Things to Do in the Scenic Rim with Kids: 7 Family-Friendly Ideas for School Holidays and Weekends
If you're looking for somewhere to keep the kids entertained on the weekend or during the school holidays, it's hard to beat the Scenic Rim. Less than an hour from Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Toowoomba, you'll find family-friendly attractions, beautiful country towns and plenty of wide-open spaces where everyone can slow down and enjoy the fresh air.
It's the perfect excuse to get the kids off their devices for the day and swap screens for friendly farm animals, bushwalks, country cafés and unforgettable family adventures.
Whether you're planning a school holiday outing, a weekend away or an easy day trip from Brisbane, here are some of our favourite family-friendly things to do with kids in the Scenic Rim.
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1. Visit Summer Land Camels
If your kids have never met a camel before, our farm is the place to do it.
Located in Harrisville, Summer Land Camels is Australia's largest camel farm and dairy and one of the Scenic Rim's most unique visitor attractions. Families can meet our friendly camel herd, enjoy camel rides, learn about camel milk production and experience life on a working farm.
One of the highlights is to see the baby camels up close on the Tour, Taste & Camel Encounter.
Entry to the farm is free (excluding some special events), so you can meet the camels, take in the beautiful rural views, snap plenty of family photos and even hand-feed the camels for a small fee.
If you're visiting during the school holidays, don't miss our Little Humpty Farmer Day. Held every school holidays, it's a fun-filled morning designed especially for kids.
For just $10 per person (children under 4 are free), your ticket includes a guided farm tour plus a range of hands-on children's activities. It's a wonderful way for little ones to learn about life on the farm, meet our camel herd and spend the morning outdoors.
Check out our website or follow us on social media for the date of our next Little Humpty Farmer Day. We'd love to see you there.
When everyone's ready for a break, head to the Homestead Café for morning tea or lunch. Parents can enjoy our famous Camelcino while the kids tuck into a scoop of creamy, lactose-friendly Camel Milk Gelato. Before you leave, don't forget to browse the Farm Shop for award-winning camel milk products, skincare and camel themed gifts.
2. Meet the Goats at Naughty Little Kids
Just a short drive from Summer Land Camels, Naughty Little Kids at Peak Crossing is another fantastic stop for animal-loving families.
Their farm tours give kids the chance to meet friendly goats, try their hand at milking, learn how goat cheese is made and, of course, enjoy a tasting. There are also plenty of opportunities to cuddle baby goats, making it a favourite with younger children.
Tours run every Sunday year-round (1 pm to 5 pm), with Saturday tours from the Easter school holidays until the second Saturday in October. During each Queensland school holiday period, the farm is also open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 1 pm to 5 pm.
As opening hours can change seasonally, it's always worth checking their website before you visit.
3. Visit Heritage Hatching and Hens
If your kids can't get enough of baby animals, keep an eye out for Heritage Hatchlings' popular Sunday Farm Days in Harrisville.
Expect plenty of cuddly farm animals including goats, sheep, alpacas, piglets, chicks, ducklings and puppies, along with pony rides, face painting, coffee, ice cream and plenty of country charm. Entry is free, with some activities available for a small fee. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for upcoming dates.
4. Visit Local Farm Gates and Stock Up on Local Produce
One of the best things about exploring the Scenic Rim is discovering the incredible local producers along the way.
A few favourites include:
- Elderflower Farm (Thursday to Sunday)
- Scenic Rim Farm Shop & Café (Thursday to Sunday)
- Olive View Estate, where you can browse the farm shop while the kids feed the goats and sheep.
- Oppy's Fresh Food Market in Boonah, stocked with fresh local fruit and vegetables, artisan products and Summer Land Camels' award-winning camel dairy products.
It's a great way to support local farmers while filling your picnic basket with some of the region's best produce.
5. Walk Across the Lake Moogerah Dam Wall
Take a stroll across the Lake Moogerah dam wall for beautiful views across the lake and surrounding mountains. It's also a popular spot for kayaking, fishing and boating, so there's usually plenty happening on the water.
Afterwards, head over to nearby Haigh Park where there's plenty of space for the kids to run around, kick a ball or enjoy a picnic. Before you leave, stop by the Lake Moogerah Café for an ice cream or coffee while taking in the view.
6. Take the Short Walk to Logan's Lookout at Mount French
If you're looking for one of the best short walks in the Scenic Rim, Mount French is hard to beat.
Drive right to the picnic area before following the easy walking track through open eucalypt forest to Logan's Lookout. The walk is short enough for younger children, but the reward is one of the most spectacular views across the Fassifern Valley and surrounding mountain ranges.
Pack a picnic, take your time and enjoy the fresh mountain air. It's a simple walk that's perfect for families and a great reminder of just how beautiful the Scenic Rim really is.
7. Explore the Scenic Rim's Country Towns
Part of the charm of the Scenic Rim is slowing down and wandering through its welcoming country towns.
Take some time to explore Harrisville, Kalbar and Boonah, where you'll find country bakeries, cafés, antique stores, boutique shops, galleries, pubs and plenty of friendly locals happy to have a chat.
Each town has its own personality, so don't be afraid to pull over, grab a coffee and see what you discover.
Why Families Love the Scenic Rim
One of the best things about the Scenic Rim is that you don't have to rush.
You can spend the morning meeting camels, stop for lunch, visit another local farm, enjoy an easy bushwalk and still have time to wander through a country town before heading home.
It's an easy day trip that gives everyone a chance to slow down, spend time together and create memories away from screens.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in the Scenic Rim with kids?
Summer Land Camels, Naughty Little Kids, Heritage Hatchlings, Lake Moogerah, Mount French and the beautiful country towns of Harrisville, Kalbar and Boonah are all fantastic family-friendly attractions in the Scenic Rim.
Is the Scenic Rim good for a day trip from Brisbane?
Absolutely. The Scenic Rim is less than an hour from Brisbane in many areas, making it one of South East Queensland's most popular destinations for family day trips and weekend adventures.
What can you do in the Scenic Rim during the school holidays?
School holidays are a great time to explore the Scenic Rim. Families can enjoy camel rides, farm tours, animal encounters, short bushwalks, local cafés and special events like Little Humpty Farmer Day at Summer Land Camels.
Plan Your Next Family Adventure
If you're looking for a family day trip from Brisbane, the Gold Coast or Toowoomba, the Scenic Rim has plenty to keep everyone entertained.
Start your day at Summer Land Camels, then take your time exploring everything else the region has to offer.
If you're visiting during the school holidays, we'd love to welcome you to the farm for Little Humpty Farmer Day or one of our camel experiences. Be sure to book ahead for camel rides and tours, as they often book out during the holidays.