Brisbane is a spectacular city for families and tourists alike, but what happens when the sun goes down – what can you do with the family in Brisbane at night? We all have busy lives. Trying to balance work and lifestyle can be tricky and then the school holidays come! Luckily, lots of family activities in Brisbane are available at night! These activities for kids at night keep going after 5pm, so finding things to do in the school holidays with kids after dark is easy.
So, what can you do in Brisbane at night? Well, in some cases trying to find time with the family means thinking outside the box. Why not try nocturnal activities? There is PLENTY of fun to be had later in the day. Why not find time with your kids to enjoy the activities that Brisbane can offer when the sun goes down.
If you find yourself in Brisbane visiting places, the Brisbane public transport is a great way to get around the city and explore. The fun of catching a train or bus will just add to the adventure you are about to have (and takes the stress out of driving around).
Looking for things to do in Brisbane this weekend or these school holidays? Look no further – we have organised an adventure list for you of things to do at night in the city. We have broken our list into ages groups, but of course this is not a hard and fast rule. I know teens who would love South Bank and toddlers who would be bang up for some of the ideas on the teens list…
Grab the family. Gear up for some fun in the dark. No matter the age and no matter the preferred activity – there is sure to be something on this list that will be worth a go!!
10 Best things to do in Brisbane at night with toddlers
Fret none! Even if you have toddlers in tow, we still have a bunch of family friendly things to do in Brisbane at night that will keep them happy!
New Farm Park
One of Brisbane’s oldest and largest parks in the city. Wonderful parklands but also wonderful playgrounds for the younger members of the family. If you’re lucky, the moonlight cinemas are fun evening activities for families – catch a movie, or take a wander around the huge parklands taking in the sights! A great place for a picnic and catch up after work!
Find out more about New Farm Park here
Roma Street Parkland
Another fabulous park area – Brisbane is lucky to have many beautiful parks to choose from. This one is located close to Roma Street Train Station. With barbecue grills and plenty of picnic spots, together with playgrounds and loads of room to run around, your toddler will definitely enjoy this one! Water features that are spectacularly lit up at night time makes for a magical feel.
The parklands are home to many events throughout the year where light and laser shows are plentiful together with food trucks. Definitely worth a visit. If you are reading this article around Christmas time, check out the Enchanted Garden Christmas lights.
City Botanical Gardens
As the name suggests, the Botanical Gardens are within the city and close to Brisbane River. A great spot to grab a picnic and the closeby café can help with this if you’ve come straight from work. There is a playground that will keep the kids entertained and blow off steam. Watch the world go by in these beautiful surroundings! One of the best places to see the sun set in Brisbane.
Read more about the City Botanical Gardens here.
Undersea Putt and Play, Redcliffe
This has everything under one roof that a family would need! An 18 hole putt putt course with many fabulous obstacles to get around. For the older members of the group there is a licensed bar, so you can kick back with a cocktail! There is also an array of pinball machines to try out. A great way to unwind after a day at work and to engage with your family as a whole!
Address: Corner of Anzac Avenue and Sutton Street, Redcliffe
Visit the Undersea Putt and Play website here
Local taverns for dinner
Many taverns now cater for the younger members of the family. A lot have little play areas designed for toddlers and older children so they can have fun and let off a little steam. Menus will also cater to younger kids with their very own children’s options. Often there is a combination which includes drinks and dessert. Designated rooms or play areas are a great way to combine your family meal with a bit of fun and they are literally everywhere. Look up your local tavern, wherever you may be, and see what fun activities are available for your youngsters!
Our friends at Get Out with Kids have a list of kid friendly restaurants in Brisbane here.
Redcliffe Lagoon – Settlement Cove
There are many free things to do in Brisbane at night if on a budget. The Redcliffe Lagoon (Settlement Cove) is a popular location within the Moreton Bay region. This lagoon area is very child friendly. A shaded toddler area for them to splash around in, barbecues available to use and a spectacular large swimming lagoon area!
Read up more about the Redcliffe Lagoon called Settlement Cove here.
Orion Lagoon
Located in the western suburbs some 40 minutes from the city is this gem. Close to local shops, grab yourself a picnic and grab a spot at the lagoon area. There are plenty of picnic spots to be had on the hillside looking down, or very close to the water’s edge. Outdoor activities include fun toddler paddling areas at one side of the lagoon with meandering waterways and fun water activities to entertain.
Read more about the Orion Lagoon here.
South Bank
One of the best things for visitors to do in Brisbane at night with kids is to check out South Bank. Situated on the southern banks of the Brisbane river is this glorious location. Packed with cafes and restaurants, or even bring a picnic to the plentiful picnic spots around. The famous Streets Beach is the highlight of the area and has designated toddler areas dotted around. Jets, obstacles, paddling areas and other water features can be a fun way to spend your evening. A hugely pretty area at sunset with the twinkly fairy lights and a relaxed atmosphere.
Read more about South Bank beach and South Bank playgrounds for families here.
Mt Coot-tha
Mt Coot-tha will give you one of the best views of Brisbane at night!! This stunning location close to the city affords spectacular views across the city. The hill top café can help you out if hungry, or grab an ice cream and find a spot to sit on the hill and watch the sun go down. The Mt Coot-tha look out has many areas that inform you of its history and points out places of interest. It will provide a magical feel as the sun goes down and the lights of the city are turned up!
Read more about what to see at Mt Cootha here
Yatala Drive In Cinemas
If your looking for indoor activities – snuggling up in the car and watching a kid-friendly movie – what a way to unwind and enjoy time with the family! Snacks and drinks are available on site. Often double header movies are on offer and regular family movies are played on weekends. If the kids fall asleep – no problem, just bring something comfy in the car for them to relax in and you can enjoy the peace!
Address: Exit 38 M1 – 100 Jacobs Well Road, Staplyton
Find out what is on at Five Star Cinemas here
10 Best things to do in Brisbane at night with young kids 5-12
If you are looking for family activities in Brisbane at night with kids that are slightly older than toddlers, check out our list of great ideas for 5 – 12 year olds!
Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium
Looking at planets and learning about the stars is a wonderful way to spend an evening. Just five kilometres from the centre of Brisbane city, this is easy to get to and a great educational activity. General admission is free, however booking is recommended.
Address: Mt Coot-Tha Road, Brisbane
Find out what is on at Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium here
Laserzone, Lawnton
A laser tag phenomenon! Complete with arcade games to try while waiting for your laser tag game to commence, there are leaderboards that you can keep watch on, while your laser tag crew get stuck in to the obstacles and light displays in the competition room!!
Address: 561 Gympie Road, Lawnton
Find out more about Laserzone here
Iceworld
Located in Boondall and Acacia Ridge, why not try Ice Skating. Various public sessions are available, some evenings open until 10pm (but please check their website for details). Equipment is available to hire. Food and drink is also available on site.
Check out this review of Iceworld.
Cineplex, South Bank
Fun things to do in Brisbane at night – why not grab the popcorn, drinks and sweets/snacks of your choice and settle in for a family movie day or night! There are a number to choose from around Brisbane, this one happens to have a 25 metre cinemascope!!
Address: South Bank, Brisbane
Find out what is on at Cineplex Cinemas here
Strike Bowling
One of the top things to do at night in Brisbane with kids is this old favourite for the entire family! Located within the Queen Street mall, there are 12 bowling lanes available BUT also laser tag, pool tables and three escape rooms. Something for everybody!
You can visit the Strike Bowling website here
Victoria Park Putt Putt
One of the best things to do in Brisbane at night with kids includes a little Putt Putt! Open until 10pm every day, this 18 hole putt putt golf course will be a favourite with your crew. Each year, this course is adapted to provide new obstacles for Christmas (and new characters to be spotted around the course). The playground area and bistro are also on hand for food and play!
Read our review of Victoria Park here.
Urban Xtreme, Hendra
An adventure playground that even includes snow sports! Climbing, snow sports, play centre, your kids won’t know what to try first. Open early evenings on most nights (8pm to 9pm most days), this will be a fun after school activity to try.
Address: 4/370 Nudgee Road, Hendra
We wrote about our visit to Urban Xtreme here
B Lucky and Sons, Fortitude Valley
This colourful arcade filled with Virtual experiences and vintage games is well worth a visit. Enjoy Mario Kart, NBA hoops and Dance Revolution. The Fun Lab is fun for all ages with a wide range of games to play. You can then enjoy a snack while challenging them to a game. You can even enjoy the odd cocktail on your visit!.
Address: 315 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley
Buy one or two hours of games here.
Wheel of Brisbane, South Bank
A popular location in the city. South Bank feels like you are on holidays! If you are in Brisbane visiting places, the wheel of Brisbane will help get your bearings and takes pride of place. It offers 360 degree views. Plenty of room in the gondolas for the family! Open til 10pm most evenings, which gives you plenty of time during the evening. The ride will only take 10 minutes but the area is packed with food stalls, pretty lights and picnic areas.
Grab your tickets to the Brisbane Wheel here.
10 Best things to do in Brisbane at night with teenagers
Teenagers can be tricky. You never know what is going to float their boat and impress them. We have done our best with these ideas for things to do in Brisbane at night for teenagers. We think a few will definitely be winners! (We have a huge article dedicated to things to do in Brisbane with teenagers if these ideas don’t work!)
QPAC
Places to visit in Brisbane at night must surely take in a good show! Located in south Brisbane, the performing arts centre is a great place to hang out. There is always something to see or watch here. Performances regularly change and there are some great travelling shows. Check out their website and plan your next trip!
Find out what is on for teenagers at Queensland Performing Arts Centre here
Boggo Road Ghost Tour
A ghostly experience anyone? Once the largest and most notorious prison in Brisbane, there are definitely stories and tales to be had here! A tour of this unique prison AND get to see Brisbane by night in such a scary way – will get those heart rates going! Get locked into a prison cell, listen to the ghostly stories of days gone by and engage in how life was behind locked doors – will you get through it?!
Address: 21 Boggo Road, Dutton Park
Find out more about Boggo Road Gaol Ghosts and Gallows tours here
Crank Indoor Rockclimbing
Open until 9pm weekdays and 8pm on weekends, this high energy activity is great fun for all the family. The staff here are super friendly. Safety rules are well explained as is how to use the equipment before you set out. There are varying levels of difficulty so younger members can have a go too!
Address: 537 Kessels Road, MacGregor.
Visit the Crank Indoor Rockclimbing website here
Skateaway
A little disco music, dressing up with those fashionable leg warmers and some roller skates will give some a great memory of times gone! Indulge your 80s vibe and introduce your teen to a little skate activity. This is open until 9pm on Friday and Saturday nights so you can really get into it!
Address: 700 Albany Creek Road, Albany Creek
Visit the Skateaway website here
Eat Street Markets, Northshore
When looking for family things to do in Brisbane at night, the markets are wonderful! These vibrant markets will help you forget how busy the day has been – the smells and foods on offer here are vast; so many foods from around the world to try. Savoury eateries, dessert alleys, music, lights and entertainment. This place is one of the most popular things to do in Brisbane at night on a weekend. Immerse yourself in the treats on offer and sit back and watch the entertainment! This will tick the boxes of things to do in Brisbane on a Friday night, Saturday night and Sunday night.
Check out their website – Eat Street Northshore
Twilight kayak experience
A 90 minute twilight kayaking tour of Brisbane is sure to impress your teenager. The kayaking instructors will help you through this adventure. Watch the sunset as you paddle past such icons as Story Bridge, Howard Smith Wharves and South Bank. A very different way to experience Brisbane in all its glory.
Find out more and buy tickets here
Brisbane night segway tour
This night tour is sure to impress your teenagers! Departing at either 5.45pm or 6.15pm, this unique travel experience is good fun! Areas covered include South Bank Parklands, Kangaroo Point Cliffs and other beautiful locations. You travel 20 kilometres on these two wheel machines. Watch the sunset and wait for the twinkly lights of the city to make an appearance. Great way to catch up with your teens!.
Check out the details and grab tickets here
Kingston Park Raceway Go Karting
Fun night activities in Brisbane include a little karting fun! Open most nights until 8 and 9 pm, a great option for the drivers of the group! Go Karting that allows you to twist and turn and ‘drift’. The Raceway is located a short 25 minute drive from the Brisbane CBD by car or can be reached via train, with the Kingston train station a short 10 minute walk away. Formula Fun Karts are suitable for kids aged between 10 years and up with no prior experience necessary
Insider tip: If you are unsure on driving a go kart, don’t worry as the track marshals are very friendly and are happy to offer advice so you have the best time.
Go Karting has never been so much fun – check them out here!
Brisbane Story Bridge Night Climb
Night activities around Brisbane must include this famous Brisbane icon! What a stunning view! If you are a lover of heights and icons, give this a go! A very different way to view the city at night. Invested for a two hour climb, you are sure to make new friends. A beautiful way to spend the evening. The stunning views of the city lit up will make for a very memorable experience.
Address: Story Bridge, Brisbane
You can look at the options for this climb here
Best things to do in Brisbane at night with kids
So? What do you think of our suggestions? Did we leave off your favourite family activities in Brisbane? Or is there something new we don’t know abut y et? Let us know in comments!
Even more QLD school holiday ideas:
If you are heading north these Queensland school holidays check out our related articles:
- Cairns school holiday activities
- Townsville school holiday activities
- Mackay school holiday activities
- Rockhampton school holiday activities
- Gladstone school holiday activities
- Bundaberg school holiday activities
- Hervey Bay school holiday activities
- Sunshine Coast school holiday activities
If you are heading south these QLD school holidays, these holiday ideas might help:
