The Best Kids Activities Brisbane

When it comes to finding the best kids activities Brisbane has to offer, few destinations can match the city’s blend of outdoor adventure, cultural learning, and sunshine. Set along the River, Brisbane is a natural hub for families looking for memorable experiences with their children. Here at Novotel Brisbane South Bank, we’re right in the middle of it all; From waterfront splash parks to interactive indoor play spaces, historic forts, and nature reserves, the city offers a complete range of fun ideas where every day out feels effortless and enjoyable for all ages.

 

Discover Family Fun in South Bank, Brisbane

For families staying nearby, the South Bank Parklands form an easily navigable precinct where top attractions are within a short stroll.

The experience is shaped by variety, where morning park strolls, midday water play, and quiet afternoon museum visits coexist. Whether it’s a quick play session or a full day of sightseeing, South Bank adapts naturally to your family’s pace.

Water Activities and Outdoor Playgrounds

Streets Beach

Located a 5-minute walk from Novotel, this free, lifeguard-patrolled inner-city beach is perfect for all ages. Little ones can splash in the clear lagoon or paddle in the nearby Boat Pool, while grown-ups relax with panoramic city views. Shaded lawns, pram-friendly paths, and nearby change rooms make it stress-free for strollers.

Riverside Green Playground 

Situated next door to the lagoon, this free playground features high skywalks, giant slides, and dedicated soft-play areas tailored to suit different skill levels from toddlers to pre-teens.

Aquativity 

Located right beside Streets Beach, this free, shaded water park features tipping buckets, shallow rock pools, and gentle fountains designed for younger kids as well as those older ones looking to cool off safely without loud noises or deep water.

Aquativity operates weekends and school holiday times, from, 10am–5pm.

South Bank Icons and Creative Spaces 

Queensland Museum & SparkLab 

Just a 10-minute walk from the hotel, entry to the main museum is free, while SparkLab is a paid, ticketed science space designed for kids aged 6–13 featuring 40+ hands-on exhibits where curious minds can explore space, physics, and technology. 

Children’s Art Centre 

Housed inside the Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA), an 8-minute walk away, this free dedicated space presents interactive exhibitions where toddlers and young children can draw, build, and engage with modern art in a fully air-conditioned, stroller-friendly environment. 

The Wheel of Brisbane

Rising 60 metres above the riverfront, this iconic attraction offers fully enclosed, air-conditioned gondolas with 360-degree panoramic city views that kids of all ages will love.

The Cube at QUT 

Located a 15-minute walk across the pedestrian-only Goodwill Bridge, The Cube is a free digital display where kids of all ages can play interactive screen games and explore ocean simulators.

 

Outdoor Adventures, Parks, and Wildlife

Beyond South Bank, Brisbane boasts expansive green reserves, botanic gardens, and native wildlife sanctuaries easily reachable within a short drive.

Green Parks and Scenic Lookout Vistas

Roma Street Parkland

A 10-minute drive or short train ride from South Bank, this free inner-city oasis features flat, pram-accessible walking paths, play areas, and a paid mini trackless train that kids love riding through the gardens.

Mount Coot-tha & Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium

Head up to Mount Coot-tha for sweeping views across the city skyline. At the base, visit the planetarium to catch immersive astronomy shows inside the Cosmic Skydome, or wander through the plant-filled Tropical Dome.

City Botanic Gardens & Riverwalk 

Just across the river via a 10-minute walk over the bridge, this free park offers riverfront walking paths, shady picnic lawns, and a large fenced playground suitable for toddlers and young children.

Wildlife Encounters

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary 

Set along the Brisbane River, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is one of Australia’s most famous wildlife sanctuaries. It offers families a chance to hand-feed kangaroos, spot wallabies, and learn about Australian wildlife in a peaceful setting through a guided tour or casual walk. 

Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre

Situated a 25-minute drive away near Enoggera Reservoir, this budget-friendly wildlife hub lets kids see wombats and native aquatic life before enjoying a picnic by the water.

 

Rainy Day & Indoor Activities

When the weather turns, or you need a break from the Queensland sun, Brisbane offers a wealth of indoor entertainment designed to keep active kids engaged.

Indoor Entertainment & Play Spaces

Museum of Brisbane (MoB Kids) 

Located inside Brisbane City Hall, MoB offers dedicated children’s activity trails, craft workshops, and interactive exhibits suitable for ages 3 to 10. 

Holey Moley Brisbane City 

Located in the Wintergarden just across the river, this mini-golf course offers 9 or 18 holes of creative indoor putt-putt designed with quirky pop-art themes that kids and grown-ups love.

Indoor Play Centres 

There are numerous, large indoor family entertainment centres you could travel to around Brisbane, complete with multi-level soft play, climbing walls, and high ropes courses suitable for all ages. You will find centres with parkour and ninja workouts, trampolines, laser tag, flying foxes, junior playgrounds and giant slides.

Strike Bowling 

Situated right beside Holey Moley in the Wintergarden, this indoor entertainment hub features ten-pin bowling, an incredible laser tag arena, and interactive escape rooms designed for school-aged kids, teens, and families.

 

Exciting Day Trips Beyond the City

For families looking to extend their adventure, several unique day trip options are within easy reach of the CBD for a weekend getaway or winter holiday break.

Northshore Hamilton Outings 

Both attractions sit right at the Northshore Hamilton ferry terminal, making them an easy, scenic trip via the CityCat or KittyCat along the Brisbane River right from South Bank.

Bluey’s World

Located at Northshore Pavilion in Hamilton, this 4,000-square-metre immersive experience brings the hit TV show to life with real-world sets, guided storytelling, and hands-on games inside the Heeler family home.

Eat Street Northshore

Situated right beside the ferry terminal, this vibrant weekend market made from colourful shipping containers offers live entertainment, global street food, and iconic dessert treats that kids obsess over.

Outdoor Day Trips 

Thunderbird Park

Located in the Scenic Rim about an hour south of the city, this paid adventure park offers crystal mining, ropes courses, and scenic hiking trails suited for school-aged kids and teens.

North Stradbroke Island

Catch a scenic ferry across Moreton Bay to spend a few hours or a full day exploring pristine beaches, coastal walking tracks, and wildlife lookouts.

Fort Lytton

History comes to life at this 19th-century coastal fortress, where children can explore hidden tunnels, grassy ramparts, and historic cannon displays during special weekend events. It opens every Sunday and most public holidays, 10 am–4 pm, with free entry and even cannon-firing demonstrations run on selected dates.

 

Walking Distance from Novotel Brisbane South Bank 

Staying at Novotel Brisbane South Bank places your family right in the centre of the city’s best sights, where playgrounds, parks, and cultural venues are all within easy walking distance. 

Whether you’re visiting for a school holiday escape, a weekend staycation, or a longer family holiday, you can explore the best kids activities Brisbane has to offer while returning to modern, welcoming accommodation. With spacious family rooms and a heated outdoor pool, every moment of your trip is designed to feel simple, relaxed, and rewarding. 

Book your stay at Novotel Brisbane South Bank today and discover how easy family travel can be when playtime is just steps from your door.