Brisbane South

Brisbane South Family

Families across Brisbane’s south can borrow toys, join early-learning sessions, explore nature, take part in junior sport and find age-appropriate support close to home. Options range from relaxed drop-in activities to specialist services with defined referrals or appointments, giving you practical choices for different stages of family life.

✨ Play, discovery and early learning

Brisbane South Toy Library

At Richlands Community Centre, this volunteer-run toy library helps families refresh playtime without needing to buy every toy. Members with children aged six months to 12 years can borrow from more than 2,000 toys, games and play materials. Party equipment hire is also available. Check the current opening times before setting out, as the library is run by volunteers.

Karawatha Forest Discovery Centre

Children can learn about local wildlife and sustainability through interactive displays at Brisbane City Council’s environmental learning centre in Karawatha. Families can also use the nature play space and follow the Hide ’n’ Seek Children’s Trail. Entry is free, and the centre is wheelchair accessible. Groups of more than 30 people must book at least 10 days before visiting.

Brisbane Libraries – First 5 Forever and children’s programs

Council libraries across Brisbane, including branches in Brisbane South, offer free literacy activities for children and their parents or carers. Babies, Books and Rhymes is designed for babies aged up to one year, Toddler Time for ages one to two, and Children’s Storytime for ages three to five. The library events calendar also lists school-holiday activities and annual reading clubs, making it useful for planning low-cost outings throughout the year.

The Corner, State Library of Queensland

For a nearby South Brisbane outing, The Corner is a free drop-in learning and play space for children aged zero to eight and their families. Young visitors can enjoy daily songs and stories, make art, play with building blocks and spend time in the garden courtyard. Adults must supervise children, and some special events require bookings. A parents room provides seating, baby-change facilities, a microwave and an accessible toilet.

🌈 Parenting groups, care and youth activities

Kyabra Family, Children & Parenting Services

Kyabra runs free, term-based opportunities for parents and young children across several southern suburbs. Play & Grow sessions are offered at locations including Sunnybank, Runcorn, Richlands and Eight Mile Plains/Wishart. Parenting groups include Tuning in to Kids, Circle of Security and Nurtured Hearts. Places, schedules and wet-weather arrangements differ between locations, so confirm the current details before attending.

My Place Family Day Care

Operated by Inala Community House, My Place coordinates registered family day care educators across Inala and its south-east Queensland service area. Educators care for children aged six weeks to 12 years in their own homes. Depending on the individual educator, arrangements may include standard hours, before- and after-school care, school holidays, weekends, overnight stays or public holidays. Families should ask which options are currently available and suitable for their child.

PCYC Inala – youth programs

Teenagers can connect through youth drop-ins and After Dark programs listed by PCYC Inala. PCYC’s free Drop-In program provides semi-structured after-school activities for ages 12–18. After Dark is a free, ongoing sport-based program outside regular hours for young people aged 12–18 who are experiencing disengagement from community, family or school. Contact the Inala club to confirm local session times and how to participate.

Souths Junior Magpies

Based at Brandon Park in Acacia Ridge, Souths Junior Magpies gives children and teenagers a pathway into organised football. The club fields teams from under-sixes through to under-18s, covering a broad range of junior age groups. It also states that volunteers working with children hold relevant qualifications. Families can check current team arrangements and registration information directly with the club.

🧩 Developmental and disability support

AEIOU Nathan

Located at Griffith University’s Nathan campus, AEIOU Nathan offers private appointments in speech pathology, occupational therapy and behaviour support. Depending on the arrangement, sessions may take place at the centre or in a child’s home or school. Families can enquire about appointment availability and which setting may be appropriate for their circumstances.

AQ Sunnybank Hills

Autism Queensland’s Sunnybank Hills centre provides autism-specific services for children, adolescents, adults, families and carers. Its offerings include allied health and diagnostic assessments, individual therapy, early childhood intervention for children aged zero to seven, therapy groups, parent education and telepractice. Kids Konnection is a fee-based school-holiday program for ages five to 17, with limited places. Ask about eligibility, fees and current availability for the particular service you need.

❤ Youth, family and parenting support

headspace Inala

Young people aged 12–25 who live in Inala or surrounding areas can access free, family-inclusive support. Available help includes mental health support, information, advice and referrals, work and study assistance, group activities, and alcohol and other drug counselling delivered through a partner service. Young people may enquire directly; referrals can also be made with their consent.

Inala Community House Family Intervention Service

This intensive service supports families with children or young people under 18—including unborn children—who are involved with the statutory child-protection system. Parent participation is voluntary. Referrals for intensive casework must come through Child Safety Service Centres, while the Inala and Forest Lake centres can refer families for intensive casework or programs. The referral conditions are important, so families and referring workers should use the stated pathway.

Parentline

Parents, carers and family members caring for children anywhere in Queensland can contact Parentline for confidential counselling and support. Counsellors can discuss parenting challenges, family relationships and co-parenting concerns. Phone and WebChat support operate daily from 6 am to midnight AEST, offering a statewide option when getting to a local service is difficult or you would prefer to talk remotely.

📌 Before you book or visit

• Check ages and eligibility: Programs range from baby sessions to support for young adults, and some have referral, catchment or participation conditions.
• Confirm the current session: Term programs, volunteer-run activities, youth sessions and holiday offerings may change, fill or vary by location.
• Ask about access: If mobility, sensory, communication or personal-care needs matter to your visit, confirm the facilities and available adjustments beforehand.
• Clarify supervision and bookings: Some play spaces require active adult supervision, while appointments, special events and larger group visits may need advance booking.
• Check costs and funding: Several activities are free, while membership, care, therapy and limited-place holiday programs may involve fees or other arrangements.

🌟 Run a family-focused business, service, activity or community group that serves Brisbane South? You are warmly invited to add a listing or update your existing details so local families can find accurate, practical information.

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