The September school holidays are the perfect time to get outside, try something new and make unforgettable family memories.From roaring animatronic wildlife and live Dora the Explorer shows to creative workshops, active adventures and hands-on animal encounters, Ipswich is packed with activities to keep children of all ages entertained.Here are some of the top activities to add to your family's holiday checklist from 19 September to 5 October.
If you're dealing with a picky eater in the family and seeking a place that caters to both your palate and your kids', then explore these family-friendly dining spots in Ipswich. Featuring a play area for the kids or a special menu just for them, here are our current top picks for dining out with your little ones in Ipswich.Brothers Leagues ClubIf the secret to a successful family meal is keeping the kids entertained, Brothers Leagues Club has cracked the code.Home to The Space Place, a colourful cosmic-themed kids' room for little adventurers aged 10 and under, it's easy to turn lunch or dinner into a family outing.
Ipswich is home to some of the best kid's parks in South East Queensland. Parks in Ipswich include water parks, modern playground equipment, skate parks, fitness circuits, sports fields, Australian wildlife and much more.These parks offer some of the best free things to do in Ipswich. Here is a list of 10 of the best parks right across the entire Ipswich region.10. Robelle DomainRobelle Domain is arguably one of the best parks in the entire Ipswich Region. These parklands are spread out over 24 hectares. They contain everything from a water park, cafes, cycling tracks, walking tracks, playgrounds and a swimming lagoon. The water park includes a zero depth play area with 700 litre tipping bucket and jet sprays.
Sometimes the best adventures are right under your nose. Scott and I have driven past Flinders Peak for years, admiring the dominant peak with its dramatic cliffs until we finally decided to schedule it in as our next family adventure.The hike is rated as a Class Five (Difficult) walking trail, and our three boys aged 9, 11 and 12 love a good hard hike and were up for the challenge.What to bringWe headed off from Flinders Plum Picnic Area and we soon realised that we’d left an essential item in the car. Yep, we had our water, hats and snacks but we didn’t have the packet of lollies that we’d promised the boys for a celebratory snack at the summit. Disaster! Before hiking up Flinders Peak, don’t forget to:- Allow 3-6 hours- Take plenty of water and snacks- Hiking boots or trail running shoes are recommended- Pack your lollies for the summit
The Workshops Rail Museum has a new permanent attraction and kids are loving it.Tucked away in the right hand corner of the museum there’s now 20 interactive exhibits for big kids and little kids alike in the new Sciencentre.There’s fly wheels, a fluid coupler, sparks and air blasts to help you learn the science behind train travel, challenge your friends and solve puzzles.
With inbuilt trampolines, an inclusive merry-go-round, custom parkour inspired obstacle course, and swings – all surrounding a mammoth three-story climbing tower and giant slide – kids of all ages will be bouncing, swinging and climbing to their hearts content on the new Orion Springfield Central Playground which is now open!Orion Springfield Central Manager, Melissa Crittenden, is over-the-moon to deliver this transformational project.“The centrepiece of this innovative play space is the custom built 11 metre tower. The slide from the top of the tower rewards little adventurers, while the 16-metre walkway offers children a new elevated vantage point to engage with the space around them.”
There’s a special feeling when you step on board a heritage steam train. The puffs of smoke, noisy engine and swaying carriages are an incredible way to experience a bygone era.
“That’s Henry, Pablo, Noodle, Neville, Teddy, Paddington, Humphrey, Wallace, Archie…” says farmer Shane Hancock, pointing around a paddock of his Pine Mountain Farm.It turns out that a long career in teaching – he is also deputy principal at Leichhardt State School – has given him a knack for remembering names, which is handy when you’re also in charge of Queensland’s largest herd of llamas.
If you’ve got kids then you know that close encounters with animals never get old. Luckily Ipswich has a handful of great places where you can interact with furry friends. Here’s 7 places to visit that offer animal experiences.1. Ewe Nique Hobby FarmThis charming hobby farm is home to sheep, lambs, alpacas, chickens, goats and geese. Children and adults can meet, pat and feed the animals and walk through the bird aviary which features replica dinosaurs and fish ponds!. Ewe Nique Hobby Farm also has a coffee shop selling hot and cold drinks as well as homemade cakes, slices, muffins and other snacks. 2. The Llama FarmA farm experience that offers visitors the chance to take a Llama for a walk, feed, pat them and take a Llama selfie or two. The Llama Farm has the largest herd of Llamas in Queensland as well as donkeys, goats, miniature ponies, peacocks, turkeys, guinea fowl and more. Tours are available on weekends and school holidays by appointment. They are also running a Little Llama Farmers school holiday program.
Keeping the family entertained on a budget isn’t always the easiest thing to do, but there are lots of public areas that might just be as much fun as the paid options!The Ipswich region has a wonderful and varied array of options that are completely free!Just remember to pack a picnic, plan your day and you’ll be in for a treat without breaking the bank! And for added fun, combine a few of of these attractions into one day and you and your family will be sure to come away fully content!
