Share
Explore

Ultimate Guide to Brisbane Activities for 3 & 4.5-Year-Old Boys and Adults

Summary of Attractions

Outdoor Adventures

Parks/Playgrounds:
Roma Street Parkland
South Bank Parklands
Brisbane City Botanic Gardens
Mount Coot-tha
Unique Outdoor:
DIG IT at Thunderbird Park
The Wheel of Brisbane
Kangaroo Point Cliffs

Water & Beach

South Bank Lagoon (Streets Beach)
Brisbane River Cruises

Animal Encounters

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Australia Zoo
Trevena Glen Farm
Daisy Hill Koala Centre

Educational & Cultural

SparkLab at Queensland Museum
QAGOMA (Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art)
Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium
Queensland Maritime Museum

Indoor Play

The Corner at State Library of Queensland
Bounce Trampoline Parks
Urban Xtreme Adventure Park
Bluey's World (opening Nov 2024)
Hologram Zoo
Area 51 (two locations south of the CBD)

Day Trips

Tangalooma Island Resort
Mount Coot-tha Botanic Gardens

Adult-Focused

Howard Smith Wharves
Savile Row Bar
Slideways Go Karting
City Sounds at Queen Street Mall
Detailed Guide
Category
Attraction
Features
Appeal for Children
Appeal for Adults
Parking
Drive time from Erika's
7
Roma Street Parkland
16 hectares of gardens, BBQ areas, playgrounds
Playgrounds, climbing, tunnels, water features
Botanical gardens, walking trails, seating
- Paid ($5-15)
10 min (5 km)
South Bank Parklands
Riverside walks, BBQs, events
Open spaces, playgrounds, markets
Dining, riverside walks, cultural events
- Paid ($5-20)
15 min (7 km)
Brisbane City Botanic Gardens
Lush greenery, duck ponds, bamboo grove
Play areas, duck ponds, trails
Historic gardens, river walks, peaceful retreat
- Limited street/Metered
14 min (7 km)
Mount Coot-tha
Panoramic views, café, trails
View from summit, trail hikes
Spectacular views, dining with views, photography
- Free (fills quickly)
20 min (13 km)
DIG IT at Thunderbird Park
Mini excavator play Note: Cost $55 per child for two hour
Real CAT mini excavators, digging, wrecking balls. Note: s
Scenic Tamborine Mountain, wineries, craft shops
- Free
1 hr (60 km)
The Wheel of Brisbane
Giant Ferris wheel with river/city views
High-altitude gondola ride, landmarks
Romantic sunset rides, skyline photos
- South Bank paid ($5-20)
15 min (7 km)
Kangaroo Point Cliffs
Rock climbing, abseiling, picnic areas
Climbing observation, paths
Adventure activities, river views, BBQs
- Limited street/metered
16 min (8 km)
2
South Bank Lagoon
Man-made beach with lifeguards
Safe swimming, shallow entry
Resort vibe, cafes, sunbathing
- South Bank paid ($5-20)
15 min (7 km)
Brisbane River Cruises
Scenic ferry rides with narrated landmarks
Boat rides, bridge sightings
Relaxing sightseeing, historical commentary
- CBD paid ($10-25)
14 min (7 km)
4
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Koala cuddling, kangaroo feeding, wildlife shows
Animal interactions, koala holds
Conservation exhibits, natural habitats
- Free
22 min (16 km)
Australia Zoo
Wildlife shows, petting zoos, conservation focus
Interactive shows, playgrounds
Educational programs, photo ops, professional presentations
- Free
1 hr 20 min (90 km)
Trevena Glen Farm
Feed/pat alpacas, pigs, horse rides
Hands-on animal grooming, tractor rides
Farm education, mountain scenery
- Free
35 min (32 km)
Daisy Hill Koala Centre
Free koala viewing in bushland
Koala observation areas, trails
Budget-friendly, conservation-focused
- Free
35 min (35 km)
4
SparkLab
Interactive science exhibits, live experiments
Buttons, levers, visual demos
STEM-themed learning, air-conditioned space
- Cultural Centre paid ($5-20)
15 min (7 km)
QAGOMA
Art workshops, child-friendly exhibits
Dedicated art center, creative activities
World-class collections, rotating exhibitions
- Cultural Centre paid ($5-20)
15 min (7 km)
Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium
Cosmic Skydome shows, space exhibits
Planetarium shows, rocket models
Astronomy education, theater seating
- Free
18 min (12 km)
Queensland Maritime Museum
Ship exhibits, naval artifacts
Board historic ships, technical displays
Maritime history, artifact displays
- Limited metered
16 min (8 km)
7
The Corner at State Library
Toys, crafts, storytelling (10am-3pm daily)
Age-appropriate toys, crafts
Free, parent seating, café proximity
- Cultural Centre paid ($5-20)
15 min (7 km)
Bounce Trampoline Parks
Wall-to-wall trampolines, foam pits
Trampoline zones, toddler areas
Exercise with kids, café/WiFi viewing areas
- Free
25 min (18 km)
Urban Xtreme Adventure Park
Indoor skiing, parkour, laser tag
Snow sports, climbing obstacles
Climate-controlled play, parental participation
- Free
15 min (10 km)
Bluey's World (opening Nov 2024)
Immersive Bluey TV show sets
TV show-themed play areas
Nostalgia, high-quality production
- Paid (TBD)
16 min (9 km)
Hologram Zoo
Large holographic animals. $30 Aus
Canon Hill Shopping Centre https://maps.app.goo.gl/8xyFSJNkrvd8S8cc9
15 mins
Area 51, Underwood
Huge, like really huge, indoor play area for kids of all ages. With trampolining, huge soft play climbing areas, construction spaces, ball pits, giant slides, indoor rock climbing, and high ropes course. Multiple food options.
Massive amount of indoor playing
Everything in one place. Downside, on a weekend/rainy weekend it can be totally manic.
On site, can be busy on weekends. https://maps.app.goo.gl/i9nVQbrCSvtSqJ2N6
C. 30 mins.
Area 51, Garden City
Big kids play area.
On site
C. 20 mins. https://maps.app.goo.gl/DqoedvtYKrNLB8SWA
2
Tangalooma Island Resort
Dolphin feeding, sand tobogganing, snorkeling
Beach activities, dolphin interaction
Resort amenities, snorkeling at wrecks
- Ferry parking ($15-25/day)
25 min (17 km) to ferry
Mount Coot-tha Botanic Gardens
Hide 'n Seek trail, tropical dome, duck ponds
Interactive trails, plant exploration
Specialized gardens, café, peaceful walks
- Free
20 min (13 km)
4
Howard Smith Wharves
Trendy dining, craft breweries, rooftop bars
Boat watching, casual eateries
Premium dining, craft beer, evening vibes
- Validation-paid ($5-20)
14 min (7 km)
Savile Row Bar
Cocktail/whisky classes
Observation of mixology
Sophisticated drinks, expert bartenders
- Street/rideshare
13 min (6 km)
Slideways Go Karting
Multi-level track racing with timing
Kid-sized karts, racing thrill
Competitive laps, high-performance karts
- Free
15 min (9 km)
City Sounds at Queen Street Mall
Live music while shopping
Interactive street performances
Free entertainment, local musicians, shopping vibe
- CBD paid ($5-25)
12 min (6 km)

Want to print your doc?
This is not the way.
Try clicking the ⋯ next to your doc name or using a keyboard shortcut (
CtrlP
) instead.