School holidays again? Weekend with the kids and no plan? Goodna’s surprisingly rich set of family-friendly parks and playgrounds has you covered — from a steamboat-themed playground beside the Brisbane River to a heated pool with a splash zone, and the historic festival park where the jacarandas bloom each spring.

Here’s our local guide to the best family-friendly parks in Goodna, plus a few across the border in neighbouring suburbs that are well worth the short drive.

RJ Richardson Park — the steamboat playground

If you’ve got primary-school-age kids and you’re new to Goodna, start here. RJ Richardson Park at 135–137 Brisbane Terrace is anchored by a striking steamboat-themed play structure — a clever nod to the river’s historical role transporting goods between Brisbane and Ipswich.

• Curved climbing ladders on the outside of the steamboat
• Internal climbing nets for the more adventurous
• Gentle short slides for toddlers
• Tiny tunnels just the right size for little explorers
• Inclusive orbit carousel for ability-controlled spinning
• Accessible toilets and baby change facilities
• Accessible car parking with concrete pathing
• Soft-fall rubber base in vibrant colours

It works best for toddlers through to about 7 or 8 — older kids can quickly outgrow the equipment, but the riverside setting and proximity to the rugby league fields and aquatic centre keep it useful well beyond that.

Goodna Aquatic Centre — perfect for hot days

The Goodna Aquatic Centre at 137 Brisbane Terrace has two heated pools and a splash pool — making it one of the most family-friendly aquatic facilities in the western suburbs. The shallow toddler pool is perfect for under-fives, while the 25m lap pool with diving blocks suits older kids and adults. The 16m heated indoor pool means swimming is comfortable year-round.

Phone (07) 3381 8240 for current entry rates and Learn To Swim program details.

Evan Marginson Park — under the jacarandas

For a quieter outing, take a picnic blanket to Evan Marginson Park on Layard Street (also referenced as Woogaroo Street), just a short walk from the Goodna train station. This is the home of the annual Jacaranda Festival, but year-round it’s a peaceful, leafy park ideal for kids’ kickabouts, picnics, and reading under the trees.

Time your visit for late October if you can — the jacarandas in full purple bloom create a magical setting, and the carpet of fallen petals is irresistible photo-bait for parents.

A bit further afield

If you’ve done all of Goodna’s parks (which can happen quickly with energetic kids), neighbouring suburbs offer more big-day-out options:

What to bring

• Sun protection — hats, sunscreen, sunglasses (Queensland sun is no joke).
• Water — taps available at most parks but bottles save trips.
• Snacks — there’s a kiosk at the aquatic centre, but bring your own to be safe.
• Picnic blanket and a few books or simple games for downtime.
• Spare clothes for the kids — shoes and shirts will end up wet at the pool.
• Camera or phone — Goodna’s parks are surprisingly photogenic, especially in October.

Got a favourite local spot?

This is just our list — Goodna has more shaded street corners, quiet picnic spots and underrated playgrounds than we can fit in one post. If you’ve got a favourite, send us a photo and a few words via our contact page and we’ll feature local family favourites in future updates.