If you’re looking for exciting, convenient and affordable toddler-friendly activities in Brisbane, you’ve come to the right place! This is your one-stop guide to exploring the best attractions for young children, organised by location, to make your next family outing super easy.
Read on to discover our favourite Brisbane toddlers activities, with helpful information for your visit including how to get there, opening hours, any associated costs and links to more information. We have even included nearby places to eat during your adventure.
Why Brisbane is Perfect for Families with Toddlers
Brisbane is a top destination for a family getaway and a wonderful city to raise children. With its relaxed lifestyle, sunshine-filled days, and endless outdoor spaces, it’s the ultimate location for curious little ones.
Brisbane includes a range of amazing playgrounds, green spaces, indoor options and affordable attractions. We hope this post inspires you to explore more of Brisbane with your toddler and young child.
What makes these Brisbane activities for toddlers so great?
We’ve selected activities and attractions across Brisbane that are:
- Safe and engaging for toddlers and pre-schoolers
- Filled with sensory experiences and opportunities for learning through play
- Great for energetic little legs to run, climb and explore
- Fun enough to keep the kids entertained while the grown-ups relax with a coffee
- Mostly free or low-cost
- Indoors and outdoors so you can choose an activity at any time of year
Many of these spots are also suitable for older siblings, making them ideal for families with children of varying ages.
📍 Activities are grouped by location – including Central Brisbane, Northside, Southside, West Brisbane, and even Ipswich!
We are very lucky to have some incredibly child friendly cities in Australia- if you liked this post you might also be interested in reading all about a family holiday to Sydney.
Best Toddler Activities in Central Brisbane
City Botanic Gardens
Great for a low-key city day out with your toddler, City Botanic Gardens is located next to the QUT Gardens Point campus. Queensland’s oldest heritage garden, the City Botanic Gardens provide a lovely riverside location for toddlers to run and explore as well as a playground.
Parents will love that there are plenty of coffee shops nearby to grab a takeaway latte while they keep the kids entertained.
The gardens regularly hold events and activities for children of all ages.
Highlights: Riverside paths, duck ponds, large fig trees to climb under, playground.
Cost: Free
Open: 24 hours. The cafe and information kiosk have individual operating hours.
Getting there: Catch the train to the Brisbane Central station.
More information: City Botanic Gardens
The Cube at QUT (Gardens Point)
Hands on and visual fun in a cool, indoor environment – perfect for keeping toddlers entertained at any time of year.
Highlights: Giant interactive screens with digital creatures, games and puzzles
Cost: Free
Getting there: Catch the train to the Brisbane Central station.
South Bank Parklands
The iconic South Bank Parklands are located in South Brisbane, running along the Brisbane River just a short stroll from the CBD. This is a popular attraction for local families and a must-do for visitors to the city.
Well known for its impressive man-made beach and swimming lagoon (Streets Beach), the parklands also include multiple playgrounds and green space for toddlers to explore.
South Bank is also home to Brisbane’s cultural precinct – featuring the Queensland Museum, Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Gallery of Modern Art and the State Library. These sometimes hold toddler friendly exhibitions and shows that are worth checking out.
For lunch we recommend you pack a picnic to enjoy with a view, but you can also buy lunch from one of the many cafes surrounding the area.
Highlights: Man-made beach, playgrounds, cultural precinct
Cost: Free
Open: Every day 5 am – late
Getting there: Take the train to South Bank or South Brisbane stations. If you’re staying in the CBD, it is just a short walk over the Victoria Bridge. Paid parking is available – starting from around $15 a day on weekends.
Find more information here: Visit Southbank
New Farm Park
Brunswick Street, New Farm
This heritage listed park is a long-term establishment to Brisbane, and a very popular destination for local families on the weekend. Spanning about 37 hectares and situated on the Brisbane River, it provides beautiful views and large green lawns – making it a great spot for a picnic.
The playground is well suited to toddlers – shaded by magical fig trees, with a large wooden fort and bridge to climb and explore. Other equipment includes swings, rockers, and a rope climbing frame.
Electric BBQ’s and public toilets are available and pathways mean little ones can bring their trike for a ride. After playing and eating, families can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Brisbane river.
Highlights: River views, large shaded playground, picnic spots
Cost: Free
Open: Every Day
Getting there:
Where to eat: Pack a picnic, use one of the free barbecues or grab a bite to eat from one of the cafes on site. New Farm Park Coffee House is located right next to a large playground offering snacks and treats for the kids. Other near by options include Joedy’s Cafe, and MK Cafe and Restaurant Bar.
Find more information here: New Farm Park
Roma Street Parklands
1 Parkland Boulevard, Brisbane.
The Roma Street Parklands is another great place to explore if your toddler needs to get outside and burn off energy.
Located on 16 hectares of land just outside the CBD, the parklands have lots of walks to explore and include two playgrounds.
For lunch – there are a number of barbecues and picnic tables available, and a café is located on site.
This parkland is also a popular location for many festivals and events.
Highlights: Lush gardens, walking trails, playgrounds
Cost: Free
Open: Every day, 24 hours
Getting there: Catch the train to Roma Street Station. Parking is available at the Roma Street Transit Centre for $15 all day on the weekend.
Find more information here: Roma Street Parklands
Brisbane Powerhouse
119 Lamington Street, New Farm
Just next door to New Farm Park is the Brisbane Powerhouse. Once an industrial power station, this refurbished building now houses an art centre. The Powerhouse often features toddler friendly productions and exhibitions.
Highlights: Free art, theatre, and sensory play sessions
Cost: Varies depending on the production / event.
Getting There: The Powerhouse is a
Find more information here: Powerkids, Little Artists at Play
Mount Coot-tha Botanic Gardens
Mount Coot-tha Road, Mount Coot-tha
Mount Coot-tha is Brisbane’s tallest mountain, and home to arguably one of the best views in Brisbane. At the foot of Mount Coot-tha is the Brisbane Botanic Gardens – a great place to explore the outdoors with a toddler.
The gardens include a Senses ‘Hide n seek’ trail designed especially for young children. Grab a map and try to find the hidden surprises along the wayOur favourite area to visit is the picturesque Japanese garden and the playground.
There are plenty of shady spots to eat a picnic. If you don’t want to BYO your food, the Gardens Café is located onsite and up the road to the lookout you can find a meal with a view at the Kuta Café.
Highlights: Hide ‘n’ Seek Children’s Trail, Japanese Garden, playground
Cost: Free
Open: Every day 8.00 am – 5.30 pm
Getting there: 15 minutes drive from the CBD. Free parking available.
Find more information here: Mount Coot-tha Botanic Gardens
Best Toddler Activities in North Brisbane
Lyell Deer Sanctuary
6 Lyell Court, Mount Samson
If you’re happy to venture a little further from the city, a day trip to Samford is worth your while. The Lyell Deer Sanctuary is located at Mount Samson, in the scenic hills of the Samford Valley. It offers a relaxed and affordable weekend activity for little animal lovers.
Children are able to get up close and personal with the group of deer that call this sanctuary home. You can pat and feed the gentle creatures, then relax with a picnic.
The property has a large undercover, casual dining area. Think rustic and no-fuss! They sell tea and coffee, and you’re welcome to bring your own lunch to enjoy.
Highlights: Feed and pat deer, picnic areas
Cost: $10 gets you entry for the whole family and feed is $1 per bag
Open: Weekends 10 am – 4 pm (we recommend you check their Facebook times for updated hours). Group visits can be organised outside these hours.
Getting there:
Find more information here: Lyell Deer Sanctuary
Raven Street Reserve Senses Trail
815 Rode Road, Chermside
This is a great place to discover Brisbane’s bushland with young children. The Raven Street Reserve includes a short Senses Trail walk, Downfall Creek Bushland Centre, playground and picnic area.
The Senses trail is fully accessible by pram or wheelchair, and is a 200 metre round trip, so little legs won’t get tired.
Electric barbecues, sheltered tables and toilets are located near the playground – making it a great day out for the family.
Highlights: Sensory walk, playground, bushland
Cost: Free
Open: Every day (Downfall Creek Bushland Centre is open Monday – Thursday 9 am to 4 pm)
Getting there: 20 minute from the CBD. Free parking available.
Find more information here: Raven Street Reserve
Ferny Grove Aqua Park
Corner of Samford Road and Upper Kedron Road, Keperra
This free water park features tipping buckets, an interactive water play table, a spray tunnel, smaller water bubblers and larger water streams to suit children of various ages.
The park also includes a playground, picnic tables, barbeques and toilets – making it a popular location for birthday parties. It is completely wheelchair accessible, including the water park and amenities. Plenty of shade is offered too.
Highlights: Free splash pad, playground, picnic facilities
Cost: Free
Open: 8 am – 4 pm daily
Getting there: 25 minute drive from the CBD. Free parking (can be limited on weekends / public holidays).
Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre
60 Mount Nebo Rd, The Gap
Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre is home to our favourite native marsupials – including wombats, wallabies, snakes and the elusive platypus!
Located at Enoggera Reservoir, Walkabout Creek is wildlife centre, café, and outdoor recreational facility combined! Surrounding the centre are lovely walks through D’Aguilar National Park. A fossil dig sits along the bank of the dam where you can also swim during the warmer months.
Bring a picnic or grab a bite to eat at the Walkabout Creek Café – situated on a wooden deck amongst the tree tops.
Highlights: Native wildlife, bushwalks, swimming at Enoggera Reservoir
Cost: Entry $7.70 for adults and $3.70 for children aged 4 – 17 years. The Enoggera Reservoir walks and fossil dig is free.
Open: Monday to Friday 8 am – 2 pm. Saturday and Sunday 8 am – 3 pm.
Getting There: a
Find more information here: Eight Reasons to Visit Walkabout Creek
Kumbartcho Sanctuary & Fairy Garden
15 Bunya Pine Court, Eatons Hill
Located on 6 hectares of bushland, the Kumbartcho Sanctuary is a great place to encourage young children to explore in nature. Shaded pathways take you through a scenic walk to the Fairy Tale Trail.
Here you will discover a magical fairy village, including Peter Rabbit’s house and a miniature speedway track! Kids can write letters to the fairies and leave them in the letterbox.
Onsite is also a playground, barbeque and picnic tables. An Environment Education Centre includes displays on the local bushland. We recommend you bring insect repellent for your walk.
Highlights: Bush walks, fairy trail, playground
Cost: Free
Open: The grounds and walks are open every day 7 am – 7 pm. The Environment Education Centre is open Tuesday – Friday 10 am – 2 pm.
Getting There: 35 minute drive from Brisbane CBD. Free parking.
Find more information here: Kumbartcho Sanctuary
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
78 Musgrave Rd, Fig Tree Pocket
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is a long-standing and popular establishment in Brisbane. It is the world’s oldest and largest koala sanctuary, being home to 130 koalas and many other animals!
The sanctuary is popular with young children because you can get up and close to the animals – hold a koala and hand feed the kangaroos.
Set aside a whole day for this adventure – there are also wombats, cassowaries, Tasmanian devils, platypus, birds, dingoes, crocodiles and farm animals to visit as well as live shows to see!
You can purchase your lunch from the Riverside Café, but
Highlights: Feed kangaroos, live shows
Cost: Adults $38 | Kids (3+) $22
Open: 9 am – 5 pm, 7 days a week
Getting there:
Find more information here: Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Bunya Crossing Reserve
Dugandan Road, Bunya
For families seeking swimming, nature and wildlife not too far from the city, Bunya Crossing Reserve can provide it.
Located just 25 minutes north of the CBD – Bunya Crossing Reserve is a natural swimming hole surrounded by beautiful bushland. The graded entry to the water is perfect for toddlers.
From here you can also explore one of the many walking tracks. Our favourites for little legs are the track that leads to a playground at Sargent Reserve, and the track that leads to the Kumbartcho fairy garden (check out the distances in the blog below to see if these are suitable for your toddler).
Bring a picnic or throw some sausages on the barbecue and you have yourself a lovely day out.
Highlights: Natural swimming hole, bushwalks, BBQs
Cost: Free
Open: All hours, 7 days a week.
Getting there: 25 minute drive from the CBD. Free parking is at the end of Dugandan street.
Find more information here: Bunya Crossing Reserve
Bee Gees Way
Sutton Street, Redcliffe Parade, Redcliffe
Not typically thought of as an activity for toddlers – little ones will love joining the family to this north side attraction as it features button-activated sounds. Bee Gees Way pays legacy to the local band and displays a light show each night – featuring the bands greatest hits. Being so close tot he beach, it is a great option for pairing with some fun in the sand. And with plenty of cafes and restaurants around, it is a nice option for a family evening out.
Highlights: Family-friendly waterfront walk, interactive displays, music light show
Cost: Free
Open: Every day
Getting there: 50 minutes drive from the Brisbane CBD.
The Mill Water Park and Adventure Playground
12 Moreton Parade, Petrie
A great destination for warm summer days, the Mill Water Park and Playground at Petrie offers plenty of fun for toddlers and their older siblings. The water park features toddler friendly play areas, including bubblers, spray jets and plenty of shade.
The playground includes a toddler area – with a slide, and climbing ropes the perfect size for young children.
The park includes undercover barbecues and picnic tables, plenty of grass to run around on and a cricket pitch. It is all accessible and wheelchair friendly.
Highlights: Mega playground, water play, toddler sized climbing areas.
Cost: Free
Open: Every day 8 am – 8 pm
Getting there: 50 minutes drive from the Brisbane CBD
Best Toddler Activities in South Brisbane
Daisy Hill Koala Centre
Regional Park, 253 Daisy Hill Rd, Daisy Hill
Home to five adorable koalas, this centre is free to visit and filled with interactive, educational displays perfect for children aged from toddlers to primary school age. It even has a little koala hospital where kids can dress up as carers and nurse the koalas back to health.
At 11 am and 2 pm each day there is a 20-minute presentation given by a wildlife officer, all about these cute marsupials. Short films are displayed in the Woodland Theatre.
The centre is surrounded by shaded parkland, including picnic areas and both wood-fired and electric barbecues. A number of walking and bike tracks are also available.
The centre is mostly pram and wheelchair accessible except for the treetop tower.
Highlights: Koalas, dress-up vet play, interactive displays
Price: Free
Open: Monday to Sunday 9 am – 4 pm
Getting there: 25
Find more information here: Daisy Hill Koala Centre
Karawatha Forest Discovery Centre
149 Acacia Road, Karawatha
Karawatha Forest Discovery Centre is a fantastic addition to your list of toddler-friendly activities in Brisbane. This centre offers an engaging and educational experience – including a sculptural forest discovery area, interactive projection of a frog habitat and nature play space – perfect for toddlers.
The park includes sheltered picnic tables and barbecues, public toilets, and accessible paths for wheelchairs and prams.
Bring a picnic or try one of the nearby cafes a short drive away.
Highlights: Interactive play space, wildlife exhibits, nature trails
Cost: Free
Open: Tuesday to Sunday 9 am – 4 pm
Getting there: 25 minutes drive from Brisbane CBD. Free parking.
Toddler Activities in Ipswich
Workshops Rail Museum
North Street, North Ipswich
Interactive the whole way through – this museum includes real life restored trains, a model railway of Queensland, and lots of areas to dress up and role play including Nippers Railway.
Each school holiday features special exhibits – such as visits Thomas the Tank Engine and educational activities for little engineers.
The café onsite is very affordable but there are also nice areas to sit and eat a packed lunch.
Highlights: Real trains, hands-on exhibits, dress up / role play areas
Price: Adults $14.50 | Children $11.50 (3+)
Open: 9.30 am – 4 pm every day
Getting there: 45 minutes from Brisbane CBD. Free parking.
Find more information here: The Workshops Rail Museum
Queens Park
Merle Finimore Avenue, Ipswich
A favourite with locals, this attraction is a must do for families visiting Ipswich. Queensland’s oldest park, Queens Park is perfectly suited to toddler’s and young children.
More than just a park, children will love exploring the Japanese style Nerima Gardens, playing on the excellent playground facilities, and checking out the Environment Education Centre.
The all abilities playground includes all the usual favourites plus plenty more – a flying fox, climbing wall, large slides, train, liberty swing and water play area.
Beautifully designed and manicured gardens provide a scenic location for a picnic lunch. Barbeques, picnic tables and public toilets provide convenience for families.
A café is also on
Highlights: All-abilities playground, Japanese garden
Open: Weekdays 9 am – 5 pm, Weekends 9 am – 4.15 pm and most public holidays. Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and Good Friday.
Cost: Free (donations for Nature Centre welcome)
Getting there: 45 minutes from Brisbane CBD by car. Free parking available.
Find more information here: Queens Park, Ipswich
Ipswich Nature Centre
Queens Park, Goleby Avenue
Located within Queens Park, the Ipswich Nature Centre is great for toddlers and young children right up to older family members. It is home to a number of native Australian wildlife and farm animals.
Beautifully designed, the centre takes you around a wooden boardwalk past a pond and water feature to see all the animals.
The Nature Centre is fully accessible by wheelchair. Bring lunch and enjoy a picnic within the grounds of the park or grab a bite to eat at the Queens Park café. See more about the park and playground above.
Highlights: Native animals
Cost: Free (gold coin donations accepted).
Open: During the
Getting there: 45 minutes drive from Brisbane CBD. Free parking available.
Find more information here: Queens Park, Ipswich
Final Thoughts
From riverfront adventures to wildlife encounters and fairy gardens, Brisbane is bursting with amazing things to do with toddlers. Whether you’re a local parent or planning a trip, this guide has something for every little explorer – and every grown up needing a decent coffee break.
🌟 Bonus tip: Bookmark this post and check back for seasonal updates, school holiday ideas, and new toddler-friendly finds in Brisbane.