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78 things you can do for free these school holidays

The school holidays don’t have to hurt your hip pocket. Here are a stack of free, and most importantly fun, family activities from all corners of southeast Queensland.

Sea World reopens today

COVID-19 restrictions might have put a hold on some of the regular school holiday activities but there is still plenty of fun to be had across southeast Queensland and it doesn’t have to hurt your hip pocket.

We’ve compiled 78 free and most importantly fun activities for the whole family across Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan, Moreton and Redlands.

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS: GUIDE TO EVENTS ACROSS QLD

BRISBANE NORTH SIDE

ART GALLERIES

Dayboro Art Gallery always has something new and exciting. They are open seven days a week, staffed by the member artists.

Connor Dingwall at the Bracken Ridge BMX track. (AAP Image/Steve Pohlner)
Connor Dingwall at the Bracken Ridge BMX track. (AAP Image/Steve Pohlner)

BMX COACHING

Where: Bracken Ridge BMX facility, Corner of Telegraph and Lemke Road, Fitzgibbon

When: Monday June 29th 2020, 10am – 12pm

What: Improve your confidence at the local skate park by learning these handy BMX tips. Will learn all the basic skate park skills; dropping in, pumping around, flying out, bunny hopping and carving. Suitable for kids aged 10 – 17 years-old.

Bookings: Bookings essential ph Chris from Rampfest on 0421 701 448

https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/whats-on-and-events/event/bmx-coaching-144371408

BRAY FARM PARK

Dubbed by locals as the “Harry Potter Park”, Bray Farm Park in Griffin offers children an imaginative and adventurous day of fun and exploring.

Hamish Rodgers enjoying free Lego at the City Hall Museum. Picture: Tim Marsden
Hamish Rodgers enjoying free Lego at the City Hall Museum. Picture: Tim Marsden

BRISBANE CBD

Celebrate City Hall’s 100th birthday with a visit to a pop-up event by renowned Lego builder Ben Craig, also known as The Brick Builder. He will rebuild Brisbane City Hall using 40,000 bricks. While you’re there, take a free clock tower tour.

When: June 27-July 30

BULLOCKY REST

Overlooking Lake Samsonvale, Bullocky Rest is a popular park for all gatherings, featuring a playground, numerous picnic shelters and barbecues, toilets and plenty of parking.

DROP A LINE

Grab your fishing gear and bait and see what you can catch at one of the many great fishing locations along North Pine River. Popular spots include the Dohles Rocks and Leis Park.

Jay Schieder at Kumbartcho Sanctuary.
Jay Schieder at Kumbartcho Sanctuary.

EATON’S HILL

Kumbartcho Sanctuary, Nursery, Environmental Centre

Now reopened, from 10am-2pm Tuesday to Friday, explore the playground, fairy garden and environment centre with its videos, nocturnal display, touch and feel display, diorama and more. There’s a cafeteria.

Contact: 15 Bunya Pine Ct. 3264 3953 (7am-7pm), or visit their Facebook site.

ENVIRONMENTAL FUN

For nature buffs, look no further than Osprey House at Griffin with its rich sea life and bird life as well as bird hides along the boardwalks and foreshore. An osprey nest on the “Osprey pole” has live streaming video of the ospreys fishing and nesting.

GO CYCLING

Put on your helmet and pump up your bicycle tyres and test out the Moreton Bay Cycleway. The new Caboolture to Wamuran Rail Trail cycleway is also complete.

LEARN TO LONGBOARD

Where: Frew Park, 315 Milton Road, Milton

When: June 29th 2020, 8.30am – 10am

What: Learn the basics of longboarding at this free beginner workshop. This event is suitable for kids aged 10 – 17 years old. Qualified AIS coaches will teach how to push, balance, brake and turn safely! All equipment supplied.

Bookings: Bookings essential ph Anna on 0434 882 982 or book online at Longboard Family Inc.

https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/whats-on-and-events/event/learn-how-to-longboard-basics-and-dance-144700113

Brisbane Planetarium at Mt Coot-tha.
Brisbane Planetarium at Mt Coot-tha.

MT COOT-THA

Brisbane Planetarium

Reopens June 27 with special reduced prices for shows, but entry to the fascinating Planetarium itself is always free. Due to restrictions hours will be: Tuesday to Friday 9am-3pm; Saturday 9am-4pm; Sunday 9am-3pm.

Contact: Just turn up or, if booking a show call 3403 2578, 9am-3pm.

NEW FARM

Brisbane Powerhouse

Join host Lara Deak for this new online creative workshop series. Discover how to create your very own Imaginary Menagerie at home. Each week, from June 30, 9am, Lara will take you through some amazing, easy to achieve ideas for transforming everyday objects and materials into interactive art installations that blends puppetry, performance and play.

Contact: 3358 8622, info@brisbanepowerhouse.org

Old Petrie Town markets.
Old Petrie Town markets.

OLD PETRIE TOWN

There are few things more relaxing than a walk through Old Petrie Town and there is plenty of space for the kids to ran around and explore. There are loads of quirky shops too. Sunday mornings are the best time to visit.

PACK A PICNIC

Grab your picnic mat and your favourite foods and enjoy a picnic at one of the many relaxing riverfront locations or parks in Pine Rivers and north Brisbane. Top pics include Pine Rivers Park, The Green at Carseldine Village and Cascade Playground Upper Kedron.

TEAMGYM

Where: New Farm Park, 137 Sydney Street, New Farm

When: Tuesday June 30th 2020, 9.30am – 10.15am

What: TeamGym takes parts of tumbling, mini tramp and dance to create an exciting team competition event. You get to flip, roll, jump and dance with your friends! This is a Brisbane City Council Chillout event suitable for young people aged 10 – 17 years old.

Bookings: Bookings essential ph Katie on 07 3036 5614

VIEWING THE PAST

Pine Rivers Heritage Museum has reopened in time for the school holidays. Social distancing will be in place at the galleries and museums and sessions are limited to 20 people at a time for 30 minutes each. For a full list of what is on at each site visit moretonbay.qld.gov.au/moreton

ZUMBA KIDS

Where: Arthur David Park, Flinders Parade, Sandgate

When: Monday June 29th 2020, 3pm – 4pm

What: Perfect for younger Zumba fans, allowing kids to be active and jam out to their favourite music. This is a Brisbane City Council Chillout event suitable for young people aged 7 – 14 years old.

Bookings: Bookings essential ph Kellie on 0418 855 946

BRISBANE SOUTH SIDE

BALMORAL

Gain confidence, get comfortable with your balance and learn a whole new set of skateboarding skills with excellent coaching at the Brisbane City Council’s Revolutions Skating Workshop at Quinn’s Street Park, 216 Thynne Road, Balmoral on June 30 from 2-3pm Take your family members and friends and they’ll help you get up and skate on your own. This event is suitable for young people 10-17 years. Bring a skateboard, helmet, safety gear and water.

Contact: office@australianskateboarding.com

BIKE RIDES

Grab the children and take them for a ride along several scenic routes around Brisbane’s southeast. From the Kangaroo Point cliffs, Stones Corner bike trail, Minnippi Parklands, Wynnum and Manly foreshore and the Whites Hill Reserve – there are plenty of great spots to enjoy a bike ride during school holidays.

BULIMBA

A female only basic self defence class will be held Bulimba Memorial Park on June 30, from 11-11.45am. The class for females aged 5-17, includes break n escape, striking and kicking. Bulimba Memorial Park is located at 129 Oxford St, Bulimba.

Contact: David on 0410 645 552.

BROOKFIELD

Do your kids love dressing up and being the centre of attention? This is a drama workshop with a difference — children can come and create their own circus character complete with wonderful dress ups and then put on a creative showcase for the family at the conclusion of the session. This GOLD’n’Kids event is suitable for seniors and children 4 years and older. Bookings are essential. The class is on from 10am-noon July 3 at Rafting Ground Reserve, 2328 Moggill Road, Brookfield.

Contact: Brisbane City Council

CALAMVALE

Tik Tok dance routines

Where: Basketball court at Calamvale District Park, 31 Formby St, Calamvale.

When: Tuesday, June 30, 9.30 – 10.30am.

What: Learn some popular, fun dance routines from Tik Tok and create some new ones. Bookings essential. Ph Heilani from World Wellness Group on 0405 569 094. This is a Brisbane City Council Chillout school holiday event suitable for kids aged 10 – 17.

CARINDALE

Giant games

Where: The end of the car park at Carindale Recreation Reserve, 27 Cadogan St, Carindale.

When: Saturday, July 4, 1 – 3pm.

What: Games include chess, checkers, giant Lego, Connect 4 and jenga among others. All games are giant sized and loads of fun. Bookings essential. Ph Glenn on 0403 221 676. This is a Brisbane City Council Chillout school holiday event suitable for kids aged 10 – 17.

DARRA
Improve your confidence at the local skate park by learning these handy BMX tips. Children will learn about skate park safety and etiquette — plus start with the basic skills that will let them learn to ride any park. They can work on dropping in, pumping around, flying out, bunny hopping and carving. This event is suitable for young people 10-17 years. Bookings essential and the event will be held at Monier Rd Park, 52 Monier Road, Darra on Wednesday, July 1 from 10am to noon.

Contact: Brisbane City Council

Renee Manolis at Colmslie Beach. (AAP Image/Richard Walker)
Renee Manolis at Colmslie Beach. (AAP Image/Richard Walker)

FISHING

Enjoy what the bayside and Brisbane’s southeast has to offer and take the young ones down to one of the many fishing spots in the area. The bayside is known for its fishing and this time of the year is no different with every type of species on the bite during winter. The best locations include the Wynnum Jetty, the Manly Harbour and many more. But further towards the city, there are also several great spots, including Morningside’s Colmslie Recreation Reserve, the Tingalpa Creek and more.

HAWTHORNE

Find your centre, your breath, your relax zone, stretch your body and have loads of fun at the Yoga for Young People event at Hawthorne Park on July 1 from 9.30-10.30am. Develop self-regulation tools, build confidence and have a challenge in a safe supported space. Hawthorne Park is located at 140 Riding Road, Hawthorne.

Contact: Brisbane City Council

INALA
Enjoy an hour of fun and functional fitness designed to make you feel awesome! This is a chill-out event suitable for young people 12-17 years and is next on Monday, June 29 2020 from 3.30 to 4.30pm. Bookings essential and session will be held at the Hut, Inala Youth Service, 1 Wonga Street, Inala

Contact: Brisbane City Council

Scooter skills at Kuraby; Makia O'Donnell from Beenleigh
Scooter skills at Kuraby; Makia O'Donnell from Beenleigh

KURABY

Scooter Coaching

Where: Svoboda Park, 1490 Beenleigh Rd, Kuraby

When: Thursday July 2nd 2020, 10am – 12pm

What: Improve your confidence at the local skate park by learning handy scooter tips. Will learn about skate park safety and etiquette – plus start with the basic skills that will let you learn to ride any park. We’ll work on dropping in, pumping around, flying out, bunny hopping and carving. Suitable for kids aged 10 – 17 years-old.

Bookings: Bookings essential ph Chris from Rampfest on 0421 701 448.

https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/whats-on-and-events/event/scooter-coaching-144371411

KURABY

Kickboxing for fun (non-contact)

Where: Tennis courts at Svoboda Park, 1490 Beenleigh Rd, Kuraby.

When: Monday, June 29, 11 – 11.45am.

What: Learn the basics of kicking and boxing. Bookings essential. Ph David on 0410 645 552. This is a Brisbane City Council Chillout school holiday event suitable for kids aged 5 – 17.

MANLY

Grab a bargain and take the family down for some fun at the weekly markets at Manly’s Little Bayside Park. The Manly Creative Markets are on each Sunday all day and the Jan Power Farmers Markets are on Saturday, July 4. Not only do the markets have an incredible variety of stalls but they also have some live entertainment to make it a great day for the whole family along the beautiful esplanade.

MOUNT GRAVATT

Music performance

Where: Activity space area at the PCYC Mt Gravatt, 90 Klumpp Rd, Upper Mount Gravatt.

When: Wednesday, July 8, 10am – 2pm.

What: Bring along your favourite instrument or best vocal and work with like-minded musicians to perfect a group piece. Bookings essential. Ph PCYC Mt Gravatt on 3420 4655. This is a Brisbane City Council Chillout school holiday event suitable for kids aged 10 – 17.

PARKINSON

Junior Bike Riding Skills

Where: Greenways Esplanade Park, 30 Greenways Esplanade, Parkinson

When: Wednesday July 1st 2020, 9am – 10.30am

What: Through riding-based games and fun activities learn the skills you need to have fun off-road and on the bikeways. Suitable for kids aged 7-10 years-old.

Bookings: Bookings essential ph Spoke Sixteen on 0468 671 135

PARKS

Brisbane’s southeast is full of parks for youngsters to enjoy and especially after upgrades were completed on so many around the area, now is the perfect time to take the children down to have some fun. There’s no shortage of parks around the area, however, the Esplanade from Wynnum to Manly is full of free activities during school holidays with water parks and much more available. As well as parks on Meadowlands Rd at Belmont, the Comslie Recreation Reserve at Morningside and more around the area.

SEVENTEEN MILE ROCKS

Family yoga and mindfulness

Where: The flying fox at Rocks Riverside Park, 5 Counihan Rd, Seventeen Mile Rocks.

When: Saturday, July 4, 9 – 10am.

What: Practice yoga and mindfulness as a family with stories, music and fun. Bookings essential. Ph Kajal on 0433 333 829. This is a Brisbane City Council GOLD’n’Kids event for seniors and kids aged four and over.

Henry Clarke 5 and Poppy Robertson 5 who are excited about the Queensland Museum reopening. Pic Peter Wallis
Henry Clarke 5 and Poppy Robertson 5 who are excited about the Queensland Museum reopening. Pic Peter Wallis

SOUTH BANK

Queensland Museum

The museum reopens in time for the holidays but you MUST book a free, timed ticket before visiting.

Exhibitions include: Lost Creatures, an exploration of the megafauna, dinosaurs and other relics from the past: Wild State, which examines the world’s beautiful but fragile environment; the Discovery Centre where kids can observe collections.

Contact: https://www.qm.qld.gov.au/Visit+Us/Opening+Hours+and+Prices

SOUTH BANK

Queensland Art Gallery

GoMA will not reopen until August but the gallery is a fun place to entertain the kids. Indigenous, Asian and other permanent exhibitions.

Contact: You MUST book a free, timed ticket before arriving at: https://qagoma.qtix.com.au/event_dates/qag_timed_jun_20.aspx

SOUTH BRISBANE

William Jolly Bridge

Council will project Nicola Scott’s artwork Untitled onto the William Jolly Bridge until June 28, nightly. Scott is a Brisbane experimental painter who playfully explores the ways in which we experience and interpret positive and negative space, colour and form, depth and surface.

Contact: Just turn up between 5.30-10pm take a short walk to GoMA to see the nightly light show projected on to the building as well.

TENNYSON

Fun soccer

Where: Grassed area near the playground at Ken Fletcher Park, 167 King Arthur Tce, Tennyson.

When: Monday, July 6, 9.30 – 10.30am

What: Watch the kids take part in fun soccer activities and games. Seniors are welcome to join in the low impact activities if they wish or cheer from the sidelines. Bookings essential. Ph Ginger Sport on 3890 3338. This is a Brisbane City Council GOLD’n’Kids event suitable for seniors and kids aged four and over.

WAKERLEY

Fun Fitness Challenge

Where: Wakerley Park, 74 Dianthus Street, Wakerley

When: Tuesday June 30th 2020, 10am – 12pm

What: Unique team fitness challenges. Will have giant connect 4 obstacle relay, group exercise challenges, team tug of war, Tic Tac Toe realy and more. This event is a Brisbane City Council event suitable for kids aged 10 – 17 years-old.

Bookings: Bookings essential ph Glenn 0403 221 676

WYNNUM

Join the Writers of Wynnum Manly each month to share your latest work, tips, and writing suggestions at the Wynnum Library at 145 Florence Street, Wynnum. New members welcome of any ages.

Contact: Brisbane City Council

YERONGA

Hungry, hungry caterpillars

Where: Playground on Villa St at Yeronga Memorial Park, 78 Park Rd, Yeronga.

When: Friday, July 10, 10am – noon.

What: Enjoy a story, then get active with sack races and a wiggly caterpillar race. This innovative, energetic workshop promises heaps of fun while promoting a healthy message. This a Brisbane City Council GOLD’n’Kids event suitable for seniors and kids aged four and over.

IPSWICH

ART GALLERY

This great institution reopened two weeks ago. Colour: See the world in a new light is its latest show, suitable ages 5-12. Engage with more than 20 interactive experiences, ranging from iridescent insects to colour illusions. Explore how light influences colour, and compare your perception of colour with your family and friends. ‘See like a bee’ with the ultraviolet camera and see glowing quantum nanomaterials that change their colour with crystal size.

You MUST book a timed, free 90-minute maximum session before visiting as numbers are limited to 20. Session times (seven days a week): 9:30am – 11:00am; 11:30am – 1:00pm; 1:30pm – 3:00pm; 3:30pm – 5:00pm

Contact: Book via Eventbrite, call 3810 7222 or email: info@ipswichartgallery.qld.gov.au

Sophia, 5, Tony and Isaac Mills, 8 at the Ipswich Art Gallery. Picture: Cordell Richardson
Sophia, 5, Tony and Isaac Mills, 8 at the Ipswich Art Gallery. Picture: Cordell Richardson

ONLINE

Join the Kids Go Wild, Ipswich City Council School Holiday Programs which can be done from home thanks to free online activities. The Kids Go Wild program is filled with a range of fun activities including a Nature Hunt challenge, virtual workshops and lots more, which encourage kids to get involved in their local environment and learn about ways to become more sustainable. All activities are free but bookings are essential for some of them.

Contact: /www.ipswich.qld.gov.au/about_ipswich/environment/EnviroEd/school-holiday-programs

ONLINE

Ipswich City libraries might have put their face-to-face programs on hold during COVID-19 but Springfield kids can still take part in plenty of activities these holidays. They include a Story Bookalike competition where families are encouraged to recreate the front cover or a book, Minecraft Pixel creation lessons and even Lego challenges.

Contact: Ipswich Libraries

Kaitlin Evans posing at the Queens Park Zoo, Ipswich. (AAP Image/Josh Woning)
Kaitlin Evans posing at the Queens Park Zoo, Ipswich. (AAP Image/Josh Woning)

QUEEN’S PARK

This has to be the best park in SE Queensland. A mini Australia Zoo, the landscaped winding trail leads you past beautifully maintained enclosures with dingoes, emus, kangaroos, bilbies, birds, wombat, snakes, quolls and more. While you’re out there, cross the street to the great children’s playground. There’s also a zero-depth water park on the banks of the Bremer River nearby as well. You can easily spend a day doing all these.

REDBANK

If you’re kids are missing the Smarty Arty program at Redbank Plaza, then this is for you. The plaza has compiled a list of school holiday craft activities for children to do over the school holidays. Have fun with salt painting, making sponge water bombs, making paper lanterns and much more.

Contact — Redbank Plaza

REDBANK PLAINS

Bring the kids along to Town Square Redbank Plains and have some fun these school holidays. Simply spend $5 in at any store in the centre and present your receipt/s to the team at the ‘Plaster Workshop’ and your child can get creative with plaster and paint. Children get to take home their own creative piece to treasure. It’s on Monday 24 September – 10.00am to 1.00pm – Outside Coles

Tuesday 25 September to Saturday 29 September – 10.00am to 1.00pm – Outside Target

Contact: Redbank Plains Town Square

RIPLEY

Join a Bricks 4 Kidz workshop for some free hands-on fun at their upcoming events at Ripley Town Centre. Enjoy multi-sensory fun across three main stations, as well as a free play area and Giant Soft Bricks area for the littlies. Bookings are required and spaces are limited. The classes will be on at 10am, 10.30am, 11am and 11.30am daily from Tuesday, June 30 to Thursday, July, 2 and the Reactive Hub at Ripley Town Centre.

Contact: Ripley Town Centre

SPRINGFIELD

Head to Orion Springfield Central shopping centre these holidays for a free fun colour scavenger hunt. To enter the Colour Hunt, simply message the centre on Facebook (Orion Springfield Central) and type ‘Start’ to play! Then follow the clues on a colour adventure through the centre. Every child who finishes the hunt will receive a special treat.

You can take part at your leisure from Saturday, June 27 until Sunday, July 12. All participants will also go in the draw for a chance to win a $100 gift card to spend at the centre.

Contact: Orion Springfield Central

LOGAN

CHAMBERS FLAT STRAWBERRY FARM

The time is ripe for strawberries with some of the juiciest found at the Chambers Flat Strawberry Farm. While the farm is currently closed because of COVID regulations the shop is still open with fresh strawberries and strawberry ice cream. It offers the perfect rural setting with picnic tables and a small playground. The shop has chocolate dipped strawberries, james, farm fresh eggs and espresso. Located at 912 Chambers Flat Rd, open seven days a week. Phone 5546 3652.

DAISY HILL KOALA PARK

Get among nature at the Daisy Hill Conservation Park. It is open daily to visitors but because of COVID restrictions people are not able to view the centre’s resident koalas. You can enjoy a walk in the bush or picnic in the park with wood barbecues, picnic tables and toilets located close to the koala centre. The park is open from 10am to 4pm. Entry is free. Phone 3078 3101.

LOGAN LIBRARIES

Logan Libraries have some great new ideas for the upcoming school holidays. While no programs or events are taking place inside, library staff have devised some new ways to keep children entertained. STEAM swags, featuring robots, can now be borrowed to use at home for children aged from five to 11. There are 180 Ozobots kits along with a further 90 kits with rechargeable Beebot robots. Live-streamed workshops will introduce families to the robots and how to use them. These free sessions will run on MS Teams from 2pm to 3pm on Thursday, July 2 and Thursday, July 9. You need to registrar at loganlibraries.org

BEENLEIGH

Children can immerse themselves in history and explore buildings of a bygone era at Beenleigh Historical Village and Museum. It is now open under Stage 2 COVID-19 restrictions. There are plenty of hands-on demonstrations, and old-school machinery and artefacts. Logan Art Gallery is the city’s artistic hub but there’s plenty on for kids as well. School holiday programs are always popular, but youngsters can connect with the exhibitions that filter through and the permanent works on display. Fees apply on some things. Be sure to check before you go. Phone 33820608 or email reception@oldbeenleightown.com.au

Dr Cameron Stelzer, author and illustrator of “The Stroogle” adventure books with be doing online workshops in Logan.
Dr Cameron Stelzer, author and illustrator of “The Stroogle” adventure books with be doing online workshops in Logan.

LOGAN

Award-winning Logan-based author and illustrator Dr Cameron Stelzer will host nine online workshops in partnership with the library for children aged four to 12. They will learn what it’s like to create a book from scratch and how to come up with inspirational and exciting ideas for stories. Children will also get the opportunity to learn how to draw different characters from Cameron’s stories in drawing sessions. To register for any of the libraries’ free school holiday activities visit loganlibraries.org

DAISY HILL OLD QUARRY

Get out in nature at a hidden oasis, surrounded by a myriad of walking trails and mountain bike tracks, in Neville Lawrie Reserve adjoining Daisy Hill Regional Park. The water hole is reached by a bush walk, starting from the upper day use area at Daisy Hill Regional Park. This shared trail (walk, mountain bike or horsehide) is known as the Stringybark trail. Be careful no to get lost and wear good shoes. Access is via Daisy Hill Regional Park, which is at the end of Daisy Hill Rd, Daisy Hill.

WATERFORD WEST

Tygum Park offers a pirate-themed playground and is great for young children. If you time your visit right, you might also see model sail boat sessions on the lagoon. There is also a sealed path/boardwalk extends right around the lagoon. The 1.3km track is suitable for all ages and is bike and stroller friendly. Fitness stations can be found along the circuit for a bit of an extra workout. Located at Tygum Rd.

Get among nature at Berrinba Wetlands at Browns Plains.
Get among nature at Berrinba Wetlands at Browns Plains.

BROWNS PLAINS

The Berrinba Wetlands has a free interactive environmental education centre and is perfect for picnics and bike rides. There’s a heap of bird life to keep an eye on as well with 80 hectares of natural beauty and recreational facilities. There are 430,000 new native plants, 100 nesting boxes for birds, possums and gliders, and 8m of walking tracks.

KRANK school holiday program

KRANK offers free and low-cost school holiday activities for Logan residents aged 5 to 17 years. Due to current restrictions, the beloved KRANK school holiday program is being brought online for the June/July school holidays. Many online activities are free and include the postage of an “activity kit” that is sent right to your front door – no need to go shopping and source all the materials for your activity. Visit: https://www.logan.qld.gov.au/krank

Water feature at Darlington Parklands at Yarrabilba.
Water feature at Darlington Parklands at Yarrabilba.

YARRABILBA

Darlington Parklands is the ultimate kids’ destination with a 30m flying fox, pools, basketball court, fountains, fort, climbing wall, sand pit, climbing dome and a sports oval. For something a little quieter, feed the ducks at Doug Larsen Park. There’s a pretty cool playground and, for those keen for a pedal, a BMX track is next door.

MORETON

ACTIVE

There are dozens of parks and playgrounds to check out around Redcliffe and Deception Bay. Including the jumping pillow at Scarborough Beach Park, Captain Cook Park, Pelican Park, Jamieson Park and Humpybong Park.

Besties 3 year old Piper Langbridge and 4 year old Sienna Beamish enjoy the playground in Scarborough. Picture: Renae Droop
Besties 3 year old Piper Langbridge and 4 year old Sienna Beamish enjoy the playground in Scarborough. Picture: Renae Droop

ADVENTURE

Head west of Woodford with your 4WD to explore the serenity of Bellthorpe National Park. There are three different access points, with tracks for beginners to intermediate drivers. The southern access leads to the Stony Creek Day Use Area.

BACK TO NATURE

Go for a stroll through the beautiful Redcliffe Botanic Gardens, at Henzell St, Redcliffe, to escape the noise. There are more than 250 rainforest species to spot and more than 1000 bats. It is wheelchair accessible. Don’t forget to stop and admire the Chorizema Spring water feature.

Redcliffe jetty first day of relaxed coronavirus restrictions. Picture: Renae Droop
Redcliffe jetty first day of relaxed coronavirus restrictions. Picture: Renae Droop

DROP A LINE

Grab your fishing gear and bait and see what you can catch at one of the many great fishing locations around the Peninsula. Popular spots include the Woody Point Jetty, Redcliffe Jetty, Deception Bay foreshore and Scotts Point.

GET CULTURAL

The Caboolture Regional Art Gallery, Redcliffe Museum, Bribie Island Seaside Museum and Pine Rivers Heritage Museum have all reopened in time for the school holidays. Social distancing will be in place at the galleries and museums and sessions are limited to 20 people at a time for 30 minutes each. For a full list of what is on at each site visit moretonbay.qld.gov.au/moreton

GO CYCLING

Put on your helmet and pump up your bicycle tyres and test out the Moreton Bay Cycleway – an ideal place to start is at Scarborough Beach Park. The new Caboolture to Wamuran Rail Trail cycleway is also complete. The 20km return trip starts at Beerburrum Rd, Caboolture and ends at Attwood St, Wamuran. You can grab a coffee, bite to eat or relax in the park at the turn around point.

MARKETS

Get the family together and explore the Redcliffe Markets – on every Sunday from 8am-2pm.

PACK A PICNIC

Grab your picnic mat and your favourite foods and enjoy a picnic at one of the many amazing waterfront locations or parks.

REDCLIFFE ROCKS

Paint a rock and hide it anywhere around the Peninsula for others to find. You might even find some others have hidden. For more details search Redcliffe Rocks on Facebook.

Peri Olding and Oliver Olding posing at a playground at Redcliffe Parkour Park, Woody Point. (AAP Image/Attila Csaszar)
Peri Olding and Oliver Olding posing at a playground at Redcliffe Parkour Park, Woody Point. (AAP Image/Attila Csaszar)

SHOW OFF

The parkour park at Victoria, Ave Woody Point is once again open. Grab your mates and see who can pull off the best moves over and under the equipment.

REDLANDS

BAY ISLANDS

From Victoria Point you can catch a ferry to Coochiemudlo Island and enjoy sand beaches and clear water. Walk around the island. Hire a boat. A cafe and the island resort serve food and drinks. You can even do a walk-on ferry from Toondah to Dunwich or One Mile on North Stradbroke Island. From there catch the public bus to Point Lookout. You can do the gorge walk and try to spot a whale. Go to Weinam Creek ferry terminal at Redland Bay and take a boat ride to the Southern Moreton Bay Islands. Get off at one island and hop back on the next ferry or simply do the round trip. The ferry takes gocards.

Amity Trader ferry at Coochiemudlo Island. Picture: Amity Trader
Amity Trader ferry at Coochiemudlo Island. Picture: Amity Trader

CAPALABA

Capalaba Produce makes for a lovely outing and it gives a taste of farmyard life. It has been a working shop since the 50s selling pets, plants and produce. A highlight is Ted’s Corner – a ‘farm’ section with a variety of chooks, sheep and goats in clean but rustic pens with shade, shelter and fresh water. If you’re lucky you might also spy a pony or a talkative turkey.

There’s also a large aviary filled with doves and pigeons. There is also a store which specialises in New Zealand snacks, treats, collectibles, and groceries. They have a great selection of ice creams, hot and cold drinks and cafe snacks. Dogs are welcome.

Street performer Kristian Santic as "The Guardian" at Redlands Indigiscapes Centre, Capalaba. Photo: Paula Shearer
Street performer Kristian Santic as "The Guardian" at Redlands Indigiscapes Centre, Capalaba. Photo: Paula Shearer

CAPALABA

If you are looking for a free, nature-based activity head to Redlands IndigScapes Centre at Capalaba. You can have a picnic in the area or enjoy the new discovery centre, nursery, cafe gardens or nature trails. There is also a playground for children. Discover the resident fairy-wren family on the popular Tallowood View Trail also known for its wildflowers in Spring. The walk takes you along Coolynwynpin Creek and if you are lucky you might spot a wallaby. Located at 17 Runnymede Rd and open every day from 10am to 4pm.

CLEVELAND

FIND your way with a visit to the Cleveland Point Lighthouse.

Built in 1864 and standing 12 metres tall the quaint structure is the focal point of a scenic setting.

Cleveland Point affords near 360 degree vistas of Moreton Bay and Raby Bay and does not fail to uplift spirits.

An excellent vantage point to view sun set or sun rise the locale is serviced by the revamped Lighthouse Restaurant which serves a mean coffee and a treasure trove of seafood delights.

And a maritime-themed jungle gym will keep the little ones occupied with little trouble.

Ambitious walkers can even enjoy a stroll from the point to Cleveland town centre if they are in robust form.

LIBRARIES

While the libraries in the Redlands are not open there are still plenty online and at home activities on offer. You can do Monster Creations on July 1 from 11am to noon, along with a make your own time capsule on July 6 from 11am to noon. The activity suits children aged 5 to 12 and is happening at most libraries. If you prefer to get crafty on July 10 there will be a craft bar challenge where you have to create items found around your home. Visit Redland Libraries Facebook Page for more details.

MOUNT COTTON

FEAST your eyes on a fresh perspective with a bushwalk that ends with stellar views.

The Eastern Escarpment Conservation Area is an underrated walker’s paradise and lies to the east of West Mount Cotton Road, Sheldon, bordering the suburb of Mount Cotton.

Redland City Council recommends you park and enter at any of the access points along West Mount Cotton Rd.

Climb the steep Billiau Rd to reach the top of Mount Cotton and get a 360 degree experience of the south east region.

Make sure you don’t trespass on the surrounding land, as it’s privately owned.

The reserve is open 4am-10pm daily. There are no toilets or water facilities available.

RABY BAY

GRAB your kids and fur babies and head to the park.

Raby Bay Foreshore Park boasts three swimming bays and an off-leash area for your best friend to stretch his legs.

Landscaped grounds boast plenty of space with well catered barbecue facilities and there is parking a plenty.

There is no need to change in the car as the park enjoys dedicated facilities with showers to wash of the salt.

You can even walk to the nearby Raby Bay Harbour where a host of diverse eateries and cafes await grumbling tummies.

Kirsty Stewart, Nixon (5), Tayla (8) and Wayne Stewart posing at the Wellington Point Recreation Reserve next to King Island. (AAP Image/Josh Woning)
Kirsty Stewart, Nixon (5), Tayla (8) and Wayne Stewart posing at the Wellington Point Recreation Reserve next to King Island. (AAP Image/Josh Woning)

WELLINGTON POINT

Walk to King Island from Wellington Point. This is a great thing to do as a family at low tide as it is only about 1km offshore. Spot crabs and fish and enjoy getting mud between your toes. The is now a conservation park with sandy pathways alongside twisted trees and surrounded by mangroves. The island was once the home for a family for medicinal reasons but is now inhabited. Be sure not to leave it too late or the tide will come in and you will have to swim back.

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Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/questnews/78-things-you-can-do-for-free-these-school-holidays/news-story/9cb09653011de359008eba376a66ba81