20 Things to Do with your Baby or Toddler
Time for an Adventure with My Mini!
Hey Mums & Dads, are you starting to feel that little niggle, like perhaps you’re ready to find some new things to do with your baby or toddler besides the current circuit of home, café, playground, and library?
It can be lonely, and the sleepless haze will often remain, but venturing out together can bring you a renewed spring in your step. Yes, of course, things may not go exactly as you’d like with a little one, but pack the kit, be prepared for anything, and get ready for adventure! Connection with others through friendly exchanges of smiles awaits.
Take advantage of the time you have with your little one. See the world for the first time again through their eyes, making time for everyday adventures, road trips, new discoveries, learning, and togetherness.
These adventures may involve exploring museums, skipping through the new blooms at the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, or embarking on a scenic drive to somewhere you’ve always wanted to go but never taken the time. Remember this is your time, your opportunity.
We often hear of toddler mums picking a theme for the month and building their activities around this. Imagine an ocean theme and visiting the Maritime Museum in Brisbane to explore different types of ships or Sea Life to watch in awe the marine animals sail above you in the ocean tunnel.
For others, it’s more seasonal and based on opportunities that arise. Perhaps you tag along on a work trip interstate with your little one or explore the wonders of your local area as a meet up with your parent friends or family.
While it may seem daunting at first, with the right preparation and mindset, these mini adventures can become magic memories for both you and your little one.
When it comes to travelling and doing in-destination experiences it can be helpful to know where the best deals are. Often, you’ll only pay for either the toddler or the adult, even though you’re both in attendance.
With SPARK POP, you can search and discover family friendly activities and attractions by location, age group of your children and even the type of activity you’re looking for, such as Zoos & Aquariums, Attractions, Farms, or Tours.
SPARK POP has put together a list of some of the best things to do in South-East Queensland with your baby or toddler, most are free for under 3-year-olds.
SUNSHINE COAST
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The Ginger Factory
FREE entry for everyone
You could easily spend half a day at The Ginger Factory exploring their gardens by foot, stopping to play, taste and discover along the way! Learn more.
2. Sea Life Sunshine Coast
FREE for Under 2 years
A fantastic all-weather attraction where you can discover 11 fun and interactive marine animal zones across three levels including the latest addition Seahorse Kingdom. Learn more.
Touch Pools at Sea Life
3. Australia Zoo
FREE for Under 3 years
Visit Australia Zoo to see over 1,200 animals from Africa to South-East Asia and Australia, and by joining this tour you’ll avoid all the fuss and enjoy the ultimate experience! Learn more.
4. Aquaduck Sunshine Coast
FREE for Under 2years
Set off on a whirlwind escapade to see the heart of the Sunshine Coast on Australia’s first amphibious tour aboard Aquaduck. Learn more.
5. Farm Friends & Bird World
FREE for Under 3years
An enchanting escape in the Maleny Botanic Gardens sure to offer moments of serenity. Connect with nature while meeting a colourful family of birds and new farm friends. Learn more.
6. Amaze World
FREE for Under 3years
Adventure through the Bellingham Hedge Maze with riddles, puzzles and augmented reality before a round of mini golf and time for your little one in the nature playground. Learn more.
7. Native Bushfoods Seafood Cruise
FREE for Under 5years
Discover the blissful waterways and bushtucker foods aboard The Spray of the Coral Coast, a 58ft beautiful heritage-listed vessel dating back a century. Learn more.
BRISBANE
8. Farm Animal Tour
FREE for under 2 year olds.
Located just south of Lake Samsonvale in the Samford region, this farm is an absolute breath of fresh air! You’ll meet horses, rabbits, chickens, goats, turkeys, alpacas, pigs, sheep, mini horses and even a farm dog. Discover more.
Animal Tour Trevena Glen
9. Koala & River Cruise
FREE for under 3 year olds
Relax and travel like a tourist as you cruise along the Brisbane River past the city’s most historic landscapes, iconic attractions, historical home sites and interesting wildlife habitats on your way to experience the world’s first and largest Koala Sanctuary – Lone Pine. Discover more.
10. Whale Watching Adventure
FREE for under 4 year olds
Moreton Bay is one of the world’s best whale watching destinations. You’re in for an unforgettable adventure with Captain Kerry and her friendly crew on hand to make sure you have an amazing time and witness the incredible Humpback Whales. Discover more.
Brisbane Whale Watching
11. Hologram Zoo
FREE for under 4 years
From gentle giants to the thundering stampede of Wildebeest, Africa Hologram Zoo is an unforgettable safari adventure. This experience is for 3 years and over, however you are able to bring your baby or toddler if you’re curious to experience this world first! Discover more.
12. Summer Land Camels
FREE for Under 3 years
Go behind the scenes of Australia’s largest camel farm and dairy for a tour and taste. Summer Land Camels also offers a Camaleer Experience, perfect for those littles who squeal with delight over animal encounters. Discover more.
GOLD COAST
13. Outback Spectacular
FREE for Under 3 years
From the meticulous choreography to the immersive transformative arena, and the spectacular talent, the Australian Outback Spectacular is an extraordinary show not to be missed. Sit back relax and enjoy this dinner & show experience. Discover more.
Australian Outback Spectacular – a story of two farmers
14. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
FREE for under 3years
Explore and immerse yourself in one of Queensland’s longest running things to do with the family. Step into the Currumbin rainforest, wandering through open animal enclosures, feeding Kangaroos and be sure to visit the latest attraction Outback Springs. Discover.
15. Jellurgal Walkabout
FREE for under 5 years.
This is a magical walking tour which allows you to discover Aboriginal history and culture while uncovering the secrets of Jellurgal – Dreaming Mountain. Learn more.
16. Tropical Fruit World
Under 3 Years FREE
This is a wholesome fun-filled adventure filled with surprises! This fully guided tour of the 165-acre plantation is a beautiful experience to learn, play and explore together. Your little ones must travel on lap or be in a baby carrier.Discover.
If you’re missing the theatre and would like to make a trip out to see a live show with your little one, you’ll find in most instances it’s free entry for you to take your baby sitting on your lap.
Some of the fantastic shows touring the country in 2024 include The Wiggles, Gruffalo’s Child, James and The Giant Peach, and locally Waru and Cinderella.
If you haven’t yet picks for this age group if you haven’t already ticked them off are:
17. Gallery of Modern Art
18. Museum of Brisbane
19. Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium
20. Daisy Hill Koala Sanctuary
Embarking on adventures with your mini is a rewarding experience that offers countless opportunities for exploration, discovery, and bonding as a family. Whether you’re strolling through botanical gardens, encountering wildlife, or enjoying a day at the beach, there’s no shortage of unique and popular experiences awaiting families with babies and toddlers in Queensland’s great south-east.
Plus, with attractions across the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, and Gold Coast offering FREE entry for little ones, you can enjoy these adventures without breaking the bank. So what are you waiting for, pack your bags, grab your little one, and get ready for unforgettable adventures together!
