Cost. Of. Living. It’s a real sap, isn’t it? If you’re looking to save some dollars and embrace all the free things there are to do in the River City, we’ve got some goodies for you!
These are our top picks of some of the best things you can do this weekend that won’t cost a cent. They’re perfect if you’re looking to keep to your budget…
If you like the outdoors
Take a trip to space at the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium. It’s free to enter the display zones and sundial courtyard. This astronomical journey will take you from the present day solar system to the time of the Big Bang.
Pick herbs at the Epicurious Garden at South Bank. This enormous edible garden is filled with exotic plants and fragrant herbs. It also grows seasonal fruit and vegetables. You can collect free food from the Harvest Cart on Tuesday, Wednesdays and Thursdays between 7am and 11am.
While you’re in the city area, follow the City Centre Heritage Trail and find out what the Brisbane CBD looked like before its transformation. There are 26 stops along the way. Highlights include the stunning Brisbane Arcade, St Stephen’s Cathedral and the site of the old convict barracks.
Did you know how many outdoor activities you can enjoy around Brisbane? Go scouting for waterfalls, lakes and waterholes, get in the saddle of your bikes on one of the trails, or check out the natural attractions in and around the River City.
Explore the city’s local farmers’ markets
Brisbanites love a farmers’ market, which is why each weekend almost every suburb in the city has a market. Naturally, there are family favourites. These are the ones that offer the freshest produce, the greatest range of flowers, the tastiest meat and the best artisan goods.
Our favourites? You’ll find amazing produce, plants, food and wares at Brisbane’s Saturday Fresh Market, Rocklea; Riverside Markets, Brisbane CBD and City Botanic Gardens; Kelvin Grove Village Market, Kelvin Grove; Jan Powers Farmers Market, New Farm; Davies Park Market, West End; Carseldine Farmers & Artisan Markets, Carseldine; and the Redcliffe Farmers & Artisan Markets, Redcliffe.
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Check out these incredible exhibitions
If you’re visiting the Queensland Museum for the enchanting Disney: The Magic of Animation, consider spending some time exploring the free exhibitions. Discover lions, tigers and bears as well as other natural wonders at the Discovery Centre and Wild State exhibitions. If treasures from the Earth are more your thing, check out the Minerals: Inspirational Treasures from the Earth display at the Mezzanine Level. It showcases more than 230 of the rarest and most amazing minerals and gems from around Australia and the world!
At the Ipswich Art Gallery is Imagine This… is a hands-on studio space where children and families can imagine and make together. Four inventive artworks by Australian artists provide the inspiration and all the art materials are provided. It’s perfect for encouraging children to explore an artist’s ideas and stimulate their own imaginations. For children under three years, explore the baby and toddler play space. Stimulating toys and padded forms fill the space; a safe spot for little ones to imagine.
The Pine Rivers Heritage Museum has a new exhibition for kids of all ages. Shadow Makers explores the magic of light and shadow. There are a range of interactive activities including silhouette tracing, shadow box puppets, shadow shows and more.
Head to the State Library
Take your Little Ones to The Corner at the State Library of Queensland. This is the Library’s noisy, kid-friendly play zone. Open between 10am and 3pm daily, kids can take part in free, creative, hands-on fun, digital games and reading activities. You’ll want to keep an eye out for the Library’s school holiday programs too!
Burn off your energy in the parks and playgrounds
Locals love the parks and kids love playgrounds in an around Brisbane — and there are plenty to choose from. One of the city’s most popular parks is New Farm Park. Grab your slice of grass and watch the City Cats and other boats cruise up and down the Brisbane River. The kids can engage their imagination and pretend to be ‘spies’ a la Bluey.
Another beautiful space to walk around is Roma Street Parkland. There’s a fantastic playground located in the grounds where you can let the kids go wild for a while. Take a look at the Spectacle Garden and identify as many flowers as you can.
The Sherwood Arboretum is also a great park with playgrounds to explore. You can even throw a line in off the jetty!
You can find out top picks for the best playgrounds in Brisbane for kids here.
You can find more at our comprehensive What’s On page for all the kid and family fun around Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.
Servicing Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and beyond, Kids on the Coast is an online guide for parents with kids events, attractions & things to do with kids, schools and education, school holiday guides, health & wellbeing for families, parenting and lifestyle news located on Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast & Brisbane, QLD.
