The ultimate family picnic checklist for Brisbane parks

Picnics with kids are magic — until you realise you forgot the wipes. This checklist is built from years of weekend trial and error across Brisbane's best family parks. Bookmark it, screenshot it, or print it before your next outing.

Food and drinks

Sandwiches or wraps in a sealed container
Cut fruit (grapes, melon, strawberries) in a separate cooler bag
Crackers, cheese and dips
Plenty of water — at least 1L per person
A treat (lamingtons, ice blocks, biscuits) — kids remember treats
Spare snacks for the inevitable "I'm hungry again"

Sun and weather protection

Sunscreen (SPF 50+, reapply every 2 hours)
Sun hats for everyone
Picnic rug or two — one for sitting, one for shade
Pop-up shade tent for hot days
Light jumpers if visiting parks near the river — breezes pick up

Kid essentials

Wipes (you'll always need more than you think)
Spare clothes and a plastic bag for wet/muddy ones
Small first-aid kit (bandaids, antiseptic, tweezers for splinters)
Tissues and hand sanitiser
Nappies and changing mat for under-3s

Fun and entertainment

Footy, frisbee or a ball
Bubbles — a hit with toddlers and a great photo op
A book or two for quiet time
Bike or scooter if the park has paths

Pick the right park

For toddlers, choose a park with shaded playgrounds and toilets nearby — see our best toddler parks list. For older kids, parks with bike paths, trails or skate facilities work well. Use FindMyPark's filter pills to narrow by playground, toilet, parking and water play in one tap.

Don't forget the safety stuff

Phone fully charged — battery for navigation, calls and the inevitable photos
Know the closest hospital (Lady Cilento for under-16s)
Tell someone where you're going if heading to bushland trails
Watch for ant nests, snakes (in summer) and broken glass near play equipment

Find your perfect park

FindMyPark is a free interactive map of every Brisbane park with BBQs, playgrounds, dog areas and more.

Open the map →