Brisbane is an ideal playground, a city bustling with culture while almost maintaining the tropical Queensland vibes through and through, it’s a fun spot to visit for families. There are loads of things to do in Brisbane with kids, from delicious food, cultural activities, and even spots to swim.
Recently we took a little weekend away in Brisbane, as a little treat for the girls. The school year is ahead of us, Lulu is starting big school, and I wanted to do something special and memorable to celebrate, and show them my love {other than me smooching on them and hugging them on the daily!}. Plus, I kinda wanted to get out of my office {home!} for a night and get away. So, we packed the car and headed up to the beautiful Brisbane accommodation, Novotel Brisbane South Bank.
South Bank was a spot I first visited 16 years ago on my first holiday with Shane {pre-kids, of course!} and is somewhere I love going back to. There’s so much to do, so many places to eat, and I always feel inspired when visiting. The Novotel Brisbane South Bank is right in the heart of everything, and just a short stroll to restaurants, places to swim and all the entertainment. They’re also super kid-friendly {I mean there’s a lolly bar for them to go crazy at while you check-in, how good is that?}.
28 Fun Things To Do In Brisbane With Kids
1. Have a sleepover at Novotel Brisbane South Bank
It’s not always easy to find a hotel that is kid-friendly, but also feels like a treat for adults too, and I feel like the Novotel at Brisbane South Bank nails that. There’s the free lolly bar as mentioned above, and the pool, the chic restaurant downstairs, the spacious rooms, and they also have a freezer full of Zooper Dooper ice blocks complimentary for guests. Oh, and their hairdryers are those fancy Dyson ones that everyone raves about.
We had tickets to watch The Illusionists Tour that night – so we made the whole surprise a little bit magically themed. We didn’t tell the girls, and arrived at the hotel and had our room set up as a surprise for them. They had balloons, a little outfit to wear and a present {a little magic kit each from Kmart}. AND, then the team at Novotel surprised the whole family by having a magician in the lobby to trick us and surprise us with his talents. It was the stuff dreams are made of.
2. Eat your way through Eat Street Markets
Over on the Northshore you’ll find the food mecca that your tummy has been looking for. There are over 180 food and entertainment stalls to choose from. Bring cash to make life easier {although they do have ATMs}. It costs $3 to enter, and then you can grab a table, listen to the live music and eat away.
3. Swim at Street Beach, South Bank
Which city has a man-made beach in the middle of the city, Brisbane does. If you’re visiting Brisbane, you should always have a swimming costume and a towel in your bag for any impromptu dips. Street Beach is fun for the whole family.
4. Ride the Wheel of Brisbane
Take 15 minutes to see the City from a bird’s eye view. The Wheel of Brisbane gives a tour of the City, pointing out all the important landmarks while you take on the view. I love looking down at Street Beach and seeing how happy everyone is.
5. Shop at Queen Street Mall
There are so many great shops at Queen Street Mall, so put on your walking shoes and arm yourself with your credit card and get shopping. Or just window shopping as I tend to do. The kids will love the street performers littered throughout the mall too.
6. Take a dip at the Lagoon in South Bank
Right next door to Street Beach at South Bank is the Lagoon {for those that don’t do sand, cos I know there are many of you!}. It’s a great spot to cool down and check out the Brisbane view.
7. Eat dumplings
Yes, always eat the dumplings. I must confess, I will travel the hour it takes to get to Brisbane from my home JUST for the dumplings. It’s a thing in my family. We love New Shanghai at Queens Plaza. Try the Xiao Long Bao, and have one for me.
8. Paint away at Plaster Fun House
This isn’t right in Brisbane {in Carina}, but it takes me back to my childhood and I love visiting here. These places are hard to find! We stop in at Plaster Fun House and let the girls paint a plaster, and it’s like I’m 9 all over again!
9. Shop James Street
If you like fancy, then take a step into James Street for a stroll and a window shop. It’s so green, pretty and filled with things that I know I can’t afford but like to look at anyway.
10. Take the toy train at South Bank
All aboard! Take a tour of South Bank aboard the Xpress Fun Train with the kids.
11. Visit QAGOMA
This is my favourite place. It’s an art gallery with edge. Best of all QAGOMA have a Children Art’s Centre inside with ever-changing interactive exhibits for families. Their current exhibit runs until April, and is amazing {it’s called Uncovered and the kids will love it, I promise!}.
12. Catch a show at QPAC
Queensland Performing Arts Centre always has a roster of great shows to watch, and many of them family friendly. I love to take a look at what’s coming up, and plan a weekend away to suit. Check out what’s showing here.
13. Order room service and totally relax
Nothing says relax more to me, than sitting in bed, bra off, eating room service while watching a movie. It’s just bliss, and totally acceptable at the Novotel Brisbane South Bank. Look at the burger, it’s screaming for us to eat it!
14. Take a dip and have a Zooper Dooper
I am far too excited that the Novotel Brisbane South Bank has complimentary Zooper Doopers for guests. Take a dip, eat an icy pole. Repeat.
15. Check out Brisbane Powerhouse
The Brisbane Powerhouse is located in trendy New Farm, and is home to a load of events, visual arts, festivals and bites to eat too.
16. Ride a Lime Scooter
Dotted around Brisbane, you’ll see scooters that are lime in colour. They’re not abandoned, instead they’re there for visitors and locals to use. They cost $1 to start and then just 15c per minute. What a fun way to see the city!
17. Cuddle a koala Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
There’s no cuter animal than a koala, and Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is the perfect spot to see them, and give them a little cuddle too.
18. Take a photo at the Brisbane sign
Right on the river in South Bank, you’ll find the popular Brisbane sign. You must, absolutely without a doubt, take a photo of the sign and share it on Instagram. It’s the right, fun, thing to do!
19. Do the Brisbane Riverwalk
Brisbane is so walkable, so be sure to pack your walking shoes. Take a walk over the bridge, by the river and around. Take in all the beautiful sights Brisbane has to offer.
20. Visit Brisbane Botanic Gardens
Head over to the Brisbane Botanic Gardens to check out the 56-hectare grounds and get back to nature with the family.
21. See Brisbane in a Hot Air Balloon
While the Wheel of Brisbane lets you get a better view of the city, you can’t experience much better than checking out beautiful Brisbane in a hot-air balloon.
22. Check out the view at Brisbane lookout at Mount Coot-tha
Pop over to this hot-spot to see the view of Brisbane and beyond to Moreton Island. It will take your breath away. Check out their site for more details.
23. Walk the Goodwill Bridge
The Goodwill Bridge links the City to South Bank, so take a stroll across, take some photos and enjoy the sights.
24. Take a culinary stroll through Chinatown Mall
Located in the centre of Fortitude Valley, you’ll be taken to a whole different country as soon as you step into Chinatown Mall. The sights, the smells, the breakfast yum cha, the supermarket and more.
25. Check out a sporting event
Whether it’s watching the Broncos play a game of Rugby League, or another sport, there’s always someone to cheer on in Brisbane.
26. See the lights on Story Bridge
I love the ever-changing lights of the Story Bridge, it’s always fun to check out what colour they are when we visit. You can even climb the bridge with Story Bridge Adventure Climb.
27. Have a drink in Fish Lane
Last time I was in South Bank I spotted Fish Lane and immediately wanted to explore. There are spots to eat, have a drink, and even Gelato Messina to grab one of the best ice creams going around.
28. Enjoy the Kids Collective at Roma Street Parkland
Kids Collective is the spot to be in the school holidays. It’s all free activities to keep the kids entertained, including activities like a science lab, drama club and even a wildlife experience.
There are so many {so many!} activities to do in Brisbane and AccorHotels has blogged about a lot of them too. You can find some great ideas over at the AccorHotels Magazine, so pop over for a read and to grab some ideas.
Have I convinced you yet? When will you plan a weekend getaway in Brisbane?
