Are school holiday activities for your children putting a dent in your wallet? No need to fret as there are free recreational options in Ipswich.
This water park and playground boasts of a water fun area consisting of tipping buckets, water spouts and jet sprays that young kids will truly enjoy, whilst the older family members can relax and appreciate the shaded picnic spots, lovely gardens, lake and waterfalls.
2. Orion Lagoon
Located beside Robelle Domain, your kids can cool off in the 50 metre swimming area. Younger children and toddlers will have fun exploring the tail end of the lagoon, which has an average of 30cm depth. Lifeguards on duty ensure a safe swimming experience.
Children will be delighted with this zero-depth aquativity zone as it features opportunities for nature play. They can experiment with water pumps and direct overflow through a network of stepping stones and pathways. There are also playground areas positioned on each side of the aquativity zone.
4. Discovery Forest at Bob Gamble Park
The “Discovery Forest” encourages the little adventurers to explore the forest floor, swing on a rope attached to a tall tree, cross a wooden bridge and climb through two forts.
5. River Heart Parklands Laser Projections
Stroll through wheelchair and pram-friendly boardwalks by the banks of the Bremer River, which is at the heart of Ipswich. At night, children will be amazed as the river comes alive magically with laser projections of the river creatures Ippy, Limey and Stoney.
6. Triassic Park, Denmark Hill Conservation Reserve
A few minutes away from the city’s main streets, venture back to the age of dinosaurs! This park persuades children to examine dinosaur footprints and fossil displays, complete with a Stegosaurus structure.
A fairy-tale themed park that inspires imaginative play among children. It features a sword in the stone, totter bridge, concrete castle play structure, viking swing, and storytelling chair.
These are Japanese gardens designed with Ipswich’s Japanese sister city, Nerima. Kids will appreciate the serenity and beauty of the surroundings, aside from experiencing a model traditional Japanese tea house.
Children are given the opportunity to glimpse Australian native wildlife in this centre, including wombats, wallabies, emus, quolls, and a nocturnal bilby exhibit. The Centre also has a rainforest bird aviary and a barnyard that has chickens, goats, sheep, and a friendly bull.
Entrance is free but donations are accepted to help with operational costs.
10. Lobley Park
Ten minutes from the CBD, kids of all ages and abilities will enjoy this aviation themed park. Popularly known as “the aeroplane park” it features a mock cockpit, air-traffic control tower with x-ray machine and radar screen, and ‘parachute’ swings. Blue pathways painted with clouds connect different play areas.