55 things to do on the Gold Coast with kids

9. Currumbin Rock Pools

This not-so-secret swimming hole is just 15-minutes inland from Currumbin Beach and the perfect place to escape the crowds. Here in the valley, kids swing on ropes and leap off ledges into the cool, fresh water while parents lounge in the sun. Dogs are welcome and there are picnic tables, a barbecue area, toilets and a local convenience store just across the road.

10. O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat

O’Reilly’s is the place to enjoy daily family-friendly activities including guided bird walks, animal shows, off-road Segway tours and the famed Tree Top Walk. Order ahead for a packed lunch or picnic hamper before exploring one of 500 amazing waterfalls accessible via 160-kilometres of trails. There’s so much to do; squeeze it into a day or stay the whole weekend in a Rainforest Villa.

18. Walkin’ on Water surf school

Whack on a wetty and get ready to tackle the waves at gorgeous Greenmount Beach in Coolangatta. Its gentle waves make it an ideal place to start your surfing career, no matter your age or level of fitness. Walkin’ on Water offer group and private surfing lessons for all, with expert instructors teaching the littlies safety skills and theory in a nurturing environment, getting them upright and smashing the waves in no time. Walkin’ on Water is also the Gold Coast’s number-one provider of SurfGroms, the world’s first national junior surfing program for five to 12-year-olds.

34. Harbour Town shopping centre

If you want to do some shopping on the Gold Coast, you need to visit Harbour Town. The outlet shopping centre has all the big brands – Nike, Cotton On, Hugo Boss, Adidas, Armani, Bonds, Converse, Cue, DeCuba, Kathmandu and more. The centre also has a great strip of restaurants and cafes. The kids will really love the pix-and-mix lolly shop and the cheap cinema.

35. Gold Coast Aquatic Centre

Why would you want to spend the day by a pool when you have so many great beaches? But trust us, the kids will love the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre. This pool hosted the Commonwealth Games swimming and diving competition and visitors can jump off the same diving boards into the water.

In summer, the pool installs a giant inflatable obstacle course that floats in one of the pools. The kids will spend hours racing each other up and down.

36. Bowl the night away

Bowling is one of the best family activities on offer, and on the Gold Coast, you’ll be spoilt for options. Choose between Tenpin, Go Bowling and Strike alleys for a night of family fun, plus a little bit of rivalry. If you’d rather be outdoors, there’s always bare-foot bowling. Dig your toes into some freshly-mowed grass at one of many bowling clubs along the foreshore. Challenge your family and friends to a game while you sip a cold drink under the Gold Coast sun.

37. Face your fears with a bungee jump

For those seeking an absolute adrenaline rush, look no further than Bungy Australia. Defy the laws of gravity as you free-fall through the air from 14 storeys up, only to be pulled up by your feet moments before you hit the ground. Bungy Australia are currently closed, but are re-opening at a new location soon, so keep your eyes peeled.

38. Make a splash at GC Aqua Park

Kids will love this inflatable swimming spot in Southport. Where the Nerang river meets the Pacific Ocean, the GC Aqua Park bobs fiercely among the small waves. Children as young as five can make use of the giant slides, climbing structures, water-borne trampolines and other fun obstacles.

39. Treat yourself at Cowch

Cowch Dessert Bar in Pacific Fair is an absolute must for those with a sweet tooth. With its visually unique interior and sickeningly-sweet menu, you’ll be coming back for more at Cowch. Try out local favourites such as the toasted waffle sandwich, cheat day pancakes or fruit tingle crepes. For mum and dad, cheeky choccie cocktails are also in order, including the nutella espresso martini.

40. The Gold Coast Sling Shot

Now this is for the daredevils – the most exhilarating ride on the Gold Coast. Launch yourself 80-metres into the air at 160-kilometres per-hour with the Sling Shot. 40 tonnes of energy is stored in the Spring Machine, ready to catapult you into the sky. Only the bravest kids will step up to the challenge.

41. Strandbroke Island

About 50-minutes off the Queensland coast is the world’s second largest sand island, the stunning Stradbroke Island. To get here, jump on a ferry from Cleveland, which is just over an hour from the Gold Coast. With picturesque beaches, lakes and bush walks, you can get back to nature at Stradbroke. If you’re looking for something fun to do, take your pick between whale watching, markets, restaurants, cultural talks and niche local shops. Stay on the island overnight at one of the many resorts, BNB’s or holiday rentals. And of course, you can camp.

42. Ride a horse at the equestrian centre

From ongoing lessons to one-off experiences, the Gold Coast Equestrian Centre offers something for all horse-lovers. Nestled in the hills on the outskirts of the city, the centre is a quiet and peaceful retreat. Surrounded by acres of pastures with a running stream throughout, tranquilly is a certainty. Try a lesson with a professional or hop along on a guided trail ride. The well-trained horses and ponies will love the cuddles and pats.

43. Whale Watching

Between June and November each year, an estimated 20,000 humpback whales migrate north past the Gold Coast. It is prime time to head out on a whaling watching tour, to get up-close-and-personal with some of nature’s largest mammals. There are a bunch of whale watching tours to choose from on the Gold Coast, all offering unique experiences with these magnificent beasts. Spend the day watching whales show off, arching the backs and flipping their tails.

44. Check out Australia’s #1 farm experience

For an authentic Aussie farming experience, a visit to Paradise Country is a must. From the Koala Breakfast animal encounter to the Wildlife Walkabout and Farmyard Nursery, kids will be enamoured by our native cuddly creatures for hours. Some of our favourite critters include the possums, Tassie devils, Marmoset monkeys, dingoes and kangaroos.

45. Miami Marketta

This is where the locals eat. This open-air street food market is only eight-minutes from Broadbeach, offering the most mouthwatering eats around. Take your family down on any Wednesday, Friday or Saturday of the month to experience this cultural dining hub with a difference. While you devour food from around the world, try locally brewed beer for parents and listen to the local talent.

46. Check out the Crazy Cat Cafe

Come on down to the Crazy Cat Cafe in Surfers Paradise to pat some pals and enjoy a meal. The cafe itself is separate to the cat lounge, but visitors are welcome to take their drinks in while they enjoy the company of some friendly felines. There are comfy chairs and rugs for guests and cats galore to cuddle. Sessions last between 25 minutes and an hour depending on your booking.

47. Enjoy a footy game at Cbus Super Stadium

Cbus Super Stadium is the home ground for the Gold Coast’s very own rugby league team, the Titans. It is also the ideal destination for a family day out. Grab a hot pie and a cold drink before settling into your grand-stand seats. It’s hard not to get caught up in the excitement. The roaring atmosphere combined with the high intensity of the game will be sure to get everyone cheering.

48. Gold Coast Wake Park

This huge lake turned wake park in Oxenford is perfect for thrill seekers. With both wake-board and knee-board options, take to the water fully-equipped and ready for fun. The park caters to everyone, from beginners to advanced. There are jumps and obstacles for those looking for a challenge. Kids as young as six can join in on the fun, but those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

49. Day trip it Kingscliff

There’s long been debate about whether the Tweed Coast is included when talking about the Gold Coast. Whether it is or not, Kingscliff’s Cudgen Creek is a must, even if you have to make the drive from up north. The creek is known locally for its insanely clear water. Dolphins frequent the waterway so often, as it’s practically on the mouth of the river, so you’re not even considered lucky if you spot one. The current is gentle and there are sandbanks galore, making it an ideal place to cool off for all ages. Cafes, restaurants and pubs are all nearby in the beach-side town of Kingscliff.

50. Palm Beach parklands

The parklands at palm beach have ‘family-day-out’ written all over it. The outdoor space combines a playground, swimming spot, barbecue areas and walking tracks, all at the heart of the Gold Coast. The Pirate Treasure Island playground is a favourite amongst the kids, known for its half sunken sailing ship and giant slide. Picnic tables nearby make for the perfect lunch spot. But wait, there’s more. On those extra hot days, cool down in the estuary, where salt and fresh water meet. Protected by large sand dunes, the water here is gentle and calm, catering to kids of all ages.

51. Kurrawa All Abilities Playground

Broadbeach is home to one of the Gold Coast’s most unique playgrounds. Kurrawa focuses on catering towards children of all abilities, designed in tandem with Disability Services Queensland. Everything is bright and interactive, purposefully built to stimulate the minds’ of all children, no matter their age or ability. Ramps and a liberty swing promise fun for those in wheelchairs. Kurrawa is definitely a must when visiting the Gold Coast with kids.

52. Brisbane’s Southbank

Southbank in Brisbane city, just over an hour’s drive from the Gold Coast, is a family-friendly hub of fun. From the giant kid’s playground to a man-made beach with views of the river, your family day out will be jam-packed with fun. High-quality restaurants along the river’s shore will cater to you after a long day lazing by the beach-pool. The stunning purple bougainvillea is a staple of this area, keep you eye out for it creeping its way up trees and trellises. Combine that with palm trees and a long wooden boardwalk, and you’ve got yourself an inner-city tropical paradise.

53. Have a picnic at Point Danger

At the southern-most end of the Gold Coast in Coolangatta, is Point Danger headland. Famous among locals for its uninterrupted views and unconventional lighthouse, this spot has to be one of the best on the Goldie. Recognising Aussie history with the Centaur Memorial and Walk of Remembrance, this site holds a sentiment most headlands don’t. It is also home to the Marine Rescue NSW Point Danger station. With unique features and an abundance of picnic areas with ocean views, Point Danger is a great little getaway from the hype of the Gold Coast north.

54. Hire a paddle boat at Jack Evans Boat Harbour

While you’re still down south, check out one of the largest harbours on the Gold Coast. Fed by the Tweed River, Jack Evans Boat Harbour is a great spot for swimming, fishing and boating. One of our favourite activities to do here is hiring an old-fashioned paddle boat, which is powered by the user’s feet. The faster you paddle, the quicker you move. If you’re not too keen on a leg work-out, try stand-up paddle-boarding. Picnic areas and grassy knolls provide the perfect spot for a family picnic.

55. Try out yet another fantastic playground

Laguna Park in Palm Beach is another one of our super fun and interactive playground recommendations. What makes this park unique is its mini monorail, which circles the park and is powered by the cycling of kids who ride it. There’s lots of fun to be had here. Right on the edge of a beautiful lake, kids can get lost in sand-play, a huge playground, swings, slides and various climbing structures.