Free and cheap things to do with kids this summer 2025-2026
School is out from December 13, all the way to January 27. That’s six weeks to fill – a daunting prospect for any parent.
The big theme parks are always there down the M1, but that’s not necessarily the most appealing option during a cost-of-living crisis. And while beach swimming is free, that’s an exhausting day trip if you live in Brissie.
Here are some suggestions (mostly) closer to home, including shows, movies, exhibitions, craft, playgrounds, mini golf, and seasonal fun. This year, we’ve divided them into free, cheap-ish, and otherwise.
FREE THINGS TO DO
Queensland has a new permanent “big thing” sculpture – and kids are welcome to climb all over it. The Big Hose by Tony Albert and Nell has taken its place in the backyard of the Gallery of Modern Art, occupying the space next to the outdoor cafe. Grab a coffee, sit back and watch the kids go at it. Gallery of Modern Art, 24 hours, free.
Candy Coated Christmas Windows
The tradition of heading into town to shop and look at the Christmas windows is still alive. Artist Kirsten Devitt has designed windows dusted with sugary, gummy goodness. As well, the Candy Coated Christmas Mart (until Dec 24) has a free five-hole mini-golf game and a photo booth. Uptown, Queen Street Mall, until Jan 4, free.
City Hall Lights and Christmas Tree
Every night until Christmas Eve, City Hall is lit up with colourful lights and an animated story, A Christmas Blackout. While you’re in town, look out for 14 elf-sized doors hidden around Brisbane City. King George Square, until Dec 24, 7.30pm-midnight.
Visit this curated display of “cloud” artworks by top Australian artists, plus a room full of craft activities to engage young ones’ creativity. Grown-ups and kids may also enjoy the paid Ken Done: No Rules exhibition. Children’s Gallery, HOTA, 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise, Nov 8-Feb 1, daily 10am-4pm, free.
This free playground is arguably the splashiest in south-east Queensland, with three massive tree-like structures that spurt, jet, tip, shower and splash water in every conceivable way. If you don’t live locally, it’s worth the drive. Find more splashy water parks in SEQ. Flagstonian Drive, Undullah, free.
The Ipswich Nature Centre is a bona fide zoo, with wallabies, kangaroos, dingoes, bats, an emu, farm animals, a wombat, bilbies, a spotted tail quoll, a wedge-tailed eagle, parrots, lorikeets, pigeons, curlews and ducks. Apart from a non-obligatory gold coin donation, it’s free. Find more zoos in south-east Queensland. Goleby Avenue, Queens Park, daily 9.30am-4pm (school holidays), closed Dec 25.
The free museum has fun hands-on activities for kids themed around the museum show Precious and the Indigenous fashion exhibition Stories You Wear: Magpie Goose. Decorate a mini tote bag to keep ($5), design a full-size one ($25), make a badge ($2), learn to make stop-motion animation ($25), make a suncatcher (free), explore the Micro Museum (free), or do a tour and make an artwork ($15). Museum of Brisbane, City Hall, Dec 13-Jan 26, entry free.
New Year’s Eve Fireworks
The best vantage points for the Lord Mayor’s Fireworks are South Bank, Kangaroo Point Cliffs, Captain Burke Park, Wilson’s Outlook Reserve Park, and Dock Street (near the Maritime Museum). Public transport is running extra services, but allow plenty of time. Wed Dec 31, 7.45pm and Thu Jan 1, 12am.
Be greeted by a replica of Neil Armstrong’s Apollo spacesuit, spacecraft models and real asteroid fragments. Entry is free, but shows in the Cosmic Skydome attract a charge. Mount Coot-Tha Rd, Mount Coot-Tha, Mon-Sun 10am-4pm (closed public holidays), free.
Streets Beach and Boat Pool South Bank
The spectacular artificial beach at South Bank is a popular must-do in the warm months. It can get busy, but that doesn’t stop it being fun. Don’t miss the adjacent Boat Pool, and kids will love the interactive water-play park Aquativity. Find more free swimming spots in SEQ. Stanley St Plaza, South Brisbane, free.
CHEAP-ISH THINGS TO DO
Sixty micro-restaurants serve up anything you desire at this street-food favourite. Live entertainment plays on four stages, there are bars for mum and dad, and yes, they’re open on Boxing Day. 221D Macarthur Ave, Hamilton, Fri-Sat 4-10pm, Sun 4-9pm, adults $6 entry (kids under 13 free).
The Little Ravers Christmas Special
A dance party for small kids and their parents features interactive play zones, DJ-led dance sessions, arts and crafts, face painting, and festive theming. The event includes food and a licensed bar. The Hills of Rivermakers, 82 Colmslie Rd, Morningside, Sat Dec 20, 12pm and 2.30pm, kids from $12.50, adults from $25.
This paint-your-own craft shop offers hours of affordable, screen-free, creative fun. Simply select a plaster effigy (from penguins to pirates, Lego men to mermaids), pay for it ($7-$23), then pop on an apron, paint your find, then take it home. Walk in or book ahead online. 1396 Creek Road, Carina, daily 9am-5pm (school holidays).
A menagerie of animals, including a badger, a raccoon and a clownfish, find themselves trapped on a runaway train in this French-made animated adventure. In cinemas Dec 11.
Made in Brisbane, this movie adaptation of a US children’s book concerns a grumpy ocean pout (voiced by Nick Offerman) and a sea dragon (Nina Oyama) on an undersea quest to save their homes. In cinemas Jan 1.
Puppetry Workshop with Dead Puppet Society
Build your own crocodile shadow puppet, learn about the art of puppetry, and discover the magic of storytelling. Daytime sessions (45 mins) are for ages 8-9 or 10-15. Queensland Museum Kurilpa, Jan 13-15, $20.
The SpongeBob Movie: Search for Squarepants
Another big-screen outing for Bikini Bottom’s beloved sponge has him following the Flying Dutchman into the ocean’s abyssal depths. In cinemas Dec 26.
Swingers: The Art of Mini Golf
Adults and kids aged over nine are invited to take part in an art event like no other. Swingers is nine mini-golf holes, each designed by different female artists, including Miranda July, Kaylene Whiskey and Saeborg. Brisbane Powerhouse, Jan 10-Mar 1, noon-8pm, kids $15, adults $28.
Brisbane City Council’s $2 swims could be the best thing to happen to summer since the invention of the stubby holder. Splash’n’dash or stay for the day – it’s a cheap way to beat the heat. Various locations, daily (closed Dec 25), $2.
Wicked: For Good
Does it all end happily, or in a green oozy puddle? Find out how the story of witches Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande) pans out. In cinemas from Nov 20.
Disney’s clever 2016 animation about a bunny (Ginnifer Goodwin) proving herself as a cop gets a sequel, with Jason Bateman returning as her fox offsider and Ke Huy Quan voicing a reptilian suspect. In cinemas from Nov 27.
SPECIAL TREATS
See aerialists, acrobats and clowning under the Spiegeltent in a new family show featuring an award-winning cast of performers. The Augathella Spiegeltent, 166 Bay Terrace, Wynnum, Dec 13-21, 1pm, kids $24, adults $29, family $79.
Turn the little ones into musical theatre tragics with the Australian touring production of the big-hearted musical about a billionaire, a plucky orphan, and the orphanage owners who try to exploit her. Anthony Warlow is Daddy Warbucks, and Wiggle Greg Page plays a US president. Lyric Theatre, QPAC, Dec 27-Jan 31, $70-$190 (kids’ tickets available).
Bluey’s World Brisbane
The Heeler home has had a holiday makeover. Help Bingo hunt for Floppy, buy exclusive merch, get a snack from the Golden Crown takeaway, and you can even arrive on a “CityDog” ferry that’s decked out like Bluey or Bingo. 281 Macarthur Avenue, Hamilton, Tue-Sun until Mar 15 (closed Dec 25), $49.90-$64.90. Bookings essential.
Rocket bubbles, giant bubbles, and a “bubble fire tornado” are among the sights in this award-winning soapy spectacular. The Augathella Spiegeltent, 166 Bay Terrace, Wynnum, Dec 13-21, 9.30am, kids $24, adults $29, family $79.
Get the kids on board with the important message of Charles Dickens’ book with Shake & Stir’s celebrated annual production starring Eugene Gilfedder as Scrooge. There are several matinee performances in the season, and discounts for children and family bookings. Playhouse, QPAC, Dec 12-24, $65-$75.
This popular mini-golf course at Victoria Park takes on its yuletide livery again with tinsel, snowpeople and more. Don’t forget to book online. Find more mini-golf courses in Brisbane. Victoria Park Golf Complex, daily from 6am, Nov 7-Jan 4 (closed Dec 25), $18-$24.
Crocs! Lost Giants to Living Legends
Queensland Museum’s tribute to crocodiles has re-creations of the ancient nine-metre Sarcosuchus and the infamous saltie “Sweetheart” from the NT, plus skulls, artworks, pop culture, and immersive experiences. Queensland Museum Kurilpa, daily 9.40am-5pm, kids $19.90, adults $29.90, family $84. Closed Dec 25-26.
Mad scientist Magnus Danger Magnus presents a Christmas edition of his popular science show, with flames, bubbles, liquid nitrogen, explosions and electricity. The Augathella Spiegeltent, 166 Bay Terrace, Wynnum, Dec 14-21, 11am, kids $24, adults $29, family $79.
Inspired by the magic-show heist movies, this live production brings four world-class illusionists to the stage – Adam Trent (USA), Pablo Canovas (Spain), Andrew Basso (Italy) and Gabriella Lester (Canada) – for tricks, stunts and stage wizardry. Concert Hall, QPAC, Jan 8-18, $79-$139.
See a rainbow suspended in mist, a rocky riverbed, and other things you never expected to see inside an art gallery. You can get 10 per cent off when purchasing a family bundle. Gallery of Modern Art, Dec 6-Jul 12, kids $14, adults $33.
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Nick Dent is a Culture Reporter at Brisbane Times, covering arts and things to do in the city.Connect via email.
