We can't deny that Ipswich can get hot.  So what do you do when it's sweltering and you need to cool off?  Head to one of these free water parks!Orion LagoonOrion Lagoon offers pools for all age groups with a toddler friendly 0.3m depth area up to 1.5m for proficient swimmers.  Checkout the fun squirting spouts and stepping-stones, barbeque areas and picnic tables.Robelle DomainKids will love the large tipping bucket in the zero depth water park at Robelle Domain.  There’s also jet sprays and spouts.  The water park is surrounded with shady picnic areas, boardwalks and playgrounds as well as land art pyramids and an early evening sound and light show.

As Spring rolls around every year, Jacaranda trees in the Heritage City and surrounding countryside start to bloom, adding a pop of colour to parks and reserves.Here are a few ways to experience the Ipswich Jacaranda season this year.Wander Timothy Molony ParkThe park is opposite St Mary's Church - a spectacular 1870s landmark which is one of the city's most photographed buildings - is fringed with Jacarandas blooming every Spring that eventually form a purple carpet on the grass below.

The Heritage City has 6500 hectares of reserves and conservation estates to explore.  Some have amazing facilities for kids from play equipment, zero depth water parks and environmental education centres.  Some of the city's parks are located on the banks of the Brisbane River and offer an ideal location to laze the day away.Learn more about some of the best parks in the region and some of the secret locations you can visit.

When it gets hots this summer, head to the city of Ipswich, just 30 minutes from Brisbane. That’s because the local city council has opened a big selection of FREE water parks that are suitable for families and great for kids of all ages, even little toddlers.Bob Gamble Park is in the River Heart Parklands has a zero-depth water pool for the kids and plenty of other activities like flying foxes, slides, a discovery forest and much more.

Jacaranda season is just around the corner and the most breathtaking place to take in these blooms is, of course, our heritage city, Ipswich. Start your day at dawn with a sunrise hot air balloon ride with Floating Images. Pilot, Graeme Day, has been flying for over 30 years and boasts spring as the time to gain altitude and spot these purple pretties from above.

We all know that kids love a great park! Whilst there are some obvious places we automatically think of taking the family to for the day, I’m here to share some epic parks that not only offer a playground, but an entire day out!Denmark Hill Conservation ReserveStop driving past and come discover what little gem hides inside! Located right near the Ipswich hospital, Denmark Hill has so much to offer including a selection of bush walking trails, all of which are dog friendly (dogs must remain on leash). The trails all vary in fitness levels and length. While walking around keep your eyes open for the local wildlife, and experience the serenity, even though surrounding you is the hustle and bustle of the Ipswich CBD. Why not take the entire clan, fire up the barbeque, sit back and relax watching the kids burn off their excess energy on the playground!Find Denmark Hill at 20 Chelmsford Avenue, Ipswich.