17 Fun Things to do in Toowoomba with Kids

An hour and a half west of Brisbane is Toowoomba, Queensland’s largest inland city, and the 2nd largest inland city in Australia, after Canberra.

There are over 150 public parks in Toowoomba, which is a reason on its own to visit Toowoomba with kids.

We brought the kids’ scooters and they scooted all over the parks in Toowoomba. Even if you don’t go to a park, there are plenty of things to do in Toowoomba with kids.

Toowoomba is known for its Carnival of Flowers which takes place in their many parks in September. A lot of extra events take place in September during this amazing annual event.

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Free Things to Do in Toowoomba with Kids

#1 Look at the Beautiful Flowers

During the month of September, the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers takes place at local parks in Toowoomba and it is not to be missed.

While there are plenty of free and paid events all over Toowoomba during the festival, walking around the gardens is always free. Queens Park and Laurel Bank Park are 2 of the most popular spots to see the gorgeous gardens during the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers.

Musical entertainment and outdoor movies take place for free during the Carnival of Flowers.

A Ferris wheel is located in Queens Park during the event, and there is a playground near the flower displays in Laurel Bank Park.

#2 Play in the Park

The beautiful parks in Toowoomba are worth visiting even during months when the flowers aren’t on display.

• Queens Park has multiple playgrounds including an all-abilities playground and plenty of space to run around.
• Laurel Bank Park has a playground and a large shelter for picnics and group gatherings.
• Japenese Gardens provides 3 kilometers of paths around a lake in a relaxing atmosphere.
• Picnic Point Parklands has panoramic views of Table Top Mountain, multiple playgrounds, bushwalks, and a cafe.

There are more than 150 parks in Toowoomba. The ones listed are some of the most popular parks in Toowoomba, and the parks recommended during the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers.

#3 Find Incredible Street Art

Head to Toowoomba’s Street Art Trail and find your favorite mural.

#4 Go for a Hike

Click here for a list of all of the hikes near Toowoomba. The list gives the location, difficulty, and length of each hike.

We went for a short but steep hike at Spring Bluff Train Station. They have a playground and a picnic area as well as toilets and a water refill station.

#5 Explore Art Gallery Park

This park features modern Aboriginal art monuments.

More Things to Do in Toowoomba with Kids

#6 Go Back in Time and Play at Cobb and Co

Cobb and Co Museum has a hands-on science center, dinosaurs, and exhibits featuring local history, focusing on the beginning of travel through Australia by the Cobb and Co Carriages.

In addition to the science center, there is another hands-on play area for kids, the Coach Stop Play Area. The Coach Stop Play Area includes dressing up and pretending to ride a carriage, and a general store to play in.

Little Cobblers, geared towards kids 0-5, includes a story and activities.

Workshops are available for those 16+ where participants can learn skills such as blacksmithing, silversmithing, leather plaiting, and stain glass.

Cobb and Co is free for local residents.

#7 See a Performance at Empire Theatre

See what show is on at the Empire Theatre. There are often children’s productions on the calendar.

For those who wish to learn more about the theatre, backstage tours are available.

#8 Learn about Trains at DownsSteam Tourist Railway & Museum

Volunteers run the DownsSteam Tourist Railway and Museum which tells the story of Toowoomba’s rail history.

There are multiple trains open including The Dreamtime Journey Coach which is painted with Aboriginal art.

#9 Ride a Mini Train at Toowoomba Live Steamers Mini Train Rides

Single or multi-ride passes can be purchased for the Toowoomba Live Steamers Mini Train Rides. Trains are generally available on the 3rd Sunday of each month.

#10 Play Inside at iPlay

Play games and earn tickets for prizes at iPlay. iPlay is a great rainy day in Toowoomba activity and a perfect place to go on really hot days.

#11 Enjoy a Mystery Picnic

Join AmazingCo on an AmazingCo Mystery Picnic in Toowoomba. Your family will solve clues to find locations and pick up picnic supplies before ending up in a park enjoying your picnic.

Read about our Mystery Picnic experience in Brisbane.

#12 Let the Kids Run Out Their Energy

Sometimes you just want to sit down in air-conditioning while the kids run out their energy.

Chipmunks Playland and Inflatable World are two great places to let them wander, jump, and play.

Things to Do Near Toowoomba with Kids

#12 Visit the Animals at Darling Downs Zoo

40 minutes south of Toowoomba is the Darling Downs Zoo which houses animals from Australia, Africa, South America, and South-East Asia.

On Saturday nights, there is a Zoofari Night Tour where families can enjoy a BBQ dinner and a tour of the zoo at night.

#13 Go Back in Time at Highfields Pioneer Village

Head back in time and learn about Australian history at Highfields Pioneer Village

In addition to discovering what life was like in buildings such as the toy shop and silversmith, there are also a few museums on the premises. The Fire Brigade Museum, Ambulance Museum, and Queensland Energy Museum are all included.

Murtle May miniature steam train rides along with Henry the Model T bus rides are usually available on the last Sunday of each month.

The Big Cow, one of Australia’s large objects, can be seen here as well.

#14 Learn about the Australian Army at the Army Flying Museum

25 minutes outside of Toowoomba is the Australian Army Flying Museum.

There is a large number of air-crafts available to view as well as memorabilia, plus a small children’s area with activities.

#15 Enjoy a Picnic at Spring Bluff Train Station

Though the cafe is currently closed, there is space to picnic at Spring Bluff Train Station, the main railway station between Ipswich and Toowoomba.

There is also a short but steep hike you can take near the picnic area.

Check their Facebook page for events.

#16 Explore Muntapa Rail Tunnel

Queensland’s longest straight railroad tunnel, Muntapa Rail Tunnel is home to many bats. The trail to the tunnel is open and there is a park, shelter, and toilets nearby.

#17 Play at a Nature Adventure Park

Peacehaven Botanic Park is about 15 minutes north of Toowoomba. There are plenty of places to walk, space to run, and a nature-themed adventure playground.

Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Toowoomba

There are plenty of kid-friendly options for restaurants in Toowoomba. Here are a few.

Wilsonton Hotel

Wilsonton Hotel has a shaded playground for the kids, a game room, plus lots of options for meals.

Newton Hotel

Kids’ meals come with an activity bag at the Newtown Hotel.

Chocolate Cottage Cafe

Not too far from Toowoomba is the Chocolate Cottage Cafe, which is perfect for dining out with kids.

Indoor seating is available, but we prefer to sit out back where there is plenty of space for the kids to play while waiting for their meals. Fairy bread is on the menu, and that is always a hit.

Highfields Tavern

There is a Family Bistro at Highfields Tavern open for lunch and dinner. Kids’ meals come with ice cream, and there is a playground.

Best Accommodations in Toowoomba

Burke and Wills Hotel

With an option for a family room and a location in the Toowoomba city center, Burke and Wills Hotel is a great option for accommodations in Toowoomba. Burke and Wills is a 4-star hotel and is considered “Toowoomba’s most luxurious hotel.”

Most of the hotel rooms at Burke and Wills Hotel only sleep 2, but the family room combines a regular room with an extra room with 2 single beds and sleeps 4.

Burke and Wills have a restaurant on-site and kids receive an activity pack with their meals.

Vacy Hall Toowoomba

Family rooms are available at Vacy Hall and they sleep 4-5 people. Vacy Hall is a 4-star hotel, “Toowoomba’s Grand Boutique Hotel.”

Vacy Hall is located among an acre of gardens and is a quick walk to the main area of Toowoomba.

Quest Toowoomba

Rooms vary from studios to 3-bedroom apartments at Quest Hotel in Toowoomba. The 3-bedroom apartment sleeps up to 6 guests. Quest is a 3-star hotel located in the city center of Toowoomba.

Road Trips from Toowoomba

NORTH: Head to the Bunya Mountains, swim at the Coomba swimming hole, and explore Ravensbourne National Park. Read more about our adventures here.

SOUTH: Drive to Stanthorpe and the Granite Belt. Hike in Girraween National Park, explore Falls Drive, and visit the food factories nearby. Read more about our adventures here.

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