There's no need to "break the bank" these school holidays with these free recreational options.
Splash 'n' Play Park
Providence Parade, South Ripley
With water play areas, an impressive adventure playground and several sheltered picnic areas, this
venue will please children of all ages. There is even an onsite cafe with a generous decking area overlooking the parklands.
Splash 'n' Play Park
Step back in time to the age of dinosaurs! Children will enjoy
exploring the grounds and examining the dinosaur footprints and fossils that have been found there.
A 200m return Triassic Circuit features various creative and informative displays as well as an impressive Stegosaurus shelter.
More adventurous visitors can follow a walking track to the water tower for 360 degree views of Ipswich City.
Enchanted Woods Park
Grande Avenue and Springfield Central Boulevard, Springfield Rise
This
fairy-tale themed park will inspire imaginative play with a concrete castle structure, viking swing, sword in the stone, bridge and scramble net.
Water Play at Bob Gamble Park
King Edward Parade, Ipswich
A
zero-depth aquativity zone features an array of alternating water sprinklers. Children can also experiment with water pumps and direct overflow through a network of stepping stones and pathways.
Two adjacent playground areas cater for varying interests and abilities.
Splashing in the Water Trough
The
Discovery Forest boasts impressive mature trees, thick canopies and cool temperatures. Little adventurers can explore the forest floor, climb and swing on a rope attached to a tall tree, enjoy wooden balance beams, cross a wooden bridge and climb through two forts.
River Heart Parklands Laser Projections
20 Bremer Street‚ Ipswich City
Explore 1.2 kilometres of pram and wheelchair accessible boardwalks. At nightfall children will be amazed by
laser projections of mystical creatures Ippy, Limey and Stoney.
Robelle Domain Parklands
1 Education City Drive‚ Springfield
This
beloved park is best known for its water play, in particular, the iconic tipping bucket of water. Water spouts and sprinklers entertain younger children, whilst playground and exercise equipment cater for all members of the family.
Iconic Tipping Bucket of Water
Cool down by taking a dip at the
lagoon or frolicking in the trickling waters and sprinklers. Lifeguards, onsite cafe and permanent beach umbrellas for your convenience.
Nerima Gardens
Merle Finimore Avenue, Ipswich
Located within Queens Park,
Nerima Gardens features stunning traditional Japanese gardens, walkways and a large lake. It is ideal for photographic opportunities and general relaxation.
Ipswich Nature Centre
Golbey Avenue, Ipswich
Also located within Queens Park,
Ipswich Nature Centre, showcases an array of Australian wildlife, including wombats, wallabies, emus, quolls, and a nocturnal bilby exhibit. The centre also boasts an enormous rainforest bird aviary and a small barnyard with resident chickens, goats, sheep and a friendly bull (if you visit around springtime, this menagerie also includes calves, lambs and piglets).
Whilst entry is free, donations are encouraged to assist with operational costs.
Walk Through Bird Aviary
This
aviation themed playground features a plane structure with mock cockpit, an air-traffic control tower, blue paths painted with clouds and parachute-inspired swings.
Electric barbeques and toilet facilities allow for extended visits.
Ipswich Art Gallery
D'Arcy Doyle Place, Ipswich
In addition to collections of both modern and heritage art,
Ipswich Art Gallery also provides a dedicated children's section offering various child-centred programs and activities.
Admission is free unless stated otherwise (special exhibitions may attract a small fee).
Colleges Crossing Recreation Reserve
408 - 492 Mt Crosby Road, Chuwar
Situated along the banks of the Brisbane River, this
venue is ideal for fishing and kayaking (swimming is not permitted). Family members of all ages will enjoy the outlook, with a shaded playground and nature play area for the children.
Aerial View
Riders of all ages and abilities will appreciate a visit to
Sutton Park. Featuring miniature roads, younger children will negotiate traffic lights and signs, roundabouts and a pedestrian crossing.
Older and/or more capable children will enjoy an extended network of bike paths and skate bowl.
Tucker Family Park
Happy Jack Drive, Bellbird Park
The highlight of this
venue is a 9m high custom-designed cube tower with an 18m slide. Family members of all fitness levels are catered for with an obstacle course, chest press, fitness bike and cross trainer and sporting courts.
