Have kids they said. It’ll be fun they said. That is, of course, until you have to find exciting ways to keep them entertained every five minutes. Well, never fear.
Say goodbye to cries of “I’m booored” with Urban List's roundup of the best things to do with kids, from freebies to those special days out, around the Gold Coast/Yugambeh language region. Just in time for the Easter school holidays.
Hands On Activities To Do With Kids On The Gold Coast
DIG IT
Cedar Creek Falls Rd, Tamborine Mountain QLD 4272
Image Credit: DIG IT | Supplied
Tell the kids they’re going on a road trip, because on Tamborine Mountain there’s a brand new mini excavator park, which is absolutely worth the drive. One for the digger enthusiasts who are ready to graduate from the sandpit and into a driver’s seat, this outdoor construction zone DIG IT at Thunderbird Park features real CAT mini excavators—we can hear dirt-covered children all over the Gold Coast screaming in excitement.
After a quick training session, they’ll get to dig in the dirt using the excavator, smash towers with a wrecking ball, attempt to hook a croc and more. At $45 per child for a two hour session it won’t break the bank either, and honestly, who can put a price on the pure joy they’ll get out of it.
Go Karting
Various Locations
Whether you've watched one too many Fast & Furious movies, need a unique weekend activity, or simply have a need for speed—go kart racing has your adrenaline fix covered.
You can take it easy around the track or put on a helmet and transform into Daniel Riccardo, tearing up the Monaco circuit with the whole family. At Urban List, we’ve got you covered with our list of the best go kart spots on the Gold Coast.
Thunderbird Park
Cedar Creek Falls Rd, Tamborine Mountain QLD 4272
Not just a magnificent mountain resort nestled on the border of Tamborine, Thunderbird Park also plays host to some of the Gold Coast’s most unique family-friendly challenges. While it’s probably more for the older kids, Thunderbird park can be the perfect family bonding day out.
TreeTop Challenge is Australia's largest Zipline attraction where you can literally spend days immersing yourself in nature, experiencing the Canyon Flyer Australia's largest Zipline Tour and the amazing High Wire Courses TreeTop Challenge and TreeTop Challenge Juniors (for ages 4 to 8). For the non-adrenaline seekers amongst us, a calm family bushwalk is definitely the go.
Mini Golf And TopGolf
Various Locations
Our city’s mini Greg Normans and Karrie Webbs are spoiled for choice when it comes to practicing their skills on the Gold Coast, with an abundance of off-course golfing options available. Mini golf is fun for the whole family, and there are plenty to choose from, with Holey Moley, Putt Putt and Boulders and Badlands just three of the most beloved.
TopGolf is a great option for kids who prefer giving the ball a good ol’ whack instead of just putting along. Here is our full list of the Gold Coast's best mini golf spots.
Theme Parks
Various Locations
Image Credit: MovieWorld | Supplied
Some of the most famous Gold Coast landmarks are our theme parks. Whether you’re getting drenched to the core at Whitewater World or Wet n Wild, riding the heart-stopping Joker roller coaster at MovieWorld or oohing and aahing over the dolphin show at Seaworld.
Try petting some baby animals at Paradise Country or getting your rainbow ice cream on at Dreamworld; the Gold Coast has more than enough to offer in the way of theme park fun. Here is our full list of the Gold Coast's best theme parks for kids.
You Might Also Like:
Outdoor Things To Do With Kids On The Gold Coast
Skate Parks
Various Locations
Ramps, pipes, bowls and jumps. There are always plenty of skate parks on the Gold Coast where kids from beginners to experts can let the good times roll. Northern offerings include Upper Coomera Adventure Parklands, Viney Park, Rufous Whistler Park and Runaway Bay Sports Precinct.
If you’re looking for a central location, it’s hard to go past Arthur Earle Park in Nerang, Discovery Park in Helensvale or Brockman Park in Pacific Pines. Our southern friends are definitely not forgotten, with Miami playing host to arguably the largest and best skate park on the GC: Pizzey, with Varsity, Elanora, Tugun, Palm Beach and Coolangatta Skate Parks all ramping up the fun as well.
Outdoor Playgrounds
Various Locations
Gold Coast has a crazy amount of green space. From the hundreds of parks to choose from, you might want to head to one with an epic playground in it. Here, you’ll be spoilt for choice, with the massive Broadwater Parklands play attraction being one of the city’s faves, alongside Pirate Park in Palmy.
Country Paradise Parklands hasn’t been around for long but it’s already cemented its reputation as being one of the best playgrounds going, and Kurrawa All Abilities Playground in Broady is one of the biggest, for sure. There are far too many awesome playgrounds to list here, but the City of Gold Coast website is a great resource when it comes to finding the one nearest to you.
Gold Coast Beaches
Various Locations
Image Credit: Snapper Rocks | Brooke Darling Photography
This one seems obvious, but we really couldn’t not include it, considering we live on the Gold Coast. If you’re looking for three Fs (free, fun and family-friendly—or is that four Fs?), then it’s hard to go past Gold Coast’s epic beaches. Some are better for kids than others, of course, and here you might find some argument.
But we’re going to put ourselves out there and name Currumbin Alley, North Burleigh, Tallebudgera Creek Beach and Palm Beach Parklands as some of the better offerings for a day out with kids.
Kayaking and SUP
Various Locations
This is a different kind of watery experience to the beaches. Snap up some SUP or kayak hire and head out onto one of the many Gold Coast waterways for a peaceful, sun-filled day out with the kidlets.
Starting at an average of around $20 for two hours’ hire, this is one whole gang activity that will get the kidlets out of the house without breaking the bank. Here's the best Gold Coast kayaking spots and best paddle boarding spots.
Museums And Galleries To Visit With Kids On The Gold Coast
HOTA & HOTA Gallery
135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Image Credit: HOTA | Instagram
Gold Coast’s thriving cultural precinct HOTA, Home of the Arts, is not just for grown ups, you know. HOTA hosts a range of family-friendly shows and events all year round.
Moreover, the massive HOTA Gallery has its very own dedicated children's gallery, which hosts regular programming dedicated to the creative little ones among us, more often than not free, as well. They're also really kicking things up a notch these school holidays with their 'Kingdom of Kindness' exhibition.
ArtVo Gold Coast
Shop 5062 Robina Town Centre Dr, Robina QLD 4226
In the age of social media, ArtVo is a fun and creative way to spend an afternoon with the fam, and get some cool snaps to prove it as well. Stepping into a world of optical illusions, the larger-than-life murals allow people of all ages to come face to face with King Kong, fight a dragon and surf the ultimate pipelines.
Stretching over six huge rooms, visitors can walk through a variety of different zones, each with its own spectacular theme. Best yet, it’s all day entry, so you can take your sweet time getting the perfect pic. It’s a day out with a difference.
Animal Experiences To Do With Kids On The Gold Coast
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
28 Tomewin St, Currumbin QLD 4223
Image Credit: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary | Supplied
The ever popular Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is both a passionate rescue and rehabilitation organisation and a fun family day out with all manner of encounters on offer. Get up close and personal with cuddly koalas, hand-feed friendly kangaroos, and witness the thrill of bird feeding in a picturesque setting.
But it's not just about the animals here; you can also experience adrenaline-pumping adventures like the TreeTop Challenge, where you'll navigate through the treetops on thrilling zip lines and rope bridges. With its unique blend of natural beauty and wildlife encounters, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary promises a day of fun and discovery for little ones.
Outback Springs
28 Tomewin St, Currumbin QLD 4223
Image Credit: Outback Springs | Supplied
From Boxing Day, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary’s new multi-million dollar outback-themed precinct ‘Outback Springs’ will offer brand new animal encounters where families can come and get up close to some Nigerian dwarf goats, fluffy bunnies and guinea pigs.
The 20 minute encounters are inclusive for those with wheelchairs and special needs and include a fully hosted experience with Keepers introducing the animals and candid photographs taken with them. The experience runs every day throughout the holidays from 26 December 2023, from 9:45am to 3pm and costs $19. More details here.
Wildlife Encounters
Burleigh Heads, Carrara & Main Beach
Get up close and personal with some of Australia’s sweetest native fauna at one of the Gold Coast’s wildlife encounter opportunities. Whether it’s hiring a wildlife encounter at your own home (or venue of your choosing), or heading out, there are plenty of ways for kids to enjoy critters while learning something new, as well.
David Fleays Wildlife Park in Burleigh is a heritage listed site that is home to many native animals, birds, plants and ground-breaking research. Butterfly lovers will be in seventh heaven at Gold Coast Butterflies, and Dreamworld and Seaworld both serve up a handful of heartwarming animal experiences as part of their ongoing offerings.
Indoor Things To Do With Kids On The Gold Coast
Indoor Play Centres
Various Locations
Image Credit: Bella's Wonderland | Supplied
On the days when the weather isn’t so amazing outside, parents can end up with a bit of a climbing the walls situation. Fortunately, that’s when indoor play centres come into their own. Doodlebugs in Miami is a longstanding Gold Coast institution, with an interactive train, cannonball zone and separate toddler’s area.
Let’s not forget some tasty hot coffee for mum and dad. Bella’s Wonderland is a huge space with an imaginative storytime vibe, a range of playgrounds and even dress up rooms. Big Top Playhouse in Coomera and Chipmunks in Robina are also terrific options. Here's all of our favourite indoor playgrounds.
Ice Skating
Bundall & Surfers Paradise
Oddly enough, our steamy, sticky and just straight up hot-most-of-the-year city has a hefty list of ice skating rinks. So many, that we actually did a whole roundup on where to find them.
While curious it may be that we have so many, they’re actually a godsend when looking for something different to entertain the kids rain, hail or shine.
Gold Coast Libraries
Various Locations
Pay a visit to Gold Coast Libraries and enjoy a modern, comfortable vibe with plenty of kid’s books, reading spaces and fun computer opportunities for the little ones, year-round.
And that’s without even taking into account their packed annual calendar of free events, including but not limited to storytimes, reading clubs, puppet shows, arts and crafts, film trivia, sculpture, rhyme time and more.
Looking for more things to do with the little ones? Check out more:
- 50 Free (Or Cheap) Things To Do
- The Gold Coast's Best Family-Friendly Accommodation
- The Best Gold Coast Waterfalls
Main image credit: HOTA | Supplied
Urban List Best Of: has our highest stamp of approval—curated lists of the very best recommendations for you to eat, do, see, buy or book, carefully chosen by our Editors.