More than 8.8 million tourists from around the globe visited Australia in 2017. A haven full of natural wonders and man-made attractions, the land down under is an excellent destination for families who are on vacation with kids. By choosing Queensland’s capital to spend time with your family, you’re off to a special holiday that your children will remember for a long time.
Visiting Brisbane with the kids
Brisbane is a child-friendly city filled with tourist spots to keep the little ones entertained. There are a lot of museums and zoos to choose from, perfect for the kids and the kids-at-heart alike.
Because of the city’s size and having children in tow, it’s best to book you rental car before you arrive in Australia. It’s the smartest way to travel from one point to another. Don’t forget to request baby seats or booster seats depending on the age of your children, too.
Australia is very particular with road safety for children. By law, children under six months of age must be in a rear-facing child seat with restraint, while children aged between four to seven must be in a proper fitting child seat with a harness. For older kids aged seven and up, they must travel in a booster seat.
To help you plan your trip to Australia, here are some child-friendly activities to help you come up with a unique and exciting itinerary.
- Take them to Flipside Circus
There’s nothing like a day at the circus. However, in Brisbane, their version of a circus is a little different. At the Flipside Circus, your world will be turned upside down with their incredible stage performances.
Flipside Circus is the largest youth arts organisation in Queensland. Their artistic programs aim to empower children and young people to help them become the best version of themselves.
It’s a creative way to keep your kids busy during their school holidays with the Circus’ school holiday workshop. You can also try their Sunday Circus or even sign them up for a term.
2. Visit museums and galleries
If you’re looking for a more culture-driven holiday in Brisbane, then stop by South Bank Parklands -home to the state’s most extensive galleries and libraries. At the Queensland Art Gallery you will have a chance to see some traditional art exhibits.
Meanwhile, your eyes can feast on modernism and the abstract arts if you include the Gallery of Modern Art on your list. It’s a perfect place for the little ones to go to especially if they have a knack for the arts. Other museums you can check are:
- Queensland Museum. A multi-sensory experience awaits you. Apart from interactive displays, you’ll see life-sized whales and dinosaurs, complete with noise each animal produces in the background. Your kids will surely walk out with amusement and an unmatched gleam in their eyes.
- Abbey Museum. For the inquisitive ones, Abbey Museum is the place to go. Within its walls, you can see more than 500,000 years of history ranging from the prehistoric times to the Renaissance. You can also learn a thing or two about archaeology during your stay.
Visiting museums with your family allows everyone to learn a little more about Australia’s history. It might even spark a new interest in you and your child along the way.
3. Let them jump and have fun at Urban Xtreme
Urban Xtreme in Brisbane is the largest ski and adventure park in Australia. The must-try attractions are the Laser Tag and Ninja Parkour. If your kids are old enough, you can try skiing and snowboarding. It’s the perfect place for a birthday party where everyone is guaranteed a good time.
You can get a Park Pass where the kids can enjoy everything at a package price. Let them indulge in physical activities and discover new skills along the way at Urban Xtreme.
4. Connect with nature through one of its national parks
Exploring the outdoors is a must when visiting Brisbane. This Australian capital is filled with natural wonders, and most are accessible by car. Some of the national parks and zoos you should check are:
- Australia Zoo. Australia Zoo in Brisbane is best known as the “Home of the Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin.” The zoo offers its visitors, young and old, the ultimate wildlife experience. Try being a zookeeper for a day and walk tigers for a one-of-a-kind adventure.
- Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. It’s the first and the largest koala sanctuary on earth and was established to help rehabilitate sick, injured and orphaned koalas. An incredible close encounter to the Australian wildlife awaits you here. You can join feeding activities, photo ops or other interactive shows.
- D’Aguilar National Park. For families with older children, a walk through D’Aguilar National Park is another exciting activity to try. Hidden gorges and sheltered pockets of subtropical rainforests await you in this hidden gem that’s only 15 to 95-minute drive away from the city centre. If time allows, you can spend the night camping between two formal camping areas available.
By allowing your children to connect with nature, you’re not only giving them a memorable holiday. You’re also teaching them life skills that they might need in real-life adventures that await them. Good thing, you’ll never run out of choices in Brisbane.
