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Looking for ways to make the most of summer near Brisbane?
From epic food challenges to farm adventures, island escapes, scenic picnics and splash-worthy water play, these experiences promise fun for every kind of family.
Take a leisurely drive to Bribie Island and enjoy Woorim Beach – the closest patrolled surf beach north of Brisbane city centre – for a classic summer day out.
Stop in at the Bribie Island Hotel, where January brings a full calendar of kids’ entertainment, from circus workshops to pirate shows.
For a family-friendly stay, secure a spot at BIG4 Sandstone Point Holiday Resort. Kids (and the young-at-heart) can dive into the water park, play mini golf, shoot hoops, and join an extensive line-up of daily activities including sand art, trivia, disco nights, unicorn hair braiding, bingo, LEGO building and plenty more.
While you’re on the island, the Bribie Island Butterfly House is a must-visit. Home to hundreds of butterflies of varying species, this community-run sanctuary is wheelchair and stroller friendly, and packed with magical, camera-ready moments when butterflies settle gently on your shoulder or hands.
If your idea of play involves a little friendly competition and a whole lot of sugar, the Kenilworth Country Bakery 1kg Donut Challenge is a must-try.
Choose your flavour – Nutella, jam or custard – and attempt to conquer the colossal creation in one sitting.
Finish it in-store and you’ll earn your cash back and bragging rights. Both locations come with built-in adventure: Bribie Island is perfect for a post-donut beach stroll, while their newest store in
Samford makes an ideal stop on a countryside wander through a charming village surrounded by rolling green hills.
If slow, scenic play is more your speed, pack a picnic blanket and head for Ocean View Estates – a hinterland winery set on 100 acres of vineyards, lakes and bushland.
Families can enjoy a relaxed picnic under the gum trees, wander the property’s bush tracks, say hello to the winemakers, or settle in for a long lunch by the lake.
Kids have room to roam freely, explore nature and burn energy, while grown-ups get a peaceful moment to unwind.
The estate feels worlds away yet is just under an hour from Brisbane, making it an easy and refreshing day trip.
Nothing says summer holidays like water play, and delivers it in spades.
This free, fully accessible play space is packed with fountains, jets and shallow channels made for splashing, dodging and giggling.
Toddlers love the gentle sprays and gates they can open and close, while older kids gravitate to the giant tipping bucket for maximum excitement.
Beyond the water play area, two playground zones cater to toddlers and big kids alike, with forts, nets, slides, climbing towers, swings, spinners and a flying fox.
Shade sails, nearby seating and BBQ facilities make it easy to settle in for a whole afternoon of fun – and supervise from a comfortable spot.
For kids (and adults) who would rather trade screens for sunshine, Trevena Glen’s Farmer Fun Day offers a full, hands-on immersion into farm life.
Designed for ages 9+ (or 7+ when accompanied by an adult participant), this daily school holiday program lets families feed and groom animals, learn horsemanship skills, lead goats through an obstacle course, walk alpacas and llamas, clean enclosures, and meet guinea pigs, rabbits and chooks.
From brushing goats to understanding animal body language, setting up feed mixes, washing horses and even herding sheep and donkeys, it’s an experience rich in learning by doing – the purest form of play.
The program runs Monday to Friday and requires a minimum of two participants to go ahead.
Discover the hidden gems and sun-soaked adventures waiting for you in Moreton Bay. Just up the road from Brisbane, our region is where the coast meets hinterland adventure, and the laid-back Queensland lifestyle takes centre stage.
