Brisbane

Brisbane Family

From story sessions and toy borrowing to bushland activities and school-holiday events, Brisbane families have practical ways to play, learn and spend time together. When extra help is needed, local and Queensland-wide services also support parents, carers, children and young people through disability, caring responsibilities, family pressure and difficult experiences.

✨ Play, stories and early learning

The Corner, State Library of Queensland

At South Brisbane, The Corner is a free, drop-in playful learning space for children aged 0–8 and their families. Daily activities include songs and stories, art-making, giant soft blocks and garden play. An adult must supervise children throughout the visit. Some special workshops require a booking or low-cost ticket, so check the program before making a special trip. A parents room has seating, baby-change facilities, a microwave and an accessible toilet.

Brisbane City Council First 5 Forever library sessions

Families can join free early-literacy sessions at Council libraries across Brisbane. Babies, books and rhymes is designed for children aged 0–1, Toddler time for ages 1–2, and children’s storytime for ages 3–5. Parents and carers participate alongside their children, sharing books, language and rhymes. Use the Council calendar to find a suitable session at a nearby library.

Brisbane South Toy Library

This volunteer-run Richlands service gives members access to more than 2,000 toys, games and play materials for children from six months to 12 years. Borrowing can help families rotate play resources as children’s interests and abilities change without buying every item. Membership is required, and party play equipment can also be hired through an online booking process.

🌿 Holidays, creativity and outdoor discovery

Brisbane City Council school holiday events

For planning a break from school, Council’s event finder covers workshops, outdoor activities, library programs, creative sessions, shows and family events around Brisbane. Filters for date, location, category, and free or low-cost activities make it easier to narrow the options. Each event has its own requirements, so confirm the intended age group, booking arrangements, cost and accessibility before attending.

Brisbane City Council environment centres

Nature-based learning is available through Council’s environment centres at Boondall Wetlands, Downfall Creek Bushland Centre in Chermside West, and Karawatha Forest Discovery Centre. Depending on the current program, families may find guided walks, Bush Kindy, workshops and nature-journalling activities. Entry is free, although individual activities may charge a fee. Check the current event listing to see what is running at each location.

🧩 Disability and developmental support

Autism Queensland EarlyAQtion

EarlyAQtion supports young autistic children and their families through early childhood intervention, with options including groups, individual therapy and diagnostic assessments. Services are delivered through Brisbane centres, while some support may be available statewide by telepractice. Fees and waitlists can apply. Autism Queensland also runs PlayConnect+ groups for children aged 0–8 with disability and/or developmental delay, together with their families, carers and siblings.

AEIOU Nathan

Located in Brisbane’s south, AEIOU Nathan provides autism-specific early intervention for children aged 2–6 who have an autism diagnosis. Families considering the program can contact the Nathan centre or AEIOU’s general contact service to discuss the service, their child’s eligibility and the next steps.

🤝 Parenting, youth and caring support

ATSICHS Brisbane Youth Service

Young people aged 8–21 who live in the Brisbane region can access free support with personal goals. Case management may help with returning to school, finding work or training, connecting with health care and community, or planning for independence. Young people can refer themselves, while referrals are also accepted from families, friends, schools and other services.

Communify Queensland Intensive Family Support

Eligible families in Brisbane North can seek free, voluntary intensive home-visiting support when they are under pressure and have a child or young person from unborn to 17 years. The program works with families experiencing challenges in raising and nurturing children. Self-referrals and service referrals are accepted, although a waitlist may apply. It does not provide child counselling, emergency relief or accommodation.

Parentline

Queensland parents and carers can contact Parentline for confidential professional counselling and support concerning their children. Help is available by phone on 1300 30 1300, as well as through webchat and email. The service also provides online information organised around different stages of childhood and a moderated peer community for parents. It serves Brisbane families without requiring a local visit.

Carers Queensland young carer support

Young carers up to age 25 who provide unpaid care for a family member or friend can explore support pathways through Carers Queensland. Its information recognises the practical challenge of balancing caring responsibilities with school, employment and everyday life, and directs young carers towards the organisation’s Carer Program. This is a Queensland-wide option available to young people in Brisbane.

❤ Support after violence or abuse

Bravehearts Brave Beginnings

Brave Beginnings provides counselling and support in South East Queensland, including Brisbane, for children, young people and families affected by child sexual abuse. Parent and family support groups may also be available. Families or referring services should speak directly with Bravehearts about access, suitability and available forms of support.

DVConnect Womensline

People in Queensland experiencing domestic and family violence can contact this free, 24-hour helpline on 1800 811 811. DVConnect also assists women and children seeking access to specialist refuge accommodation across Queensland. The service is statewide and available to people in Brisbane.

📌 Before you visit or enquire

• Check ages and eligibility: programs may have firm age ranges, diagnosis requirements, geographic boundaries or family circumstances that determine access.
• Confirm bookings and supervision: drop-in spaces may still require adult supervision, while workshops, groups and holiday activities can require advance registration.
• Ask about accessibility: contact the venue or provider about mobility access, sensory needs, communication support and facilities relevant to your family.
• Review current costs and wait times: some activities are free, while memberships, tickets, therapy fees or waitlists may apply.
• Check event details: schedules and individual activity conditions can change, particularly for school-holiday and environment-centre programs.

🌟 If you run a family-focused business, service, program or community group serving Brisbane and surrounding areas, you are warmly invited to add your own listing or update its details so local families can find accurate, practical information.

⚠️ Accuracy Note: We do our best to keep this information useful and up to date, however details can change over time. If you notice anything that appears incorrect or out of date, please let us know and we will review it. Local business owners and community leaders can also help keep local information accurate by logging in and creating or managing their own listing and useful content on brisbane.place.