Brisbane's Best Midwinter Family Activities: Your July School Holidays Guide

School holidays are here, and Brisbane parents are staring down two weeks of keeping the kids entertained. The good news: there’s plenty happening across the city, from a bargain all-you-can-eat steak deal at a hatted restaurant to council-led safety assessments of concrete cricket pitches after a player’s death.

Eat, steak, repeat

If your family is full of meat eaters, a hatted Brisbane restaurant is now serving a $90 all-you-can-eat steak deal. That’s right: for less than a hundred bucks a head, you can sit down and keep the rib-eyes coming. The deal was reported by the Sydney Morning Herald on July 2 and is already drawing bookings from families looking to feed hungry teenagers without breaking the bank. The restaurant hasn’t been named in the report, but it’s a rare chance to get a premium meal at a set price, and kids who can pack it away will get their money’s worth.

The offer runs throughout the current holiday period, so it’s worth phoning ahead to check availability and whether the restaurant can accommodate high chairs or small children. Expect a lively room, not a quiet date-night scene.

Play it safe: cricket pitches and parks

Councils across Queensland are now assessing concrete cricket pitches after the death of a player, according to a July 9 report from the Sydney Morning Herald. While the story focuses on AFL-related risks, the safety review extends to suburban ovals and school grounds. The Brisbane City Council is among the local governments re-evaluating their concrete strips, with some councils already flagging potential removal or resurfacing.

For families, this means the local park might have temporary fencing or reduced access to the nets. If your kids are keen on backyard-style cricket, check with your local councillor’s office before you pack the bat and ball. The assessment process is ongoing, so it’s best to call ahead or check the council website for your nearest park.

On the brighter side, the cooler weather makes for perfect outdoor afternoons. Parks like the Brisbane Botanic Gardens at Mount Coot-tha, New Farm Park, and the Roma Street Parkland remain open and free. Pack a picnic rug, a thermos of hot chocolate, and let the kids run off that holiday energy.

Plan ahead: watch houses and family visits

In a separate development that may affect some families, the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal found on July 13 that the state unlawfully detained children in an adult watch house without private toilet access. The case involved a child held in a watch house in Queensland, and the tribunal’s ruling raises questions about how children are treated in custody. While this is not a typical ‘family activity’, it matters for any parent whose child might come into contact with the justice system, particularly during the holiday period when tensions can run high.

The state government has not yet announced changes, but the finding adds to calls for better facilities for young people in detention. For now, the best advice is to keep kids engaged with positive activities and avoid situations where they might end up in trouble.

What’s next

School holidays run until late July, so there’s still time to book tickets for the steak deal or plan a trip to the botanic gardens. The cricket pitch assessments are expected to wrap up before the new school term, so keep an eye on the council’s website for updates. And if you’re looking for a free indoor option, Brisbane’s libraries run regular story-time sessions and craft activities, check your local branch for the schedule.

The key takeaway: get out there, but stay informed. A phone call or website check can save you a wasted trip and make sure the whole family has a good time.