GC mums and dads, circle Friday 6 September on the calendar. Everyone’s favourite trampoline park, BOUNCE, is set to school the kids in the art of having fun with ‘After Dark’ – the ultimate (almost) end of term bucket list event.

Turning down the lights, firing up the strobes, and dropping the beats for three hours of non-stop freestyle fun, it’s the perfect way for school age kids and teens to launch themselves into holidays mode…and for you to score some serious cool parent street cred #I’mNotARegularMum.

From 6pm to 9pm, the park is flipping the script on the ‘BAU’ bouncing and transforming its 3,000 square metre digs into one big dance party. We’re talking off the wall fun and games galore, thanks to the live DJ and super fly BOUNCE hosts. There’s also plenty of prizes up for grabs for bouncers who bring their A-game to the D-floor to keep spirits high and the jumps even higher.

If you’ve yet to experience the magic of BOUNCE, allow us to introduce you to this boredom-busting, energy-expelling, fun-filled kiddo’s wonderland. Interconnecting trampolines stretch as far as the eye can see, inviting bouncers to defy gravity with padding and air bag zones ready to catch every daring leap.

Whether they’re mastering their first flip into the Big Bag or perfecting their run on The Wall, it’s an adrenaline playground designed for maximum freestyle expression. It’s also great for helping finetune coordination, balance and agility, and a saviour for parents who want their kids to burn off some steam in a safe and secure environment.

A night of bouncing and boogying After Dark style is $36 per person which gets them access to an evening filled with high-flying fun and twirl-tastic tunes #TrampolineHairDon’tCare. But that’s not all – if your kiddo is likely to work up a serious appetite amid all the fun, there’s an awesome option to keep them fuelled up and jumping for joy. For an extra $10, they can grab a pizza and drink combo and be ready to bounce right back into action.

So, if you’re keen to give the kids an epic night out to celebrate the term that was and put a little (or a lot) of spring in their step, look no further than the BOUNCE After Dark End of Term Party.

Don’t let this opportunity bounce away! For tickets or more information, click here.

Where: 5 Sunlight Drive, Burleigh Waters
When: 6pm – 9pm, Friday 6 September

Words by Bianca Trathen

STORY SPONSORED BY BOUNCE

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when someone says “Dreamworld”? Indulging your inner adrenalin junkie with epic thrill rides galore? Or maybe a trip down memory lane coz waiting at Kodak for our Dreamworld prints from mum’s disposable camera was literally life circa 1990. Whilst that all rings true, our answer is (drum roll pls)….Night Markets #CueMicDrop. No, we’re not disoriented after one too many spins on the Steel Taipan, Dreamworld really is the new home to our region’s coolest Night Markets, creating the GC’s hottest coupling since Kenny and Belinda #KoalaPowerCouple101.

Serving up good times and good food from 5pm to 9pm every Friday and Saturday night, the first point we need to highlight is cost, or lack thereof. No need to buy a ticket to Dreamworld, simply forgo that trip to the $2 shop and redirect your shiny gold coin (or Eftpos card coz srsly, what is cash) to your Dreamworld Night Market entry! That’s right, it’s only two bucks for adults and better yet, free for kiddos under 13, passholders and anyone already inside the park.

So what can we expect from these Night Markets and get comfy coz It’s.A.Lot. Let’s start with the nosh and we’re talking unreal street eats, sweets, drinks – the works! Serving up cuisine how we like it best – food truck style – there’s something for everyone. Think decadent dumplings and bao, North American, South American, Korean, Vietnamese, Indian, Latin American, German, Spanish, Italian and Turkish tucker, and that’s just a taste* PunAlwaysIntended.

If you’re a cocktail or beer enthusiast (is the sky blue and duh), check out Apollo’s Cocktail Bar and Apollo’s Beer Bar. Or perhaps you’d rather give booze the boot and stick to coffee, tea and juices and the choices are equally abundant and satisfying. As are the desserts with the likes of popcorn, Hong Kong style waffles, Dutch pancakes, churros and donuts and if you’re thinking who needs mains then #same.

Food is just the beginning though with more entertainment than you can poke a sate stick at and yes, you can nom plenty of those too. Dreamworld Night Markets are also the home of exciting live music from local, emerging, and well-known artists on the Main Street Stage. With set lists changing weekly there’s always someone new to enjoy….and add to your ever-growing Spotify list.

Turn up the heat with free family entertainment and we don’t mean that figuratively coz there are actual fire twirlers people #(Non)CannedHeat. There are also stuntmen, live performance artists, roaming entertainers, and of course, free movies on the big screen from 6.25pm. Pull up a beanbag and keep your little ones entertained, whilst enjoying a well-earned time-out from the daily grind.

If you fancy yourself as the arty farty type, you’re invited to bring your best strokes with the crew from Paint Juicy. Happening on alternate Friday and Saturday nights (at an additional cost), if you haven’t experienced the creative outlet that is a paint and sip class then friends, this is THE place to do it. Paint and Sip sessions are just $59 per person and include entry, a drink on arrival, and an individual snack box. Plus, you can take home your own art creation to hang proudly in your abode, or chuck in your wheely bin but hey, it’s all about the journey which is next level fun, fetch and fab. Paint and Sip is perfect for the whole family and session spots are strictly limited (translation – book yesterday).

If you’re more of a lol enthusiast than a paintbrush pusher, keep your eyes peeled for an evolving showcase of live comedy gigs. And for the small folk, get a load of Gamesite, the pay-for-play fun zone with all your fave arcade games (#kool) and of course, Belinda’s Tree House, perfect for expelling their second (third and fourth…times two) wind.

So as you can see, there is something for everyone – young, not so young, creative, not so creative, hungry or hungrier. Whether you’re heading for after-work drinks, taking the kids out for dinner, or looking for the ultimate good-times-and-vibes joint to host your corporate function or party, all roads lead to one destination: Dreamworld Night Markets.

For more information, go here.

Where: Dreamworld, Dreamworld Parkway, Coomera
When: 5pm – 9pm, Fridays & Saturdays

Words by Bianca Trathen.

STORY SPONSORED BY DREAMWORLD

Feels like it’s been five minutes since the kids were on holidays and low and behold, the schools are letting them loose again. Sigh.

Keeping them occupied— and you sane — will need some carefully considered tact. But let’s face facts here: you are on the Gold Coast. That means beaches, shopping and theme parks on your doorstep that other people would vacation here for. Nevertheless, what happens when the kids are keen for something a bit more diverse to pass the time?

Never fear, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a list of some of our favourite things to do on the Gold Coast when school is out.

Level Up Arcade
The Arcade is the 80s and 90s incarnate. Found on the first floor of the Oasis Shopping Centre in Broadbeach, Level Up features 62 of the best games from this era. With Lane Master Bowling, pool table, 3D pong, limited edition pinballs, a classic arcade with 40 of your old school games, LA Lakers hoops, big buck hunter, Jurassic Park, down the clown, ring toss and plenty more. Worn out kids by the end of the day are guaranteed.
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Padlock’d
With 60 minutes on the clock, you and the family are left in a mysterious room to solve puzzles, crack riddles, open locks and escape the madness. It’s a fast-paced hour where you will either come out with big old smiles on your faces — or in need of a big old glass of wine. It’s such a fun time either way though.
Where: 3177 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise

Ripley’s Believe it or Not
Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditorium is Surfers Paradise’s most unusual and far-fetched attraction. Found in Soul Boardwalk, Ripley’s offers sixteen individually themed galleries of unbelievable artifacts and interactive exhibits where you will come face to face with remarkable relics and rare treasures from around the world. Experience the weird and unbelievable, see shrunken heads, survive a walk through the spinning vortex tunnel, unusual artwork, and things that make you go eww. Get a discount here!
Where: Soul Boardwalk, Cavill Mall, Surfers Paradise

Currumbin Boatshed
Found at the edge of Currumbin Creek, Currumbin Boatshed Bait and Tackle offers plenty of choices to ensure you and the kids get to have the best possible time on the water. They’ve got fishing gear, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, surfboards and much more. All are available for purchase or they also have hire options for kayaks, SUPs and fishing gear. Ever seen somebody on a SUP and thought you’d like to give it a go? Well, here’s your chance folks, as they offer regular SUP lessons for beginners!
Where: 1/2-4 Thrower Drive, Currumbin

Lollie Land
It’s the perfect place for big and small kids alike. Spend some time choosing from over 1,000 different sweet treats, American brands like Hershey’s, Reese’s, Trolli, Twizzler and Cheeto’s, to your local favourites like Allen’s and Nestle. There’s also a wide variety of liquorice, rock candy and pick and mix sweets to choose from. From gobsmackers to chocolate fudge, you’re sure to find something to satiate your taste buds.
Where: Shop 1/3179 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise

Mini Golf
What child doesn’t love a bit of mini-golf? None, as far as we know. Luckily, the Gold Coast is home to a collection of enjoyable putt-putt spots, and they are dotted throughout the city — so you could even make a day of it and visit several of them — should that be your kind of thing! Our favourites are King Tutts and Mini Golf in Surfers Paradise and Putt Putt Mermaid Beach.
Where: Various locations

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a nature-based institution that’s been delighting families for the last 70 years. Check all your favourite Aussie animals, watch the bird show Wild Skies or wander through Lost Valley and gaze at some of the magical creatures that existed when Australia was part of the ancient supercontinent Gondwana. If you haven’t been before or it’s been a while, it’s about time you went and spent a fun day in Currumbin with some furry and feathered friends.
Where: 28 Tomewin Street, Currumbin

Infinity
It’s an incredible journey through a world of illusion at Infinity. Think futuristic, maze-like world of wonder with unique rooms and sensory overloads that will have you laughing, jumping, and feeling as though you’re in a dream. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Get an exclusive discount here!
Where: Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre, G31/3240 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise

Theme Parks
It goes without saying the Coast’s theme parks are some of our biggest attractions for visitors. From Movie World with its themed rides, wandering movie stars and cartoon characters; to Dreamworld with its big thrill rides; Seaworld; with impressive sea creatures and mind-blowing live shows; Wet n Wild with all of the epic waterslides and a giant wave pool; Outback Spectacular with incredible special effects, a story of outback Australia and some absolutely beautiful animals. All SUCH a good time and the kids will be thrilled to be at any one of them.

Walkin on Water
Walkin On Water Surf School can be found at Greenmount Beach in Coolangatta and uses the town’s beautiful beaches to their full potential — which are the perfect places for all levels of surfer. These guys pride themselves on offering group and private lessons for all ages and surfing abilities, from the age of 4 right through to those in their 80’s. Greenmount is an amazing location for beginners and early intermediates, having a good amount of protection from southerly swells it is renowned, amongst others, as the ideal learn-to-surf location on the Gold Coast. Get $25 OFF here.
Where: Marine Parade, Coolangatta

FREE ACTIVITIES

Go for a picnic
Relaxation, good views and all of the food. It’s an almost free activity (you have to buy the food we’re afraid) and when choosing the right spot (maybe nearby a playground), can fill up a whole day. Check out our list of the best places to throw down a rug here.

Broadwater Parklands
For a real fun time hit up Broadwater Parklands in Southport. There’s a huge range of free activities including the rockpool water playground, giant bouncy pillow, BBQ areas, eats and a little train that fits big kids (you) and little ones.
Where: Marine Parade, Southport

Miami Marketta
Known as the Gold Coast’s favourite family-friendly nightspot for tasty street food, fun cocktails, boutique shopping and live bands, Miami Marketta is so so good. Save some coins and share a couple of tapas-style plates amongst the whole family. Oh, and make sure you check out the dessert area too.
Where: 23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami

Currumbin Rock Pools
If you’re looking for something more adventurous and exciting to do, Currumbin Rock Pools is just the ticket. The beautiful scenic drive through Currumbin Valley is enough of an attraction in itself, taking you straight to the natural swimming pool next to Currumbin Valley Primary School. In utter tranquillity, you may just want to cool down and splash in the water or enjoy some family time over a BBQ at the designated picnic area.
Where: Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin Valley

Local Markets
Take the family and stroll along one of our many local markets on the coast. There’s everything from fresh locally grown produce to fashion, homewares, souvenirs, arts and crafts. Our top three favourite markets are Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets (4pm-9pm Wednesday, Friday & Sunday nights) and Carrara Markets (7am-4pm every Saturday & Sunday). Check out the rest here.

Words by Alex Mitcheson.