Winter School Holidays in Brisbane & Ipswich 2026: The Ultimate Survival Guide
June 24, 2026
Looking for the best things to do during the Winter School Holidays in Brisbane and Ipswich? I’ve done the hard work for you.
As a photographer based between Brisbane and Ipswich, school holidays always bring the same challenge. I’m trying to edit galleries, answer emails, photograph families and branding clients, while somehow keeping my kids entertained, active and off their screens.
If you’re anything like me, you’re looking for a mix of free activities, special events, indoor options for cold mornings, and experiences that are actually worth spending money on.
So I’ve rounded up everything happening across South East Queensland during the 2026 Winter School Holidays, including free library activities, dinosaurs, snow, art exhibitions, theatre shows, giant inflatable slides and plenty more.
Grab a coffee and start planning.
FREE SCHOOL HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES
If you’re trying to keep costs down, Ipswich Libraries should be your first stop.
Across the school holidays, libraries throughout Ipswich run free workshops, STEM activities, craft sessions, story times and special events for school-aged children.
Ipswich Libraries Winter School Holiday Program
Locations:
- Ipswich Central Library
- Springfield Central Library
- Redbank Plains Library
- Rosewood Library
- Children’s Library at Tulmur Place
Cost: Free
Bookings: Essential for many activities
Website: https://www.ipswichlibraries.com.au
Ipswich Art Gallery – LightPlay
This is honestly one of my favourite free activities this winter.
LightPlay transforms the children’s gallery into an immersive world of colour, shadows, projectors and glowing creative spaces where kids can experiment and play. It feels like a giant interactive science and art playground rolled into one. The exhibition runs from 28 March to 12 July 2026 and is open daily from 10am to 5pm. Entry is completely free.
Dates: 28 March – 12 July 2026
Opening Hours: Daily 10am–5pm
Cost: FREE
Website: https://ipswichartgallery.qld.gov.au
Ribbon Room – Redcliffe Art Gallery
The Ribbon Room has become a favourite family-friendly installation on the Redcliffe Peninsula.
Children can wander through colourful ribbons, explore textures and colours, and create some fantastic photo opportunities. Perfect for younger children and creative families.
Website: https://www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au
WINTER WONDERLANDS
Snow4Kids – Brisbane’s Snow Experience
Let’s be honest. Most Brisbane kids dream of seeing snow.
Snow4Kids brings real snow to South East Queensland, complete with snow play, snowball throwing, snowman building and winter-themed fun. Sessions run throughout the school holidays. The Mt Gravatt event runs from 20 June to 12 July, while North Lakes operates from 27 June to 12 July. Sessions run from 9am to 4.30pm daily.
Mt Gravatt
Dates: 20 June – 12 July 2026
Hours: 9am–4.30pm
Website: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/snow4kidsmtgravatt
North Lakes
Dates: 27 June – 12 July 2026
Hours: 9am–4.30pm
Website: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/snow4kidsnorthlakes
BIG KID ENERGY
Area 51
If your kids have energy to burn, Area 51 is the answer.
Think climbing walls, ninja courses, inflatables, adventure playgrounds, trampolines and obstacle courses all under one roof.
Perfect for rainy winter days.
Opening Hours: Daily (check website for session times)
Website: https://area51brisbane.com.au
Giant Inflatable Slide at Rocks Riverside Park
One of Brisbane’s best free parks gets even better during the school holidays.
The giant inflatable slide is a huge hit with primary school-aged kids and pairs perfectly with the playground and riverside picnic areas.
Location: Rocks Riverside Park, Seventeen Mile Rocks
Cost: Usually free
Website: https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au
FOR THE BLUEY FANS
Bluey’s World
If your children love Bluey (and honestly, whose don’t?), this is likely to be the most requested activity of the holidays.
Bluey’s World lets families step directly into the Heeler family’s world through immersive sets and interactive experiences.
The attraction runs until November 2026 and is located at Northshore Hamilton. Sessions begin from 9am depending on the day.
Location: Northshore Pavilion, Hamilton
Hours:
- Wednesday–Thursday: 9am–1pm
- Friday: 9am–3pm
- Saturday: 9am–4pm
- Sunday: 9am–2pm
Website: https://www.bluey.tv/blueys-world
DINOSAUR LOVERS REJOICE
CROC! Lost Giants to Living Legends
The Queensland Museum’s blockbuster exhibition for 2026 explores crocodiles through history, from ancient supercrocodiles to modern-day giants.
Interactive displays make this perfect for curious kids.
The exhibition is open daily from 9.30am to 5pm.
Location: Queensland Museum Kurilpa
Hours: Daily 9.30am–5pm
Website: https://www.museum.qld.gov.au/kurilpa/whats-on/croc
Dinos Alive
Imagine life-sized moving dinosaurs, immersive displays and roaring prehistoric creatures.
Dinos Alive is one of Brisbane’s biggest dinosaur experiences and a guaranteed crowd pleaser.
Location: Skygate, Brisbane Airport
Hours:
- Monday: 9am–6pm
- Wednesday–Thursday: 9am–6pm
- Friday–Saturday: 9am–7pm
- Sunday: 9am–6pm
Website: https://dinosaliveexhibit.com/brisbane
DinoFest
Dinosaur-mad kids will love DinoFest.
Expect dinosaur encounters, fossil activities, entertainment and interactive experiences.
Location: Kalinga Park, Clayfield
Website: https://www.dinofest.com.au
LIVE SHOWS & THEATRE
360 ALLSTARS at QPAC
This is one of those shows that keeps both kids and parents entertained.
Expect BMX riders, basketball tricks, breakdancing, acrobatics and live music all rolled into one high-energy performance.
Dates: 30 June – 5 July 2026
Location: QPAC
Website: https://www.qpac.com.au
Disney On Ice
Disney On Ice returns to Brisbane with all the magic, costumes and favourite characters that make it one of the most popular school holiday events every year.
Book early because sessions often sell out.
Website: https://www.disneyonice.com
GOMA EXHIBITIONS
Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA)
Winter is the perfect time to visit GOMA.
The gallery always offers family-friendly exhibitions, interactive installations and creative spaces that appeal to children and adults alike.
The best part? General admission is free.
Location: South Bank
Website: https://www.qagoma.qld.gov.au
REDCLIFFE FAMILY FUN
Redcliffe Show
The Redcliffe Show is packed with rides, showbags, animal exhibits, food trucks and family entertainment.
A classic Queensland winter school holiday outing.
Website: https://redcliffeshow.com.au
SPORTS & ACTIVE KIDS
School Holiday Tennis at The Gap
Looking for something active that isn’t another screen?
The Gap’s school holiday tennis clinics are perfect for beginners through to experienced junior players.
Sessions focus on skills, games and fun.
Website: https://www.tennis.com.au/qld
MY TOP 5 PICKS FOR WINTER SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2026
If I could only choose five activities this year, they would be:
- Bluey’s World
- Snow4Kids
- Ipswich Art Gallery LightPlay
- CROC at Queensland Museum
- 360 ALLSTARS at QPAC
Best Parks for School Holiday Play Dates Around Brisbane & Ipswich
And for all the park lovers who just want the kids to run wild, not spend a cent and wear the kids out…
🌳 Robelle Domain, Springfield
One of the best playgrounds in South East Queensland, with water play, giant climbing structures, flying foxes and plenty of picnic space.
📍 Google Maps:
Robelle Domain, Springfield
🌊 Orion Lagoon, Springfield
A fantastic free lagoon-style swimming area perfect for warmer winter days.
📍 Google Maps:
Orion Lagoon, Springfield Central
🌳 Queens Park, Ipswich
One of Queensland’s oldest and most beautiful parks featuring playgrounds, the Nature Centre, train rides and gardens.
📍 Google Maps:
Queens Park, Ipswich
🚂 Ipswich Nature Centre
Located inside Queens Park and perfect for animal-loving children.
📍 Google Maps:
Ipswich Nature Centre
🌳 Limestone Park, Ipswich
Great bike tracks, playgrounds and plenty of space to kick a ball around.
📍 Google Maps:
Limestone Park, Ipswich
🌳 River Heart Parklands, Ipswich
Perfect for a riverside picnic and a play after visiting Ipswich Libraries or LightPlay.
📍 Google Maps:
River Heart Parklands, Ipswich
🌳 Rocks Riverside Park
One of Brisbane’s best destination playgrounds with giant slides, climbing equipment and riverside views.
📍 Google Maps:
Rocks Riverside Park
🌳 New Farm Park
A Brisbane icon featuring the famous fort playground under huge fig trees.
📍 Google Maps:
New Farm Park
🏰 Hidden World Playground
A magical fantasy-themed playground with castles, dragons and adventure zones.
📍 Google Maps:
Hidden World Playground
🌳 Bradbury Park, Kedron
One of Brisbane’s newest and most popular playground destinations with huge climbing towers and flying foxes.
📍 Google Maps:
Bradbury Park, Kedron
🧗 Frew Park, Milton
Ideal for older children with climbing structures, basketball courts and open green space.
📍 Google Maps:
Frew Park, Milton
🌳 Rocks Riverside Park + Inflatable Slide
If you’re heading to the school holiday inflatable slide, make a full day of it with a picnic and play date.
📍 Google Maps:
Rocks Riverside Park, Seventeen Mile Rocks
Bonus: My Top 5 Play Date Parks for Busy Mums
- Robelle Domain
- Queens Park + Nature Centre
- Rocks Riverside Park
- New Farm Park
- Hidden World Playground
They’re all free, have toilets, plenty of room for kids to run, and enough entertainment that you can actually sit down with a coffee and chat with another mum for a few minutes—which feels like a luxury during school holidays! ☕📸
Together they give you a great mix of free activities, educational experiences, outdoor adventures and memorable family days out.
As a Brisbane and Ipswich mum trying to juggle work and school holidays, my biggest tip is this: don’t feel like you need to fill every day.
Pick one bigger activity each week, mix in free library programs, local parks and playdates, and you’ll survive the holidays with your sanity intact.
And maybe even enjoy them.
Happy holidays!
