Step one: Save, screenshot, and plaster this list to every surface.
Step one: Save, screenshot, and plaster this list to every surface.
Ah, summer school holidays, our old foe.. we meet again. Six magical, memory-filled.. very long weeks of slogging it out keeping the mini-me’s entertained (and your sanity intact, ideally)… some days, it really do be feeling like an endless summer.
Never fear, parents, carers, ‘funcles’ and ‘faunties’ – we got you. But like, not like, in a ‘child minding’ way (soz), more in a ‘thoughts, prayers, and compiling the best school holiday activities on the Gold Coast into one handy list’ kind of way.. aka, this very bible of boredom busters you have clicked upon.
Screenshot it, send it on, stash it for safe keeping and stick it to all your most important surfaces (fridge door, namely). At some point (right around day three, lbh) your (mildly exhausted) future self will be eternally grateful.
Rollerama
Get ready to roll into Rollerama, the GC’s new roller-skating rink at Carrara Markets. This vibrant addition to the markets transforms the existing events arena into a permanent roller-skating haven.
Picture disco lights, graffiti walls, and a live DJ, creating an electric atmosphere with over 500 pairs of light-up roller skates available for hire. Lace-up for 2-hour skating sessions every Friday and Saturday night, plus daytime fun on Saturdays and Sundays alongside the regular markets.
Calling all parents: Rollerama is the ultimate school holiday destination with skate sessions every weekday. No need to book; just roll up on the day or secure your spot online. Let the good times roll!
Where: Carrara Markets, 2 Market Street, Carrara
Robina Town Centre
Embark on a journey of creativity and imagination these school holidays at Little Inventors! Located on the Ground Level, outside Myer and Kookai, this lab invites little inventors to unleash their creativity by crafting and designing their very own moveable robots. From January 8 to 21, between 9am and 1pm daily, this engaging experience is both free and requires no bookings.
Where: Robina Town Centre, Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina
Pacific Fair
Get ready for a blast from the past as the iconic 90’s show, the Gladiators, triumphantly returns to TV on January 15. But the excitement doesn’t end there – experience the Gladiator arena at Pacific Fair!
Bring the family for epic fun, battle it out in the Gladiator duel, and let the little ones unleash their creativity at the colouring station. Take home inflatable duel sticks and 3D collector cards! You might even come face-to-face with the Gladiators themselves. The Gladiators Duelling Arena opens its doors on January 7 & 8 from 10 am to 3 pm, located in Centre Court on the Ground Floor near Myer.
Where: Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach
Warner Bros Movie World
Need a break from all that festive cheer/obsessively vacuuming all that tinsel that just. keeps. coming? – might we suggest *tinsel town* for a refreshing change of pace? These school hols, Hooray For Hollywood returns to the streets of Warner Bros Movie World. It bestows unto us their biggest ever Movie Magic Parade, cameos from an all-star cast with the return of classic characters plus all your (we mean.. *your kids*.. yes.. that’s right.. for ‘the kids’) favourites. It will be packed with glitz, glamour and good times for all.
Where: Warner Bros Movie World, Pacific Mwy, Oxenford
Paradise Centre
The Christmas decorations might be stowed safely away but the activations keep coming. Sparkling Summer brings entertainment aplenty – appearances from some fun and feathery characters, DJ performances, makeovers at the Paradise Sparkle Station (plus the sparkling beachfront right next door) – all free (as a bird).
And if all else fails, the rag-tag entertainment gang – Timezone, Zone Bowling and mind-blowing virtual reality experiences at Freak VR, have never let us down yet.
Where: 2 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary’s ‘Wild Adventures’ school holiday programs are almost always a sell out – for good reason. For $69.00 pc, budding zoologists 6 to 12 years of age can have themselves a Wild Thornberrys vibing day out (what can we say, 90’s kid nostalgia dies hard) by becoming a Zoo Scientist for a Day, Animal Trainer for a Day, Vet for a Day, and Wildlife Keeper for a Day. Smashing!
Of course, the park itself is a hoot even if you miss out on one of the BTS sessions. These days there’s a zipline Treetop Challenge, a park train, shows and encounters galore – inc. Feed the Rainbow Lorikeets at 8am and 4pm daily. Classic.
Don’t miss the new Outback Adventure Precinct, Outback Springs, which features a recreation of a traditional outback Queensland farming station highlighted by animal encounters and experiences such as gemstone panning.
Where: 28 Tomewin St, Currumbin
HOTA
Hold on to your HOTA’s, because our cultural hub has lots going on to keep little hands and minds busy. Kids under 5 can craft their own DIY wrapping paper at the free Little ArtLab workshop on Friday 8 December (and honestly, only these guys would volunteer to take on paint + toddlers en masse). Saturday 9 December also brings an outdoor Christmas movie to the HOTA big screen, for some chilled family fun under the stars.
And if you haven’t yet ‘checked out’ the all ages Colour Your Imagination – Just Add Books in the Children’s Gallery, ‘book it’ on over because it wraps up 28 Jan, 2024. A whimsical, interactive exhibit created by renowned artist Victoria Reichelt, it’s like a library, only stacks more fun – in fact, rearranging and climbing (jumbo) books is wholeheartedly encouraged. ‘I spine’ a good time for all!
Where: HOTA, 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise
Gold Coast Active & Healthy Program
Oh, how we (and by association, our eternally ‘bored’ offspring) love the City of Gold Coast’s array of free and low-cost activities on offer thanks to the Gold Coast Active & Healthy Program. There’s stacks of stuff going down daily for all ages, so jump on their website and compare calendars stat (pro tip, filter by ‘school holidays’). Get amongst everything from junior park runs, colour blast obstacle courses, inflatable ninja challenges to some wheely rad skateboard workshops (one our own kidlets can attest to).
Where: Various locations across the Gold Coast
Gold Coast Recreation Centre
Channel those seemingly unlimited amounts of energy into any of the action packed activities on offer at the school hol MVP, Gold Coast Rec Centre. For kids aged 5+, half day ($36.25) and full day ($77) sessions are available across January, ranging from abseiling, stand up paddle boarding and court sports to aerial adventures and circus skills. And meals are provided, so those lunchboxes can stay right where they belong (for now)! Don’t drop the ball when it comes to booking though – registrations are essential and are open now.
Where: Gold Coast Recreation Precinct,1525 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
NaturallyGC Kids
The NaturallyGC Kids school holiday program gives your intrepid adventurers the chance to explore.. and dare we say… learn (shhh).. about the Gold Coast’s natural environment, with a range of range of nature-based activities on offer. Book them in for heaps of free workshops, and switch screen time for green time with deep dive sessions such as ‘Mini marine biologists’, ‘Discover dolphins’, ’Koala Kids’ and ‘Scaly Reptiles’ all on offer. It’s giving Totally Wild (#iykyk, 90’s kids).
Where: Various locations across the Gold Coast
KDV Sport School Holiday Camps
As always, there’s action packed adventure days a plenty happening at KDV Sport School Holiday Camps. Kiddos aged 5–14 are catered for, with more options than you can poke a tennis racquet at – mini golf, tennis, dodge-ball, swimming, basketball, table tennis, padel tennis, arts & crafts, talent shows, rock climbing aaaand *pauses dramatically to inhale* cricket all on offer. We’re exhausted just reading all that. The kids will be begging to go back and try them all.
Where: 221 Nerang Broadbeach Rd, Carrara
Rainy day activities
Although our city is known for sunshine, at the moment the weather gods have frowned upon us with iffy conditions. To prevent your kiddos from suffering dreary weather moods #theworst, check out our list of things to do indoors when it’s raining on the Coast.
Words by Kellie Leader.
It’s right under our nose, but sometimes we forget how many activities there are for the small, medium, and big kids (aka us) in good ‘ole Surfers Paradise. And we’re not just talking about the beach, but a myriad of other cool stuff to keep them entertained and whinge-free these school holidays.
Here are ten ideas to help fill the blanks in your school holiday schedule, with some old faves and a few newbies thrown in for good measure. The best part is not only will you score ‘cool mum’ kudos from the kids, but you’ll get a kick out of them too!
Timezone
I mean, does this place really need an introduction? We’ve all racked up many-an-hour at Timezone in days gone by, and your mini-me’s will love it as much as you did. Probably more, because it’s levelled up its epic-ness in recent times. With arcade games, bowling, mini bowling, mini golf, laser tag, and bumper cars, it’s actual kid heaven…with a touch of nostalgia for us.
Where: Paradise Centre, Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Holoverse
This new hi-tech entertainment centre using holograms which look oh-so-real will make you feel like you’re in a Star Wars flick! Pick hologram grass to feed a dinosaur, swim with life-sized holographic whales, compete against your kiddos in holographic sports, play holographic arcade games, and more! Special shoutout for their birthday party packages #theshizzle.
Where: Paradise Centre, Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Infinity
To infinity and beyond! Challenge their sense and ignite their imaginations with a unique and mind-blowing 30-minute journey into spectacular, interactive, futuristic maze-like worlds of wonder! This walk-through experience is choccas with unique special effects, emotive atmospheric sound fields, sensuous aromas, awesome tunes and amazing illusions. Suitable for kiddos aged 8 and above. Get an exclusive 15% off here.
Where: Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre, G31/3240 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Ripley’s Believe it or Not
This iconic home-grown ‘odditorium’ – now with over 300 exhibits and artefacts – is out of this world! A highlight is the new state-of-the-art Ripley’s 7D Moving Theatre where you feel every twist and turn as you compete against your seatmates. Enjoy a Ripley’s LaseRace, find out just what happens to your body in space, make friends with a life-sized R2-D2™ and more. Click here for a special offer.
Where: Cavill Mall, Surfers Paradise
The Wax Museum
Fancy some famous people watching? There’s no better place than The Wax Museum, home to the largest collection of wax figures in the Southern Hemisphere. Super realistic replicas of celebs, nursery rhyme characters, scientists, explorers, villains, world leaders, and even the crown jewels await (#RIPQueenElizabethII)! For the big kids (if you’re game) check out The Chamber of Horrors (shriek!!). Fancy a discount voucher? You’re welcome.
Where: 56 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Quack’r Duck
Is there any such thing as a kid who doesn’t go loco when they spot the big duck cruising down Ferny Ave? Imagine if you actually took them on said duck #eeep. Check out the pristine beaches and landmarks by road, then experience the thrills as the duck splashes into the Broadwater! Admit it – you’ve always wanted to do it too…. Grab a special offer here.
Where: 7 Elkhorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Fox in a Box
Ever wanted to break out of prison (without actually going to prison)? Or break into a diamond-filled vault in a bank? Or perhaps work out how to open a mysterious chest and unlock its contents and the secret within? You can do all of this and more at Fox in a Box! The rooms are recommended for ages 10 and above, but everyone is welcome to play. Good times!
Where: Level 1/3173 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Padlock’d Escape Rooms
Boasting ten immersive rooms themed to perfection, a visit to Padlock’d Escape Rooms is a great way to ditch reality for a bit (an hour to be exact…) and put your mind to the test. You’ll have a blast and the kids will be tuckered out from all that clue finding, code cracking, and puzzle solving #missionaccomplished. Recommended for ages 10 and above but all ages welcome.
Where: 3177 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Eclipse Escape Rooms
With five diverse, highly immersive, and technologically advanced rooms with insane special effects, bespoke props, and unique storylines leading up to an unforgettable grand finale, what’s not to love? Puzzle solving is designed to be fun and rewarding, with different levels of difficulty available. Kids as young as five can join in the fun, plus babies in prams are welcome in some rooms #StartEmYoung!
Where: Level 1, Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre, Surfers Paradise
Surfers Paradise River Cruises
Kids get as pumped about boat rides as we do, so why not jump on a morning, midday, afternoon, or sunset cruise with Surfers Paradise River Cruises! Friendly guides will point out landmarks and homes of the rich and famous around our glitter strip’s waterways, whilst you kick back with the kiddos enjoying complimentary snacks. And mum/dad – there’s a bar…. Cheers! Get 10% off your cruise here.
Where: 63 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Words by Bianca Trathen.
There have been about 53 public holidays of late, meaning more time for activities and more money going out of your wallet. Meanwhile, the sun is shining (most of the time) and it’s almost summer, so there are still plenty of good times to be had.
Thankfully we have the answer, FREE THINGS TO DO on the Gold Coast. They do say the best things in life are free!
Bike crawl to Burleigh
There are many sweet spots to cruise along on the Gold Coast. Start at Kurrawa Park in Broadbeach and head south to the hill at Burleigh Heads. You’ll mostly be on the Esplanades but there are bike lanes on the roads for max safety. Wear your helmet.
Sunset at Burleigh Hill
Everybody’s favourite picnic spot. Roll out a blanket and kick up your heels for one of the best sunset views on the Gold Coast. People watching is at an all-time high here too if that’s your thing. Take some sport-related things to throw/kick and join in with the rest of the revelers.
Cruise through the markets
The Coast is home to lots of epic markets including beachside ones at Surfers Paradise, Coolangatta and Broadbeach, the ever-popular Village Markets at Burleigh Heads State School every second Sunday and the HOTA markets every Sunday. So many goodies.
Stroll through the national park
We are lucky enough to boast some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the world (if we do say so ourselves). Take a stroll over Burleigh Hill through the national park and around to Tallebudgera Creek and then return on the Oceanview path. Make sure to keep an eye out for breaching whales.
Paddle in Tallebudgera Creek
The water in Talle Creek is all of the absolutely stunning shades of blue and green and it’s truly a sight to behold. Swim out into the middle, float around on your back and think about how lucky you are to experience it.
Check out The Spit
Main Beach is home to a spot called The Spit which is home to a dog beach and a sweet pier-style situation so you can both make lots of hairy new friends and take some sweet snaps to remember it all.
Feed the birds
Okay, so this one is almost free but well worth the gold coin donation. Head to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and feed the hundreds of lorikeets who gather there twice a day (8am and 4pm). They’re beautiful and loud and it’s an amazing experience.
Splash at Currumbin Rock Pools
Just a short drive from Currumbin are the Currumbin Rock Pools, complete with a jumping rock and little waterfalls to splash around in. It can get busy but it’s a relaxing spot to spend an afternoon.
Take a hike
Actually. There are TONS of hikes you can take around the Gold Coast from short little easy ones (yes please) to more challenging, mountainous ones and all with absolutely stunning views and lots of natural goodness to soak up.
Swim in a waterfall
Also just a short drive from Currumbin are Cougal Cascades, a collection of beautiful waterfalls you can swim under and take pretty pics of. You can also laze about in the rock pools and slide down the rocks themselves. It’s a delight. There are plenty more around too.
Slide into a playground
The Gold Coast is home to many epic playgrounds for kids. Most of them have tables and BBQ facilities, so pack an esky and make a day of it. The perennially popular Pirate Park in Palm Beach has just had an upgrade and it’s now bigger than ever. Other unmissable parks include Bim’bimba Park, Pimpama, named the 2020 Best New Park in Queensland and the new Broadwater Parklands North with a 5 storey slide!
Find the frog
Down south a little further, there’s a stunning walk around the ocean from Coolangatta to Snapper Rocks. Go in search of the big green frog on your way, he’s overlooking a secluded little beach called Froggies (for obvious reasons).
Gaze at local art
The Gold Coast is home to several art galleries showcasing our talented local artists plus, of course, some from further afield. Find 19 Karen in Mermaid Beach, Dust Temple in Currumbin and the impressive contemporary HOTA Gallery in Bundall. Grab your Nikes, a LIME bike, skateboard, scooter, or your choice of wheels and hit the trail of the Gold Coast’s best street art with Art Roll. Their easy-to-navigate maps will have you rolling to the best street art by suburb.
Frolic on the beach
We’re lucky enough to be home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. From Surfers Paradise to Snapper Rocks, the options are endless and each one more beautiful than the last. Don’t forget water and sunscreen of course, that Gold Coast sun is unrelenting.
Make your way up the mountain
Mt Tamborine is only a 40 minute drive from the Coast and the views from up there are next-level. Not only that, there are more beautiful walks than you can poke a stick at, waterfalls and the main street is a sight to behold in itself. Plenty of shops to scope out if you’ve got some spare change too.
Enjoy, friends, those should keep you going for awhile.
Words by Kirra Smith
Organising your mini-me’s birthday party triggers a rollercoaster of emotions; excitement, anticipation and pure joy…laced with a dose of fear, dread, and general trepidation. The sugar. The screaming. The inevitable tantrum. And don’t even get us started on the politics of who to invite….#sendwine.
Well, we’re here to help you keep your cool and focus on the fun stuff with our list of fail-proof, kid-pleasing, parent-sanity-preserving places to host the ultimate bday celebration.
#MayTheForceBeWithYou…
Hijinx Hotel
Looking for a party with extra oomph this year? Look no more coz Hijinx Hotel, the ultimate immersive experience, has you covered. Play a set of super fun Hinjinx Hotel Challenger Rooms (five rooms in total), eat a yummy main and side (with an option to add-in extra noms), plus sip on soft drink or water and experience a totally ‘ungeneric’ celebration. The best part? You can relax while a party host takes cares of all the action #hearhear! For $38 per whipper snapper, it’s worth every cent.
Where: Corner of 3197 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Level 1 Elkhorn Ave, Surfers Paradise
Slideways Go Karting
Watching the kids race around a track channelling their inner Lewis Hamilton having an absolute hoot of a time is a vibe. Slideways boasts a three-storey indoor drift kart track and is the perf party destination for kids aged 7 to 13 (minimum height 120cm). For $88 per person with no less than five kidlets, you’ll get 20 mins of go karting, 10 arcade tokens, a balaclava, an ice block, a bottle of H20, and two-hours in the function room. Side-note, feel free to use our special discount here.
Where: 10 Spencer Road, Nerang
Holoverse
Imagine spending your birthday picking hologram grass to feed a giant hologram Brontosaurus, or swimming with life sized holographic whales? Well, you can do precisely that and so much more at Holoverse! There are four party packages starting at $26 per person, with a minimum of eight people and maximum of 16. The average hologram party goes for two-hours and all parties include seven giant scratchy credits and party bags. And PS, if you wanted to organise a group ticket, did we mention we have a discount voucher here?! (You’re welcome).
Where: Paradise Centre, 8 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Paradise Resort
Celebrate your child’s next party in paradise. Literally – this place is actual paradise for kids. Paradise Resort is a sprawling fun-packed venue, with so many options for birthday parties we’d be here till Christmas listing them all. As a guide, a basic three-hour Ice Skating Party for five kids will set you back $150, whereas a two-hour Pamper Parlour Party for a minimum of eight kiddos is $520. Or you can mix and match the above, and add in waterpark, laser tag, and climbing wall to name a few.
Where: 122 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
iPlay
We dare you to find a kid who doesn’t go all kinds of gaga for gaming and nope, they don’t exist. That’s why iPlay is a winner winner kid’s party dinner.
Coomera iPlay: For $25 per child (minimum of 8 guests), your small people will score two hours of partying, including one-hour unlimited arcade (yellow) and redemption (red) games, 2 x (purple) prize games, 300 x tickets per guest, and a whopping 500 tickets for the bday kid! Food platters are also available.
Harbourtown iPlay: For $25 per child (minimum of 8 guests), the kids will lap up one-hour of arcade time, unlimited red and yellow swipers, three purple swipers, 200 tickets per child and a $5 return voucher for the party kiddo. Line those hungry tums for $12 each with food supplied from Crafty’s! Save some for mum and dad!
Where: Westfield Coomera, 83-121 Foxwell Road, Coomera & Harbour Town Premium Outlets, 147 Brisbane Road, Biggera Waters
Miniature Golf
Who doesn’t love a game of golf, mini or otherwise? It’s a sure-fire winner for all ages, including the youngins who love nothing more than a golf birthday party! We’re pretty lucky here on the Gold Coast as we are spoilt for choice whether it’s the mini variety with Holey Moley in Surfers or Putt Putt Mermaid Beach’s three themed 18-hole courses. Or enjoy less screen time, less green time at Top Golf with a hosted kids party. Shot!
Where: Various
Timezone
Ahhh the flashbacks of living it large as a kid at Timezone. And let us tell you, absolutely nothing has changed, with our mini’s going weak at the knees at the mere mention of the ‘T’ word. At Surfers Paradise Timezone, there are three party packages priced from $35 to $48 per head. Between 2.5 and 3 hours in duration, they include everything from game time to a dedicated party host, with the two more expensive options also serving up kid’s meals. At Timezone Coolangatta and Robina, there are similar packages so parentals, it’s a no-brainer!
Where: Paradise Centre, Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise, Robina Town Centre, 1 Robina Town Centre Dr, Robina and The Strand, Marine Parade, Coolangatta
Infinity Attraction
Get the party started at Infinity, an incredible journey through a world of illusion. Think of a futuristic, maze-like world of wonder with unique rooms and sensory overloads that will have you and the kids feeling as though you’re in a dream. Prices start from $17 per child and when paired with tasty eats from Betty’s Burgers, parent of the year status incoming! Should we mention that you can get 10% of adult and child entry here?! Go on and make your little one’s year!
Where: Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre, G31/3240 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Escape Rooms
Locking the kids up for an hour – are you sure it’s not our birthday? Just joking kiddos…sort of. Small folk love a good escape room, plus they’ll use their brains trying to figure out how to get un-locked #bonus. Sounds like the perfect party plan to us – especially when we have a 10% discount at Padlock’d, Eclipse Escape, Fox in a Box, and a 15% discount at Other World HQ.
Where: Padlock’d – 3177 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise, Eclipse Escape – Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise, Fox in a Box Gold Coast Escape Rooms – Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise, Other World HQ – 3107 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise.
Bella’s Wonderland
Love a good play centre? Chances are your small people do too and this one is humungous, plus its beautiful modern design will make for some srsly instagrammable pics. Think on-trend curves, pastels-a-plenty, and a darn good menu to boot. Offering an array of party packages including the Mini Birthday Bash ($299 for five kids), Bella’s Fun Fiesta ($580 for ten kids), and the hum-dinga Dream Discovery Bash ($880 for 12 kids), this one’s a keeper.
Where: 48 3/15 Jackman St, Southport
Rollerama
This one’s for the nostalgic parents who long for their minis to enjoy the roller rink parties of yesteryear #OhTheMems, and wept uncontrollably when the local roller rink shut up shop #StillScarred. Well, we have news for you! Rollerama is a huge new roller-skating arena, now a permanent attraction at Carrara Markets! The perfect spot for a fun-fuelled birthday party, it’s wheely good fun for all ages.
Where: Events Arena precinct, Carrara Markets, Corner of Gooding Drive & Manchester Road, Carrara
The Craft Parlour
Pretty as a picture, The Craft Parlour takes the mess factor away, whilst allowing your birthday girl or boy and posse to craft away till their hearts’ content! The summery enclosed backyard and beautiful studio has plenty of room for kids to dance, relax, and craft away, and it’s BYO food, drinks, and cake. Mama’s, feel free to pack a yummy cheese platter and bubbles for any parents who may stay for the sesh #AnyExcuse.
Where: 27 Lemana Lane, Miami
Helensvale Aquatic Centre
If you’re looking for an inexpensive crowd-pleasing way to celebrate your kiddo’s birthday, nothing says “party” quite like a pool party! There most popular option for good reason is the three-hour Inflatable Pool Party from $20 per child, which side note; will also wear them out #tick! Or, for the littler littlies, how about a two-hour Splash Park Party from $15 per head. Both are for a minimum of ten kids, have the option to add catering, or BYO food and drinks. Yes mum and dad, we said BYO!
Where: Rugby Lane, Helensvale
Words by Bianca Trathen.
