Brilliant Brisbane is hard to beat for FREE family activities! Stunning pools and beaches; excellent parks and playgrounds; and free transport options to help you explore the city! Check out our 10 FREE Things to do in Brisbane with Kids.

1. New Farm Park

There’s lots of fun climbing frames at New Farm Park playground with a fort like tree-house, plenty of lovely shade and an extensive bridge walk. Kids can fly kites or ride their bikes in the large ground across the road and the park is a great place for picnics!

“My little brother likes the kids’ playground equipment at New Farm Park.” Gem H.

Take a quick stroll by the Brisbane River to cool down from all the busy playground activities and enjoy the great views!

2. Mount Coot-tha Lookout

Take a trip to the top of Mount Coot-tha Lookout and enjoy the amazing views of Brisbane! Spend the day and visit the Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens while you’re there! Pack a picnic and explore the tropical rainforest with a fun Hide ‘n Seek Children’s Trail Map from the Information Centre or download it here.

“Ride your bike down Mt. Coot-tha trails if you’re feeling adventurous! It’s very steep!” Bill I.

3. BBQ at Frew Park Project

Located at the previous site of Milton Tennis Centre, the ‘Arena’ Playground is based on the former tennis court grandstand and has activities to suit every ability. Features at Frew Park include climbing walls and climbing nets, shaded picnic areas and barbeque facilities.

“Fabulous kids play area and climbing slides.” Bill I.

4. City Botanical Gardens

Image: Brisbane County Council Flickr

Revive and relax at the City Botanic Gardens, a wonderful little haven overlooking the river in the heart of Brisbane city. The new playground there has been based around the theme of the garden’s tropical plants and has been specially designed to facilitate all abilities with wider paths for wheelchair use and a mix of equipment that is stimulating for all children.

“There’s a new playground in the City Botanical Gardens.” Rae A.

5. Make a Splash at Southbank Pools & Beach

Brisbane is famous for its gorgeous warm weather and the popular Southbank area has a number of free pools open all year round.  Streets Beach has shallow waters & lifeguards making it perfect for families! Soak up the winter sun on powder-white sand or cool off in summer in the infinity edged pool.

“Keep it low budget and pack a picnic.” Dave M.

Are you visiting Sydney too? Check out our FREE Things to do in Sydney!

6. Go to GOMA

Kids will love climbing and swinging out of the 5 metre high ‘Upside Down Elephant’ and that’s before they even get inside! The Gallery of Modern Art is Australia’s leading museum of contemporary art and the majority of exhibitions are free. There is also a fantastic two-level children’s art centre and the world class permanent art collection on show.

“GOMA is always good and often has kid centric displays.” Bill I.

7. Visit the Queensland Museum

The free Queensland Museum goes out of its way to enhance your kids’ museum experience! There is hours of fun to be had here, from bugs to history, and dinosaur fans will love the dinosaur garden! Most areas are now interactive and guaranteed to inspire active Brisbane kids.

8. The State Library of Queensland

Situated beside the GOMA and The QLD Museum, the QLD State Library is one of our favourite free things to do in Brisbane with kids! They have a wonderful kids’ corner, games parlour and a host of regular free activities for kids. It’s easy to become a member and older kids can peruse the free newspapers or use the computers for up to 3 hours.

9. Explore Brisbane by Boat

This photo of Queensland Maritime Museum is courtesy of TripAdvisor" width="168" height="168" />

Image: Courtesy of TripAdvisor

A fantastic free resource for tourists and locals alike, Brisbane’s City Hopper is a free ferry service running from Eagle St Pier to New Farm, Kangaroo Point and North Quay. It’s a great way to avoid the traffic and cruise along the river, taking in the wonderful sights with the kids!

The City Loop is a frequent bus service which circles the city at no cost. Check the website for timetables.

10. Enjoy the Christmas Displays

If you’re lucky enough to be in Brisbane for the festive season, you can discover some of the most magical experiences with your kids by visiting some spectacular light displays and viewing the gorgeous Christmas windows and parades in the city. Wickfield Wonderland has won Brisbane’s Christmas Lights Competition five years in a row!

“Walk around and see the Christmas lights on Wickfield Street, Bracken Ridge.” Daniel S.

Is your top free things to do in Brisbane with kids listed here? We’d love to hear your feedback, so please let us know below.

If you’re heading to the USA instead, check out our Free Things to in New York or Free Things to do in Boston.

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