Looking for the best ways to keep the kids busy these summer school holidays in Brisbane? We’ve rounded up our top picks of things to do in Brisbane with kids – from Christmas lights and big stage shows to sporty camps, creative workshops, animal encounters and more.
Christmas events & festive magic
Free Santa Photos: Santa Down Under – Browns Plains
When: 6–7 December 2025, 10am–2pm
Where: Browns Plains Homemaker Centre
Say g’day to Santa and some very real Aussie animals. Kids can get up close with snakes and crocodiles, jump into the Christmas Craft Zone and take a truly unforgettable Santa photo. MORE INFORMATION >>
Christmas Hologram Experience – Cannon Hill
When: 16 November 2025 – 10 January 2026
Where: Hologram Zoo, Cannon Hill
Step inside a world of holographic Santa, reindeer, elves and snowy villages. Wander through Santa’s workshop, catch holographic snowflakes and “fly” on a magical sleigh ride in this immersive festive experience. MORE INFORMATION >>
The Enchanted Garden – Roma Street Parkland
When: 21 November – 20 December 2025
Where: Roma Street Parkland
Brisbane’s much-loved light trail returns, transforming Roma Street Parkland into a glowing wonderland of colour, sound and seasonal joy. Wander through sparkling installations in this reimagined Enchanted Garden experience. MORE INFORMATION >>
Christmas in Ipswich – Nicholas Street Precinct
When: 12–21 December 2025
Where: Nicholas Street Precinct, Ipswich
The heart of Ipswich turns into a festive wonderland with twinkling lights, Christmas activities and family entertainment. A great evening out if you’re happy to take a short drive from Brisbane. MORE INFORMATION >>
Home Alone in Concert – Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
When: 5–6 December 2025
Where: BCEC, South Brisbane
Watch the classic Christmas movie Home Alone on the big screen while Queensland Symphony Orchestra performs the iconic score live. A brilliant Christmas night out for older kids and tweens. MORE INFORMATION >>
The Nutcracker – QPAC
When: 5–13 December 2025
Where: QPAC, South Brisbane
Queensland Ballet’s beloved Christmas tradition returns for its thirteenth and final season. Expect snowflakes, toy soldiers, dazzling costumes and Tchaikovsky’s famous score performed live. A magical introduction to ballet for kids. MORE INFORMATION >>
Sporty kids & active adventures
Little Lifesavers – Various beach & pool locations
When: 6 December 2025 – 24 January 2026
Where: Various locations (see program)
Run by Surf Life Saving Queensland, Little Lifesavers is a brilliant intro to surf lifesaving for kids aged 5–12 years. Programs are packed with sand and surf activities that build water confidence and safety skills. MORE INFORMATION >>
Game On Summer Sports Camps – Ashgrove
When: 8 December 2025 – 16 January 2026
Where: Ashgrove Sports Ground
Keep kids active and social with multi-sport holiday camps designed and run by primary teachers and experienced coaches. Suitable for ages 6–12 years, with heaps of games, challenges and friendly coaching. MORE INFORMATION >>
Holiday Cheer, Dance & Tumble Camps – Infinity Athletics
When: 15 December 2025 – 21 January 2026
Where: Infinity Athletics (check closest venue)
Let them flip, dance and tumble these holidays with full-day camps featuring cheerleading, dance, tumbling, games and challenges. Ideal for ages 5–12, with options for early drop-off and late pick-up. MORE INFORMATION >>
Summer Starts with Skills – Carlile Swim
When: 13 December 2025 – 26 January 2026
Where: Carlile Swim, various Brisbane locations
Boost swimming skills before the next beach or pool day. Carlile’s experienced teachers run baby classes, learn-to-swim, stroke development and intensive programs that build strong technique and vital safety skills. MORE INFORMATION >>
Junior Golf Clinics & Mini Golf – Golf Central BNE
When: 3, 10, 17 December 2025; 7, 14, 21 January 2026
Where: Golf Central BNE, Brisbane Airport
Half-day clinics with PGA-accredited coaches help kids work on driving, iron play and putting through fun drills and friendly competitions. Sessions include pizza and a drink – and there’s mini golf on site too. MORE INFORMATION >>
Creative kids, shows & culture
My First Ballet: The Little Mermaid – Queensland Ballet
When: 18–23 December 2025
Where: Thomas Dixon Centre, West End
Perfect for little theatre-goers, Queensland Ballet’s The Little Mermaid re-imagines the classic tale with shimmering costumes, sea creatures and a brave mermaid heroine in a family-friendly ballet. MORE INFORMATION >>
The Little Mermaid Children’s Workshops – Queensland Ballet
When: 18–23 December 2025
Where: Thomas Dixon Centre, West End
Kids can step into the story themselves in these themed workshops led by Queensland Ballet Teaching Artists. Explore characters, storytelling and basic ballet moves inspired by The Little Mermaid. MORE INFORMATION >>
IAG Kids: Move It! – Ipswich Art Gallery
When: 29 November 2025 – 15 February 2026
Where: Ipswich Art Gallery
A hands-on exhibition that gets kids designing, flying, building and engineering. Packed with interactive activities that explore movement and motion, it’s a great rainy-day outing. MORE INFORMATION >>
Olafur Eliasson: Presence – GOMA
When: 6 December 2025 – 12 July 2026
Where: GOMA, South Brisbane
Step inside large-scale, multi-sensory artworks that play with light, perception and space. This major exhibition encourages families to move, look and experience art in new ways. MORE INFORMATION >>
Summer Holidays at Queensland Maritime Museum
When: 6 December 2025 – 26 January 2026
Where: Queensland Maritime Museum, South Bank
Explore historic ships, including the warship Diamantina and the lugger Penguin, plus plenty of smaller vessels and maritime displays. Great for curious kids who love boats and history. MORE INFORMATION >>
360 ALLSTARS
When: 15-17 January 2026
Where: Redland Performing Arts Centre, Cleveland
BMX, basketball, breakdancing, acrobatics, drumming and more, the international smash hit returns! Boasting a stellar cast of World Champion and World Record–holding artists and athletes, this phenomenal physical performance celebrates all forms of rotation — fusing street style with elite skill to create a high-energy urban circus that will leave you spinning with excitement! MORE INFORMATION >>
Animals, farms & outdoor fun
Summer School Holidays at Trevena Glen Farm
When: Daily (check website for sessions)
Where: Trevena Glen Farm, 40 minutes from Brisbane CBD
Meet ponies, alpacas, goats and more at this family-run farm. Kids can enjoy interactive animal experiences and pony rides while parents soak up the country atmosphere. MORE INFORMATION >>
Historic Rivermill – Country day out
When: Daily
Where: Historic Rivermill, Mt Nathan (Gold Coast hinterland)
At this picturesque property, kids can interact with horses, alpacas, turtles and goats, or book a Mini & Me horse or pony ride. Parents can relax by the river with a coffee while the kids explore. MORE INFORMATION >>
Summer Vacation Care with Australian Early Learning Colleges
When: Monday – Friday through school holidays
Where: Australian Early Learning Colleges
Get ready for a summer filled with fun, friends, and fantastic adventures! Australian Early Learning Colleges’ Summer Vacation Care Program offers an exciting mix of daily excursions and themed days designed to keep children engaged, active, and smiling all holiday long. There’s something for everyone to enjoy. MORE INFORMATION >>
Treats & chill-out spots
Miss Sprinkles Gelato – Scarborough
When: Open daily, late trading
Where: 113 Landsborough Ave, Scarborough
Cool down after a big day out with handmade Italian gelato and sorbets. With more than 30 flavours made on site – plus churros, shakes, açai bowls and coffee – there’s something for every member of the family. MORE INFORMATION >>
For more school holiday activities across Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, be sure to check out our FULL SCHOOL HOLIDAY GUIDE!
