Article updated 24/05/2021
Whether it’s the crisp air of winter or the sunkissed days of summer, Brissie is a great city for scooting and balance bike riding. And, if you’re looking for somewhere different to take the kids this weekend so they can burn off some energy, we’ve got some great suggestions for you.
1. Perrin Park, Toowong
Ideal for: beginner riders and their older siblings
Perrin Park in Toowong is perfect for both big and little kids alike. The little ones can practice their new skills and cruise around the figure 8 track that surrounds the playground. The bigger kids can then master the bigger track that surrounds the entire park. It’s double the fun, because the kids can also take a break from riding and scooting to play in the playground.
Cycling Brisbane has listed this as one of the recommended parks in Brisbane for learning to ride - making it perfect for your balance-bike-loving child too!
So get out and get active with the kids around Brisbane and make a day of it.
Photo credit: http://www.mustdobrisbane.com/
2. Pallara District Park, Pallara
Ideal for: beginner riders and their older siblings
This 190m learn-to-ride circuit is a mini road track complete with intersections and signage. It’s a safe way to learn road rules without having to actually ride on the road - great for nervous parents! It even features a “fix-it” shop so kids can pump up their tyres. The circuit runs the perimeter of a playground which, among other things, features a 10m climbing tower for those not faint of heart.
Photo credit: https://www.brisbanekids.com.au
3. Bradbury Park, Kedron
Ideal for: beginner riders and their older siblings
Bradbury Park is home to Brisbane’s first dedicated scooter track - just recently completed in 2020. This 200m-long looped traffic track comes complete with obstacles, including moguls, jumps, bumps, a tunnel, mini street signs and even a door to scoot through.
A large section is suitable for toddler use, and the more challenging obstacles have a cleverly-designed bypass for the less-experienced riders. And the best thing is: it’s not just for scooting - but perfect for riding balance bikes too!
The track alone is worth the visit, but it is just one part of the ever-improving Bradbury Park complex.
Photo credit: https://www.mustdobrisbane.com
4. Minnippi Parkland, Tingalpa
Ideal for: active families, including beginner riders
This one has been called a hidden gem for good reason. It’s the perfect place to get active and enjoy nature. The 1.6km bike route loops around a lagoon from pre-settlement days and smooth, flat pathways make it ideal for beginning scooter and balance bike riders. Your kids can even stop to feed the ducks or try to spot eels and turtles in the lagoon.
Minnippi Parkland includes Meadowlands Park which, along with playground equipment also includes a small skate bowl.
If you have older kids and are looking for a longer ride, you can make the Minnippi Parklands one of your stops along the Bulimba Creek Bikeway.
Photo credit: https://www.mustdobrisbane.com
5. South Bank
Ideal for: the whole family
You’ve likely already been there, but have you considered that South Bank is somewhere your kids can ride their scooters or balance bikes? Set amid 17 hectares of lush parklands, it’s packed with lots of beautiful and scenic spots to stop at as you scoot along the riverside paths.
The kids can finish their scooter or bike ride with a play in one of the playgrounds or even a dip at the man-made beach.
Photo credit: https://www.trip.com
6. Roma Street Parkland
Ideal for: the whole family
Not only does Roma Street Parkland provide your kids the opportunity for some scooting time, but taking their scooters gives everyone a better chance to explore this beautiful location. After all, it’s much easier for little legs to cover ground on scooters than have to walk everywhere.
Along the way, you’ll discover two playgrounds, a lake which is home to ducks and fish, beautiful gardens as well as many large lizards.
Pack a picnic or make the most of the BBQ facilities and you’ve got yourselves a fun day out on the scooters!
Photo credit: https://www.mustdobrisbane.com
7. Shorncliffe-Sandgate-Brighton Foreshore
Ideal for: active families
Providing there’s no wind, this is a very easy and pleasant bayside ride for active families. A concrete track and mostly flat terrain means it’s an easy surface for your kids to scoot or ride on.
The local parks make great starting points for your coastal adventure. Between Moora Park, Shorncliffe and Decker Park, Brighton is almost 6km each way, so if you have younger kids you may want to consider starting at one of these ends and turning around earlier. You can always stop for a picnic and a rest if you want to make a day of it or give the kids some time at the beach.
Photo credit: https://www.mustdobrisbane.com
8. Wynnum Foreshore to Manly
Ideal for: active families
The Wynnum foreshore track starts from Oyster Point in Wynnum and winds through around 10 kilometres of track all the way through to the Manly Marina.
Whatever end you start or finish at, a highlight is the Wynnum water park which features Brisbane’s only tidal wading pool and heaps of other fun activities for the kids. Along the way you'll find plenty of playgrounds and BBQ spots for a rest or bite to eat.
Photo credit: https://www.weekendnotes.com/
Top image credit: https://visitbrisbane.com.au
Zoomy Leisure is an Australian online store selling a range of 2 and 3-wheeled kids scooters for kids from 2 to 10 years old. Please visit www.zoomy.com.au for more information.
Comments