Free things to do with toddlers in Brisbane

A free day with a toddler in Brisbane works best when you plan around the heat and the nap. Mornings are your window. Aim to be at the water, the playground or the garden before the sun gets strong, and head home or indoors by lunch. Calm lagoons at Settlement Cove, Orion and South Bank give shallow, sandy water that suits tiny feet. Roma Street Parkland and South Bank Parklands have playgrounds with separate areas for little children, and Brisbane Botanic Gardens at Mt Coot-tha offers shady paths and lawns. When the weather turns, Queensland Museum Kurilpa and its Dinosaur Garden give toddlers plenty to look at. Libraries and The Corner at the State Library are quiet, cool and welcoming. Pack more snacks and water than you think you need, and a change of clothes for the toddler and for you. A hat and a rash vest are vital, because the Queensland sun is strong, even in winter. Look at fencing, shade and toilets before you pick the park, because they matter more to a toddler's day than the equipment. One good hour is enough, and a toddler who leaves happy will be keen to return.

Our picks

  • Summit Track, Mt Coot-tha Reserve Summit Track, Mt Coot-tha Reserve Mount Coot-tha

    Brisbane City Council describes the Summit Track (58) as Mt Coot-tha's most popular hike and a relatively easy walk suited to all fitness levels.

    1.9 km · relatively easy, suits all fitness levels (Brisbane City Council) · 30 minutes each way · ★ 4.7 (659)

  • Piccabeen walk, The Gantry (D'Aguilar National Park) Piccabeen walk, The Gantry (D'Aguilar National Park) Mount Mee

    A 1 km circuit trail and boardwalk through eucalypt forest and subtropical rainforest with piccabeen palm groves and tall Sydney blue gums, in the Mount Mee section of…

    1 km · Grade 2 walking track · Allow 30min walking time · ★ 4.5 (656)

  • Downfall Creek Bushland Centre Downfall Creek Bushland Centre Chermside West

    Brisbane City Council's family-friendly bushland centre in Raven Street Reserve, part of the Chermside Hills Reserves in Brisbane's north.

    0.4 km · Wheelchair access · ★ 4.7 (382)

  • Settlement Cove Lagoon Settlement Cove Lagoon Redcliffe

    Settlement Cove Lagoon is a free, tropical-themed public swimming lagoon run by City of Moreton Bay on the Redcliffe Peninsula.

    ★ 4.5 (2,630)

  • Orion Lagoon Orion Lagoon Springfield Central

    Orion Lagoon is an Ipswich City Council public swimming lagoon in the Robelle Domain parklands at Springfield Central, about 30 minutes' drive from Brisbane's CBD.

    ★ 4.5 (2,620)

  • Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha Mt Coot-tha

    Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha are Brisbane City Council's 56-hectare subtropical botanic gardens at the foot of Mt Coot-tha, with free entry.

    ★ 4.7 (7,814)

Before you go

Best for which ages

Walking age to about four is the sweet spot for these places, and a baby can come along in a carrier or lying on a rug in the shade. A bigger sibling will usually be happy in the same lagoon or playground. A child edging towards three can manage more than a one-year-old, so choose with the younger one in mind.

What to bring

Pack nappies, wipes, a spare outfit, a sunhat and a rash vest. A rug for the shade, water, snacks and a favourite toy go in too. Bring a bag for wet clothes and a towel for the car seat, because a damp, sandy toddler in a hot car is a recipe for tears.

Parking and facilities

Aim for a park with close parking, toilets and baby change. Not every Brisbane park has baby change, so check the listing. Libraries and the big museums usually do. Carrying a tired toddler and a bag across a large car park in the heat is hard work, so park as near as you can.

Best time of year

Winter and spring are gentle for toddlers, with mild days and dry air. In summer, go early and finish before the afternoon heat and storms. Lagoons and splash areas are best in the warmer months. Winter is the toddler season in Brisbane, with mild sun, dry air and gentle shade on most days.

Prams and accessibility

Most big Brisbane parks have paved paths for prams, though sand and bark chips are harder going. Libraries and museums have lifts. On rougher bush ground, a carrier works better than a pram. Wet concrete at the splash parks is slippery, so keep a hand on your toddler and choose shoes with grip.

Waterfalls, lookouts and forest walks

Walks the park service or council describes with a length and grade. Each listing says how far, how hard, and what is at the start.

All walks, waterfalls and lookouts in Brisbane, free and paid

Beaches, rock pools and ocean baths

Swim between the red and yellow flags. Patrol seasons and hours on each listing come from the surf club or council page.

All beaches and rock pools in Brisbane, free and paid

Botanic gardens and big parklands

Open lawns, shaded paths and room to run, with toilets and a picnic spot close by.

All gardens and parklands in Brisbane, free and paid

Playgrounds and adventure parks

The destination playgrounds and nature play spaces worth a trip across town.

  • South Bank Parklands South Bank Parklands South Brisbane

    South Bank Parklands is a public riverside precinct in South Brisbane managed by South Bank Corporation.

    ★ 4.8 (1,961)

  • Roma Street Parkland Roma Street Parkland Brisbane City

    Roma Street Parkland is a 16-hectare inner-city park in Brisbane.

    ★ 4.7 (10,660)

  • The Lake Parklands The Lake Parklands Forest Lake

    The Lake Parklands in Forest Lake has an accessible and inclusive playground, according to Brisbane City Council's park facilities data.

    All-abilities · ★ 4.5 (975)

  • Children's Garden, Roma Street Parkland Children's Garden, Roma Street Parkland Brisbane City

    The Children's Garden is a free playground area in Roma Street Parkland, behind the Amphitheatre and along Weeping Fig Avenue.

  • New Farm Park Playground New Farm Park Playground New Farm

    New Farm Park is a 15-hectare Brisbane City Council park at 1042 Brunswick Street, New Farm, created in 1914 and listed on the Queensland Heritage Register.

    All-abilities · ★ 4.8 (355)

  • Pine Rivers Park Pine Rivers Park Strathpine

    Pine Rivers Park at 125 Gympie Road, Strathpine, is a large City of Moreton Bay council park that the council describes as having many free features.

    ★ 4.6 (1,803)

  • Suttons Beach Park (including Youth Park) Suttons Beach Park (including Youth Park) Redcliffe

    A popular destination for families, especially on weekends and during school holidays, the park is well-equipped with picnic facilities, shelters, barbecues, and a…

    All-abilities · ★ 4.6 (2,789)

  • Scarborough Beach Park Scarborough Beach Park Scarborough

    With plenty of things to do it is a popular place for families and day visitors to explore the outdoors.

    ★ 4.6 (1,873)

  • The Hills District All Abilities Playground The Hills District All Abilities Playground Arana Hills

    The Hills District All Abilities Playground is a fenced City of Moreton Bay council playground in Leslie Patrick Park, Olearia Street West, Arana Hills.

    All-abilities · ★ 4.8 (209)

  • Grinstead Park Grinstead Park Alderley

    Grinstead Park is a Brisbane City Council park at 130 Shand Street, Alderley, covering more than 10,000 square metres.

    All-abilities · ★ 4.6 (722)

  • Riverside Green Playground Riverside Green Playground South Brisbane

    Riverside Green Playground is a free playground on Riverside Green in South Bank Parklands, South Brisbane, beside the Brisbane River.

    ★ 4.7 (349)

  • Bulimba Riverside Park Bulimba Riverside Park Bulimba

    Bulimba Riverside Park in Bulimba has an accessible and inclusive playground, according to Brisbane City Council's park facilities data.

    All-abilities · ★ 4.6 (579)

  • Carindale Recreation Reserve Carindale Recreation Reserve Carindale

    Carindale Recreation Reserve in Carindale has an accessible and inclusive playground, according to Brisbane City Council's park facilities data.

    All-abilities · ★ 4.6 (562)

  • Beth Boyd Park Beth Boyd Park Thorneside

    Beth Boyd Park is a Redland City Council park on the Thorneside foreshore.

    ★ 4.6 (559)

  • Decker Park Decker Park Brighton

    Decker Park in Brighton has an accessible and inclusive playground, according to Brisbane City Council's park facilities data.

    All-abilities · ★ 4.5 (1,186)

  • Jamieson Park Jamieson Park Scarborough

    Its large grassy area overlooks the water with views of Deception Bay and the Glasshouse Mountains.

    All-abilities · ★ 4.6 (479)

  • Baldwin Lawn Playground Baldwin Lawn Playground Brisbane City

    Baldwin Lawn Playground is the children's playground in the City Botanic Gardens, 147 Alice Street, Brisbane City.

    All-abilities · ★ 4.8 (100)

  • Recreation Precinct Playground Recreation Precinct Playground Saint Lucia

    The University of Queensland's all-abilities public playground is in the Sport and Recreation Precinct on Sir William MacGregor Drive, St Lucia, behind the tennis…

    All-abilities · ★ 4.8 (96)

  • Bill Brown Sports Reserve Bill Brown Sports Reserve Fitzgibbon

    Bill Brown Sports Reserve in Fitzgibbon has an accessible and inclusive playground, according to Brisbane City Council's park facilities data.

    All-abilities · ★ 4.7 (157)

  • Bradbury Park Playscape Bradbury Park Playscape Kedron

    Bradbury Park, at 91 Kitchener Road, Kedron, is a Brisbane City Council park with a large playscape that the council describes as a playground of towers, bridges and…

    ★ 4.7 (141)

  • Broadwater Picnic Ground Park Broadwater Picnic Ground Park Mansfield

    Broadwater Picnic Ground Park in Mansfield has an accessible and inclusive playground, according to Brisbane City Council's park facilities data.

    All-abilities · ★ 4.5 (506)

  • Pelican Park Pelican Park Clontarf

    There's a boat ramp and rigging area that borders the park, allowing for a final safety check before setting off.

    All-abilities · ★ 4.4 (2,257)

  • Ascot Park Ascot Park Ascot

    Ascot Park is a Brisbane City Council park at 206 Lancaster Road, Ascot, on the corner of Lancaster and Kitchener roads, open 24 hours.

    All-abilities · ★ 4.6 (201)

  • Perth Street Park Perth Street Park Camp Hill

    Perth Street Park in Camp Hill has an accessible and inclusive playground, according to Brisbane City Council's park facilities data.

    All-abilities · ★ 4.5 (179)

  • Blatchford Recreation Reserve Blatchford Recreation Reserve Murrumba Downs

    Blatchford Recreation Reserve is a district-level recreation park in Murrumba Downs.

    ★ 4.5 (170)

  • Mulbeam Park Mulbeam Park Boondall

    Mulbeam Park in Boondall has an accessible and inclusive playground, according to Brisbane City Council's park facilities data.

    All-abilities · ★ 4.4 (276)

  • Lower Moora Park, Shorncliffe Lower Moora Park, Shorncliffe Shorncliffe

    Moora Park is a Brisbane City Council park on the seafront at Shorncliffe, looking across Moreton Bay to the Redcliffe Peninsula, a short walk from Shorncliffe Station.

    ★ 4.7 (26)

  • Nixon Park Nixon Park Oxley

    Nixon Park in Oxley has an accessible and inclusive playground, according to Brisbane City Council's park facilities data.

    All-abilities · ★ 4.4 (174)

  • John Goss Reserve John Goss Reserve Chermside West

    John Goss Reserve in Chermside West has an accessible and inclusive playground, according to Brisbane City Council's park facilities data.

    All-abilities · ★ 4.6 (40)

  • Capalaba All Abilities Playground Capalaba All Abilities Playground Capalaba

    Capalaba All Abilities Playground was Redlands' first all-abilities playground, opened in 2012 and co-funded by Redland City Council and the Queensland Government.

    All-abilities

  • Bedford Playground Park Bedford Playground Park Spring Hill

    Bedford Playground Park is a Brisbane City Council park of more than 10,000 square metres in Spring Hill, recorded by council at 33 Quarry Street and on the heritage…

    ★ 4.3 (248)

  • Fenwick Park Fenwick Park Mitchelton

    Fenwick Park in Mitchelton has slides, zip-lines and swings, and a cricket pitch, and the council suggests it for birthday parties and family picnics.

    ★ 4.3 (145)

  • Goupong Park Goupong Park Collingwood Park

    Goupong Park in Collingwood Park has a Liberty Swing, according to Ipswich City Council's Parks Search.

    All-abilities

  • Musgrave Park Musgrave Park South Brisbane

    Musgrave Park in South Brisbane has an accessible and inclusive playground, according to Brisbane City Council's park facilities data.

    All-abilities · ★ 4.1 (191)

  • Clarina Street Park Clarina Street Park Chapel Hill

    Clarina Street Park in Chapel Hill has an unfenced playground surrounded by trees, with a nature-inspired timber play structure and slide linked to a double swing set…

    ★ 4.4 (21)

  • Danzy Buchanan Park Danzy Buchanan Park Mango Hill

    Danzy Buchanan Park in Mango Hill offers a range of facilities, ensuring a fun-filled day out with family and friends.

    All-abilities · ★ 4.2 (85)

  • Bradbury Park Scooter Track Bradbury Park Scooter Track Kedron

    The scooter track is part of Bradbury Park, a Brisbane City Council park at 91 Kitchener Road, Kedron.

  • Picnic Island Playground Picnic Island Playground South Brisbane

    Picnic Island Green is an open lawn area in South Bank Parklands, just past Flowstate, with a playground that South Bank describes as suitable for kids of all ages.

  • Livvi's Place Hawthorne Park Livvi's Place Hawthorne Park Hawthorne

    Livvi's Place at Hawthorne Park, 100 Riding Road, Hawthorne, is one of the inclusive playspaces in the national Livvi's Place network created by the charity Touched by…

    All-abilities

  • Preston Road Park Preston Road Park Carina

    Preston Road Park in Carina has an accessible and inclusive playground, according to Brisbane City Council's park facilities data.

    All-abilities

  • Captain Burke Park Captain Burke Park Kangaroo Point

    Captain Burke Park in Kangaroo Point has an accessible and inclusive playground, according to Brisbane City Council's park facilities data.

    All-abilities

  • Raymond Park Raymond Park Kangaroo Point

    Raymond Park in Kangaroo Point has an accessible and inclusive playground, according to Brisbane City Council's park facilities data.

    All-abilities

  • Crockatt Park Crockatt Park Woody Point

    Crockatt Park is a sport and recreation facility that is home to an array of community organisations.

    All-abilities

  • D.M. Henderson Park D.M. Henderson Park Macgregor

    D.M. Henderson Park in Macgregor has an accessible and inclusive playground, according to Brisbane City Council's park facilities data.

    All-abilities

  • Milton Park Milton Park Milton

    Milton Park in Milton has an accessible and inclusive playground, according to Brisbane City Council's park facilities data.

    All-abilities

  • Glindemann Park Glindemann Park Holland Park West

    Glindemann Park in Holland Park West has an accessible and inclusive playground, according to Brisbane City Council's park facilities data.

    All-abilities

  • Whites Hill Reserve Whites Hill Reserve Camp Hill

    Whites Hill Reserve in Camp Hill has an accessible and inclusive playground, according to Brisbane City Council's park facilities data.

    All-abilities

  • Mortimer Road Park Mortimer Road Park Acacia Ridge

    Mortimer Road Park in Acacia Ridge has an accessible and inclusive playground, according to Brisbane City Council's park facilities data.

    All-abilities

All parks and playgrounds in Brisbane, free and paid

Free museums, galleries and science

Permanent collections with free entry. Special exhibitions can be ticketed; the listing says so.

Splash pads and water play

Free water play the council runs, usually in the warmer months. The listing says when the water is on.

All water play spots in Brisbane, free and paid

More free days out

Community farms, wildlife spots and other places that cost nothing to get into.

Libraries, story time and rhyme time

Free sessions for babies, toddlers and preschoolers, usually in school term.

  • The Corner at State Library of Queensland The Corner at State Library of Queensland South Brisbane

    The Corner is State Library of Queensland's playful learning space for children aged 0 to 8 and their families, on Level 1 of the library in the South Bank cultural…

    ★ 4.7 (1,239)

  • Ipswich Children's Library Ipswich Children's Library Ipswich

    Ipswich Children's Library is inside the Nicholas Street Precinct, 1 Nicholas Street, Ipswich.

    Story time · ★ 4.9 (92)

  • Chess Club at Fairfield Library Chess Club at Fairfield Library Fairfield

    A free monthly chess club for children at Fairfield Library, Fairfield Gardens Shopping Centre, 180 Fairfield Road, Fairfield, run by Brisbane City Council Libraries.

    ★ 4.7 (89)

  • Chermside Library Chermside Library Chermside

    Chermside Library is a Brisbane City Council public library at 375 Hamilton Road, Chermside Qld 4032.

    ★ 4.4 (445)

  • North Lakes Library North Lakes Library North Lakes

    North Lakes Library, at 10 The Corso, is a Moreton Bay council library with Wi-Fi, public computers, printing and scanning, toys for loan, baby change facilities and…

    ★ 4.4 (358)

  • Indooroopilly Library Indooroopilly Library Indooroopilly

    Indooroopilly Library is a Brisbane City Council public library at Indooroopilly Shopping Centre, Level 4 (next to Event Cinemas), 322 Moggill Road, Indooroopilly Qld…

    ★ 4.4 (167)

  • Carindale Library Carindale Library Carindale

    Carindale Library is a Brisbane City Council public library at Westfield Carindale, 1151 Creek Road (near Millennium Boulevard), Carindale Qld 4152.

    ★ 4.3 (213)

  • Brisbane Square Library Brisbane Square Library Brisbane

    Brisbane Square Library is a Brisbane City Council public library at 266 George Street, Brisbane Qld 4000.

  • Garden City Library Garden City Library Upper Mount Gravatt

    Garden City Library is a Brisbane City Council public library on Level R4 of Westfield Mt Gravatt, corner Logan and Kessels Roads, Upper Mount Gravatt.

Questions parents ask

Where can I take a toddler in Brisbane for free on a hot day?
Lagoons and splash parks are the best choices, such as Streets Beach, Settlement Cove Lagoon and local water play areas. Go early, bring a hat and a rash vest, and look at the listing for shade and toilets.
What free indoor things are there for toddlers in Brisbane?
Libraries with story time, The Corner at the State Library and Queensland Museum are good choices. Session days and times change, so confirm them first.
How long should a Brisbane toddler outing last?
Shorter is better. Aim to be done before the afternoon heat, and head home while your child is still smiling.
Are Brisbane free places safe for toddlers?
Lagoons and bay beaches have gentle water, but never assume the fencing. Stay within arm's reach of your toddler near any water, and watch the road at car park edges.

Other kinds of free day in Brisbane

For toddlers in other cities