during the summer months). Keep an eye on our events calendar for updates.
The Green Heart Fair is Brisbane’s biggest free sustainability event and is on each year in June.
The Combat Brigade Open Day is during April of each year, the kids will enjoy seeing military vehicles and watching the helicopters leave the grounds.
Bushwalk in the Chermside Hills Reserve
The Chermside Hills Reserve are actually made up of a network of three natural areas in Chermside West and McDowall.
This group of natural areas includes:
- Raven Street Reserve which is home to the Downfall Creek Bushland Centre
- Milne Hill Reserve
- Chermside Hills Reserve (including Spider Hill)
Things to do in Chermside with Kids
In summary, there are heaps of things to do in Chermside with kids.
In regards to travel, if you’re planning on driving, the Westfield Chermside has a public car park where it usually isn’t too hard to find a spot (except at peak times such as Christmas). Parking is free for the first 3 hours, if you’re a frequent visitor you can register your number plate against a credit card to avoid having to get a ticket and paying each time.
If you’re using public transport, the shopping centre has a major bus interchange with buses arriving and departing regularly. The closest train station is located at Geebung, roughly 3km from the shopping centre.
