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Australia/Things to Do in Brisbane, with kids

City Botanic Gardens (with kids)

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How Kids-Friendly is City Botanic Gardens?

88%Kids-Friendly
View Map

What makes it 88% Kids-Friendly: Kids up to 12 can burn energy in the castle-themed playground, join scavenger hunts, and ride bikes on traffic-free paths, while parents supervise from nearby picnic tables and toilets, so visits stay easy and fun.

Google
Reviews4.7/ 5
(from 12,840 reviews)

Positives:

  • Free entry: No admission fee makes it easy to plan a low-cost family outing.
  • Central location: Adjacent to the CBD and Riverwalk for easy access via bus or train.
  • Family-friendly facilities: Playground, toilets and picnic tables are clustered for convenience.

Challenges:

  • Hot midday sun: Limited shade on open lawns can get very hot around noon.
  • Weekend crowds: Playground and picnic spots fill up quickly on weekends.
  • Wet-season flooding: Some paths may close after heavy rain; check weather updates before you go.
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🏖️ Explore City Botanic Gardens with a local guide: GetYourGuide's 10 BEST Activities and Tours around City Botanic Gardens. Local guides know the hidden gems you'd otherwise miss, read what other travelers experienced, and book easily.

What is City Botanic Gardens?

  • A heritage-listed public botanical garden nestled along the Brisbane River in central Brisbane
  • A curated living collection of Queensland native and exotic subtropical plants, from majestic fig and bunya pine avenues to mangrove boardwalks
  • A historic 19th-century landscape that combines century-old plantings with modern facilities, including the Riverstage outdoor concert venue

What is so special about City Botanic Gardens for with kids?

  1. Free riverside entry with no admission fee
  2. Castle-themed playground close to toilets and picnic tables
  3. Raised mangrove boardwalk for waterbird spotting
  4. Self-guided treasure hunt to engage kids in discovery
  5. Shaded picnic lawns under tall palm trees
  6. Scenic CityCycle bike path for family rides

Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours

Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time for playground fun, boardwalk stroll, bike ride and a picnic without rushing kids.

(View City Botanic Gardens on Map)

Kids-Friendly Activities in City Botanic Gardens

Baldwin Lawn Playground:

Let kids climb the castle-themed fort, nets, slides and sandpit.

Tip: Bring spare clothes and supervise near the picnic tables and toilets.

Mangrove Boardwalk:

Walk the raised eastern boardwalk through river mangroves.

Tip: Go late afternoon to spot waterbirds and avoid midday heat.

Family Treasure Hunt:

Use the free “Treasures” brochure to locate the lagoon, cannon and rare trees.

Tip: Give each child a list and pencil to tick off finds.

Riverwalk Bike Ride:

Rent CityCycle bikes and ride the shared path beside the river.

Tip: Download the app before you arrive and set a 30-min timer to avoid extra fees.

Picnic on Royal Palm Lawn:

Spread a rug under tall palms and enjoy packed snacks.

Tip: Pick a shady spot near the playground so kids can dash back to play.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to City Botanic Gardens

  1. Plan a morning visit: Arrive by 8:30am to beat heat and secure the best picnic spot.
  2. Pack a day bag: Include hats, sunscreen, water bottles and snacks for quick refuels.
  3. Combine with Riverwalk: Extend your trip with a scenic bike ride along the river path.
🏖️ Tour City Botanic Gardens like a local: GetYourGuide's Top 10 Activities and Tours in City Botanic Gardens. Local experts uncover hidden treasures you'd never find alone, browse authentic traveler reviews, and book your perfect adventure hassle-free.

Reviews of City Botanic Gardens

Powered by Google
Ruchit Patel

Ruchit Patel

Oct 2025

Peaceful escape right in Brisbane’s city centre 🌿📸 City Botanic Gardens is one of those places that instantly slows you down. The mix of riverside views, tall palm avenues, and giant fig trees makes it super photogenic — especially around sunrise or sunset when the light hits the water. I love coming here for a quiet walk, a jog, or to just sit under the trees and watch the city go by. The pat...

Tamara P

Tamara P

Oct 2025

Go see Lightscape! Pics are from this year & the previous year. It's "light art". A great way to enjoy the City Botanic Gardens at night viewing different artists "lights & art" and music! There's also good trucks.

Ai Watanabe

Ai Watanabe

Aug 2025

Located right in the heart of Brisbane, the Botanic Gardens feel like a completely different world — a peaceful retreat surrounded by lush greenery. Right beside the city’s skyscrapers, you can enjoy the striking contrast between nature and urban life. A pond with fountains, colorful flowers, and tropical plants welcome you, making every step along the paths soothing and refreshing✨ It’s perfect ...

sventek

sventek

Jul 2025

Nice area for a walk right next to CBD although it did feel more like a park as opposed to a botanical garden. Lots of areas were also under maintenance or blocked out for improvements during our visit. The walking area next to the river is nice and calming, and overall the park in general does give you a little bit of that separation from city bustle. Public toilets available though I didn't go i...

neurostella

neurostella

Jul 2025

One of the reasons I always admire Australia and New Zealand: spaces like the City Botanic Gardens. So beautifully maintained and preserved, it’s hard to believe you’re still in the middle of the city. Walking through the lush greenery is incredibly peaceful, and there’s something genuinely refreshing about being surrounded by nature like this.

When is the best time to visit City Botanic Gardens (Brisbane, Australia)?

In summer, arrive before 9am for cooler temperatures and bring hats and sunscreen. In winter, enjoy mild days with fewer mosquitoes and pack light jackets.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to Brisbane on Trip.com

Explore These Activities

Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)

ItemCost (Approx.)
CityCycle bike rental (2 bikes, 1h)AUD 16
Picnic suppliesAUD 15
Café snacks & drinksAUD 25
Total EstimatedAUD 56

Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve

Map of City Botanic Gardens

Address: 147 Alice St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia

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Looking for other Things to Do besides City Botanic Gardens (Brisbane)?

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About City Botanic Gardens

Opening Hours

Monday:Open 24 hours
Tuesday:Open 24 hours
Wednesday:Open 24 hours
Thursday:Open 24 hours
Friday:Open 24 hours
Saturday:Open 24 hours
Sunday:Open 24 hours

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Website

Official Website

Phone Number

+61 7 3403 8888

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