62 things to do on the Gold Coast with kids

1. Surfers Paradise Beach

Although the Gold Coast includes 20 different beaches along its 57-kilometre swathe of coastline, it’s Surfers Paradise that is one of Australia’s most famous.

Known for its golden sand and highly distinctive skyscrapers, families can enjoy a swim between the flags before heading into Surfers itself. There are heaps of places to grab a bite to eat, or check out some of the 100 stalls at the weekly beachfront markets.

2. Wet’n’Wild

Get wet and get wild. From the gravity-defying AquaLoop to the tight turns of the Constrictor, the attractions at Wet’n’Wild are not for the faint of heart.

Little kiddies will love the Junior Zone, which includes mini thrill rides, eight slides and a giant tipping bucket. The whole family can enjoy a fab finish to the day by cruising around Calypso Beach, the park’s lazy river.

3. Dreamworld & WhiteWater World

Enjoy the most action-packed and adrenaline-pumping rides at Australia’s biggest theme park. Take on the ‘Big Nine’ thrill rides of Dreamworld or come face-to-face with the big cats on Tiger Island. Little ones can join Dorothy the Dinosaur and friends for a wiggly song and dance show before having a splash at Wiggle Bay and the Pipeline Plunge. WhiteWater World’s top water slides include the Super Tubes Hydro Coaster and Little Rippers.

4. Sea World

Sea World offers animal adventures for kids and adults alike. Swim with the dolphins, score a smooch from a seal or get among the sharks… if you dare. Sea World’s latest standout attraction is Polar Bear Shores, the only exhibit in Australia where you can see the world’s largest land carnivore, the polar bear, up close.

5. Warner Bros. Movie World

Meet your favourite stars and superheroes and watch the spectacular shows at Warner Bros. Movie World. Let the kids loose in the Kids’ WB! Fun Zone or experience adrenaline-pumping rides such as The DC Rivals HyperCoaster, opening in October. The new coaster will be the Southern Hemisphere’s tallest, longest and fastest, reaching speeds of 115-kilometres per hour.

7. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Cuddle a koala, walk a wombat, get slippery with a snake or hand-feed a kangaroo. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is dedicated to conserving Australia’s indigenous, natural and historic heritage and culture. As well as seeing hundreds of native animals, kids can also get their hearts pumping in the Tree Top Challenge, which includes 80 aerial adventures including 11 insane zip-lines.

8. Springbrook National Park

This breathtaking site is located in the Gold Coast Hinterland, just 45 minutes’ drive from the region’s glittering arc of beaches. Take a walk through the wilderness to find waterfalls, lookouts, wildlife and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The hinterland is close enough for a day trip, so make sure you stick around in Springbook National Park‘s Natural Bridge to see the glow worms light up the cave at night.

11. David Fleay Wildlife Park

It is the only nature park on the Gold Coast housing live platypus. Yet, the David Fleay Wildlife Park is also home to fresh and saltwater crocodiles, snakes, lizards, kangaroos, koalas, tree kangaroos, gliders and butterflies. It’s also an excellent place for the kids to spot native birds including jabiru, brolgas, owls and cassowaries.

12. Tallebudgera Creek

If you’re after a water-based holiday, a stay by this estuary is for you. Pack your gear for swimming, fishing, boating, water-skiing, wind-surfing and kayaking. Wave-seekers can head across the road to Tallebudgera surf beach, while nature-lovers can take the short stroll to Burleigh Head National Park for a walk through the lush rainforest.

Here’s a local tip: follow Tallebudgera Creek up into the Tallebudgera Valley and you can swim and splash in cool rock pools surrounded by rainforest.

13. Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre

Located next to Tallebudgera Creek, the Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre offers an insight into the Yugambeh Aboriginal people, one of the oldest cultures in the world. It’s a great place for kids to learn about the Aboriginal history of the Gold Coast, discover traditional bush foods and hear Dreamtime stories.

14. Australian Outback Spectacular

Saddle up for a remarkable journey to the snow-capped mountains of the High Country, where legendary yarns come alive to commemorate the Centenary of the ANZACS. The whole family will be dazzled by the show’s death-defying stunts, stunning aerial performances and incredible animal stars, while enjoying a three-course gourmet Aussie feast.

15. Bike Hire Gold Coast

Hire a bike from Bike Hire Gold Coast to spend the day cycling from Coolangatta up to Surfers Paradise along the beachfront bicycle path. Venture out to The Spit or through the Broadwater Parklands, pass by the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre or take a peek at The Hill to see its sculptures. After a long day of cycling, stop at the beach for a well-deserved dip in the sea.

16. Paradise Jetboating

Like a theme park ride on the water, jet boating is a must-do family activity on the Gold Coast. Experience 360-degree spins, high-speed drifting, incredible beach buzzing and other exciting manoeuvres in as little as 10-centimetres of water with Paradise Jetboating. Be sure to keep an eye out for dolphins, wallabies and other wildlife. Oh, and hold on tight.

17. Infinity

Challenge your senses and ignite your imagination at Infinity as you journey into a futuristic maze-like world of wonder. There are 20 multi-sensory environments filled with all manner of special effects: sound fields, sensuous aromas, groovy music, eye-boggling illusions that seem to go on forever and a world-first, mind-warping time tunnel.

19. SkyPoint Climb

Rising 270-metres into the air, this 90-minute open-air adventure takes place at the very top of the Q1, one of Queensland’s most recognised landmark buildings. This experience is not for the faint-hearted. Whether you do a morning, daytime or twilight climb, you’ll have your breath taken away by the incredible 360-degree views of the Gold Coast and beyond from SkyPoint.

20. Thunderbird Park

As Australia’s largest adventure playground, Thunderbird Park has activities for the whole family, including horse riding, laser skirmish, mini-golf and fossicking for treasures in the world’s largest thunderegg mine. Daredevils can even attempt the Tree Top Challenge, with its 100 sky-high challenges and Canyon Flyer, Australia’s largest and fastest guided zip-line tour.

21. Game Over Centre

Get wild at Game Over Gold Coast, Australia’s first Electric Indoor Karting track. Game OVer is complete with soaring Clip ‘N Climb adventure walls, an eight-metre-high ‘Leap of Faith’ and a high-tech Laser Tag arena. Channel your inner Tarzan on one of the 16 climbing and adventure walls. Choose to ride the adrenaline-pumping indoor zipline coaster or battle it out as a laser soldier at this epic indoor attraction.

22. Ripley’s Believe it or Not!

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is the most unusual attraction in Surfers Paradise, offering 16 themed galleries packed with 400 artefacts and interactive exhibits. See creepy shrunken heads, walk through the spinning vortex tunnel and re-enact your favourite spy movie as you duck, weave and slither your way through a room full of brilliant green lasers in LaseRace.

23. NightQuarter

From arts and crafts to farmers’ markets and car boot sales, the Gold Coast buzzes both day and night. The weekend NightQuarter is a popular market for families, bringing together food, music, entertainment and shopping all in the one place. Make sure you try a mouthwatering cronut (half croissant, half doughnut) or quirky funnel cake for dessert.

24. Currumbin Valley Surf School

If you’re looking to pick up some board skills or perfect your air reverse, the beaches of the Gold Coast are a top place to start. While there are plenty of great surf schools, Currumbin Valley Surf School has an excellent beginner-friendly location offering lessons for people of all ages and levels of skill. Who knows, you could even become the next Mick Fanning.

25. Jetpack Adventures

Do you dream of flying? If so, get your superhero on at Jetpack Adventures. The Gold Coast adventure company operates Jetpacks, Flyboards and Jetovators, which will see you and the kids get airborne. Hundreds of litres of water blast through specially-designed thrust nozzles that send you skyrocketing into the air.

26. Jet Ski Safaris

Boasting a celebrity clientele including members of The Foo Fighters, Jet Ski Safaris will take you into the water for some serious fun. Blast your way along the shores of South Stradbroke Island through narrow tidal passages and around beautiful islands, sandbars and mangroves at high speed on state-of-the-art jet skis. Kids over eight can ride pillion, while kids aged 12 to 15 can take control if they’re accompanied by an adult.

27. King Tutt’s Putt Putt

Prepare for some friendly competition and family fun over at King Tutt’s Putt Putt. There are three individually themed 18-hole mini golf courses, right in the heart of Surfers Paradise. Where else could you find Cleopatra and deadly dinosaurs all in one place?

28. SUP in Paradise

Who wouldn’t love cruising along the Gold Coast’s beloved Broadwater on a stand-up paddle-board? Broadwater is a playground for water sports enthusiasts. One of the best places to hit the water is the protected area off Budd’s Beach. Here you’ll find SUP in Paradise trainers who will supply all the necessary equipment and give you tips on safety, balance and technique.

29. Broadwater Parklands

Located on Marine Parade in Southport, opposite Australia Fair, the world-class Broadwater Parklands offer a huge range of outdoor activities to amuse every member of the family. Kids can play in the mini water park, jump on the giant bouncing pillow or swim out to the floating play pontoon. There are also loads of free barbecue areas and shady spots for a picnic.

30. Timezone Gold Coast

For video game aficionados, Time Zone Surfers Paradise is a virtual mecca. Timezone Gold Coast claims the title for largest indoor family entertainment centre in Australia and the biggest Timezone in the world. Located on Cavill Avenue, the arcade covers an area of 5000-square-metres. With an ever-changing array of cutting edge games and attractions including racing, shooting, bowling and basketball games, a mini-golf course, Typhoon Simulator, bumper cars and laser skirmish, there’s something for everyone. Perfect for a rare rainy day, or any weather situation for that matter.

31. Movies under the stars

With its perfect sunny climate, what better way to spend a balmy summer evening than watching a free movie under the moonlight? Courtesy of the Gold Coast City Council, Movies Under the Stars invites families to pack a comfy chair, bring a picnic basket or support the local food vendors and veg out on a grassy knoll. All movies start at 7pm and are family-friendly.

32. Sunrise in the skies

Children aged three and up can watch the sunrise over the majestic hinterland with Hot Air Balloon Gold Coast. Witness sweeping views of Lamington National Park, Tamborine National Park and the towering silhouette of Surfers’ skyline like you’ve never seen it.

33. TreeTop challenge

It seems everybody wants to be in the trees this summer. The TreeTop Challenge, with locations in Victoria Point, Currumbin and Mount Tamborine, offers the perfect adrenaline-pumping alternative for ages seven and up. There’s a special challenge for juniors aged three to eight at the Tamborine Mountain location.

56. Mount Tamborine Village

A drive to this mountain village is a great day out. There’s a great range of hinterland hikes, from the all-abilities Cedar Creek Falls to the more advanced Witches Falls and Sandy Creek circuits. If you’re looking for less scenery and more shopping, hit the village where you’ll find antiques, cafes and some of the Gold Coast’s most mouthwatering fudge.

57. Gold Coast arts centre

HOTA stands for Home of the Arts and if you have creative kids, you’ll want to put it on your list of places to see on the Gold Coast.

It’s home to the largest art gallery outside of the capital cities, spread across six levels, HOTA holds regular exhibitions and exhibits work from local artists.

HOTA also has a theatre, regular creative arts workshops, comedy shows and talks. It’s worth checking out what’s on when you plan to visit.

58. Broadwater

If you have little kids and the waves at the beach are too large, try the Broadwater on the northern end of the Gold Coast.

The shallow estuary of water has gentle waves, sandbanks and beaches where toddlers and preschoolers can splash and play.

59. Try fishing

The Gold Coast canals are a great place to try fishing with little ones. If you’re lucky enough to have an Airbnb on the canals, you may even have a private jetty to fish from.

Bream and flathead are the most catch. The kids will also love watching black swans and pelicans eyeing off your catch.

60. Gold Coast mountain bike trails

Most people think of the beach when they think of the Gold Coast. But this city also has three incredible mountain bike trails.

Nerang National Park offers fast, rocky rides and the shuttle lifts to the top of the trails are included in the entry fee.

The Numinbah Valley Gravity Bike Park (NV) has exhilarating descents and Boomerang Farm Bike Park (Boomers) is the park for kids and adults that love speed.

61. Bim’bimba Park

Now this is a playground! The $7.5 million Bim’bimba Park took top honours in the Parks and Recreation category of the 2020 Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) Queensland Awards for Excellence.

The 5-hectare green space has a jaw-dropping 14-metre high play tower, a nature-based playground with recycled timber play equipment, a basketball half-court, skate ramps, outdoor table tennis, space to kick a football, shaded barbeque and picnic areas, and three kilometres of walk and cycle paths.

62. Eat donuts

The Gold Coast has some of the best donuts in Australia.  The insta-famous Paddock Bakery in Miami dishes up amazing Nutella and salted caramel donuts. Doughnut Time in Burleigh Heads offers decadent Golden Gaytime inspired creations filled with honeycomb custard, Malteser encrusted donuts and sprinkles galore. D Point Ten Donuts in Upper Coomera, Southport and Broadbeach sells a mean red velvet, biscoff donut.

Also try The Pastry Emporium in Bundall, the Flour of Life Bakery in Helensvale and Doughnut Boss at
Pacific Fair, Broadbeach.

This article appeared in Holidays with Kids magazine. To subscribe to the latest issue, click here.

Keep reading:

• Gold Coast family-friendly travel guide
• A Gold Coast family holiday
• The best nighttime activities on the Gold Coast