School Holiday Ideas in Brisbane

Looking for fun family activities and school holiday ideas to keep the children entertained in and around Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast this holiday season?

With its nature and attractions, the Sunshine State is a magic place to make lasting memories. To keep everyone entertained during the upcoming school holidays, here are some of the best outdoor and indoor school holiday activities close to Brisbane. 

Things to do in the City

Visit the Queensland Museum & Sciencentre:

A visit to the Queensland Museum & Sciencentre promises a day filled with discovery and excitement, making it a top choice for families during the school holidays. Located in the heart of Brisbane, this cultural landmark invites children and adults alike to delve into the wonders of the natural world, science, and human achievement.

Queensland Museum showcases an impressive collection that spans from the ancient past to the present day, offering insights into Queensland's rich cultural heritage, biodiversity, and indigenous history. Exhibitions are thoughtfully designed to be engaging for all ages, with many featuring interactive elements that encourage kids to touch, play, and explore. From dinosaur fossils and marine displays to stories of Queenslanders and their achievements, the museum provides a comprehensive and fascinating journey through time.

Sciencentre, a part of the Queensland Museum, is a dedicated interactive science space designed specifically with curious minds in mind. It stands as a beacon of hands-on learning, where children can engage in more than 100 interactive exhibits. These exhibits cover various aspects of science, from physics and biology to human anatomy and space exploration, making complex concepts accessible and fun. The Sciencentre's activities encourage problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity, allowing kids to conduct experiments, build structures, and even participate in science shows and workshops that spark a love for learning and discovery.

 

Explore the South Bank Parklands: 

The South Bank Parklands serve as an urban oasis in the heart of Brisbane, offering families a perfect blend of leisure, recreation, and cultural activities. With its lush green spaces, the iconic Streets Beach—a unique, man-made beach in the city centre—and interactive water-play areas, South Bank provides a refreshing escape where kids can splash around and explore in safety. Playgrounds and picnic spots scattered throughout the park invite families to relax and enjoy the outdoors, while its proximity to Brisbane's cultural institutions adds educational opportunities to a fun-filled day.

 

Beyond the natural and recreational offerings, South Bank is a hub for dining and events, featuring a variety of eateries that cater to all tastes and budgets. The parklands frequently host family-friendly events, from live entertainment to festivals, enriching the visit with cultural experiences. Whether it's cooling off in the crystal-clear waters of Streets Beach, enjoying a picnic under the shade of towering trees, or exploring the latest exhibit at a nearby museum, South Bank Parklands promises a memorable day out for families during the school holidays.

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary:

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary offers a unique and memorable experience for families, providing an up-close encounter with Australia's native wildlife. As the world's first and largest koala sanctuary, it allows visitors to cuddle a koala, an experience that delights children and adults alike. The sanctuary also offers opportunities to hand-feed kangaroos and lorikeets, adding to the interactive experience. Beyond these encounters, families can explore the sanctuary to see a variety of Australian animals, including wombats, Tasmanian devils, and echidnas, in habitats closely resembling their natural environments. Educational talks and demonstrations throughout the day offer insights into the lives of these fascinating creatures, making every visit both fun and informative.

 

Riverlife Adventure Centre:

Riverlife Adventure Centre is an ideal spot for families looking to inject some adventure into their school holiday plans. Located in Brisbane's vibrant heart, along the beautiful Brisbane River, it provides a variety of outdoor activities designed to thrill and engage all ages. Whether it's paddling through the calm waters on a kayak, balancing on a stand-up paddleboard, or conquering heights with rock climbing, there's something to challenge and excite. These activities not only offer a fantastic way to explore Brisbane's scenic riverside but also encourage teamwork, build confidence, and promote physical fitness in a fun and safe environment.

 

Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium:

Brisbane's Planetarium is a gateway to the stars for curious minds of all ages, making it a perfect educational adventure during the school holidays. Nestled within the lush surrounds of the Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens, the planetarium invites families to embark on a cosmic journey through the universe. The centrepiece is the Cosmic Skydome, a high-tech dome screen where visitors are treated to visually stunning shows that explore the mysteries of the cosmos, from black holes to distant galaxies. Additionally, the Display Zone features fascinating exhibits about space exploration, astronomy, and the night sky over Brisbane, enhancing the learning experience. With its engaging programs and captivating displays, the planetarium offers an inspiring outing that sparks imagination and a sense of wonder about the universe and our place within it.

 

Make it a Day Trip

Get out of the city and visit the Kondalilla National Park near the picturesque village of Montville. Kondalilla is an Aboriginal word meaning ‘rushing waters,’ which explains its spectacular falls during the summer wet season. However, this national park is bursting with beauty all year round. The 1.7km Picnic Creek Circuit is easy for little legs and passes towering eucalyptus trees, gorgeous green valleys, rock pools and if you’re lucky, some native wildlife.

 

Visit SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast (formerly Underwater World):

There’s no aquarium in Brisbane, but luckily SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast is just around the corner. Rain, hail, or shine, a trip to the aquarium is a great memory-making idea. There’s always an array of special school holiday events happening.

Colourful visual stimulation, interactive guided tours and hundreds of fun fishy facts make this the perfect place to have fun and learn at the same time. Thousands of slimy, stripy, spotty, spooky, spiky, spectacular creatures through 11 themed zones will spark your kids’ curiosity.

Watch the upside-down jellies, moon jellies and blue blubbers all gracefully float. Another mesmerising experience is exploring the 80-metre-long Ocean Tunnel beneath the 2.5 million-litre oceanarium. Be umbrellaed by giant stingrays and sharks all above and around you.

Locals and travellers alike also love to meet the resident seals at Seal Island. Catch an educational seal presentation or venture below to Lower Seal island to see how seals intriguingly interact underwater. 

Australia is blessed with underwater creatures for everyone to enjoy, and at SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast, kids and adults alike can learn how to protect their precious ocean environment.

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After the Aquarium:

After immersing yourself in the wonders of the aquarium and discovering the magical underwater world, continue your adventure by heading to Mooloolaba Beach. Recently voted #6 for best beaches in Australia, Mooloolaba Beach offers pristine sands and crystal-clear waters that promise a relaxing and joyful experience for visitors of all ages. It's the perfect spot to unwind and soak up the sun after a day of educational exploration.

Once you've had your fill of beach fun, make your way to The Wharf at Mooloolaba. This vibrant destination is a treasure trove of dining options, where you can satisfy your hunger with some of the best food the area has to offer. From the unique flavours of Rice Boi to the delightful offerings at Flo's, there's something to please every palate. The Wharf at Mooloolaba is not just about great food; it's about creating memorable moments that round off the perfect day of school holiday activities.