Ipswich is a hidden gem in South East Queensland, brimming with family-friendly activities. Just a short trip from Brisbane, it’s packed with lush gardens, exciting playgrounds, and plenty of adventures for kids.
If you’re searching for things to do in Ipswich with kids, this charming city has you covered. Whether it’s exploring bush trails, discovering native wildlife, or splashing around in one of its many water parks, there’s something to delight every little explorer.
Let’s dive into the ultimate guide for your next family day out!
Moving to Ipswich? Our Queensland mortgage brokers at Zest Mortgage Solutions can help you secure the right home loan to buy your dream house in Ipswich. Call us on (07) 3461 6499 or visit zestmortgagesolutions.com.au.
Top Things to Do in Ipswich with Kids
From action-packed playgrounds to tranquil gardens, here’s where the real family fun begins.
#1. Visit Ipswich Nature Centre
Nestled in Queens Park, the Ipswich Nature Centre is a treat for animal lovers and curious kids. It’s open daily from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm and features Australian animals like kangaroos, wombats, and miniature ponies.
Kids can wander through interactive animal zones and enjoy up-close animal encounters. Entry is free, but a gold coin donation helps keep this beloved spot thriving.
Families will love the accessible toilets, shaded picnic areas, and easy, stroller-friendly paths. Queens Park also has playgrounds and barbecue facilities, making it a great spot for a full day out.
Public transport options are nearby, too, so getting there is a breeze!
#2. Explore Queens Park Ipswich
Queens Park is an Ipswich icon, loved for its shady picnic tables, barbecue facilities, and playground favourites. There’s a 4.5-metre tunnel slide, climbing domes, and modern playground equipment that will keep the kids busy.
Families will appreciate the accessible toilets and wide, stroller-friendly paths throughout the park. Public transport to Queens Park is easy: hop on a Queensland Rail train to Ipswich Station, then it’s a short bus ride (routes 503 or 515) or a 15-minute walk to the park entrance.
Nearby attractions include the Ipswich Nature Centre and Nerima Gardens, making it easy to fill a whole day with fun. Pack a picnic lunch or grab a shady picnic blanket and relax while the kids explore this green wonderland.
#3. Discover Workshops Rail Museum
The award-winning Queensland Museum Rail Workshops in North Ipswich is a must for train enthusiasts. It’s packed with interactive exhibits, hands-on workshops, and real locomotives that transport kids and adults back in time.
During school holidays, this place becomes even more magical with kid-focused events and miniature train rides that delight every little visitor. Families will love the accessible facilities, including pram-friendly pathways and accessible toilets throughout the museum.
Getting there is a breeze: take a Queensland Rail train to Ipswich Station and then hop on a short bus ride (route 515) or drive. There’s free parking on site.
#4. Enjoy Robelle Domain Parklands
Robelle Domain Parklands is a huge park with something for everyone, making it a go-to spot for families. With splash pads, picnic shelters, and climbing equipment, it’s the perfect place for a full day of play and relaxation.
The water play zone’s larger splash area is a favourite for cooling off on warm days, while the shady picnic tables are perfect for unwinding with a picnic lunch. Families will also find accessible toilets and wide pathways that are stroller-friendly, making it super easy to navigate with little ones.
You can get there by train to Springfield Central Station, which is just a short walk away, or by bus routes 522 and 526 that stop nearby.
#5. Take a Cruise on the Bremer River
Seeing Ipswich from the water is a whole new adventure, and it’s a great way for families to enjoy a different view of the city. Families can hop on river cruises that glide past lush gardens, historic bridges, and even reveal hidden wildlife spots along the Bremer River.
These calm and gentle tours are perfect for families who want to unwind, let the kids soak up the sights, and watch the river life drift by.
Public transport options include taking a train to Ipswich Station and then a short walk or bus ride to the cruise departure points.
For up-to-date cruise times, booking info, and family-friendly tour options, visit the Discover Ipswich website.
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#6. Visit Ipswich Art Gallery
For a more low-key day, Ipswich Art Gallery is a brilliant spot that families shouldn’t miss. It’s packed with kid-focused exhibits and multi-sensory experiences, designed to delight and inspire even the youngest visitors.
From art playgrounds to interactive displays, there’s something to capture every child’s imagination and creativity. The gallery has accessible toilets and is fully pram-friendly, making it a breeze for parents.
To get there, hop on a train to Ipswich Station. The gallery is just a 10-minute walk away, or catch bus routes 503 or 515.
#7. Go for a Bushwalk in White Rock Conservation Park
If you’re a nature lover, White Rock Conservation Park is a must-visit spot. This beautiful park has purpose-built trails like the 200-metre Waterfall Track, which is easy enough for younger kids to explore at their own pace.
Bring a picnic lunch, check out the maps of walking tracks at the trailhead, and keep an eye out for notable wildlife sightings along the way. Facilities include accessible toilets and picnic shelters to make your visit comfortable and family-friendly.
To get there, it’s a short drive from Ipswich CBD or you can catch a bus to the nearby Springfield Central Station and then transfer to a local bus service.
#8. Play at River Heart Parklands
River Heart Parklands has an awesome adventure playground and a water play area that’s perfect for those hot summer days. The kids will love the climbing structures and splash zones while you relax in the shady picnic spots nearby.
Families will appreciate the accessible toilets and plenty of picnic amenities like tables and barbecue areas, making it a breeze for everyone to enjoy. Public transport is easy, with Ipswich Station a short bus ride away or a scenic walk along the riverfront.
#9. Have Fun at Orion Lagoon
Orion Lagoon is the spot for water fun! With shallow pools, jet sprays, and lifeguards on duty, kids can splash around safely while parents relax.
The grassy areas are great for spreading out a shady picnic blanket, and there are even barbecue facilities for a family cook-up. Families will find accessible toilets and shaded picnic tables, making it easy to spend the whole day.
Public transport is handy, too! Springfield Central Station is a short walk away, or catch buses 522 and 526 straight to the lagoon.
#10. Visit the Naughty Little Kids Working Dairy Farm
At the Naughty Little Kids working dairy farm, kids can meet adorable baby goats, see milking up close, and learn what life on a real dairy farm is all about. Every Sunday, families are invited to come along for a unique, hands-on experience that blends fun and learning.
Families can spread out for a picnic on the shady lawns or just relax while the kids enjoy some safe, animal-filled fun. It’s best to drive, as there’s no easy public transport access, but there’s plenty of parking on-site to make your trip easy.
To find out when to visit and what’s on offer, check out the Naughty Little Kids website. Let me know if you’d like more local tips or ideas for extending your visit!
If you’re a first-time home buyer ready to settle down in Ipswich, our brokers at Zest Mortgage Solutions can help you every step of the way. We can guide you through options like first-home buyer loans, family guarantee loans, and low-deposit loans, taking the confusion out of the process and matching you with the right loan. Call (07) 3461 6499 or visit https://www.zestmortgagesolutions.com.au/ to see how we can help!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Ipswich family-friendly?
Absolutely! Ipswich is packed with family-friendly tourist attractions, including adventure park, skate parks, and themed playgrounds that offer a wide range of activities for children of all ages.
Families will also find space for children to roam, extensive playgrounds with rock climbing and vertical climbing tunnels, and accessible facilities like public toilets and disabled toilets.
What to see in Ipswich for free?
There’s so much to enjoy without spending a cent, from exploring excellent hiking trails and wooden playgrounds to visiting the Ipswich Nature Centre where you can see Australian wildlife up close.
Queens Park and the themed playgrounds in the area also offer a great chance for families to picnic and relax, with shady spots and short bushwalking tracks like the shortest trail at White Rock Conservation Park.
Is Ipswich, QLD worth visiting?
Definitely! Ipswich has a wide range of attractions that suit every interest, from camping experiences on hectare properties to family-friendly activities for children in extensive playgrounds and adventure parks.
You’ll find excellent hiking trails, unique animal encounters, and plenty of shaded picnic areas; it’s a vibrant hub for families and nature lovers.
What to do in Ipswich school holidays?
Ipswich comes alive during the school holidays with a range of activities including visiting the Adventure Park, themed playgrounds, and wooden playgrounds that are perfect for energetic kids.
Families can also check out skate parks, vertical climbing tunnels, and picnic spots with public toilets and disabled toilets to make those school holiday adventures stress-free.
How can mortgage brokers help if you and your family plan to live in Ipswich?
Mortgage brokers can help you find the right home loan, making it easier to settle down and enjoy all of Ipswich’s family-friendly attractions and extensive playgrounds.
They’ll work with you to understand your budget and long-term goals so you can spend more time exploring the right house or property near these amazing, family-friendly spots!
Final Thoughts
Ipswich in 2025 is more inviting than ever for families, with so many things to do in Ipswich with kids, from themed playgrounds and skate parks to excellent hiking trails and incredible wildlife encounters.
If you’re ready to put down roots and buy a home in Ipswich, our experienced Queensland mortgage brokers at Zest Mortgage Solutions can help with all your home loan needs.
We offer a free consultation to explore options like first-home buyer loans, family guarantee loans, and fixed or variable rate options to suit your needs. With offices in Ipswich and Springfield, we’re here to support families across Queensland in finding the perfect home loan when they’re making the move to this vibrant community.
Call us today at (07) 3461 6499 or visit https://www.zestmortgagesolutions.com.au/. Your next adventure starts now!
