When I first started looking into swimming lesson options for my son, I did a deep dive to find the right place. During my research, I noticed that a few friends who don’t live in the area drive the distance to go to Langlands Park Memorial. I thought it was odd that they would travel all the way there when there were closer alternatives. However, when I arrived and saw the pool, I was quite blown away.

We stumbled across the Whale Park Wynnum during one of our routine bayside walks before having our son and always thought it looked like a fun place for kids to spend time. Fast forward years later to my son walking and a random visit on a hot summer’s day, we finally got the chance to test it out with our very own little family!

Southbank Parklands is one of the reasons my husband and I moved to Brisbane—we love it! It always feels like quite an effort to get there, but once you settle into your spot, it’s worth it, especially if the weather is perfect that day.

Runcorn Pool is a toddler’s paradise. The pool is located in the outer suburbs of Brisbane, but it is certainly worth the drive; you just have to make sure the toddler’s pool is operational before heading over.

I came across the Healthworks Hendra when I was speaking to a pregnant friend who was discussing her plans to “join a gym with a kids' creche.” Anytime I hear the words "kids' creche," my ears prick up, and I need to know more!

The Yeronga Park Swimming Complex is a family-friendly oasis with Balinese vibes! As you enter the pool, immediately to the right, you see a delightful canteen that sells hot food! Right across from that, there are undercover tables and chairs on a gorgeous thatched-roof deck.

I was very excited to visit the Chermside Aquatic Centre when I saw photos online. I was curious to see what was available for younger children, as it was clear that Chermside was one of the leading options in Brisbane when it came to super slides for older kids.

This pool scoping trip to Sandgate Aquatic Centre was a pleasant surprise. From my research online, I knew it would be interesting, but I can safely say it was better than I expected. The pool was expansive, with so many great areas to stop and engage with. There’s plenty of poolside seating, and at the time of my visit, you could order hot food from the onsite café via a QR code.

Wow! Newmarket Pool is, without a doubt, one of the best pool facilities in Brisbane. There’s not just one kids’ pool; there are two, and one of them has a cave and three slides?! There’s also an older kids' mega slide and a bucket water park area on site.

Hibiscus Leisure Centre is located in Upper Mt Gravatt. While there was ample parking onsite, it was tricky to find a spot because it’s right next door to a sports complex. The pathway down to the kids’ pool was quite winding, so I would recommend bringing a pram to lug your things around.

The Clem Jones Centre features what they call a “novelty pool” with slides, mushrooms, and buckets. It’s a great place to take kids on a hot summer day. The outdoor space has some astroturf, which can be a nice area to throw down a towel and sit on. They recently opened a café called "Body and Mind Café," which has a mini glass-gated kids' zone beside it—game-changing for this facility!

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve casually visited the Colmslie Aquatic Centre without taking the time to appreciate how wonderful the kids’ splash facility is. I subconsciously knew it was there, but it wasn’t until a steaming hot summer day forced us out of the warm indoor pool and into the outdoor area that I truly noticed it.