South Bank With the Family
Poppies was named after a daughter. We understand that dining with kids should be relaxed — not stressful.
South Bank is one of the best family destinations in Brisbane — and we'd argue it's one of the best in Australia. The Parklands, the lagoon pool, the museums, the cultural precinct — it's genuinely designed for families. Poppies sits right in the middle of all of it, and we've been feeding families on Little Stanley Street for years. Here's how we'd spend a family day in South Bank.
Dining at Poppies With Kids
We have a dedicated kids menu with simple, crowd-pleasing options that the little ones actually want to eat. We also provide kids activity packs — colouring pages and activities to keep them entertained while you actually get to enjoy your meal. High chairs are available on request. Our outdoor alfresco area is a great option for families with young children — more space, more relaxed, and easier if someone needs to get up and move around.
The South Bank Lagoon
Streets Beach — the man-made lagoon at the heart of the South Bank Parklands — is one of the best free family attractions in Queensland. It's a patrolled, lifeguard-supervised swimming area with a sandy beach, right in the middle of the city. It's open year-round and is genuinely spectacular. Arrive early to get a good spot, especially on weekends and during school holidays. The lagoon is a 5-minute walk from Poppies.
Queensland Museum and Sciencentre
The Queensland Museum is directly across the river from South Bank — accessible via the Goodwill Bridge — and is one of the best free museums in the country. The Sciencentre within the museum has interactive exhibits that kids genuinely love. It's a great half-day activity that pairs well with brunch at Poppies beforehand or lunch after. The Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) also has excellent family programming and is a short walk from Little Stanley Street.
Timing a Family Day
For families with young children, we'd suggest arriving at Poppies for brunch between 8am and 9:30am — early enough to get a good table, cool enough to enjoy the outdoor area, and timed so the kids are fed before you head to the Parklands or the museum. If you're spending the full day, the lagoon is best in the late morning before it gets too crowded, and the museums are a good afternoon option when the outdoor heat peaks.
Practical Notes
Prams and strollers are welcome — our outdoor area has plenty of space and the indoor venue is accessible. Baby change facilities are available in the venue. We're wheelchair accessible throughout. If you have specific dietary requirements for your children, please mention them in your booking notes and we'll do our best to accommodate. The kids menu is available all day.
Quick Tips from the Team
We love feeding families
Kids menu, activity packs, and a relaxed outdoor area. Book ahead for weekends.
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