6 Things To Do With Kids When It Rains In Brisbane

By: Carolyn Tate, ellaslist
Nov 23, 2018

It comes with the territory, living in a sub-tropical climate, that there are going to be some wet and rainy days when you live in Brisbane. We’re pretty lucky here – we can live an al fresco lifestyle most of the year, but there will be a few days here and there when we need to entertain our kids while it’s raining.

Because everyone knows there’s nothing worse than being trapped at home on a rainy day with a bored child. “Slow as a wet week” is a saying for a reason, and that’s only half as slow as a wet day at home with a child. 
So we’ve gathered our favourite things to do when it’s raining in Brisbane (bonus: most of them are free!). Which one will you do first?

GOMA

The Gallery of Modern Art is wonderful any time with kids but it really comes into its own when it’s raining because you can lose yourself in here for hours. Check out the activities and special exhibits for children, or if you have a small baby or a patient child, stroll through the grown-up bits too for a bit of daytime culture. If you’re lucky and it’s raining on a Tuesday, don’t miss Toddler Tuesdays, where staff use games, storytelling and interactivity to teach young kids about art in a fun way.

Website: GOMA
Where: Stanley Place, South Brisbane
When: Daily 10am to 5pm
Cost: Free.

Queensland Museum

Dash next door from GOMA and you’re at the Queensland Museum which is also fantastic when it’s raining. You get to walk under life-sized whales as you enter (all undercover), and you’re greeted by a life-sized dinosaur as soon as you get inside. There’s also heaps of activities and displays for kids, so they’ll never be bored. There’s also a great gift shop and a café that does kids meals for lunch.

Website: Queensland Museum

Where: Daily 9:30am to 5pm, except public holidays

When: Saturday 24 November, 5:30pm to 7pm

Price: Free, but some special events or exhibitions are extra

The Corner, State Library

Also in the cultural precinct, along with GOMA and the Queensland Museum, is The Corner in the State Library. If it’s bucketing outside you can spend a whole day in this area. Just wait for a lull in the rain to trot from one to the other.

The Corner is a beautiful little retreat for kids where they can relax and play, with ever-changing themes led by the wonderful library staff. There is always someone there to show you around and read your child a story, and you will find computer games, books to read, and a load of craft and other activities. The library café also does great kids’ meals (and they’re licensed – woooot!). 

Website: The Corner
Where: Level 1, Info Zone, State Library of Queensland, Stanley Place, South Brisbane
When: Daily 10am to 3pm
Cost: Free

Westfield Chermside

Westfield Chermside is a parents’ dream: it’s absolutely set up with parents in mind, with pram parking, childcare and lots to see and do with kids. Not least of these are the kids’ activity areas. All children are welcome and entry is free, but you’ll need to supervise your own little angels.

The Level 2 outdoor dining precinct play area has slides, climbing equipment and other fun stuff, and the Parkland Pavillion food court play area on level 1, just outside the northern end food court (near Woolies), has interactive musical equipment and a grassed area to burn off some energy.

Website: Westfield Chermside
Where: Corner Gympie and Hamilton roads, Chermside
When: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 9am to 5:30pm, Thursday 9am to 9pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm, Sunday 10am to 5pm
Cost: Free

Spring Hill Baths

Just because it’s raining outside doesn’t mean you need to stay dry. Head into Spring Hill Baths and have an indoor dip while it’s raining outside. This quaint pool is a Brisbane institution, and so charming, you’ll want to come back again and again. The 25-yard (about 23-metre) indoor pool is surrounded by brightly painted change rooms, and the pool offers swimming lessons, as well as aqua aerobics and yoga. 

Website: Spring Hill Baths
Where: 14 Torrington Street, Spring Hill
When: Monday – Thursday 6:30am to 7pm, Friday 6:30am to 6pm, Saturday 8am to 5pm, Sunday 8am to 5pm
Cost: $2.50 - $5.70

Iceworld Boondall or Acacia Ridge

No need to sit around when it’s wet. How about an active day out ice skating? You can skate here seven days a week, and there is a coffee skate session on Tuesday mornings, which sounds delightful. 
Website: Iceworld Boondall
Where: 2304 Sandgate Rd, Boondall and 1179 Beaudesert Rd, Acacia Ridge
When: See the website for public skate session times 7 days a week
Cost: Adults $17, Children (6-14) $15, 3-5 years $10 – plus skate hire $1 per person

Looking for more cool things to do with your kids? Check out these awesome ellaslist recommendations:

• 6 Of The Best Rock Climbing Centres In Brisbane
• Brisbane’s Top Indoor Swimming Pools
• The 6 Best 'All You Can Eat' Buffets In Brisbane

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Image credit: State Library Queensland - The Corner