Things to do with kids in Maryborough: A Local Family Guide
Looking for things to do with kids in Maryborough? This guide brings together water play, playgrounds, wildlife, museums, creative activities and easy family adventures.
Maryborough’s major attractions are relatively close together, making it possible to combine several activities without spending the whole day in the car.
Best free things to do with kids in Maryborough
Spend the day at Anzac Park and SplashSide
Anzac Park is one of Maryborough’s best all-round family destinations. It includes the free SplashSide water-play area, an all-abilities playground, climbing equipment, smaller play areas, a skatepark and a pump track.
There are also picnic shelters, barbecues, toilets, open spaces and a Changing Places facility. Bring bikes or scooters, swimmers, towels and a picnic to turn it into a longer outing.
SplashSide may close for maintenance and operates different hours throughout the year, so check before leaving home.
Explore Queens Park
Heritage-listed Queens Park has river views, large lawns, established trees, gardens, picnic facilities and a playground. It is a good place for a relaxed walk, picnic or run around between Maryborough’s other attractions.
The Gallipoli to Armistice Memorial Walk within the park uses sculpture, landscaping and information to share the journey of the Anzacs from Gallipoli to the Western Front.
Follow the Maryborough Mural Trail
Turn a walk through the CBD into a family art hunt by searching for Maryborough’s murals and installations. Each artwork shares part of the city’s history, industry, people or unusual local stories.
You don’t need to complete the whole trail. Choose a small cluster around the CBD and ask children to select their favourite mural.
Find the Mary Poppins statue
Visit the Mary Poppins statue near the building where author P.L. Travers was born. Continue through the surrounding streets to discover more of Maryborough’s connection with the stories and their creator.
Visit the Thursday markets
Maryborough’s weekly markets bring stalls and activity into the city centre on Thursdays. Combine the markets with the mural trail, Mary Poppins statue or Queens Park rather than making a separate trip.
Check that the markets are operating before travelling, particularly around public holidays or severe weather.
Family attractions and experiences
Step inside The Story Bank
The Story Bank is located in the former bank building where Mary Poppins author P.L. Travers was born. The museum explores her life, the influences behind her stories and Maryborough’s broader storytelling traditions.
It is more than a collection of objects, with imaginative spaces and interactive elements designed to bring stories to life. The building includes accessible entry, a lift, an accessible toilet and a quiet space.
Ride the Mary Ann steam train
The Mary Ann is a replica of the first steam locomotive built in Queensland. On operating days, families can ride through Queens Park and experience part of Maryborough’s railway history.
Services generally operate on selected Thursdays and Sundays, but the timetable can change. Confirm the running day before promising children a train ride.
Meet animals at Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary
Located just outside Maryborough, this volunteer-operated sanctuary is home to kangaroos, emus, cockatoos, dingoes, snakes, lizards and other Australian wildlife.
Families can bring a picnic or use the barbecue facilities. Some animal experiences have additional age requirements or charges, so check current admission prices, opening days and encounter details before visiting.
Visit the Maryborough Military and Colonial Museum
This extensive museum explores military service, local history and Maryborough’s colonial past. It is best suited to school-aged children, teenagers and adults who enjoy detailed displays and historical stories.
Allow enough time rather than trying to rush through every exhibit.
Discover Maryborough’s railway history
The Maryborough City Whistle Stop Museum explores the city’s important railway story. Train-loving children may particularly enjoy seeing the displays and learning how Maryborough became a major railway manufacturing centre.
Check current opening arrangements and whether train rides are operating on the day of your visit.
Indoor and rainy-day activities
Visit Maryborough Library
Maryborough Library is a reliable free option for reading, playing and escaping difficult weather. Regular programs include sessions for babies and toddlers, craft activities and events for school-aged children and young people.
Check the current program because some workshops require bookings or are limited to particular ages.
Get creative at Gatakers Artspace
Gatakers Artspace is a contemporary gallery located within historic warehouse buildings. It hosts changing exhibitions along with creative workshops, open studios and school holiday activities.
Gallery visits can be combined with the nearby Portside heritage precinct and mural trail. Children aged 12 and under must remain with a parent or carer.
Return to The Story Bank
The Story Bank is also a strong wet-weather choice because most of the experience is indoors. Allow enough time for children to interact with the displays rather than treating it as a quick museum stop.
Visit the Maryborough Aquatic Centre
The aquatic centre provides another option when families want a structured swim rather than water play at SplashSide. Pool availability can be affected by lessons, school programs and maintenance, so check current public access before going.
Look for a performance at the Brolga Theatre
The Brolga Theatre presents touring shows, local performances and occasional family productions. It is not an everyday activity, but it is worth checking the program when planning school holidays or a special outing.
Easy family walks and outdoor adventures
Explore Fay Smith Wetlands
This Maryborough environmental reserve provides an opportunity to look for birds and other wetland wildlife. Encourage children to move quietly, listen for different bird calls and photograph what they discover without disturbing plants or animals.
Bring water, hats and insect repellent, and check conditions after significant rain.
Walk beside the Mary River
Combine Queens Park, the memorial walk and the surrounding heritage area for an easy family walk. There is no need to cover everything at once; younger children may enjoy a short loop followed by the playground or a picnic.
Try a section of the Mary2Bay Rail Trail
The developing Mary2Bay Rail Trail includes separate completed sections rather than one continuous family route. Choose a suitable section for your children, plan an out-and-back distance and check the latest trail information before setting out.
Take a short trip to Teddington Weir
For a nearby change of scenery, Teddington Weir offers picnic facilities, a playground and walking areas. Pack food and water and check local conditions before travelling, particularly following heavy rain.
A simple Maryborough family day
For an easy first visit, try this combination:
Start at Anzac Park and SplashSide before the hottest part of the day.
Change into dry clothes and head into the CBD for lunch.
Find the Mary Poppins statue and several nearby murals.
Choose either The Story Bank, Gatakers Artspace or Maryborough Library.
Finish with a walk or picnic at Queens Park.
On a Thursday, check whether the markets and Mary Ann steam train are operating and adjust the order around those experiences.
Useful tips before you go
Bring more than one type of clothing
Maryborough days can combine water play, playgrounds, museums and walking. Pack swimmers, towels, dry clothes, hats and comfortable shoes.
Check operating days
Several museums and attractions do not open every day. Train rides, workshops and family programs also operate on selected dates.
Plan around the weather
Anzac Park and the CBD can become hot during the middle of the day. Start with outdoor activities, then move to a library, gallery or museum when the temperature rises.
Group nearby activities
The Story Bank, mural trail, Mary Poppins statue, Gatakers Artspace, Portside precinct and Queens Park can be combined into one CBD visit.
Consider your family’s access needs
Access varies across heritage buildings, parks and outdoor tracks. Check current information if your family requires step-free entry, accessible toilets, Changing Places facilities, secure fencing or pram-friendly surfaces.
Confirm important details
Opening hours, prices, maintenance closures, bookings and program details can change. Confirm essential information directly with the venue before travelling.
Help improve this guide
Know another worthwhile Maryborough family activity, hidden gem or practical tip? Send it to Coast Kids so this guide can continue improving.
This guide was last reviewed in September 2026. Details can change, so please confirm important information with the activity provider or venue.
