Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary at Fig Tree Pocket has been looking after koalas since 1927, and it is the big day out on this side of the river. Check the board for talks and shows when you arrive.

The parks along the river are excellent. Rocks Riverside Park has water play, a jumping pillow and two playgrounds, one for toddlers and one for older kids, with a kiosk for coffee. At Sherwood Arboretum, there's a big playground and an inclusive nature playground with a net for gazing up at the trees. In Corinda, the Dunlop Park pool has a wading pool with its own water slide.

On weekdays, UQ's small museums at St Lucia are free. At the Physics Museum, kids can try a slide rule. The Anthropology Museum shows objects from cultures around the world. When it rains, Chipmunks at Richlands is an indoor playground for kids up to eleven.