Ipswich! You may have heard Little Scholars School of Early Learning is coming to you! We’re thrilled our newest campus is coming to Ipswich in early 2025. As we prepare to open our doors, we want to celebrate by sharing some of our favourite family-friendly activities in Ipswich, because we’re not just about early learning, we adore our families and our Ipswich community!
We think Ipswich has really stepped up its game when it comes to offering some great entertaining offerings for the young, and the young at heart.
Images and information courtesy of the organisations mentioned below, as well as Brisbane Kids, Ipswich First, Families Magazine and Must-Do Brisbane.
Did you know Ipswich has Australia’s only public library dedicated to children? It features a specially designed catalogue with over 35,000 books just for children, and unique multi-reality interactive experiences.
The Ipswich Children’s Library is designed to be an interactive and engaging space for children. It features various zones with elements that encourage exploration and active participation. Highlights include a series of colourful tubes where children can send fabric pieces flying through the air, large interactive screens, and colouring tables where children can scan and watch their decorated fish swim on a screen. The library also offers cosy reading nooks, a gaming touch screen with STEAM-based puzzles, and a unique Reading Tree with a cushioned tunnel for reading. The space is filled with natural light, thanks to its floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Nicholas Street Precinct and landscaped gardens.
The library is open seven days a week and hosts regular, child-focused programs and events and special tech adventures just for little ones!
Hop aboard the Queensland Pioneer Steam Railway in Ipswich for a fun-filled family adventure. Ride in beautifully restored vintage carriages and explore the rich mining history of the area. As the train chugs along, you’ll pass by old mine ruins and vintage equipment, giving you a glimpse into Ipswich’s past. It’s a perfect outing for families to enjoy a unique and educational experience together.
Attention all young aviation enthusiasts! Visit the RAAF Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre near Ipswich to see some amazing aircraft up close. Walk around and marvel at the F-111 with its famous “dump and burn” feature. Check out the WWII Boston Bomber, Vietnam-era Canberra bomber, Caribou airlifter, Sioux and Iroquois helicopters, and WWII Jeeps. You’ll also see cool Sabre and Mirage fighter jets. Learn about the RAAF’s important role in history with interactive exhibits and displays. It’s a fun and educational trip for the whole family!
Check the website for times to visit.
Ipswich Art Gallery takes play seriously! Its goal is to create dynamic pathways for lifelong relationships with art.
It’s a visual arts and social history museum presenting a dynamic program of exhibitions and heritage displays with complementary workshops, performances and an extensive program for children and families. We also adore that the gallery guides itself by philosophical principles for its children’s gallery, highlighting that learning begins with creative play, and that children are important members of our community who should be encouraged to express and develop their ideas and views.
Located in Queens Park, the Ipswich Nature Centre offers a delightful experience for families and nature enthusiasts. This free-entry zoo showcases native Australian wildlife, including kangaroos, emus, wombats, and bilbies. Wander through lush gardens, see barnyard animals, and enjoy the aviary filled with colourful birds. The centre provides an educational and fun outing, promoting conservation and the beauty of local wildlife.
For more information, visit Ipswich Nature Centre.
Take an eye-opening journey through Queensland’s history at the heritage-listed Ipswich Railway Workshops. The award-winning Queensland Museum Rail Workshops is a must-visit for anyone in Ipswich. Once employing over 3,000 railway workers and making it Queensland’s largest employer at the time, this historic site now blends the charm of the past with modern technological advances.
Explore the old boilershop, home to beautifully restored locomotives and carriages, and marvel at Queensland’s largest model railway, showcasing detailed scenes of the state. Perfect for visitors of all ages, this museum brings history to life.
Check out Faye Carr Park in Ripley, a rocket ship-themed playground designed for the whole community.
The standout feature is the impressive trio of red and green pods, which have become a landmark of the Ecco Ripley development since its opening in 2018. These custom-designed pods by Playscape Creations are a first for Australia, offering sensory delights like cogs, steering equipment, and rainbow spinning wheels, all connected by a bridge. The exterior is just as engaging with ladders, slides, staircases, and fireman poles for endless fun.
For younger children, there’s a separate toddler playground complete with a mini slide, ladder, and puzzles. The area also includes a five-person swing circle, a rotating net climber, a see-saw, and a double-track flying fox for inclusive play.
Sports enthusiasts will enjoy the middle section of the park with multipurpose fields for soccer, rugby, and basketball, as well as an outdoor workout zone. Picnic shelters and BBQs make it perfect for a family outing.
Over 20 developmental activities between the main and toddler playgrounds promote educational play in a fun outdoor setting. The park also emphasises social play with shared swing circles, rotating net climbers, and multi-track flying foxes, encouraging greater participation.
The parklands are wheelchair and pram friendly, with accessible pathways connecting all areas. The seated playground equipment, including an adaptive swing, see-saw, and net climber, are designed for inclusivity.
Faye Carr Park Features:
A multi-million dollar playground that is accessible and engaging for all ages is the incredible result of a consultation between locals and Orion Shopping Centre.
The main attraction is a vibrant activity centre with a tower reaching 11 metres high, accessible via internal ladders or a 16-metre Sky Walk bridge offering a birds-eye view of the playground below. Two enormous tunnel slides flank the tower, perfect for young thrill-seekers. Note that the play area is not fenced from the nearby car park, so close adult supervision is necessary.
For children who prefer to stay grounded, the playground features in-built trampolines, mountaineering ropes, and a large climbing net tunnel. A wheelchair-friendly merry-go-round promotes inclusive play.
The toddler area includes slides, stairs, a rock climbing wall, a fire pole, a colourful see-saw, and a cognitive play hut with educational activities. Swings are available for both independent children and those needing assistance. Most of the playground is covered by shade sails or roofing for sun protection.
Lobley Park is a charming, aviation-themed park that pays tribute to Ipswich’s Air Force heritage. Children will love playing in the aeroplane structure, exploring the air traffic control tower, and enjoying the parachute swings. The park also offers ample space for running around, traditional playground equipment like swings and slides, and a story time area. Perfect for picnics or parties, Lobley Park features barbecues and tables. It’s a fantastic spot for family fun, with memorable attractions that children will adore!
Located just 15 minutes from Ipswich city, the recently upgraded Redbank Plains Recreation Reserve has become a popular community hub for gathering, playing, socialising, and relaxing.
The central playground features a 9-metre tall adventure tower made of cargo netting, platforms, and ladders, offering a vertical thrill for older children. Climbers can choose between a speedy tunnel slide and a twisty tube slide. The roped exterior allows for easy parental supervision.
The reserve also boasts a 20-metre high ropes course, challenging balance, strength, and coordination, with opportunities for adults to assist younger climbers. Additional features include a giant rotating bird’s nest swing, a multi-bay swing set, and sensory spinners.
A dedicated toddler playground caters to ages one to five with accessible platforms, ground-level activities, gentle slides, and imaginative play areas. Essentials such as swings, see-saws, bouncers, and an inclusive carousel are built on a soft base with ample shade sails. Nearby seating is available for supervision and picnics.
The reserve also includes a newly renovated skate park, suitable for skaters of all levels, adjacent to a large grassy field ideal for soccer, cricket, or kite flying.
Additional features:
The rapidly expanding Ripley Valley is home to several state-of-the-art playgrounds, and the Splash ‘n’ Play Adventure Park is a standout. Designed for all age groups, the park features towering sky cabins at 7.5 metres high, connected by enclosed rope bridges for safety. Children can exit the playground via a straight tubular slide, a twisted mega slide, or by climbing down netted ladders. This section is ideal for children over 5, though confident younger climbers can also enjoy it.
The park also includes a flying fox, a small swing set, and toddler-friendly options in the neighbouring play area.
Directly across from the playground is a shaded, multi-age Splash ’n’ Play area with water fountains, movable sprayers, button-controlled jets, and waterfall arches. This area is divided into two sections, allowing smaller children to play safely away from the larger splash zone. The non-slip rubber base and ample seating enhance safety and supervision.
For families, the Forty West Café at the top of the adventure park serves delicious coffee and food daily. A takeaway coffee is ideal, as a tall garden partially blocks the view between the café seating and the playground below.
As you approach the Sunshine Park playground, the central tower immediately catches the eye. Standing at 8 metres tall with three levels, it invites children to come and play. Inspired by the towering trees and creeping vines of a rainforest, the structure is both impressive and engaging.
Children can access the different levels through vertical climbing tunnels, ball pommels, and nets. The internal decks are inclined to provide an extra challenge. Once at the top, the 4.5-metre tunnel slide offers a thrilling descent back to the ground.
In the junior play area, there is a cubby-style fort with interactive elements decorating the walls. A small slide is easily accessible for little ones using stable stepping platforms.
For those who love to run or play ball sports, Sunshine Park features a basketball half-court, a handball court, and a generous kickabout area. There’s also a small pump track designed to manoeuvre around without pedalling, providing an additional challenge for competent riders and a fun spot for little ones to push their diggers down the hills.
Features:
Sunshine Park is an engaging and versatile playground, offering a variety of activities for children of all ages.
Tucker Family Park is one of the best parks in Ipswich for children of all ages and abilities, set in a beautiful, nature-filled environment. This park offers a range of exciting features:
Key Attractions:
Playground Features:
Tucker Family Park is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying a variety of activities. Whether it’s exploring the extensive playground, participating in sports, or simply taking a peaceful walk, this park has something for everyone.
Whiterock Adventure Playground and Splash Pad in Ripley Valley is quickly becoming a top summer destination. The standout feature is the intriguing “play curl” structure, accompanied by water play and natural exploration zones.
Upon entering the beautifully designed space, the first thing you’ll notice is the huge and uniquely shaped “play curl,” which looks more like a sculptural masterpiece than a playground. The Australian-first design is over 16 metres long and can accommodate up to 40 children at a time with its mixture of net climbs, rock climbing holds, rubber ramps, balancing ropes, and suspended resting areas. This area is best suited for children aged 5 to 12, though confident younger climbers can also enjoy it.
Directly across from the playground is a mostly shaded, zero-depth Splash ’n’ Play area. It features water fountains, movable wiggly sprayers, button-controlled jets, and waterfall arches. Smaller children can safely enjoy water play away from the larger splash zone. The area has a non-slip rubber base for safety and ample seating for supervision.
Rounding out the play space are other playground favourites, including an embankment slide, swings, a seesaw, educational games, and an accessible carousel. The parklands are also equipped with full picnic amenities, making it an excellent choice for birthday parties and family gatherings.
The “play curl” offers a foundation for imaginative play. Its abstract design creates a sense of mystery and encourages problem-solving. Running adjacent to the curl is a dry creek bed with cylindrical stepping stones, providing a nice contrast to the metal and steel of the playground and encouraging a nature-style play. The different ground textures, equipment heights, and water play combine to form a multi-sensory experience.
Whiterock Adventure Playground is located on even terrain with connecting paths, making it easy to navigate with prams. The ground-level carousel spinner is designed for inclusive play. Disabled toilets and a baby change room are available on site.
Additional Features:
Whiterock Adventure Playground is perfect for families seeking fun and adventure, with diverse activities for children of all ages.
Ipswich has a number of incredible parks and reserves for families to explore and make memories together.
Conveniently, the Naeus app makes it easier to discover Ipswich’s natural areas with GPS guided maps of walking tracks that include distance and grading information.
The Naeus Explore app enhances your outdoor adventures with several interactive features. It provides real-time weather updates and has a native plant identification tool—just take a photo, and the app will instantly provide details about the plant. Additionally, the app uses geo-fencing technology to automatically highlight points of interest near you. As you near important sites, like a historical tree or scenic lookout, the app notifies you with detailed information.
The app is also designed to be collaborative. You can report any issues, like fallen trees, directly to the local council through the app. Moreover, you’re encouraged to contribute by adding new points of interest that you discover, such as notable wildlife sightings or unique natural formations.
Featuring water parks and lush gardens, Robelle Domain is an ideal spot for cooling down on hot days and enjoying outdoor concerts and events.
This huge park is spread over 24 hectares and comprises over 11km of boardwalks, sporting fields, walking tracks and playgrounds, as well as the stunning Orion Lagoon.
This park is a paradise for families and the play area boasts features that include interactive equipment that combines play with the excitement of electronic gaming and a zero depth water park with a large tipping bucket, jet sprays and spouts.
The park also features shady picnic areas, land art pyramids and an early evening sound and light show to cap off your day.
Flinders-Goolman Conservation Estate is a 2,200 hectare estate and is popular for a wide range of activities including bushwalking, horse-riding, mountain biking, birdwatching and Traditional Owner cultural practices.
To explore the area, there are many trails available. The shortest trail is just 560m through bush tucker gardens, and a few other trails that are about two to three kilometres in length, which might be doable for little ones. They’ll be excited to spot wildlife such as king parrots, willy wagtails, kangaroos and wallabies.
With its breathtaking landscapes, a wide variety of flora and fauna, and deep cultural heritage, White Rock – Spring Mountain Conservation Estate offers an ideal setting for a family bushwalk and picnic. Located just 20 minutes from Ipswich and 35 minutes from Brisbane, the estate is conveniently accessible while still providing a peaceful escape from urban life. There are boardwalks, caves, and lookouts, all along well-maintained paths with clearly marked trails and benches for resting tired legs along the way.
Most walks are relatively easy and flat, with dirt tracks and some boardwalk sections. However, some steep inclines, rough terrain, and loose surfaces also exist.
A few short routes for little legs include:
Bluff Lookout Circuit, 200m one way
Little White Rock Lookout Circuit, 200m one way
Six Mile Creek Boardwalk, 300m one way
Little White Rock Track, 600m one way
Six Mile Creek Track, 1.4km return
Toilets and picnic shelters are positioned by the parking area with grassy areas where you can set up a picnic blanket.
Located right in the heart of the city, Denmark Hill Conservation Reserve is a favorite destination for birdwatchers and day-trippers. The reserve is well-equipped for visitors, featuring BBQ facilities, toilets, picnic tables, and ample parking. It offers five short walking tracks suitable for a quick escape into nature. The 200-metre Waterfall Track is wheelchair accessible, making it easy for everyone to enjoy. For those seeking a longer walk, Bluey’s 800m Circuit and the Water Tower 800m Circuit are the most extensive paths available. You can find the main entrance and parking area directly opposite the corner of Deebing and Clay Streets, just a three-minute drive from Ipswich CBD.
At the Quarry Street entrance, you’ll find a wooden playground which fits in with its natural surroundings. The small playground consists of a climbing net, birds nest swing, balance beam and obstacle course made from ropes and stepping logs.
Hardings Paddock offers a serene bush camping experience close to the city, yet feels a world away. With only eight spacious campsites, you’ll enjoy privacy and tranquility. Facilities include long drop toilets, shower cubicles (bring your own water), free barbecues, and a fire pit. Suitable for tents, caravans, and motorhomes, it even has a holding yard for horses.
The nearby Flinders-Goolman Conservation Estate provides excellent hiking trails across volcanic peaks and slopes, making it perfect for nature lovers and adventurers.
Just a short drive away from Hardings Paddock, you’ll find Ivory’s Rock – a 600 hectare property, backing onto the Flinders-Goolman Conservation Estate and surrounded by native bushland. It’s an excellent option for those campers that prefer a few more modern amenities than what Hardings Paddock offers.
Ivory’s Rock is a private property that offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountain peaks. Animal lovers will be in heaven here with wallabies and kangaroos regularly hopping about the property. You may even be lucky enough to spot a koala or two.
Campsites at Ivory’s Rock are suitable for all kinds of campers, including those with tents, caravans or motorhomes. There is a choice of powered and unpowered sites, which all have access to laundry and bathroom facilities. Other amenities include gas barbecues, communal fire puts, water and even free wifi.
For those new to camping and don’t have their own gear, at Ivory’s Rock, you can even request a site that has all the camping gear set up for you. Then, all you have to do is arrive and relax. Of course, there’s no packing up either – that’s camping in true style!
Ipswich Caravan Village offers a tranquil bushland setting with options for overnight, tourist, and permanent accommodation. Choose from powered and unpowered sites for caravans and campers, or stay in one of our air-conditioned cabins, available for singles, doubles, families, and groups.
Conveniently located near shopping centres, restaurants, sporting venues, Willowbank Raceway, tourist attractions, and heritage sites, our park is perfect for exploring Ipswich, Queensland’s oldest provincial city. Enjoy the blend of natural beauty and nearby amenities during your stay.
Rosewood Showgrounds Camping Facility is located in the picturesque township of Rosewood, 20 minutes west of the Ipswich CBD and one hour from Brisbane making it the perfect place to set up camp while you explore South East Queensland.
Rosewood has been designated as an RV Friendly Town and the Showgrounds is a short drive or walk to a supermarket, chemist, doctors, coffee shops, and the electric train to Brisbane.
The Showground has 28 powered sites (some with access to sullage) and 17 un-powered sites . Other amenities include toilets, showers and free dump point and potable water.
Nearby attractions include the historic Rosewood township, Cobb & Co Tourist Drive and historic coach display, the heritage Rosewood Railway and museum, St Brigid’s Catholic Church (the largest timber church in the southern hemisphere), Grandchester Model Steam Railway, Spicers Hidden Vale and the Hidden Vale Adventure Park, Queensland Museum Rail Workshops, Ipswich Art Gallery and Ipswich Nature Centre.
There you have it! We hope you enjoyed our list of the best things to do with your family in Ipswich. If you’re after the best childcare in Ipswich, look no further than Little Scholars Karalee, due to open early 2025!
Contact us or book a tour today to ensure your little one gets the best start to life that they can.
Do you have a playground you think should be here? Let us know on our socials @littlescholarsearlylearning!
*Images courtesy of Ipswich city council, mrslardeedah.com, romethegnome.com, and Brisbanekids.com.
There you have it! We hope you enjoyed our list of the best things to do with your family in Ipswich. If you’re after the best childcare in Ipswich, look no further than Little Scholars Karalee, due to open early 2025!
Contact us or book a tour today to ensure your little one gets the best start to life that they can.
Do you have a family friendly Ipswich place to visit that should be on this list? Let us know on our socials @littlescholarsearlylearning!
*Images courtesy of Ipswich city council and Brisbanekids.com.
Families who live in South East Queensland, a truly beautiful part of the world, are fortunate to enjoy pleasant weather most of the time. But, like anywhere, we get our (small) share of rainy or cooler days. And while one or two days of weather-related downtime can be welcome, our corner of the Earth can sometimes see days on end of rain, something we’re not quite used to, which mean our little ones may be bouncing off the walls if we don’t find some weather-appropriate things to do for them.
Since Little Scholars is in the business of small humans, we’ve gathered some activity ideas for parents we know children will love in any weather!
With its plethora of beaches and hiking trails, most people associate the Gold Coast with sunshine and heat, a near-perfect holiday destination, but what can families do if it’s cool, cloudy or raining? The answer is, there’s still plenty to do!
We’ve selected some of the most fun, unique indoor activities families with young children can do on the Gold Coast, the Redlands and in the state capitol, Brisbane.
This creative hub offers plenty of rainy day entertainment options. Wander through five levels of thought provoking and inspiring displays, exhibits and artworks at the incredible HOTA Gallery. There’s a Children’s Gallery on Level 1 where little ones can do craft activities and interact with creative displays.
The Gold Coast Motor Museum in Upper Coomera is a fantastic option for rainy days, featuring over 80 cars and memorabilia. Opened in October 2020 by brothers Carl and Grant Amor, the museum is a tribute to their parents’ love for cars. Located in the scenic Gold Coast hinterland, adjacent to Stanley’s Barn Restaurant & Bar, it’s a perfect destination for family fun and nostalgia.
Only closed Mondays and Tuesdays, children under 13 enter for free, and they’ll love exploring the eclectic range of vehicles spanning the years 1900 to 1988.
Looking to entertain your children and use up some of that endless energy? EMF Junior caters for children ages two to 13, with massive ball bits, slides, tunnels, climbing apparatuses, giant blocks and more. There is a separate zoned toddler area that caters to their specific abilities and needs.
Parents can also book their children in for the creche at Nerang and supervised drop and shop sessions at Pacific Fair, which comes in particularly handy for parents who need a bit of time to themselves!
A classic rainy day activity! But the 13 locations of Gold Coast City Libraries are not your grandmother’s library! They offer a ton of benefits besides an incredible array of books!
Join your library for fun times as the friendly librarians help build pre-literacy, communication, language and social skills for your babies, toddlers and preschoolers.
Baby Rhyme Time – Giggle, coo and cuddle with favourite rhymes and songs. Ideal for children from birth to two years.
Toddler Time – Sing, move and groove, learn new words and make new friends. Ideal for toddlers aged two to four years.
Storytime – Listen, laugh and roar with favourite stories old and new. Ideal for children from three to five years.
These are offered seven days a week across all locations. For your closest library’s schedule, or to find nearest availability for these programs when they suit your schedule, click this link.
Grab the family and head over to Paradise Resort Gold Coast for an experience rare to the southern hemisphere – ice skating!
Planet Chill is suitable for anyone over three years, and to make it a little easier for beginners to stay on their feet, Planet Chill has fibreglass penguins to help make your ‘icecapades’ more bump-free.
Your family will be gliding to popular music, a disco ball and under-ice lighting to light up your session.
IMAGINATOR is a multisensory, walk-through experience that houses a series of immersive art installations that celebrate imagination, technology and play.
There are 15 immersive, one-of-a-kind experiences under one roof that have been created by a talented team of architects, audio-visual artists, futurists, renderers and sound designers. The rooms feature multi-sensory installations like AI projections, sensor-triggered LED waves, giant silk parachute canopies, cosmic gardens, an anti-gravity sunset, an electronic hall of mirrors, a digital wishing well and a whole heap more.
Suitable for all ages, and is generally safe for people with sensory sensitivities, epilepsy or neurodiverse persons.
Marvel at hundreds of rare and unusual artifacts and get hands-on with unbelievable interactives at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Surfers Paradise. Play your way through! Shatter your senses in the Vortex Tunnel, where illusions and a colourful light show transport visitors into a mind-bending dimension, or let curiosity be your guide in the Funplex, filled with hands-on interactives.
Families can add on fun by purchasing an experience at the Ripley’s Mirror Maze Surfers Paradise
Charming Redland Bay has a real country feel despite being a growing bayside residential community. For its residents, the conservation areas and places for sport lead the activities, but that doesn’t mean rainy days mean families need to stay home.
The IndigiScapes Centre is Redland City Council’s environment education centre. Situated on 14.5 hectares of serene natural bushland, IndigiScapes offers native botanical gardens, a native nursery, bush trails, a nature playground. But while a lot of its appeal is focused on the outdoors, it does have an indoor environment that visitors can access in less desirable weather.
The Discovery Centre is full of information, displays and hands-on learning opportunities for visitors of all ages! With interactive environmental education areas, microscopes, lookout window, and touch screen activities, everyone will love learning more about the natural world.
After exploring the Discovery Centre, you may have worked up a hearty appetite, so check out the IndigiCafe and enjoy local cuisine with a bushtucker twist while overlooking beautiful Coolnwynpin Creek tributary on Redlands Coast. You’ll love the food so much, you’ll want to take some of the bush flavours and spices home with you.
Check out the Redland Museum! Step inside the Museum and discover a treasure trove of historic artefacts and fascinating stories about the people, places and events that helped to shape the Redlands Coast.
The museum even has a toy hall of fame, where children can see unusual toys from the past, play with the interactive model railway, wind the handle and make calls on 100 year old telephones and see a collection of 100 dolls in handmade costumes.
They can also climb aboard and ‘drive’ the Redlander railmotor and even see how children learned at school in the past.
Open seven days a week from 10am to 3.30pm, the museum is great for families. Admission prices are $10 adults, $6 concession, children are FREE.
This award-winning gallery offers ‘Family Sundays at the Gallery’ once per month at RAG, Cleveland. These sessions offer families a chance to create together exploring a variety of techniques themed to compliment the gallery’s latest exhibitions. It is a great chance to connect with each other while enjoying some hands on creative fun. The gallery also offers a Parents and Prams session one Wednesday a month as an opportunity to explore the latest exhibitions, socialise and get arty.
Called a ‘hidden gem’ on Tripadvisor, we’re bringing this charming museum out of hiding to share with our families. The museum represents the 65,000 years or so of Aboriginal history, the British invasion and colonisation and a complex shared history of less than 200 years.
If your little artist wants to try something new, why not visit Colour My Pot, a pottery painting and clay studio that provides a fun and creative environment where people of all ages can come together and make memories and some beautiful art.
Colour My Pot also caters to children for birthday parties and school holiday activities.
If families are looking for something completely different to do, or have a locomotive-obsessed little ones, check out the Queensland Pioneer Steam Railway in Ipswich!
Experience a ride on vintage steam trains from the early 1900s and learn about Queensland’s railway history as you travel along historic tracks. Enjoy beautiful countryside views and grab a bite to eat or drink onboard. Check their website for dates and times.
Queens Park Environmental Education Centre offers locals, visitors (and especially families) the chance to learn more about Ipswich’s unique natural environment, waterways, and sustainability themes at no cost. Located in the heart of the city’s beloved Queens Park, children can get hands-on with this delightful, interactive, playful learning environment.
The Centre has many environmental education exhibits that showcase Ipswich’s unique natural environment, waterways, and sustainability themes. The interactive displays connect visitors with nature in the home and around the city. Families will love visiting the giant fig ‘growing’ inside the centre and explore the variety of ecosystems and wonderful wildlife that can be found in the Ipswich area.
Did you know Ipswich has Australia’s only public library dedicated to children? It features a specially designed catalogue with over 35,000 books just for children, and unique multi-reality interactive experiences.
The Ipswich Children’s Library is designed to be an interactive and engaging space for children. It features various zones with elements that encourage exploration and active participation. Highlights include a series of colourful tubes where children can send fabric pieces flying through the air, large interactive screens, and colouring tables where children can scan and watch their decorated fish swim on a screen. The library also offers cosy reading nooks, a gaming touch screen with STEAM-based puzzles, and a unique Reading Tree with a cushioned tunnel for reading. The space is filled with natural light, thanks to its floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Nicholas Street Precinct and landscaped gardens.
The library is open seven days a week and hosts regular, child-focussed programs and events and special tech adventures just for little ones!
Head over to Carindale to exert some of your little ones’ boundless energy where you’ll find this active adventure-play centre specially designed for pre-school children, offering fun, active-play experiences that help develop a positive relationship with physical activity.
Hologram Zoo is a family-friendly entertainment centre that operates like a traditional zoo, but with a twist – all the animals are holographic projections created using laser light technology. Suitable for children aged three and above, there are different country based shows like Africa, North Pole, Asia, and Australia. The zoo even allows guests to travel back in time and visit the dinosaurs.
Area 51 Brisbane is Australia’s largest indoor playground, occupying an incredible total space of 10,000 square metres of endless fun for all ages.
For babies to small toddlers there’s Astrotots Wonderland and Cosmo’s Inflatable Wonderland. For children aged three to four, they can explore Mini Rovers, which includes Trampoline Park, Cosmo’s Inflatable Wonderland and Gizmo’s Galaxy. Children ages five and up can explore Universe, which includes High Ropes, Bouldering, Trampoline Park, Gizmo’s Galaxy, Mega Slides, Parkour X or Ninja Park.
Adults are very welcome to supervise for free or play for the price of a ticket.
Area 51 also has four different eateries, including iDumplings, Night Market, Mollis and the Area 51 Cafe.
At Little Scholars, with locations across South East Queensland, we understand that rainy days are opportunities for unique and engaging learning experiences. Our early learning service is dedicated to providing the highest quality early education and care, making every day, rainy or sunny, a chance for exploration, learning and fun.
Our beautiful campuses, best of the best resources and sector-leading curriculum, including play-based programs underpinned by the Early Years Learning Framework, ensure that your child won’t miss a beat in their development, even when it’s pouring outside.
Our team of dedicated educators tailors activities to the individual needs and interests of each child, making every day an adventure in learning. We cherish the deep, nurturing relationships our educators build with each child and celebrate the friendships they form with their peers.
Why not see for yourself how we transform rainy days into super fun learning experiences? Book a tour today and join our Little Scholars family!
There’s nothing like a three year old with a transport obsession! Plane, ship and train spotting is an excellent way to encourage your child’s interests whilst creating an engaging, contextual learning experience that can connect their early learning centre activities to the real world. Your child’s interests in transportation and machinery will have been noticed by their early education teachers and encouraged. You can expand on their excellent work by crafting a family day out that everyone will enjoy.
Here are the best places to go train spotting in the South-East Queensland region. Train spotting in Brisbane isn’t just limited to the electric train system. The Caboolture line especially boasts a broad variety of freight trains, long distance passenger trains and even the odd diesel. Anyone with a Thomas obsessed kid will know all about diesels! Thomas lovers may also enjoy a day trip out to the old turntable in Imbil. If you want to take the train spotting experience further, you can always book a Steam Train Sunday ticket or ride the Valley Rattler historical park in Gympie.
Got an eagle-eyed toddler in love with planes? Here is where you can take them to spot planes near Brisbane.
Don’t forget the wonderful Sir Charles Kingsford Smith Memorial near Brisbane Airport. The memorial features The Southern Cross aeroplane, carefully preserved for eager aviation enthusiasts, displayed in a giant hanger. It’s open 24/7 and is completely free. Learn more here.
There are a number of excellent vantage points from which young learners can see enormous ships. Any coastal point that you can find is going to offer many opportunities to spot a variety of ships. A fun idea for Brisbane families is to head to the P&O Docks at Hamilton to see the huge cruise liners come in to port. Imagine the look on your child’s face as they are completely dwarfed by the ship of their dreams! This spot offers a plethora of family-friendly dining and activity options in the surrounding areas to cap off a wonderful family day out.
Anywhere along Bramble Bay and on the Redcliffe Peninsula will offer little ship spotters great views of cruise ships and freighters coming in and out of port. You can also take a drive out to the Port of Brisbane to see these giants up close.
To truly pique little interests, toddlers love a visit to the Queensland Maritime Museum where they can get up close and personal with a variety of different vessels.
Becoming involved in, and planning activities around, your child’s interests is not only an excellent way to connect their learning between home and school but to create special moments together that can sometimes be lost in the grind of the day-to-day.
Looking for other great ideas for your toddler this weekend? Check out our guide to toddler friendly bushwalking!
Looking for the right childcare experience for your little plane spotters? At Little Scholars, we believe in embracing your child’s natural curiousity and helping them to develop interests. Tour our centres across Brisbane and The Gold Coast to see how we do early learning better.
The Gold Coast is ripe with opportunities for healthy, outdoor family fun. You’ll be bombarded with suggestions for theme parks and the like but if you’re looking for more creative things to do on the Gold Coast with toddlers, the following suggestions are bound to make for some excellent memories.
The best bet is to head to Harley Park and Ian Dipple Lagoon (Broadwater). Charis Seafood does daily pelican feedings at about 1.30pm every day. The clever birds start massing an hour or so before (they must have watches in their massive beaks). This is an exciting and impressive activity that little kids will enjoy as they take in the wonderous size and amusing antics of these impressive water birds.
This is not an editing error! Bushwalking with a toddler in tow is possible and it can be enjoyable as well, as long as you’re prepared.
Bushwalking provides toddlers and young children with the opportunity to exercise in an entirely natural setting. It promotes an appreciation of the beautiful natural settings that we often take for granted in Australia and it’s an excellent way to spend some quality time together as a family.
The best locations for bushwalking with young children on the Gold Coast are:
The big theme parks have the crowd, the prices and the plastic. If that’s exactly what you’re hoping to avoid with your little ones, take heart! There are a number of fantastic family-friendly venues on the Gold Coast that promote sustainability and conservation. They provide families with animal experiences in a natural, respectful way that sets up a lifetime appreciation for the wonderful creatures we share our world with. These can make for excellent days out and really are one of the best things to do with toddlers on the Gold Coast.
Places you can take toddlers to see animals on the Gold Coast:
How can nature and creativity enhance your child’s learning? Contact Little Scholars today to find out how.
Thinking of bushwalking in Brisbane with little ones in tow? There are great tracks that are closer than you think. Taking young children bushwalking can be an excellent way to contextualise the great learning they do about nature with actual immersion in a natural setting. Outdoor nature play features heavily in the Little Scholars curriculum design – so much so that you might be surprised by what your young children will be able to teach you!
Little Scholars would like to remind readers of the policy of ‘leave nothing and take nothing.’ Natural environments should not be disturbed and animals should be left well alone. Here are some easy nature walks on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane that toddlers can do as well!
There are a number of easy, short tracks that little legs will find somewhat manageable. Ensure that you bring appropriate clothing, sun protection and the obligatory snacks that must accompany any outing with small children!
This track is only 1.6km return and can be found in Springwood National Park. There is a beautiful outlook to Currumbin Creek that will prompt many discussions of environmental concepts like water flow and erosion. Kids can even safely swim depending on the time of year you go!
Again, you’ll find this track manageable as it is a mere 1.6km return. You can head to the lookout at Kings Beach where you will have the opportunity to learn about the Indigenous heritage of the beautiful surrounds.
Natural Bridge in the beautiful Springbrook National Park is a very easy 1km circuit that includes a glow worm cave (best viewed in the evening) and waterfall. If you know where to look, you may also get a glimpse at a trap door spider so hold little hands and avoid touching muddy embankments! You will find a lot of stairs on your walk, so it’s not suited to a pram but still an easy walk for kids of all ages.
The morbid name does not represent the wonderful experience that awaits your toddler! Brisbane bushwalking for kids is well represented by a number of tracks that differ in terms of difficulty and duration. There is also Indigenous artwork along the way to inspire and promote discussion. Take your swimmers as the track offers plenty of shallow water creeks in which little ones can paddle.
This south side Brisbane location boasts a number of tracks as well as family-friendly facilities designed to promote engagement with nature. There are a large number of animals in this area as well – perfect for the eagle-eyed toddler.
Freshwater National Park on Deception Bay Road is a hidden gem for parents of nature loving little ones. Besides the very easy walk through a forest of beautiful grass trees, Freshwater National Park is home to a reclusive koala population, lizards, birds and wallabies.
Cedar Creek, with its deep and shallow swimming options, meanders its way through 11 different picnic spots, ideal for families to spend a leisurely afternoon. The once popular Cedar Creek Falls now lie on private property but there are still ample opportunities enjoy a little bushwalking in Brisbane’s outer west. If your little one is all about the exploring rather than the walking, Cedar Creek offers plenty of exploration opportunities with a little bit of exercise thrown in!
Kindergarten and early learning programs that feature nature play prepare our children to embrace sustainability and foster a healthy respect for the environment. Take the lessons of your Little Scholars’ classroom into the great outdoors this weekend. At Little Scholars, we believe sustainable living, bushwalking and immersing children in the natural environment is an important element of their education and development. Learn more about our unique curriculum here.
Our innovative programs not only promote values around conservation and sustainability, but also pique your child’s interest in the natural world. Your child doesn’t need to be a budding scientist (although we’ll always encourage children to pursue an interest in science) to benefit from keen observation skills and natural curiousity. A fundamental interest in the natural world and “how things are” is the foundation for a life time of learning. As early educators, we believe that this is invaluable to little minds. All of our centres feature a comprehensive nature based curriculum – with Yatala currently trialling a cutting edge program for little scientists and nature lovers. Read about our nature walk in Yatala here.
At Little Scholars School of Early Learning, we’re dedicated to shaping bright futures and instilling a lifelong passion for learning. With our strategically located childcare centres in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, we provide tailored educational experiences designed to foster your child’s holistic development.
Let us hold your hand and help looking for a child care centre. Leave your details with us and we’ll be in contact to arrange a time for a ‘Campus Tour’ and we will answer any questions you might have!
