Museum of Brisbane's Autumn Holidays
If you're hunting for school holiday activities in Brisbane that tick every box — creative, cultural, affordable, and genuinely engaging for kids — Museum of Brisbane has you covered this April. From Saturday 4 to Sunday 19 April 2026, the museum transforms into a family-friendly creative hub with hands-on workshops, Indigenous weaving experiences, exhibition tours, and drop-in making sessions. The best part? Most activities are completely free or under $25, and they're designed for everyone from toddlers to teens. Located on Level 3 of Brisbane City Hall (yes, the building with the iconic clock tower), this is one of those rare school holiday programs where parents actually enjoy themselves too.
This isn't your typical "keep the kids busy" programming. Museum of Brisbane's Autumn lineup is thoughtfully curated around the current exhibitions — Stories You Wear: Magpie Goose and Warrajamba by Artist in Residence Delvene Cockatoo-Collins. Kids aren't just making random crafts; they're connecting with First Peoples' stories, learning traditional weaving techniques, and creating keepsakes with genuine cultural significance.
Whether you drop in for a 20-minute paper plate animal session or book your teen into a full weaving workshop with the artist herself, every activity strikes that sweet spot between fun and meaningful. Here's what's on offer.
Playful Paper Pals
Transform a simple paper plate into a bold, colourful animal friend — whale, echidna, koala, or crab. Inspired by the vibrant patterns in Stories You Wear: Magpie Goose, kids get to stick, decorate, and imagine their way to a one-of-a-kind creation to take home.
Why it's great: No booking required (just rock up), only $5, and it's perfect for little ones who need a creative outlet between other activities. Parents can relax while kids get gloriously messy with paper, paint, and imagination. Sessions run for three hours, so you can drop in whenever suits your schedule.
🧵 Weave & Wonder
Learn simple weaving techniques using raffia, discover the cultural significance of Talwalpin (freshwater turtle), and decorate a paper quampie (turtle shell) to take home. Guided by the work of MoB Artist in Residence Delvene Cockatoo-Collins, this hands-on activity invites families to slow down and connect with culture through making.
Why it's great: It's free, it's drop-in, and it's genuinely educational without feeling like school. Kids are learning traditional First Peoples' weaving while creating something beautiful. The relaxed format means you're not locked into a timed session — stay 10 minutes or an hour, whatever works for your crew.
Magpie Goose Young Explorers Tour
Ever wanted the museum all to yourself? This early-morning tour lets young explorers discover Stories You Wear: Magpie Goose before the crowds arrive, then create a simple print inspired by the exhibition to take home.
Why it's great: The "museum to ourselves" factor is huge for kids — no crowds, no rushing, just space to look closely and ask questions. Starting at 9am means you can knock out a cultural experience before the day heats up, then head somewhere else. Parents can join the tour or relax in the Fairfax Gallery while their kids explore (which honestly sounds like a win either way). Meeting point is King George Square foyer inside City Hall — arrive 10 minutes early.
Woven Stories Workshop
A deep-dive weaving workshop with artist Delvene Cockatoo-Collins herself. Teens learn traditional techniques, hear First Peoples' stories shared through the practice, and create a unique woven keepsake. Includes a guided tour of Warrajamba with the artist.
Why it's great: This is the kind of experience tweens and teens actually want to do — hands-on, skill-building, led by a real working artist, and they walk away with something they made themselves (plus new knowledge they can genuinely be proud of). At $25 for 2.5 hours including materials and artist time, it's incredible value. These sessions will book out, so don't wait.
🧜♀️ Warrajamba Exhibition
Join Artist in Residence Delvene Cockatoo-Collins on her quest to find Warrajamba, the mermaid from an ancestral story passed down through generations. Free making activities in the Creative Space let visitors craft mermaid or dugong dolly peg dolls using stamps designed by Delvene.
Why it's great: It's free, it runs the entire school holidays (and beyond), and the exhibition itself is visually stunning. Kids can engage with the story through making, which is infinitely better than just reading wall text. Drop in anytime to create your dolly peg doll — it takes about 15-20 minutes and gives little hands something to do while you appreciate the art.
🕐 City Hall Clock Tower Tours
Take in sweeping city views from Brisbane's iconic Clock Tower. It's free, it's impressive, and kids love saying they climbed the tower.
Why it's great: It's a Brisbane icon, the views are genuinely spectacular, and it pairs perfectly with your Museum of Brisbane visit (same building!). Book ahead as these fill up, especially during school holidays.
📍 Location: Museum of Brisbane, Level 3, Brisbane City Hall, King George Square
💰 Cost: Most activities free or $5-$25 (seriously budget-friendly)
🎫 Bookings: Some activities require booking, others are drop-in
🅿️ Parking: King George Square Car Park underneath City Hall, or catch public transport to King George Square station
☕ Food: Grab coffee/snacks at ground-floor cafes in City Hall before heading up
Pro Tips
- Book Woven Stories and Young Explorers Tour ASAP — limited spots
- Drop-in activities (Weave & Wonder, Playful Paper Pals) = no stress, just show up
- Combine multiple activities for a full museum day
- Free entry to the museum year-round = zero guilt about quick visits
- Clock Tower tours book out fast — reserve yours when you book workshops
Museum of Brisbane's Autumn school holiday program isn't just "keeping kids busy" — it's genuinely thoughtful programming that connects children with culture, art, and creativity in meaningful ways.
Artist in Residence Delvene Cockatoo-Collins' work provides the through-line for most activities, giving kids context and connection rather than random craft sessions. The mix of free drop-in activities and affordable bookable workshops means there's something for every family budget and schedule. And honestly? When your kids can learn traditional Indigenous weaving techniques, create art inspired by First Peoples' stories, and take home something they made with their own hands — all for free or $25 — that's the kind of school holiday win that makes you feel like you're actually nailing this parenting thing.
for MoB School Holidays Now