It's 2018, and these days you're more likely to see a child with their nose in an iPhone than playing in the great outdoors. Don't get us wrong, we think technology has been the greatest gift to parenting since the all-terrain jogging buggy (just kidding), but there's an overwhelming temptation to pacify kids with devices rather than facing the horrifying prospect of, you know, talking to them. Worse still, children are more than happy to comply, even though many studies have shown it can be bad for their mental health.
It's not all doom and gloom though, we're here to show you that hanging out with your children can be fun, affordable, and have a positive impact on your bond as a family. Below we've listed four of our favourite Brisbane activities for less than $50, showcasing a range of experiences that are exciting and completely child-friendly, so you can spend some quality time together. The best days out with kids in Brisbane are the ones that make the most of the fantastic Queensland landscape - so get out there and start exploring!
90 Minute Kayaking Experience on the Enoggera Reservoir
Minimum age: 5 (kids aged 5-7 must ride with an adult)
Price: $40pp
Outdoor activities for under 5s can be few and far between, but not with this exciting kayak tour in the outer suburbs of Brisbane. Qualified guides will demonstrate how to safely get in and out of the kayaks, and provide a quick tutorial on paddling and changing direction - plus - because the tour takes place on a reservoir, you don't have to worry about waves or strong currents! At only $40 per person this experience is great for weekends in the country and reconnecting with your closest loved ones.
30 Minute Segway Obstacle Course in Kangaroo Point
Minimum age: 8
Price: $39pp
Segways may seem futuristic and high-tech, but it's a lot easier than you think to ride a personal transporter, and makes a fun family day out in Brisbane. For only $39 per person kids as young as 8 can step on board and try their hand at navigating a purpose-built Segway course, tackling turns, dips and a variety of obstacles that make for an exciting challenge. Qualified instructors are on hand at all times to demonstrate proper technique and ensure safety, so everyone feels confident zooming around on these novel machines. Head to Kangaroo Point for a fantastic off-road adventure!
2 Hour Brisbane River Paddlewheeler Lunch Cruise
Minimum age: None
Price: Adult $49 | Child (4-12) $20
Lunch cruises are a great idea for affordable family activities in Brisbane, and combine delicious food, fun entertainment, and scenic sightseeing for an all-round fantastic day out! Children of all ages are welcome (kids under 4 even go free!), and will love the novelty of the vintage style paddlewheeler, chugging through the water as you pass famous sights like Story Bridge, Brisbane Botanical Gardens, Kangaroo Cliffs and many more. At only $20 per child the Brisbane River lunch cruise is a low-cost activity that, to your young ones, will feel like the ultimate expedition!
Kids Horse Riding Lesson in Mount Samson
Minimum age: 6
Price: $30
Brining up the rear is this unique (and very purse-friendly!) horse riding lesson for kids in Mount Samson, around 40 minutes from central Brisbane. Children will get the opportunity to learn about looking after horses, how to care for them, and 15 minutes spent riding a pony round the farm enclosure with a professional instructor offering advice and encouragement. As if that's not exciting enough, the farm also has a whole host of friendly animals to say hello to, including donkeys, chickens, alpacas, pigs, goats, sheep, guinea pigs and cows!
That concludes our 4 Child-Friendly Activities in Brisbane Under $50, a listicle that every young parent can get behind. Hopefully you've found inspiration for entertaining the kids this summer, but feel free to browse our Brisbane page or our Gifts For Kids page for more ideas!
