Weekends are the perfect time for children to explore!
We love helping families make the most of their weekends in South-East Queensland and there are plenty of family-friendly activities and outdoor adventures to choose from that are both fun and educational. Whether your young explorers love running, climbing, or splashing around, there’s something for every child to enjoy.
Milton: Parks, Play, and Water Fun
Families located near our Milton childcare centre are spoilt for choice when it comes to weekend adventures with children. A favourite to visit is Orleigh Park, located near the Brisbane River, this park offers wide open spaces, climbing frames, and shaded picnic areas. Children can explore the playgrounds or watch the action going up and down the River.
If the weather is a bit warm, head off for a splash of fun at South Bank Parklands, which features child-friendly water play areas where families can cool off at Streets Beach and later take a walk around the Parkland under the many shaded areas.
Dakabin: Nature Play
Lake Samsonvale, also known as North Pine Dam, around a 15–20 minute drive from Dakabin, making it a perfect spot for a fun weekend adventure with the children.
This family-friendly destination is full of space for little explorers to run, play, and discover nature. There are picnic areas where you can all enjoy a snack together and walking tracks for a gentle family stroll. Children will enjoy the wide grassy spaces perfect for kicking a ball, riding bikes, or playing games or spotting birds and other wildlife, while parents can relax by the water and take in the peaceful bushland surroundings.
Lake Samsonvale is an easy and exciting way for Dakabin families to get outside, stay active, and make the most of a weekend together in nature.
Ormiston: Beaches, Parks, and Family-Friendly Fun
Our Ormiston childcare centre families can enjoy the best of beach and park life on weekends. Raby Bay Foreshore Park is a beautiful bayside spot with scenic water views, perfect for a relaxed day outdoors. The park offers open grassy areas ideal for picnics, along with BBQ facilities for easy family meals. With sandy beach access and shared cycling and walking paths, it’s a great place for children to explore, ride, and enjoy the fresh coastal air while families slow down and take in the surroundings.
This family-friendly park features a marine-inspired playground, plenty of shaded picnic spots, a lookout platform, and a nod to Redlands Coast’s history with its iconic wooden lighthouse.
Toowoomba: Gardens, Parks, and Outdoor Exploration
Families near our Toowoomba centre are lucky to have access to some of the region’s most beautiful and child-friendly green spaces. Queens Park and Glenvale Park are local favourites, offering adventure playgrounds, wide open lawns, and plenty of room for children to run, climb, and explore outdoors.
Queens Park is home to the much-loved Queens Sensory Playground, designed for children of all abilities. It features a wheelchair-accessible fort, a textured dome climbing structure, large accessible musical chimes, a digger, an inclusive orbit (rotating platform), slides, toddler swings, and so much more.
Throughout the year, seasonal events such as flower festivals and local markets add even more excitement, giving children the chance to experience new sights, sounds, and smells in a safe, welcoming environment that encourages curiosity and discovery.
Karalee: Riverside Play and Open Spaces
Weekends at Karalee are full of adventure and play! Families can explore riverside reserves, playgrounds, and open spaces where children can run, climb, and discover at their own pace.
Colleges Crossing Recreation Reserve is perfect for little adventurers, with wide grassy areas to kick balls, ride bikes, and climb, while families relax under picnic shelters and enjoy riverside views.
Queens Park is a hit with toddlers, who love splashing in the flowing water, floating leaves, and exploring age-appropriate playground equipment on soft-fall surfacing. The big grassy lawn, shady trees, and nearby Ipswich Nature Centre with kangaroos, farm animals, and interactive activities make it a full morning of fun.
Flagstone Adventure Park offers something for everyone. Little ones can climb mini forts, crawl through tunnels, bounce on a toddler trampoline, or splash in the zero-depth water park. Older children enjoy towers, flying foxes, and skate areas.
With so many options nearby, weekends around Karalee are perfect for play, laughter, and family memories!
Underwood: Adventure Play and Community Parks
Families at Underwood have plenty of exciting spaces to enjoy together on the weekend. A local highlight is Underwood Hollow, a magical, fairytale-inspired playground with castle-themed towers nestled among the trees. Designed from children’s own drawings, this imaginative space brings fantasy play to life. Children can explore climbing nets, rope bridges, and gentle climbing challenges, building confidence, coordination, and creativity at their own pace. Nearby community parks and open green spaces also offer swings, slides, and shaded picnic areas, making Underwood a lovely spot for relaxed family play, imagination, and time outdoors.
By Leanne Brown, Marketing Manager, canopy Early Education
