The southside is full of bushland close to the city. At the top of Mount Gravatt, there's a cafe and playground with a view to the bay islands. At Whites Hill, The Common is a fully fenced playground for children of all abilities, with barbecues beside it. Karawatha Forest has Queensland's first nature-play space next to its Discovery Centre, and short tracks to the lagoons.

For koalas, walk the flat trails at Brisbane Koala Bushlands in Burbank early or late in the day, and look up into the forks of the gum trees. In Toohey Forest, you might spot an echidna.

On a rainy or hot day, BOUNCE Macgregor has rows of trampolines and a giant air bag to jump onto, and Iceworld at Acacia Ridge has public skating sessions. Langlands Park Pool at Stones Corner is heated all year and has a shady wading pool.