Looking for ways to keep the kids entertained these school holidays without blowing the budget? From free adventures and water play to sweet treats, train rides and a real-life Bluey trail, South Bank is packed with things to see and do for little explorers.

Whether you're planning a full day out or simply looking for a few activities to fill the school holiday calendar, there's plenty to discover. Grab an Adventure Trail map, hop aboard the Xpress Fun Train, cool off at Streets Beach or uncover one of South Bank's best-kept sustainability secrets. Here's how to make the most of the school holidays in South Bank.

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South Bank Adventure Trail
South Bank is your playground these school holidays and it's all free. Gather the family, grab your Adventure Trail map from the Visitor Information Centre and set off on a self-guided mission around the precinct. Discover hidden spots, tick off activities, and go into the draw to win a family pass to the Fijian Flying Circus and a $150 South Bank dining voucher.

On completion of the trail, each adventurer will receive a certificate of completion to take home, plus some amazing offers from South Bank favourites Cake Bar, Barbossa and Ben & Jerry's.

Ditch the iPad, grab the map and explore South Bank these school holidays. The South Bank Visitor Information Centre is open 9am to 5pm and located next to Max Brenner in Stanley Street Plaza, South Bank. No bookings. No cost. Just adventure.

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A Sweet Stop
Packed wall-to-wall with nostalgic favourites and colourful confectionery, The Great Aussie Sweet Company is every kid's dream come true. From choc-coated honeycomb and red frogs to shelves overflowing with classic treats, choosing what makes it into the paper bag may just be the hardest decision of the day.

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Hop Aboard The Xpress Fun Train
All aboard! Returning from 18 September to 12 October, the Xpress Fun Train is back to bring a little extra magic to South Bank. Departing from its station outside South Bank Piazza, the colourful train takes little adventurers on a joyful ride through the precinct. With open-air carriages, plenty of excitement and prime people-watching opportunities along the way, it's the perfect addition to any family day out. Whether you're heading between playground sessions, grabbing a bite to eat or simply exploring the riverside, this charming ride is guaranteed to be a hit with the kids.

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Let Them Loose At Riverside Green
Every great family day starts with a playground, and Riverside Green Playground is one of South Bank's best. Packed with climbing equipment, slides and plenty of space to run wild, it's the ideal place for little ones to burn off some energy. When hunger inevitably strikes, make your way to Riverside Café & Bar, conveniently located right next door. Expect family-friendly dining, quality coffee, tasty breakfast and lunch options, sweet treats from the cake cabinet and a dedicated kids' menu.

Recreate The South Bank Bluey Episode
Big fans of Bluey? You'll want to recreate the iconic South Bank episode IRL. Start with a stroll along The Arbour, ride The Wheel of Brisbane, make a splash at Aquativity, and grab a scoop from Ben & Jerry's or Happy Pops. Finish it off with a walk down Clem Jones Promenade. Dress the kids in their favourite Bluey merch for bonus photo ops.

Make The Most Of The Warmer Weather

As the weather starts to warm up, it's the perfect time to make a splash in South Bank. Cool off at Streets Beach, take a dip in the Boat Pool, or let the little ones get hands-on with water play at Aquativity. Pack the swimmers, sunscreen and a towel, then settle in for a day of sunshine and water-filled fun.

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Rainbank Experience
Beneath your feet, a whole hidden world has been quietly at work since 2011. Rain Bank, our award-winning stormwater harvesting and reuse centre, supplies up to 85% of South Bank’s water needs. That’s 30 Olympic-sized pools of water saved every year! Now you can actually see it happen. Colourful periscope-style pipes let you peek underground and watch the whole journey come to life. You can find them at Riverside Green, Liana Lounge, and Rainforest Green. It’s a fun, hands-on way for the whole family to learn about water sustainability and the science behind South Bank’s best hidden secret. Free to enjoy and open daily 6am to 10pm.

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