Fun, Free & Low-Cost Family Activities in Queensland

Feature: O’Reilly’s Tree Top Walk Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland

From splash parks and wildlife encounters to beachfront playgrounds and outdoor adventures, Queensland is packed with easy, low-cost ways to keep kids entertained.  

Whether you’re planning a weekend close to home or filling school holidays with sunshine-filled fun, these fun, free & low-cost family activities prove you don’t need a big budget to make lasting memories in the Sunshine State. 

Brisbane & Surrounds 

• Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium—Sit beneath a giant domed sky as stars and planets sweep overhead in immersive space shows, with child tickets from around $11 making it an easy, affordable wow moment. 

• Wynnum Wading Pool Park & Playground—A much-loved bayside spot where kids splash in the tidal pool and climb the playground while parents enjoy sea breezes and shady picnic areas, all completely free. 

• Flagstone Water Park—Bright slides, sprays and water jets create a high-energy splash zone designed for maximum fun, with free entry and no booking required. 

• Hide ’n’ Seek Children’s Trail, Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-Tha—Kids follow clues through the botanic gardens, turning a peaceful walk into a mini adventure, with no entry fee and plenty of space to explore. 

Along the South East 

• Lorikeet Feeding at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary—Colourful lorikeets swoop in and perch right on you during daily feeding sessions, which are free to attend and don’t require an entry ticket. 

• Broadwater Parklands Gold Coast—Waterfront lawns, multiple playgrounds and open walking paths create an easy all-day family hangout that costs nothing to enjoy. 

• O’Reilly’s Tree Top Walk, Lamington National Park—Suspended bridges carry you high above the rainforest canopy for sweeping hinterland views, with free access making it one of the region’s best-value nature experiences. 

• The Ginger Factory, Yandina—Wander through lush gardens and play areas at your own pace with free entry to the grounds, then choose optional rides or tours if you want to spend a little extra. 

• Bli Bli Aqua Park—An inflatable obstacle course floating on the water where kids bounce, climb and slide themselves happily tired, with sessions typically priced under $30 and spectators go free. 

Regional & Beyond 

• The Strand, Townsville—A long beachfront lined with playgrounds, swimming areas and grassy spaces that invites families to stay and play, all without spending a cent. 

• Riverway Lagoon (or movie nights), Townsville—Resort-style lagoon pools and river views set the scene for relaxed family days, then after dark, pack a blanket and settle in for free Riverway Movie Nights, complete with food trucks and fireworks lighting up the sky on select February and March evenings. 

• Cairns Esplanade— A buzzing tropical hub with a huge lagoon pool, playgrounds, BBQs and open lawns, all free and right on the waterfront. 

• Cairns Koalas & Creatures—Get up close with koalas, reptiles and native wildlife in a compact park that’s easy for younger kids to explore, with family entry around $50 and 15% off general admission until 29 March. 

• Queen’s Park and Botanic Gardens, Toowoomba—A much-loved inner-city green space with shady gardens, open lawns and playgrounds, perfect for a relaxed family outing right in the heart of Toowoomba.

If you’re looking for places to stay while exploring Queensland, discover great holiday parks and campgrounds through Caravanning Queensland.

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