We often hear parents wonder where to take their children on weekends and holidays. No matter where you are in Australia, there are plenty of things to do that won’t empty your bank account. This month, we’ve chosen our Top 10 Free Activities for Children in SE Queensland.
If you’re near our Petit Early Learning Journey centres in Springfield, Caloundra, Wooloowin, Hamilton, Burleigh Heads or Pimpama, then these activities are for you! But if you’re elsewhere in Australia, don’t despair, there are sure to be similar free activities for children in your area too.
We suggest checking out these places for fun children’s activities:
- Aqua and adventure parks
- ‘What’s On’ activities sponsored by councils
- State and local libraries
- Botanic gardens
- Play groups
- Local beaches.
Some places, even have pedal tracks like a few of our centres. Read on for our top 10 free activities for kids in South East Queensland.
These parks have fun activities for younger children
Water and adventure parks are by far the most fun activities for children in our subtropical climate in South East Queensland. While many adventure playgrounds support older children, these specially selected parks provide fun, free activities for toddlers and preschoolers.
1. Robelle Domain at Springfield Central
Within walking distance of our Springfield centre is one of Ipswich’s crowning achievements. This expansive 24-hectare park includes boardwalks, sports grounds, an amphitheatre, a children’s water playground and a free-to-use lifeguarded swimming lagoon for all ages.
Robelle Domain often hosts twilight markets and other community events. Its water playground lies within walking distance of barbecues and a cafe. It’s perhaps the most popular playground around for toddlers to preschoolers who love standing under the tipping bucket.
2. Broadwater Parklands on the Gold Coast
Described by the Gold Coast Council as a ‘world class community and cultural parkland’ the three kilometres of green walkways and turf is ideal for picnics and BBQs. The Rockpools water playground is its prime feature for families with young children.
Broadwater Parklands also has other great play areas with fun activities for children including a:
- Giant lizard
- Bike education track
- Monorail pedal bikes
- Flying fox
- Special Liberty swing
- Bouncy pillow.
Water play is such a fun activity for younger children, that our Petit ELJ centres also provide opportunities to play with water.
3. Bells Reach Playground at Caloundra
Bells Reach playground, built in the first half of this decade, still has a newness to it that attracts children of all ages. It has a toddler mini-adventure play area, baby swing and sand pits, as well as a hopscotch court, swings and play-nets for older kids.
The playground design with its sand and rubber base and shade provided by large sails won two awards in 2013 and 2014. The playground surrounded by BBQs, public toilets, bike and walking paths is sure to stimulate many adventurous free activities for kids.
4. Pine Rivers Park at Strathpine
Pine Rivers Park is another one of the great parks in SE Queensland to have a liberty swing. These swings are designed primarily to bring joy to children in wheelchairs or with another physical impairment.
Pine Rivers park has many playgrounds just a short distance from each other. Rubber and bark help to impede falls. Many areas are fenced, and there are plenty of picnic tables and BBQs to turn your visit into a day adventure.
Other popular fun children’s activities at Pine Rivers include:
- Flying fox
- Pedal-powered train track
- Seesaws
- Slides
- Climbing nets and frames
- Walking and bike paths.
But we can’t let the parks have all the fun. At Petit Early Learning Journey, our children love to climb about too!
Fun children’s activities sponsored by local councils
While many ‘What’s On’ council activities are run over the school holidays, some also promote fun children’s activities all year round. These local councils sponsor activities in local communities and parks. We’ve chosen programs that cater for babies and preschoolers in their programs.
5. ‘Active Parks’ for children by Brisbane City Council
These free to low-cost events encourage children including infants and toddlers to be active outdoors. While Active Parks events have a physical component, some also combine music and drama for extra fun. Narrow your choices by selecting “kids activities” from the side menu.
6. ‘What’s On’ events hosted by Logan City Council
These once-off and regular events are either free or low cost and include arts and crafts, health and fitness, community, cultural and entertainment activities. Free activities for children start from 0 and up. Select a month to view a list of what’s on in Logan.
‘What’s On’ council activities include health and fitness events similar to the activities our Petit ELJ toddlers and preschoolers enjoy.
Library free activities for children of all ages
If you’re looking to beat the heat with indoor activities, take advantage of Queensland’s libraries as they have regular storytelling for children and many other free activities.
7. Queensland State Library’s ‘The Corner’
If you’re looking for the perfect indoor space for your child to make discoveries, then the Queensland library’s ‘The Corner’ is the perfect place for kids between 0-8 years-old. Your child will enjoy art-making, storytelling and conversations and facilitated play.
8. Local Council library activities
Local libraries have a ton of fun activities for kids. They’re fast becoming more than just rooms with books. So, don’t wait for the holidays to check out as these fun activities as they go all year round.
Of particular note:
- Ipswich Libraries have many programs aimed at the early years including Storytime and Wriggle and Rhyme.
- Rhymetime and Storytime held by Sunshine Coast Council Libraries.
- Brisbane City Council’s children’s programs go beyond language to embrace science, technology and art.
Other free activities for kids
9. Botanic Gardens for nature-play activities
South-East Queensland is home to some of the most serene botanic gardens. They’re ideal places for families to stretch their legs, picnic and commune with the outdoors. Gold Coast Botanic Garden also has a sensory garden where visitors can interact with nature.
10. Local playgroup activities
If you’re looking for social activities for early learners, then check out the local playgroups in your area. While some charge a monthly fee to cover costs, others are free. Playgroups can be lots of fun for 0-5 year-olds with singing, dancing and other play-based activities.
We love our nature-based play at Petit ELJ. Our centres have sensory gardens and nature activities that that the kids enjoy.
Discover fun children’s activities at Petit ELJ
At Petit Early Learning Journey our programs are filled with fun children’s activities. Inspired by your child’s imagination and curiosity, we place a strong emphasis on play-based learning. We welcome conversations about our early learning curriculum and children’s activities.
