The sunny state’s main city of Brisbane comes to life in its hottest holiday season. The family activities are endless and range from museum visits, water parks, outdoor cinema experiences and theatrical performances. To help you plan your family’s holidays, here is our top 10 fun school holiday activities list:
1. Queensland Museum
Keep those brain juices pumping on a visit to the Queensland Museum. Bring the kids along to the museum’s Sciencentre and watch experiments come to life at one of the many demonstrations including the light, sound and balloon shows. The museum is also hosting a Discovery Centre, where you can learn about Australia’s native wildlife or trace back amazing objects from history.
2. The Queensland Ballet
The Queensland Ballet’s highly-acclaimed The Nutcracker returns for another holiday season at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Join the young Clara and her valiant Nutcracker during their enchanting Christmas journey in a magical land of fairies and villainous rats. If you missed out on tickets, the Courier-Mail is hosting a one off free screening of the performance at South Bank’s Courier- Mail Piazza on the 21st of December at 5:00pm.
3. Christmas Cinema Series at Southbank
Combining two favourite summer holiday pastimes, swimming and movie-watching, Streets Beach in South Bank will transform into an outdoors cinema by the water. A projected screen will sit over the Brisbane River and play family Christmas classics to be enjoyed from the beach’s sandy shores or blue waters.
4. South Bank Lagoon and Aquativity Water Park
Work on your summer tan and go for a swim at South Bank’s manmade lagoon. Overlooking the Brisbane Wheel and River, South Bank is a bustling spot during the school holidays with BBQ facilities and many great family-friendly dining options. For those with kids in tow, the Aquativity water park has great interactive features that aim to educate kids on the Brisbane water systems and native wildlife – it’s also just a whole lot of water-in-your face fun.
5. Myer Christmas Parade and Pantomime
Marching daily between the 14th and 21st of December, be sure to visit Brisbane’s Queen Street Mall for the annual Myer Christmas Parade and Pantomime. Watch over 200 performers, including dancers from the Queensland Ballet, bring the Christmas spirit to life with plenty of bright lights and giant inflatable decorations.
6. Town Hall Light Show
Starting with a chime from the clock tower, watch the Gold Lotto light show bring Brisbane’s iconic Town Hall to life with the spectacles and colours of Christmas. This event draws in large crowds so head to King George Square early, secure a spot and bring in the festive season with plenty of smiling faces!
7. Wonderland 2014 at the Brisbane Powerhouse Festival
During the first two weeks of December, Brisbane Powerhouse presents the Wonderland Festival. A quirky twist on anything Brisbane Powerhouse has ever hosted before, expect weird and wonderful things at this evening festival such as live performers, circus acts, a large selection of shows and a world themed market.
8. State Library – Where The Wild Things Play
Bring the kids along to the State Library precinct this school holidays and play out all their favourite tales. The library has a jam-packed schedule during the school holidays with workshops, art-based activities, storytime, film showings and designated creative spaces to keep your little creatives entertained. Most events are free and are designed to engage kids with play-based education – a great way for youngsters with overactive and wild imaginations to spend the day.
9. New Farm Park
New Farm Park is dazzling in the summer time and is a popular spot to spend the school holidays. The park is often filled with people soaking in sun rays on the banks of the Brisbane river, cooking up a BBQ, cycling, playing a friendly sporting match or running through the park’s impressive playground.
10. Kangaroo Point
Take in views of Brisbane’s city skyline like you never have before and head up to Kangaroo Point cliffs. Try your hand at rock climbing or abseiling and enjoy the plentiful recreation space, perfect for a picnic. Below the point’s lookout point is a popular rollerblading and cycling pathway along the Brisbane River.
Make the most of the summer school holidays and discover what the city of Brisbane has to offer. From Christmas themed festivities to plenty of outdoor escapes, you won’t be bored these school holidays in Brisbane.
