It’s official – Brisbane has been named one of the best cities on earth to raise a family, with affordability, green spaces and lifestyle leading the way. And when it comes to affordable things to do in Brisbane with kids, it doesn’t get much better than a day at Queensland Museum Kurilpa.
Whether you’re spending under $20 or making a full day of it, here’s how to enjoy a fun, educational and budget-friendly family day out in Brisbane.
With 50-cent public transport fares across South East Queensland, getting here is cheaper than ever. Prefer to drive? All-day parking is available for $18 (but arrive early during school holidays).
Pack a picnic to enjoy in the Dinosaur Garden or grab a bite at Café Muse – the choice is yours.
Better yet, you can extend your day by exploring nearby cultural icons like State Library of Queensland, Queensland Art Gallery, Gallery of Modern Art, or the lush South Bank Parklands.
Under $20: A Full Day of Free Family Fun
You don’t need to spend big to have a memorable day. In fact, most of the museum is completely free.
Must-see free experiences:
- Meet Mephisto, a WWI German tank in the Anzac Legacy Gallery
- Come face-to-face with Australovenator in Dinosaurs Unearthed
- Dance your way through Make a Scene: Fashioning Queer Identity and Club Culture in the 90s
- Chase projected crabs in Wild State
- Discover live insects and reptiles in the Discovery Centre
Bring a packed lunch and relax beneath the towering T. rex and Triceratops in the Dinosaur Garden – a Brisbane family favourite.
Free daily activities:
First Nations Stories: Children’s Activity Trail
Perfect for ages 5–12, this interactive trail invites kids to explore Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories, culture and connection to Country.
Queensland Museum Highlights Tour
Free guided tours run daily, offering a curated look at the museum’s most fascinating objects and stories.
Under $50: Add a Bite of Adventure
Upgrade your day with a visit to Croc! Lost Giants to Living Legends on a Tuesday with half price entry – but only in March and April.
This immersive exhibition takes you on a journey through 130 million years of crocodile evolution, from prehistoric supercrocs to modern icons.
Hot tip: Take advantage of 50% off tickets every Tuesday for a budget-friendly midweek outing.
Cost on a Tuesday: Adults $14.95, Child (5-15) $9.95, Concession $13.50, Family $42
Croc! Lost Giants to Living Legends | Queensland Museum Kurilpa
Under $70: Hands-On Science Fun
Pair the free galleries with a visit to SparkLab, the museum’s interactive science centre.
With over 40 hands-on exhibits, kids can experiment, build, and explore STEM concepts in a fun and engaging way. It’s one of the best indoor activities for kids in Brisbane, especially on hot or rainy days.
The cost of a visit to SparkLab is just Adult: $16.50, Concession: $14.50, Child (5-15 years): $13.50, Child (3-4 years): $5 or Family (2A + 2C): $50
Under $100: The Ultimate Museum Experience
Combine the museum’s free galleries with a full-priced visit to Croc! Lost Giants to Living Legends.
This experience blends science, culture and storytelling – from ancient predators to their place in First Nations stories and pop culture today.
It’s an unforgettable way to deepen your family’s understanding of one of the planet’s most fascinating animals.
Cost: Adults $29.90, Child (5-15) $19.90, Concession $27, Family $84
Under $200: The Full Day Out
Want to do it all? Combine:
- Free galleries
But upgrade your SparkLab ticket to an annual pass and visit as many times as you like over 12 months! As well as get access to discounts and other reciprocal benefits.
Annual Pass cost: Adult: $40, Concession: $34 (on presentation of a valid concession card), Child: $31 (5 – 15 years), Child: $15 (3 – 4 years), Family: $105 (2 adults and 2 children) and Additional children: $15 each (maximum 2 additional children).
This is the ultimate family day out in Brisbane, packed with discovery, play and learning – all in one convenient location.
Why Queensland Museum Kurilpa is Perfect for Families
With Brisbane ranked the best city for families thanks to affordability, safety and lifestyle, experiences like Queensland Museum Kurilpa show exactly why.
- Affordable for all budgets
- Indoor and outdoor experiences
- Educational and interactive
- Located in Brisbane’s cultural heart
Whether you’re a local looking for weekend inspiration or visiting the city, this is one of the top free things to do in Brisbane with kids.
Plan Your Visit
Make the most of your day by:
- Arriving early during peak periods
- Booking tours and exhibitions in advance
- Bringing a picnic or budgeting for café options
- Pairing your visit with South Bank adventures
If Brisbane is the best city on earth to raise a family, then a day at the museum proves why big experiences don’t have to come with a big price tag.
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