Summer School Holiday Activities in Moreton Bay

The summer school holidays are long, hot and full of energy, and most parents know the feeling of running out of ideas by the second week. If you’re looking for summer school holiday activities in Moreton Bay, the good news is that the region has plenty to keep kids busy without the whole break turning into one long expense.

Between free water parks, a saltwater lagoon by the bay, patrolled beaches, environmental centres, museums and a council school holiday program, there are enough things to do in Moreton Bay with kids to fill several days. You can mix free outdoor outings with the occasional paid activity, and plan indoor backups for the afternoons when the heat or a storm rolls in.

If you’re staying with us at Petrie Mill Motel, you’re well placed to explore. Petrie sits in the middle of the region, so day trips to Redcliffe, North Lakes, Bribie Island and the local parks are all easy to plan.

Why Moreton Bay Works for a Summer School Holiday Break

Free, Low-Cost and Paid Options

Some of the region’s most popular family spots cost nothing to visit. The Mill water park in Petrie, Settlement Cove Lagoon in Redcliffe and the council’s environmental centres are all free, and many of the council’s school holiday activities are free or low cost. That leaves room in the budget for a movie, an indoor play session or a bigger day out.

Something for Every Age

Moreton Bay school holidays work well for families with kids of different ages. Toddlers can splash in shallow water-play areas and listen to library story times, primary school kids can explore museums and wildlife boardwalks, and teenagers can swim, ride the bikeways along the Redcliffe foreshore or catch a new release at the cinema.

Plan Around Queensland’s Summer Weather

Summer in South East Queensland brings heat, humidity and afternoon storms. Plan water play, walks and beach visits for the morning, and keep an indoor option such as a library, gallery or shopping centre up your sleeve for the hottest part of the day. Checking the Bureau of Meteorology forecast before you leave makes it easier to swap things around.

Cool Off at Moreton Bay’s Water Parks and Lagoons

Water play is the easiest win of the summer break, and there are several free options across the region.

The Mill Water Park and Play Space, Petrie

The Mill water park and play space at 12 Moreton Parade, Petrie is free to use and close to the motel, which makes it an easy first outing on day one. Built on the site of the old Petrie paper mill, it has interactive fountains, shallow splash zones and a large water bucket that tips over the kids below. Next to the water play area are separate playgrounds for toddlers and bigger kids, including a 24-metre flying fox and an 8-metre climbing tower.

The fountains also have LED lighting, with an interactive light show at night. There are barbecues, shelters, a large green space and toilets on site. Shade sails cover part of the water play area, but not all of it, so pack sunscreen and hats. Dogs are not allowed in the playgrounds or water play area, and alcohol and glass are not permitted.

Settlement Cove Lagoon, Redcliffe

Settlement Cove Lagoon on Redcliffe Parade is a free, palm-lined public lagoon right on the Redcliffe foreshore. The main lagoon is saltwater, and there is a separate children’s pool for younger swimmers. Lifeguards are on duty during advertised hours, though parents are still responsible for supervising their children.

The lagoon has two ramps into the water and a water wheelchair, and there is a playground nearby, plus barbecues and picnic areas. After a swim, you can walk or ride along the seafront to Redcliffe Jetty. Construction on Redcliffe Parade has been limiting parking, so allow a little extra time to find a spot. Dogs are not allowed in the lagoon area.

Swimming Beaches at Redcliffe and Bribie Island

If your kids would rather swim at the beach, Moreton Bay has two patrolled beaches: Suttons Beach in Redcliffe, where the water is usually calm, and Woorim Beach on Bribie Island, which faces the open ocean and has surf. If you want surf lifesavers on duty, stick to these two beaches, swim between the red and yellow flags, and check patrol times and conditions before you go.

Bongaree, on the western side of Bribie Island, is a popular spot for a paddle, but it is an unpatrolled passage beach. The Pumicestone Passage often looks calm, yet it can have deceptively strong tidal currents, so keep children within arm’s reach and don’t let them swim out from the shore.

Council Aquatic Centres

The City of Moreton Bay also runs aquatic centres across the region for kids who want to swim laps or take a lesson. Entry fees usually apply, unlike the free lagoon and water parks, so check opening hours, prices and any maintenance closures on the council website before you visit.

Meet Wildlife and Explore Nature Around Moreton Bay

Osprey House Environmental Centre, Griffin

Osprey House sits on the Pine River at Griffin, a short drive from Petrie. Boardwalks wind through the mangroves to bird hides, and the resident ospreys can often be seen fishing over the river or returning to their nest. Inside, kids can watch a live video feed from the nest, look at a life-size dugong and explore displays and touch tables.

Entry to all of the council’s environmental centres is free. The outdoor areas at Osprey House are open seven days, while the centre itself keeps shorter hours, so check before you visit if you want to go inside.

Kumbartcho Sanctuary, Eatons Hill

Kumbartcho Sanctuary covers six hectares on the banks of the South Pine River at Eatons Hill. Walking trails pass through rainforest-style plantings where kids can spot birds, turtles, lizards and butterflies. The sanctuary suggests bringing binoculars, walking shoes, a hat, water and insect repellent, along with paper and crayons for some nature drawing. The outdoor areas are open from dawn to dusk every day, and dogs are not allowed on site, except service dogs.

Caboolture Region Environmental Education Centre, Burpengary

The Caboolture Region Environmental Education Centre (CREEC) at 150 Rowley Road, Burpengary sits on an 18-hectare reserve along Burpengary Creek. Its fully fenced all-abilities playground has wheelchair-accessible areas and sensory play elements, and a nature-themed adventure playground sits right beside it. Families can also wander through the sensory garden, follow walking tracks of up to 1.5 kilometres and look for birds, frogs and other wildlife along the way. Inside, the centre has interactive displays and a nocturnal room. Entry is free, and as with the other environmental centres, the outdoor areas are open seven days while the centre itself keeps shorter hours.

Bribie Island Butterfly House

If you’re heading to Bribie, the Bribie Island Butterfly House is a gentle, kid-friendly stop where families can walk among butterflies and learn about their life cycle. It is run by volunteers and opens on Wednesdays and Sundays only, from 10am to 4pm, so plan your Bribie day around those days and check for any seasonal changes before you go.

Turn a Walk Into a Nature Lesson

You don’t need a ticket to learn about local wildlife. A morning walk along the North Pine River or around Mungarra Reserve in Petrie is a chance to spot birds and talk about where animals live and what they eat. If your kids enjoy that sort of thing, Lake Samsonvale is a short drive from Petrie and makes a relaxed half-day outing.

Discover Creative and Educational School Holiday Activities

Check the City of Moreton Bay School Holiday Program

The council runs a school holiday program across its 10 libraries, six galleries and museums and its environmental centres. It also offers the Active Holidays program for kids and teens aged 3 to 17, with sport, adventure and skills-based sessions. Most activities are free or low cost, but popular sessions book out quickly. The summer program is released before the break, so check the council website for dates, ages and booking details.

Visit Moreton Bay’s Galleries and Museums

The council’s galleries and museums run free exhibitions, and many add school holiday workshops or interactive spaces for kids. Options include:

• Redcliffe Museum at 75 Anzac Avenue, which covers the people and events that shaped the Redcliffe Peninsula
• Redcliffe Art Gallery at 1 Irene Street
• Pine Rivers Art Gallery in Strathpine
• Caboolture Regional Art Gallery
• Bribie Island Seaside Museum at 1 South Esplanade, Bongaree, with views over the Pumicestone Passage, interactive displays and stories from the island’s past, including its role in World War II

Exhibitions change through the year, so check what’s on during your visit.

Join a Library Session

Moreton Bay’s libraries are a reliable option on hot or rainy days. Past school holiday programs have included crafts, science shows, puppet shows, story times and creative workshops. North Lakes, Caboolture and Redcliffe libraries also have The Studios, a creative space with its own bookable sessions. Some activities are drop-in, while others need a booking, so check before you go.

Learn Something New Without It Feeling Like School

The best holiday learning rarely feels like a lesson. Drawing birds at Osprey House, finding out how Bribie Island was used during the war, or building something at a library workshop all count. One structured activity a day, with plenty of free play around it, keeps things interesting without turning the break into homework.

Enjoy Outdoor Adventures Across the Region

Spend a Day on the Redcliffe Foreshore

Redcliffe is an easy family day out. Start with a swim at Settlement Cove Lagoon, ride or walk the seafront bikeways towards Redcliffe Jetty, and let older kids try the skate park. Finish with fish and chips on the foreshore, a classic summer lunch in Moreton Bay.

Make a Day Trip to Bribie Island

Bribie Island is connected to the mainland by a bridge, so it’s simple to reach by car. Families can split their time between patrolled Woorim Beach, the Bongaree foreshore, the Seaside Museum and Buckley’s Hole Conservation Park. If you’re planning a swim, head to Woorim and swim between the flags, as Bongaree is unpatrolled. Buckley’s Hole has a freshwater lagoon, woodland and beach at the southern tip of the island, and it’s a good spot for birdwatching.

Explore the North Pine River and Local Parks

Closer to Petrie, there are walking paths and green spaces right on your doorstep. The paths around The Mill link to tree-lined trails, and there are plenty of things to do along the North Pine River, from riverside walks to picnics. These are quieter options for a slower morning between bigger outings.

Head for the Hills With Older Kids

If you have teens who enjoy walking, D’Aguilar National Park has trails ranging from short loops to longer hikes. In summer, start early, carry plenty of water and pick a track that suits the youngest walker in the group.

Find Indoor Activities for Hot or Rainy Summer Days

Westfield North Lakes

Westfield North Lakes is a handy air-conditioned option when it’s too hot outside. The centre has free indoor play areas for younger children, plus a food court, a dining precinct and Event Cinemas. Check the centre’s website for school holiday events, as these change each break.

Catch a Movie

A movie is an easy way to fill a hot afternoon. Cinemas around the region include Event Cinemas at North Lakes and Strathpine, and Hoyts at Peninsula Fair in Kippa-Ring. Some cinemas also run sessions designed for younger kids, so check the session listings.

Indoor Galleries, Museums and Libraries

The galleries, museums and libraries covered above double as wet-weather backups. Look up what’s running on your chosen dates and book any sessions with limited places.

Paintball for Older Kids and Teens

For kids who want something more active, Delta Force Paintball Brisbane runs outdoor games at its venue on Neilson Road, Kurwongbah, about a 15 to 20 minute drive from the motel via Dayboro Road. You’ll need a car to get there. Under Queensland weapons legislation, standard paintball is for players aged 15 and over, while kids aged 8 to 14 can book the low-impact MiniBall option instead. Check session times and booking conditions before you go.

Look for Special Summer Events in Moreton Bay

Browse Local Events and Markets

The summer break overlaps with Christmas and New Year, when shopping centres, community groups and the council often host carols, markets and family entertainment. Dates change every year, so check confirmed details before you plan around an event. If you’re up early, local markets such as the Caboolture Country Markets make a relaxed weekend outing.

Book Popular Activities Early

Council workshops, Active Holidays sessions and other limited-capacity activities can fill up fast during the school holidays. Once your dates are set, book early, check cancellation and wet-weather policies, and confirm arrival times and parking.

Free Things to Do in Moreton Bay This Summer

Free and Paid Activities at a Glance

There are plenty of free things to do in Moreton Bay over summer. Here’s a quick guide to what costs money and what doesn’t.

Pack a Picnic

Bringing your own food is the simplest way to keep costs down. The Mill, Settlement Cove and the Redcliffe foreshore all have barbecues or picnic areas, so pack lunch, plenty of water, a picnic rug and a ball.

Mix Free and Paid Days

Rather than paying for something every day, plan one paid outing and fill the rest of your stay with water parks, beaches, environmental centres and library sessions. Kids are often just as happy at a free splash park as at a ticketed venue.

Family Activities in Moreton Bay for Different Ages

Toddlers and Preschoolers

Little ones do well with short outings and plenty of rest. Try the shallow splash zones and toddler playground at The Mill, the children’s pool at Settlement Cove, library story times and a short boardwalk walk at Osprey House. Always supervise closely around water, even when it’s shallow.

Primary School-Aged Kids

Primary school kids have the energy for bigger days. The flying fox and climbing tower at The Mill, gallery and museum workshops, wildlife spotting at Kumbartcho and a day trip to Bribie Island are all good fits.

Tweens and Teenagers

Older kids usually want something more active or social. Swimming at Settlement Cove, the Redcliffe bikeways and skate park, a movie at North Lakes, paintball for teens aged 15 and over and a morning hike in D’Aguilar National Park all tend to go down well. Letting teens pick one activity for the day often makes the rest of the plan easier.

Families With Kids of Different Ages

Look for places that cater for everyone at once. The Mill has a toddler playground, a big-kid adventure area and water play side by side. Redcliffe has the lagoon, playground, beach and bikeways all within walking distance of each other.

How to Plan a Summer School Holiday Itinerary in Moreton Bay

Two-Day Moreton Bay Itinerary

• Day one morning: Start at The Mill water park in Petrie while it’s cooler.
• Day one afternoon: Head indoors to Westfield North Lakes for lunch and a movie, or visit a library session.
• Day two morning: Drive to Redcliffe for a swim at Settlement Cove Lagoon and a walk or ride along the foreshore.
• Day two afternoon: Have fish and chips by the water, then visit Redcliffe Museum or Redcliffe Art Gallery before heading back to the motel.

Add a Third Day

With an extra day, plan a trip to Bribie Island. Spend the morning at Woorim Beach or Buckley’s Hole, then visit the Seaside Museum, or the Butterfly House if you’re there on a Wednesday or Sunday, before returning to Petrie.

What to Pack for a Summer Day Out

Tips for Keeping Kids Comfortable in the Heat

• Schedule outdoor activities early in the day and head indoors when it’s hottest.
• Take regular breaks in the shade and offer water often.
• Reapply sunscreen after swimming or water play.
• Swim between the flags at patrolled beaches and follow lifeguard instructions at the lagoon.
• Check the Bureau of Meteorology forecast and follow any heatwave or storm warnings.

Where to Stay for the Summer School Holidays in Moreton Bay

A Central Base in Petrie

Petrie sits about 24 kilometres north of Brisbane, in the middle of the Moreton Bay region. Staying here keeps The Mill, North Lakes and the North Pine River close by, and puts Redcliffe and Bribie Island within reach for day trips. Petrie railway station also connects to Brisbane and other stops along the line if you’d rather leave the car behind for a day.

Rooms That Suit Families

Petrie Mill Motel offers a range of motel rooms for different groups. Our Deluxe Triple Room sleeps three, with a queen bed and a single, and includes a kitchenette with a fridge, microwave, toaster, kettle and dining table, which is handy for easy breakfasts before a big day out. Our Deluxe Twin Room suits two adults and a child. Larger families can book more than one room. Check occupancy details when booking so the room setup works for your group.

Practical Facilities for a Family Stay

Our family accommodation in Petrie is designed to make the practical side of travel easy. We offer complimentary Wi-Fi, guest laundry for wet towels and sandy clothes, on-site car parking, and swipe-card access for added security. Reception is available into the evening if you need a hand with anything during your stay.

Book Your Summer Stay Early

The summer break covers Christmas, New Year and some of the busiest travel weeks of the year. If your dates are set, check availability and rates as early as you can, especially if you need a room that sleeps three.

Make Petrie Mill Motel Your Base for Summer in Moreton Bay

From water parks and lagoons to wildlife boardwalks, museums and island day trips, Moreton Bay makes it easy to keep kids busy over the long break. After a big day of splashing, exploring and fish and chips by the bay, come back to a comfortable room at Petrie Mill Motel and get ready to do it all again tomorrow.

Ready to plan your family’s summer holiday? Check availability and book direct online to save with Petrie Mill Motel for your school holiday dates.