Safari in the City

A wild adventure awaits in the heart of Ipswich as Nicholas Street Precinct transforms into a safari wonderland for the school holidays.

Safari in the City will bring some of the world's most iconic animals to life, with lions, tigers, gorillas, pandas, zebras, giraffes and more taking over the precinct in an immersive and interactive experience. Using state-of-the-art animatronic technology, the full-scale creatures breathe, move and roar, creating a memorable day out for young explorers.

Adding to the excitement, Dora the Explorer will make a special appearance with live shows at Tulmur Place from 23 to 29 September between 10am and 2pm. Packed with music, dancing and adventure, the performances are sure to delight preschoolers and primary school-aged children alike.

Be amazed by The Bubble Spectacular

Get ready for a bubble-filled adventure when Dr Hubble's Bubble Spectacular arrives at the Ipswich Civic Centre on Tuesday 29 September.

Step into the bubbly-brilliant world of Dr Hubble as he creates little bubbles, giant bubbles, volcano bubbles, tornado bubbles and even square bubbles in a fun-filled show guaranteed to delight audiences of all ages. With a little bubbly magic, audience members may even find themselves inside a bubble.

Packed with laughter, audience participation, dazzling bubble displays and the world's biggest bubble party, this interactive performance is a school holiday treat the whole family can enjoy. Expect plenty of popping, bouncing and boogying as bubbles float, spin and transform in ways you've never seen before.

Catch it before it floats away. It's unbubb-levable!

Let it go with Frozen JR.

Join Elsa, Anna and all your favourite Frozen characters when Frozen JR. takes to the stage on Thursday 24 September.

Based on the Broadway musical and the beloved Disney animated film, Frozen JR. brings the magical kingdom of Arendelle to life with memorable songs, colourful characters and a heartwarming story about love, courage and the power of sisterhood.

Follow Anna and Elsa as they navigate danger, discover their hidden strengths and learn that true love can come in many forms. Featuring Olaf, Kristoff, Sven and a cast of beloved characters, this family-friendly production is filled with magic, adventure, humour and all the songs audiences know and love.

Perfect for Frozen fans young and old, this enchanting performance is sure to warm even the coldest heart.

Get moving with Active Kids

The popular Active Kids school holiday program returns with more than 70 sessions designed to get children moving, building confidence and making new friends.

With a variety of activities on offer, the program provides a fun and engaging way for children to stay active throughout the holidays while developing new skills and connections.

Discover something new at Ipswich Libraries

Whether your child loves science, art, technology or nature, Ipswich Libraries has an impressive line-up of holiday activities across its six branches.

Workshops cover a wide range of interests including native wildlife, entomology, herpetology, robotics, art and illustration, upcycling and content creation. It's an exciting opportunity for curious minds to learn, create and explore in a welcoming environment.

Find the full program at ipswichlibraries.com.au.

Get creative at Ipswich Art Gallery

Young artists can unleash their creativity at Ipswich Art Gallery these school holidays.

The Express Yourself: Art Activity Pop-Up program runs from 21 to 25 September and encourages children to experiment with artistic techniques while creating their own take-home masterpieces.

Families can also explore the popular IAG Kids: Make Yourself at Home exhibition, an interactive and imaginative space designed especially for children. The hands-on exhibition invites kids to play, create and discover through art and storytelling.

Image credit: Vipoo Srivilasa’s ‘Express Yourself: Art Activity Pop Up’ is a free QAGOMA Touring program. Image courtesy of QAGOMA.

Take on the challenge at Spec Ops Paintball

Looking for something a little different? Head to Spec Ops Paintball in North Ipswich for an action-packed adventure.

Children aged six and over can join Nerf Battles filled with foam-dart missions, while older kids can test their skills in Gel Ball or Paintball sessions. With equipment hire available, it's an easy and exciting family activity for thrill-seekers.

Visitors can receive 10 per cent off Paintball, Gel Ball and Nerf Battle general sessions by using the code IPSWICHSPRING26 when booking online between 18 September and 4 October.

Meet some of Ipswich’s cutest residents

The Ipswich Nature Centre in Queens Park is an unmissable experience for any visitor, as it is home to many animals including bilbies, dingoes, wallabies, a wombat, and also features a walk-through bird aviary.

It is the only free zoo in south east Queensland (gold coin donations accepted), so you and your family can come back as many times as you like to see those cute little faces again. They are open seven days a week during the school holidays.

Refuel at Queens Park Cafe

After a busy day exploring, stop by Queens Park Cafe for a family-friendly bite to eat.

The cafe's popular menu includes its viral Chicken Caesar Wrap, alongside new Dirty Sodas and Cold Foam Coffees for parents needing an afternoon pick-me-up. Families visiting midweek can even enjoy $1 chicken wings every Wednesday.

What’s on further afield

Bounce into fun at Flip Out Bundamba

For families looking to burn off some energy, Flip Out Bundamba offers wall-to-wall fun with trampolines, adventure challenges and action-packed experiences.

Adding to the excitement this September, Bluey and Bingo will be making special appearances for a limited time, bringing extra "wackadoo" fun to birthday celebrations and family visits.

Families can also take advantage of memberships, school holiday sessions and party packages that make it easy to keep active and entertained throughout the break.

Get crafty at Brothers Leagues Club Ipswich

Looking for a creative activity for the kids these school holidays? Head to Brothers Leagues Club Ipswich for the Kids School Holiday Extravaganza: Squishy Making Workshop on Friday 25 September.

Hosted by Mini Palms Creative, children will design, decorate and create their very own squishy masterpiece to take home. The hands-on workshop is just $12 per child, with two sessions available:

• Session 1: 1pm to 1.50pm
• Session 2: 2pm to 2.50pm

The fun continues beyond the workshop with a range of free family activities including a special appearance by Kip the Kangaroo, balloon twisting, face painting and free ice cream.

With places strictly limited, families are encouraged to book early and make a day of this exciting school holiday event. Parents and guardians must remain with their child throughout the session.

Koala safaris, 4WD tours and animal feeding at Spicers

Spicers Hidden Vale awaits to make your family break unforgettable. Here, you and your kids can dive into a plethora of exciting activities. Whether it’s feeding the friendly farm animals (every day at 2pm complimentary), taking a tour of the market garden (at 3pm complimentary), or conquering the giant jungle gym outside The Barn, the options are endless.

For those seeking adventure, the world-class bike trails of Hidden Vale Adventure Park are at the Spicers doorstep.  Plus, there is also gold-panning experiences and half-day 4WD tours across the extensive 12,000-acre property, ensuring that there’s never a dull moment in sight.

You can also take a koala safari or a guided bush walk.

See the dinos, pet and feed the animals

The Ewe Nique Hobby Farm will be open every day during the school holidays (except for Tuesdays) for you to feed and pet the farm animals and have a coffee in the Baa Baa Cafe. Their new dinosaur experience is also open full of replica dinosaurs, birds and fish!

Enjoy two sessions each day, either 9am or 10.30am and meet the gorgeous baby lambs and goats!

Visit The Llama Farm

You can visit Queensland’s largest herd of llamas these holidays.

The Llama Farm is not only home to llamas, but also giant rabbits, donkeys, goats, chickens, peacocks, ponies and camels.

Meet the animals on a Faces of the Farm tour at 9am on tour days or book in for a llama walk at 3pm on tour days.

See the camels

See Ipswich from above with Floating Images

Create memories that will last a lifetime with a sunrise hot air balloon experience over the Ipswich region.

Floating Images offers families the chance to drift peacefully above Ipswich, the Scenic Rim and Somerset countryside while taking in spectacular views. Guests can choose a balloon flight only experience or add a restaurant breakfast to complete their morning adventure.

Operated by owner and chief pilot Graeme Day, who has more than three decades of ballooning experience, each flight combines breathtaking scenery with fascinating local stories and insights.

Hit the bike trails over the holidays

If you like to stay active, grab your bike and explore more than 80km of world class trails at Hidden Vale Adventure Park. Operating out of the luxurious Spicers Hidden Vale getaway, the various tracks are suitable for beginners right up to experienced riders. The property is open from 7am-3pm daily and can be accessed for $20 a day for adults and $10 for kids. 

Let the kids run wild at one of Ipswich’s great parks

Sometimes all you need for a great family day out is the sun shining and a good playground to entertain the little ones.

Lucky for you, Ipswich has lots of great parks, playgrounds and open spaces where you can easily spend a full day! Why not check out or revisit Queens Park in the middle of Ipswich, Lobley Park in Churchill, Robelle Domain in Springfield, Joseph Brady Park at Barallen Point, Sutton Park in Brassall, Rotary Bicentennial Park in Redbank Plains, Discovery Park in Springfield Lakes and Spring Lake Park, also in Springfield Lakes.

There’s lots of fun climbing apparatuses, swings, slides and space to throw out a picnic rug or kick a ball around – the choice is yours! 

If we get a hot day you can cool off at the water park

If you’re kids are keen to cool off after a few hours of running around, you can visit the water play area at Robelle Domain which has tipping buckets and jet sprays. There is also lots of fun to be had at the Splash ‘n’ Play water park at Providence Ripley, which features two aqua play zones, the Bob Gamble water park, or you can head to the Bundamba Swim Centre, which has a small water park for little kids, plus a 50m and 25m pool.  There’s also a free water play area at Tulmur Place.

Ride the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail

Take a leisurely bike ride with the whole family from Ipswich to Fernvale along the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail. The trail traces the old Brisbane Valley rail line that commenced at Wulkuraka and continued to Yarraman, west of Kilcoy.

The 20km trail from bustling Ipswich out to the rural township of Fernvale is suitable for all riders, taking you on a fun family adventure through farmland, forest and picturesque settings away from the busy traffic.

The trail features various surfaces, including sand, grass, gravel and rough stretches of rocky ballast.

By using the Brassall Bikeway, riders can easily connect to Queensland Museum Rail Workshops in North Ipswich, and then travel via the road network to the historic Ipswich Central precinct, which is full of eateries, quirky shops and attractions like Queens Park and the Ipswich Art Gallery.

Where to stay

Stay in the heart of town with Urban Getaway, or book a family-friendly farm stay at Twigley Farm, Pocket Retreats, or Tallavalley Farm B&B.  Stay in Ipswich Central with Quest Ipswich and Oaks Ipswich Aspire Suites.  Stay in Springfield at Quest Springfield and the Springfield Lakes Hotel. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay near Summerland Camels or Queensland Raceways then Willowbank Caravan Park and Motel or Ivorys Rock are your closest places.

For more options see our Accommodation Page.