Stuck in a routine of home, café, playground, repeat? If you're craving new adventures to enjoy with your baby or toddler around Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast, you're in the right place!
We’ve rounded up the top activities to shake up your days and create beautiful memories together. Whether you're strolling through the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, marveling at the Museum of Brisbane, or setting off on that scenic drive you’ve always dreamed of, there's something for everyone.
First, the up and down problem
Big days out are brilliant. They are also four hours of "carry me", then "down", then "carry me" again, usually somewhere between the koalas and the carpark.
The HipSurfer is a hipseat carrier and bum bag in one. It is designed to redistribute your child's weight through a wide padded waistband, so your back, arms and wrists get some backup. On in about 15 seconds, no shoulder straps, and it holds the snacks, wipes, phone and keys. One arm still supports your child, which is exactly why it suits the stop-start carrying of a day out.
And here’s the best part: our friends at Spark Pop (an Aussie mum owned company) have curated a fantastic list of family-friendly outings, many of which are free for kids under 3. Plus, when you use the code 'hackerlily15' at checkout, you’ll snag 15% off! So, ready to explore? Start planning your next adventure now and grab those savings along the way!
With SPARK POP, you can search and discover family friendly activities and attractions by location, age group of your children and even the type of activity you’re looking for, such as Zoos & Aquariums, Attractions, Farms, or Tours.
And don't forget to take your HipSurfer - your back, arms and wrists will thank you through all of the up and down moments.
SUNSHINE COAST
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Sea Life Sunshine Coast
FREE for Under 2 years
A fantastic all-weather attraction where you can discover 11 fun and interactive marine animal zones across three levels including Seahorse Kingdom.
Photo: Nico Smit via Unsplash
Touch Pools at Sea Life
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Australia Zoo
Under 3 years FREE
Visit Australia Zoo to see over 1,200 animals from Africa to South-East Asia and Australia, and by joining this tour you’ll avoid all the fuss and enjoy the ultimate experience!
Photo: Grace Anne Bobadilla via Unsplash
Photo: Grace Anne Bobadilla via Unsplash
- Aquaduck Sunshine Coast
FREE for Under 2years
Set off on a whirlwind escapade to see the heart of the Sunshine Coast on Australia’s first amphibious tour aboard Aquaduck.
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Farm Friends & Bird World
FREE for Under 3years
An enchanting escape in the Maleny Botanic Gardens sure to offer moments of serenity. Connect with nature while meeting a colourful family of birds and new farm friends.
Photo: S. Newrick, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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Amaze World
FREE for Under 3years
Adventure through the Bellingham Hedge Maze with riddles, puzzles and augmented reality before a round of mini golf and time for your little one in the nature playground.
Photo: Amaze World
Photo: Amaze World
- Native Bushfoods Seafood Cruise
FREE for Under 5years
Discover the blissful waterways and bushtucker foods aboard The Spray of the Coral Coast, a 58ft beautiful heritage-listed vessel dating back a century.
BRISBANE
- Farm Animal Tour
FREE for under 2-year-olds.
Located just south of Lake Samsonvale in the Samford region, this farm is an absolute breath of fresh air! You’ll meet horses, rabbits, chickens, goats, turkeys, alpacas, pigs, sheep, mini horses and even a farm dog.
Animal Tour Trevena Glen
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Koala & River Cruise
FREE for under 3-year-olds
Relax and travel like a tourist as you cruise along the Brisbane River past the city’s most historic landscapes, iconic attractions, historical home sites and interesting wildlife habitats on your way to experience the world’s first and largest Koala Sanctuary: Lone Pine.
Photo: Jojo Yuen via Unsplash
- Whale Watching Adventure
FREE for under 4-year-olds
Moreton Bay is one of the world’s best whale watching destinations. Tours run from Redcliffe Jetty in whale season, June to November only. You’re in for an unforgettable adventure with Captain Kerry and her friendly crew on hand to make sure you have an amazing time and witness the incredible Humpback Whales.
Brisbane Whale Watching
- Hologram Zoo
FREE for under 4 years
Hologram Zoo rotates its shows, with new themes most school holidays (recent shows include Aquarium and Arctic), so check what’s on before you go. It’s at Cannon Hill Shopping Centre and opens on weekends and school holidays. This experience is for 3 years and over, however you are able to bring your baby or toddler if you’re curious to experience this world first! -
Summer Land Camels
FREE for Under 3 years
Go behind the scenes of Australia’s leading camel farm and dairy for a tour and taste. Summer Land Camels also offers a Cameleer Experience, perfect for those littles who squeal with delight over animal encounters.
Photo: Summer Land Camels
Photo: Summer Land Camels
GOLD COAST
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Outback Spectacular
Under 3 years FREE
From the meticulous choreography to the immersive transformative arena, and the spectacular talent, the Australian Outback Spectacular is an extraordinary show not to be missed. Sit back relax and enjoy this dinner & show experience. Show dates vary, so check the official site for upcoming dates before you plan around it.
Australian Outback Spectacular: a story of two farmers
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Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
FREE for under 3years
Explore and immerse yourself in one of Queensland’s longest running things to do with the family. Step into 27 hectares of Currumbin rainforest, wandering through open animal enclosures and feeding Kangaroos along the way. Koala holding is a paid add-on and guests must be 140cm or taller, so small children can’t hold a koala, but the whole family can still get a photo with a koala in its tree.
Photo: Shiftchange, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
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Jellurgal Walkabout
FREE for under 5 years.
This is a magical walking tour which allows you to discover Aboriginal history and culture while uncovering the secrets of Jellurgal: Dreaming Mountain.
Photo: Patrick Ryan via Unsplash
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Tropical Fruit World
Under 3 Years FREE
This is a wholesome fun-filled adventure filled with surprises! This fully guided tour of the 240-acre property is a beautiful experience to learn, play and explore together. Your little ones must travel on lap or be in a baby carrier.
Photo: Tropical Fruit World
Photo: Tropical Fruit World
If you’re missing the theatre and would like to make a trip out to see a live show with your little one, you’ll find in most instances it’s free entry for you to take your baby sitting on your lap.
Other top things to do with babies and toddlers if you haven’t already ticked them off are:
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Gallery of Modern Art
Photo: Chris Olszewski, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Photo: Phillip Capper, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Museum of Brisbane
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Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium
Photo: John Robert McPherson, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Photo: Nemti, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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Daisy Hill Koala Centre
Photo: Brass razoo, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Photo: Brass razoo, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Embarking on adventures with your mini is a rewarding experience that offers countless opportunities for exploration, discovery, and bonding as a family. Whether you’re strolling through botanical gardens, encountering wildlife, or enjoying a day at the beach, there’s no shortage of unique and popular experiences awaiting families with babies and toddlers in Queensland’s great south-east.
Plus, with attractions across the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, and Gold Coast offering FREE entry for little ones, you can enjoy these adventures without breaking the bank. So, what are you waiting for, pack your bags, grab your little one, and get ready for unforgettable adventures together!
Planning the next one?
Long days, tired little legs, and a toddler who changes their mind every eight seconds. The HipSurfer helps make the carrying parts of the day easier on your body, from feeding and settling support in the newborn stage to seated hipseat carrying from 4 months right through the 3+ years.
This blog has been created by our friends at SPARK POP® - Australia’s experience site for kids and families. Discover, book and gift things to do for littles, teens and all in-betweens! Founded in 2022 by Queensland mum overwhelmed by kid clutter, SPARK POP is a time saver for those passionate about enriching children’s lives with meaningful moments. Level up your weekend and holiday fun with a curated collection activities, attractions, tours and live events.
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