Things to do
Must-do Ipswich activities
Ipswich is quickly setting itself up as one of the most family friendly cities in the greater Brisbane area, with an abundance of free and inexpensive activities to suit the whole family. Whether you are an Ipswich local, or just visiting for a day or longer, there is guaranteed to be something you will enjoy.
Ipswich Art Gallery
The Ipswich Art Gallery, located in d’Arcy Doyle Place is full of unique works of art and seasonal exhibits, however best of all is the children’s gallery upstairs, aimed at the younger creators in your life. The exhibits and activities within the children’s gallery change every few months making it an exciting place to visit over and over again.
At times there may be a small charge associated with certain exhibits, however most of the year the activities are free of charge for the whole family. You can check out the schedule of upcoming events on their website.
Grandchester Model Live Steam Trains
On the first Sunday of every month you have the chance to enjoy the amazing, your whole family can come and enjoy the replicated steam train models at Grandchester. Just like a real railway station, except downscaled versions. Be sure to wear closed in shoes if you are planning to ride the trains. Find out the next date on their website.
Paintball
If it’s outdoors adrenaline-packed adventure you are looking for, Tactical Ops Paintball is the place for you. It is a fun activity for teens and adults in Calvert.
Springloaded Trampoline Centre
Love trampolines? You will love Springloaded! Wall to wall trampolines, foam pits, swinging ropes and obstacle courses galore. Springloaded is a load of fun from toddlers to adults. Choose from free jump sessions or attend a fitness gymastics class instead. Getting fit was never so fun! Visit their website to find out pricing and available sessions.
The Workshops Rail Museum
If your train enthusiasts want more, Ipswich is also home to the popular Workshops Rail Museum – once the workplace for over 3, 000 railway workers. The museum has a huge collection of restored train carriages and memorabilia on display. Although one of the most popular reasons to visit is the Nippers’ Railway play zone, where kids of all ages can enjoy the world of make believe as conductors and train drivers. At least once a year the Thomas the Tank Engine exhibition comes to the museum and is sure to delight young fans.
Orion Lagoon
In the warmer seasons, one of the best free activities in Ipswich is the newly developed Orion Lagoon in Springfield. Right next door to Orion Shopping Centre, the Lagoon is a free public swimming pool with daily lifeguard supervision during set hours each day. There are restaurants and other facilities nearby, making it a perfect location for a swim and a family day out.
Ipswich Nature Centre
Located right next door to historical Queens Park, Ipswich Nature Centre is a free attraction giving you the opportunity to see native Australian wildlife and farm animals up close. See wallabies and kangaroos, emus and lizards, along with many other animals in the recently upgraded nature park facilities. Kids will love seeing animals up close and the opportunity to learn more. While entry is free, a gold coin donation is appreciated to help maintain this amazing attraction.
Parks & Playgrounds
Ipswich has a variety of parks and playgrounds to suit all ages and interests. There are several large playgrounds with a range of modern play equipment, such as Queens Park, Colleges Crossing, or Brooking Parklands in Ripley. Each of these are also well set up with picnic areas and BBQ facilities.
There are also some great water play areas in Ipswich, including Robelle Domain, with expansive parklands, a fun tipping bucket and water sprays, next to the Orion Lagoon. Or both Bob Gamble Park – River Heart Parklands, and Providence Splash’N’Play Adventure Park in South Ripley have a variety of fun water play features, with water jets, sprinklers and wading areas to cater to kids of all ages (and adults). They each have playground areas as well, making them suitable no matter the season for a day out.
Markets and Stalls
There are several regular markets that run in the Ipswich area throughout the year, including the Ipswich Showplace Markets every Sunday at the Ipswich Showgrounds. The Workshops Railway Museum Twilight Markets and the Ipswich Handmade Expo Market are also worth checking out, on either monthly or weekly through the year. Enjoy local produce, handmade crafts, bargains and great food with having quality family time.
And if all these fantastic activities and attractions are still not enough to keep you entertained (although we highly doubt that is possible), there are regular events throughout the year in Ipswich, with something new happening all the time. Ipswich is the perfect family friendly city all year round!
