Greater Brisbane

Greater Brisbane Family

Families across Greater Brisbane can share stories at the library, explore the bush, make art, borrow toys and find age-appropriate support when life becomes difficult. From free early-years activities to youth programs and specialist family services, these options offer practical ways to connect, play, learn and seek help.

✨ Play, stories and creative discovery

Brisbane City Council Libraries – First 5 Forever

Free early-literacy sessions give young children and their adults a welcoming way to enjoy books, songs, rhymes and stories together. Council libraries run Babies, books and rhymes for babies aged 0–1, Toddler time for children aged 1–2 and Children’s storytime for ages 3–5. Pop-up Library storytime also caters for children aged 0–5. Locations and dates vary, so check the current event program before setting out.

Brisbane City Council – Bush Kindy

Children aged 3–5 can explore natural surroundings through bushwalks, stories, craft and discovery activities at Chermside West and Boondall Wetlands. Sessions are free, but bookings are required. A parent or carer must directly supervise every child throughout the activity, and outdoor conditions may lead to weather-related changes.

QAGOMA Children’s Art Centre – Art Box for Kids: Shannon Brett

At the Gallery of Modern Art in South Brisbane, families can visit a free interactive exhibition featuring a hands-on making activity, artist video, reading zone and seating area. Art Box for Kids: Shannon Brett runs from 23 May to 8 November 2026. Large-print and braille guides are available, while the video includes captions and Auslan interpretation. Children aged 12 and under need carer supervision.

Brisbane South Toy Library

This volunteer-run Richlands service gives members access to more than 2,000 toys, games and play materials for children aged six months to 12 years. Families can borrow items and return them after use, providing variety without needing to buy every toy. Party-play equipment hire is also available. The toy library operates from Richlands Community Centre; review membership and borrowing arrangements before visiting.

📅 School-age care

PCYC East Brisbane Fun Squad

Fun Squad provides before-school and after-school care at PCYC East Brisbane, along with programs during school holidays and pupil-free days. Enrolment and bookings are handled through the service’s parent portal. Families should confirm current vacancies, fees, activity arrangements and the details required for enrolment directly with the team.

🌱 Parenting, early development and therapy

Ellen Barron Family Centre

Based in Chermside, this specialist child health service works with families who need intensive help to develop practical parenting skills and confidence from birth until a child’s third birthday. Residential and virtual residential programs are available. Access is not by drop-in: families need a referral and eligibility assessment. Referrals are accepted from Queensland, northern New South Wales and the Northern Territory.

Skye Therapy

Children, teenagers and parents can access occupational therapy focused on engagement and attention in learning, play and self-care. Based in Moorooka and serving Brisbane’s southside, the practice offers individual therapy and parent coaching, as well as visits to homes, schools, kindergartens and day-care settings. Telehealth is another option. Listed payment pathways include private, Medicare and NDIS funding.

Head to Health Kids Queensland – Brisbane

Free mental health and wellbeing support is available for children aged 0–12 and their families, carers and kin. The Brisbane hub can help with concerns such as anxiety, managing emotions, school avoidance and behavioural difficulties. Care coordination and service navigation are also part of the offering, helping families identify and connect with suitable assistance.

🎯 Young people and young parents

headspace Inala

Young people aged 12–25 in Inala and surrounding areas can access free, family-inclusive assistance spanning mental health, alcohol and other drug counselling, work and study support, information, referrals and group activities. Young people may self-refer or be referred with their consent. A parent or guardian must provide consent when the young person is under 15.

Encircle Young Parents Program

Young pregnant and parenting families across Greater North Brisbane can receive free, voluntary support when the parent is aged up to 23 and their first pregnancy occurred at age 19 or younger. Pregnancy and parenting groups create opportunities to meet others, while individual assistance can take place at home or another agreed location. Support may cover parenting, children’s needs and wider family wellbeing.

Brisbane Youth Service – Family Support

Young parents and their children can join a weekly Young Families Group during school terms to connect and build parenting and child-development skills. Brisbane Youth Service also operates Ruby’s, an early-support reunification program for young people aged 12–15 and their families where conflict and risks of homelessness are present.

💡 Disability navigation and broader family support

Youngcare Connect

Families and individuals navigating disability services can seek help to understand and access the NDIS, connect with providers, explore Specialist Disability Accommodation and identify other possible funding options. Youngcare Connect is based in South Brisbane and provides support Australia-wide by phone and email, making it suitable for families who need navigation assistance rather than a local clinical appointment.

Family and Child Connect

Parents, family members and young people can use this community-based entry point when they need support to care for and protect children at home. It can link families with help involving parenting, relationships, budgeting, housing, health care and other needs. Call 13 FAMILY (13 32 64) to be directed to the closest service. Meetings may be arranged at home or another mutually safe place.

Queensland Youth and Family Support Service

Free, voluntary assistance is available in the Brisbane region for young people aged 10–17 who are at risk of offending or re-offending, and for their families. Relevant concerns may involve police, court, youth justice conferencing, school, substance use or conflict at home. Families can approach the service themselves, and referrals may also come from other services.

❤ Support for domestic and family violence

Brisbane Domestic and Family Violence Service

Micah Projects provides free, confidential support at all hours for people in Brisbane experiencing violence and abuse. Families can contact the service for specialist assistance in a sensitive setting. It is a support service and should not be treated as a replacement for emergency assistance.

✅ Before you book, enrol or visit

• Check ages and eligibility: several programs have firm age ranges, referral requirements or family circumstances that determine access.
• Confirm bookings and availability: activity dates, care vacancies and group places may change, particularly during school holidays or poor weather.
• Ask about access needs: contact the provider ahead of time to discuss mobility, sensory, communication or participation requirements.
• Review supervision rules: some activities require a parent or carer to remain with and directly supervise children.
• Confirm costs and funding: many listed options are free, while memberships, care, therapy or equipment hire may involve fees or specific funding pathways.

📌 Do you run a family-focused business, service, activity or community group serving Greater Brisbane? You are warmly invited to add your offering or update an existing listing so local families can find accurate, practical information.

⚠️ Accuracy Note: We do our best to keep this information useful and up to date, however details can change over time. If you notice anything that appears incorrect or out of date, please let us know and we will review it. Local business owners and community leaders can also help keep local information accurate by logging in and creating or managing their own listing and useful content on brisbane.qld.guide.