Fun-filled Easter Break in Brisbane: Your Guide to the Best Activities and Destinations for Kids of All Ages

Looking for ways to keep your kids entertained during the Easter school holidays in Brisbane? There are dozens of activities across the city for children of all ages. SEE OUR GUIDE

The Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium at the Brisbane Botanic Gardens.

As the school holidays kick off, it‘s time for Brisbane parents to start planning for some fun-filled activities to keep their children entertained during the Easter break.

Whether you’re looking for adventure, creativity, or relaxation, the Courier-Mail’s curated list of activities and destinations suitable for different age groups has got you covered. Get ready to explore some of the best places to visit and things to do in and around Brisbane during the school holidays!

KIDS OF ALL AGES

AUSTRALIA ZOO: Australia Zoo is hosting a series of egg-citing activities this Easter season. From April 1st to 23rd, the zoo is offering a range of kid-friendly events such as the Giant Inflatable Obstacle Course, treasure hunts, and colouring competitions, as well as its regular experiences year-round. The fun never ends at Australia Zoo!

MUSEUM OF BRISBANE*:

Museum of Brisbane is offering a series of free Autumn school holiday activities from Saturday 1st April to Sunday 16th April. From designing wearable art at their badge studio to celebrating 10 years since the restoration of City Hall by reimagining their heritage home, these activities are sure to inspire creativity. Teens can also learn first-hand from Artist in Residence Vanghoua Anthony Vue in a special workshop. Little Artists Eye Spy and Clock Tower tours are also on offer.

QUEENSLAND MUSEUM:

Queensland Museum is holding a range of paid and free exhibitions and events this school holiday season, including Dinosaurs of Patagonia, SparkLab Sciencentre, Curiocity, and Eggsplore the Museum Family Trail. These events are perfect for families looking to have fun while learning.

THE WORKSHOPS RAIL MUSEUM (IPSWICH) – FREE: The Workshops Rail Museum in Ipswich is hosting a free space-themed school holiday program called 3, 2, 1 Blast Off! Kids will get the chance to learn about rockets and space while building their own paper spaceships and riding around the Museum on the Land Train. This program is perfect for all ages, and promises to be an unforgettable experience.

BOUNCE:

BOUNCE After Dark is back for the ultimate end-of-term party to kick off the QLD school holidays 2023! From 7pm to 10pm, guests can enjoy three hours of uninterrupted trampolining fun, with a live DJ and BOUNCE hosts to make the night unforgettable. Dance parties, games, and prizes will keep the fun going all night long.

THE CUBE – FREE:

The Cube, located in QUT‘s science and Engineering Centre, is one of the world’s largest digital interactive learning and display spaces, with 48 multi-touch screens and soaring across two storeys. During the school holidays, they run hands-on activities and experiences for children with free admission. The Cube delivers unique interactive digital learning experiences, which communicate science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) concepts and bring research to the public.

Movie World. Picture: Nigel Hallett

VILLAGE ROADSHOW THEME PARKS:

Village Roadshow Theme Parks, which include Wet‘n’Wild, SeaWorld, and Movie World, will have increased show and entertainment offerings across their parks over the school holiday period. Test out SeaWorld’s new Leviathan precinct and Movie World’s latest new SCOOB! 4D Experience and enjoy all the shows and entertainment on offer.

LONE PINE KOALA SANCTUARY:

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is offering two programs for kids aged 5-12 years old. Children can become a Junior Keeper for a Day and learn what it takes to be a wildlife keeper. For children aged 2-5 years old, there‘s the Sanctuary Sprouts activity where they can explore nature’s treasures, experience close encounters with focus animals and connect with nature. These programs are an excellent opportunity for kids to learn about and interact with animals.

CURRUMBIN WILDLIFE SANCTUARY (GOLD COAST):

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary on the Gold Coast is offering four different school holiday activities as part of their holiday program. Kids can experience what it‘s like to work at a wildlife sanctuary by participating in an Animal Trainer for a Day, Keeper for a Day, Eco Scientist for a Day, or Vet for a Day activity. There are also Brick Masters Wildlife Workshops available, hosted by Andrew and Damian from LEGO Masters, where kids can go wild with thousands of bricks during a 1-hour interactive workshop.

SIR THOMAS BRISBANE PLANETARIUM – FREE:

This holiday season, budding astronomers can blast off on an adventure to the cosmos at the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium. With its state-of-the-art Cosmic Skydome, young space enthusiasts can explore the wonders of the solar system, and even journey to far-off galaxies from the comfort of Mt Coot-tha.

General entry to the Planetarium is free. Charges apply for Cosmic Skydome shows.

AREA 51:

Looking for an unforgettable experience for the whole family this school holiday season? Look no further than Area 51, Australia‘s largest indoor play and entertainment centre! Located in Underwood, and open throughout the holidays, including Easter and Anzac Day, Area 51 boasts everything from bouldering walls and slides to ball pits and flying foxes.

OUTDOOR CINEMA IN THE SUBURBS – Brisbane City Council* – FREE:

Why stay at home when you can catch all the latest blockbuster hits under the stars? Brisbane City Council‘s Outdoor Cinema in the Suburbs offers moviegoers an unbeatable outdoor cinema experience in some of the city’s most picturesque parks. Best of all, admission is completely free! Just grab a blanket or chairs, bring some snacks, and get ready for a movie night to remember. Check out some of the upcoming screenings:

Friday 31 March: The Bad Guys – Regent Park, Cannon Hill

Saturday 1 April: Clifford the Big Red Dog – Toowong Memorial Park, Toowong

Saturday 8 April: Easter Treats – Victoria Park / Barrambin Kelvin Grove Corner, Kelvin Grove

Saturday 22 April: Paddington 3 – Upper Kedron Recreation Reserve, Upper Kedron

KIDS AGED 0-5 YEARS

MAKE AND CREATE: Easter – Brisbane City Council* – FREE

Let your kids‘ creativity soar this holiday season with Brisbane City Council’s Make and Create: Easter Edition! With a range of fun and engaging Easter-themed craft activities on offer, your kids are sure to have a blast. Check out the schedule below:

Mon April 3, 1pm: Sunnybank Hills Library, Sunnybank Hills Shoppingtown, Sunnybank Hills

Tuesday April 4, 2pm: Garden City Library, Garden City Shopping Centre, Mount Gravatt

Thursday April 6, 12.30pm; Brisbane Square Library, Brisbane City

Thursday April 6: 2pmGarden City Library, Garden City Shopping Centre, Mount Gravatt

Thursday April 6, 3pm: Chermside Library, Chermside

THE LITTLE WATTLEBIRD BAND – Brisbane City Council* – FREE

Looking for some live music and entertainment for your little ones this holiday season? Look no further than The Little Wattlebird Band! This fun and interactive musical show features original, nature-focused folk songs composed and performed live by the band themselves. Catch them at the following location:

Thursday April 6, 10am: Carindale Library, Westfield Carindale, Carindale.

SOFT TOY SLEEPOVER – Brisbane City Council* – FREE

Bring your kids and their favourite soft toys along to the library for a fun-filled story time session and soft toy sleepover! After listening to some stories, say goodnight to your furry friends and leave them at the library for the night. Come back the following morning to discover just what adventures your little ones‘ soft toys got up to through the night.

Wednesday 12 April, 3pm: Ashgrove Library. Bookings required.

BUSH KINDY GUIDED WALK – Brisbane City Council* – FREE

Discover the Natural Wonders of Brisbane with Bush Kindy Guided Walks“

Parents, bring your little ones on a journey through the beauty of nature with Brisbane City Council‘s guided forest walks.

Thursday 6 April, 10am: Downfall Creek Bushland Centre, Chermside West

Friday 14 April, 10am: Boondall Wetlands Environment Centre, Boondall.

Friday 14 April, 10am: Karawatha Forest Park and Discovery Centre, Karawatha.

KIDS AGED 5-10 YEARS

URBAN EXTREME: Looking for the ultimate adrenaline rush this school holiday? Look no further than Urban Extreme adventure park! Their 5-day adventure sports camps offer parkour courses, laser tag, and trampoline park activities, making it the perfect destination for kids seeking an unforgettable adventure.

IT’S ROCKET SCIENCE – Brisbane City Council* – $5 per child

Brisbane City Council is bringing space exploration down to earth this school holiday with their ‘It’s Rocket science’ event at Rocks Riverside Park, Seventeen Mile Rocks, on Thursday 6 April. For just $5 per child, your kids can build and launch water rockets over 60 metres high, providing them with a unique, fun, and educational experience.

SLIME ZONE – Brisbane City Council* – FREE

Slime lovers unite! Join Pershouse Productions at Carindale Library, Westfield Carindale on Saturday 15 April at 10am for a free, slime-filled adventure. Explore the fascinating world of slime and its many intriguing properties with this fun and interactive workshop.

FREESTYLE SCOOTER COACHING – Brisbane City Council* – FREE

Looking for something different this school holiday? Head to one of Brisbane City Council‘s free Freestyle Scooter Coaching sessions and learn new skills while improving your safety. Suitable for kids of all levels, these sessions take place at various locations from Monday 3 April to Friday 14 April.

Monday 3 April, 10am; Kuraby Skate Park.

Tuesday 4 April, 10am: Dorrington Park.

Wednesday 5 April, 10am; Hibiscus Skate Park.

Thursday 6 April, 10am: Primrose Park.

Tuesday 11 April, 10am: Amazons Place Park.

Wednesday 12 April, 10am: Bracken Ridge Skate Plaza.

Thursday 13 April, 10am: The Common Park.

Friday 14 April, 10am: Walton Bridge Reserve.

Requirements – Suitable freestyle scooter, helmet and any additional safety pads you like.

FACT FINDERS: DINOSAURS – Brisbane City Council* – FREE

If your child is a dinosaur enthusiast, don‘t miss out on Fact Finders at Corinda Library on Tuesday 4 April at 2pm. Brisbane City Council is offering a free, staff-led craft and activity session for kids aged 10-17 years, providing an opportunity to explore the world of dinosaurs and their prehistoric existence.

KIDS AGED 10-17 YEARS

GO-KARTING

Get ready for some high-speed, family fun at Slideways in Eagle Farm or Kingston Park Raceway in Logan. Your kids can put their driving skills to the test in this exciting and exhilarating activity, perfect for school holiday entertainment.

WAKEBOARDING:

For water enthusiasts seeking an exciting adventure, Bayside Wake Park is the perfect choice. With two 2-day holiday camps and their usual water sports sessions on offer, your kids can experience the thrills of cable-wakeboarding and create lasting memories.

 

ROCK CLIMBING & ABSEILING – Brisbane City Council* – FREE

If your kids are looking to challenge themselves these school holidays, join Brisbane City Council‘s free rock climbing and abseiling events at Kangaroo Point. Qualified facilitators will provide instruction, ensuring a safe and exciting experience for all participants.

Wednesday 12 April (Rock climbing) 8:30am and 10:30am: Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park.

Tuesday April 4 (Abseiling) 8:30am and 10:30am: Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park. Bookings essential.

DIY WOODEN FIDGET CUBES – Brisbane City Council* – $5

Let your kids unleash their creativity and learn a new skill with Brisbane City Council‘s DIY Wooden Fidget Cube workshop. This event, taking place on Tuesday 4 April, is perfect for those looking to exercise their hands and minds, creating a pocket-sized fidget cube to use whenever, wherever.

Tuesday 4 April, 2:30pm and 3:30pm

SK8 DECK PAINTING AT VISIBLE INK – Brisbane City Council* – FREE

Teens and pre-teens can unleash their inner artist and personalise their own skate deck at Visible Ink Youth Hub. This unique opportunity offers a chance to get creative and design a one-of-a-kind skateboard that showcases your personality. With decks provided, all they need is their imagination and a steady hand.

From Sunday 2 April to Monday 10 April, 3pm daily.

MT COOT-THA NIGHT ADVENTURE – Brisbane City Council* – HOVEA TRACK – FREE

Experience the magic of Mt Coot-tha after dark with a guided night walk led by staff from Brisbane City Council’s Environment Centres. This adventure offers a rare opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the reserve under the starry night sky. Learn about the nocturnal wildlife that calls the area home and listen to the sounds of nature as you make your way along the Hovea Track.

Saturday 15 April, 6pm: J.C. Slaughter Falls – Mt Coot-tha Reserve, Sir Samuel Griffith Drive, Mt Coot-tha.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Picture: Universal Pictures

CINEMAS

Here is the school holiday movie guide:

The Super Mario Bros.

Rated: PG

Release Date: 5th April 2023

Argonuts

Rated: G

Release Date: 6th April 2023

Mavka: The Forest Song

Rated: PG

Release Date: 6th April 2023

The Portable Door

Rated: PG

Release Date: 23rd March (Stan release: April 7)

The Red Shoes: Next Step

Rated: PG

Release Date: 6th April 2023

Dungeons and Dragons: Honour Among Thieves

Rated: PG-13

Release Date: 30th March 2023

Shazam: Fury of the Gods

Rated: M

Release Date: 16th March 2023

*For more information on Brisbane City Council school holiday activities, including how to book, visit the Brisbane City Council website.