Where to entertain the kids in Brisbane during the Easter school holidays
By Family Clean, April 12, 2019 3:55 pm
As exciting as the Easter Bunny may be, you’ll need a few extra tricks up your sleeve these school holidays to keep the kids entertained. Thankfully there are a variety of events happening around Brisbane over the next two weeks – from hilarious theatre to space exhibitions and delightful ballet. Here’s a little help with planning your holiday fun!
FREE
There are only so many playgrounds you can visit in one holiday period before the kids want more stimulation – so here are extra ways to have fun without straining the budget!
APT9 and Children’s Art Centre at GOMA
ATP9 is GOMA’s major triennial exhibition, and it’s free to the public! Explore the gallery and then make your way to the Children’s Art Centre, where there are activities and interactive artworks for kids.
https://www.qagoma.qld.gov.au/whats-on/kids/apt9-kids
Kids Collective at Roma Street Parkland
This is a series of free events for kids from 5–12 years old. Activities range from Easter crafts to ukulele lessons, soccer games and puppet shows.
MOB Kids at Museum of Brisbane
Museum of Brisbane’s school holiday program features a range of craft activities for different ages. Even though it’s free, bookings are recommended. And if you’ve never been up the clock tower, take a ride while you’re there. https://www.museumofbrisbane.com.au/mob-kids/
Holiday activities at Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Mt Coot-thaThe Botanic Gardens are always fun to explore – especially during autumn when it’s not too hot. Book ahead and you could also take a cooking class, attend storytime or learn about bush foods during your visit. https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/whats-on/events-council-venues/parks-gardens-events/whats-brisbane-botanic-gardens-mt-coot-thaE
EDUCATIONAL
Even though school’s out, the learning doesn’t have to end. At these events, education is cloaked in fun, and there is something for kids of all ages and interests.
NASA – A Human Adventure at Queensland Museum
You’ll feel like you’ve been blasted into outer space at this massive exhibition featuring objects that have flown in space, full-scale replicas, space suits and even space food.
CodeCamp
Designed for kids from 5–13 years old, CodeCamp teaches young minds how to become creators of technology, rather than just consumers. In just a couple of days, kids learn how to code, build apps and games.
https://my.codecamp.com.au/camp/list?location=8551&period=140
Big Blue Blocks at The Workshops Rail Museum
Stack, build and explore at this interactive exhibition! Big Blue Blocks is one of the most popular activities ever hosted at the museum, and it’s back just in time for the holidays.
Drama courses with NIDA
Learn performance skills and meet fellow budding actors at NIDA’s school holiday programs in Brisbane. They range from screen acting to improvisation and cater to all school-aged kids and teens. https://www.open.nida.edu.au/courses/how+/school+holidays?near=brisbane/4101/10
MOVIES
Going to the movies is a quintessential holiday activity – but have you ever thought to head to international film festivals with the kids?
Dumbo
Disney has reimagined and expanded this classic tale, together with director Tim Burton.
Lego Movie 2: The Second Part
Opening just ahead of the school holidays, this is the sequel LEGO fans have been waiting for.
Captain Marvel
The latest film from the Marvel universe has themes of female empowerment and leadership.
French Film Festival
The French Film Festival is happening over the school holidays, with a family program just for kids!
https://www.affrenchfilmfestival.org/films/brisbane
THEATRE
Kids theatre is always loud, colourful and full of fun, and these engaging shows are no exception. This Easter, your kids can experience something new, or see their favourite tales on stage.
Fantastic Mr Fox at QPAC
Local theatre compan
y shake & stir theatre co is known for its award-winning children’s shows. Their latest production brings a Roald Dahl classic off the page and on to the stage.
https://www.qpac.com.au/event/fantastic_mr_fox_19/
Storytime Ballet – Coppélia at Brisbane Powerhouse
The Australian Ballet is coming to Brisbane to perform this delightful, narrated show. The story is interactive, and kids help to make the magic happen on stage.
The BFG at Brisbane Arts Theatre
Roald Dahl is the flavour of these holidays! For its holiday performance, Brisbane Arts Theatre is telling the story of a friendly 24-foot giant and a sweet orphan Sophie.
The school holidays are always a bit manic! We’ve found that embracing the chaos is the only way to keep everyone sane – balance the treats with free activities, and save that catch-up clean and tidy for the first day back at school. – The Mother Ducks
Gary Carsley Purple Reign Site-specific installation at APT9 Kids. Image courtesy of Josef Ruckli and © the artist.