School holidays. Two words that can strike fear and dread into the hearts of parents far and wide. But fear not mums, dads, grandies et al, you’re reading this which means you’ve got this (fist pump emoji… and a wine glass emoji for good measure. Maybe two).

Now the next couple of weeks don’t need to be totally heckers – just filled with a good balance of physical, mental, and creative activities to bust boredom and preserve sanity (yours that is). And with the majority of suggestions on this list not costing anything more than the fuel to get there, just shut up and (don’t) take my money!

So, pull up your calendar app, hatch some srsly cool plans, and make some memories with your mini-me’s.

Pacific Fair
School holidays feeling like a grind? Kick board-om to the kerb as skate fever hits Pacific Fair these holidays! Back by popular demand, Skatefest sees the car park (above Target) transformed into a shred-tastic concrete wonderland from June 21st to July 1st. Design your dream skate tee at Design Skool, then build those skills at Skate Skool with sessions for all levels. Plus, watch pro skaters tear it up and compete for a chance to win a share in over $5K in prizes at Demo Night and more. Who’s ready to shred!
Where: 2 Hooker Boulevard, Broadbeach Waters

Robina Town Centre
Got kidlets bouncing off the walls? Corral your crew towards Robina Town Centre and let Robina Arena channel that boundless energy into a series of action-packed challenges! They’re throwing down the gauntlet with a Jump Test, Canoe Course and Steady Skater challenge to put those sporting skills to the test. Plus, after conquering the course, little champions can decorate their very own cookie medals at one of the free cookie sessions – running half-hourly from 10 am–1.30 pm, every second day (24 June, 26 June, 28 June, 30 June, 2 July, 4 July) bookings are essential.
Where: Robina Town Centre, Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina

Paradise Centre
Paradise Centre is really ramping up the fun these holidays as Skate Paradise returns from 22 June to 7 July 2024. Roll into Surfers and get the groms around some rad skateboarding action as the beachside precinct transforms into the sickest skate haunt going! Budding boarders will flip out with daily entertainment, free kids skate workshops and daily skate shows from the crew at Rock N Slide. Kick it to live beats with sunset DJ sets on select dates, or catch one of the custom sneaker art sessions with Kiel Tillman from 26 to 28 June. Rad!
Where: 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Naturally GC
NaturallyGC holiday programs are FREE and specifically designed to connect kids with nature and encourage outdoor play and learning. The Totally Wild vibing workshops cater to all interests and ages with a range of nature-based activities on offer across the holidays. There’s Waterbugs Under the Microscope or Creepy Crawly sessions, native Wildlife Encounters, Boomerangs and Rock Art workshops, and more… but get a wriggle on, the popular sessions book fast! Register online here.
Where: Various Gold Coast locations

SkyPoint
This school holiday season, the wow-factor of SkyPoint’s crowning 77th level destination will ascend to all new heights! Magical Circus combines the stunning 360-degree views with awe-inducing Las Vegas-style performances, complete with high-energy feats of balance, juggling and illusion. Running every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from June 25th to July 18th, the twice-daily shows at 11:30am and 1pm are included with your SkyPoint entry. Talk about levelling up your entertainment!
Where: SkyPoint Observation Deck, Level 77, Q1, Surfers Paradise

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Every-bunny knows Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary’s school holiday programs are the bee’s knees! Now offering Wild Adventurers Junior (5-8 year olds) half-day sessions and the classic full-day experience for kiddos aged 9–12, budding zoologists can walk on the wild side and get up close to some of the Sanctuary’s star residents. For $34.50 and $69.00 per child respectively, they’ll have a blast becoming Zoo Scientists for a Day, Animal Trainers for a Day, Vets for a Day, or Wildlife Keepers for a Day. Smashing! (90’s kids know).

Tickets for holiday programs always fly out the door – so if you don’t land a spot, the park itself is always a hoot! Go wild with animal encounters, shows, a zipline Treetop Challenge, and brekkie with the koalas five days a week. Plus, the classic Rainbow Lorikeet feedings at 8am and 4pm daily are always a hit (unless you’re afraid of birds, in which case, maybe sit this one out).
Where: 28 Tomewin Street, Currumbin

HOTA
Hosted by HOTA’s Children’s Gallery, multi-disciplinary Australian artist Abdul Abdullah invites you to step into his immersive and whimsical sanctuary, Kingdom of Kindness. A special place of belonging, at this interactive all-ages exhibit audiences are free to explore hands-on activities and make friends with the rock characters, bringing them to life with their creativity. Rock on!

From Wednesday 26 Jun–Wednesday 3 Jul, HOTA is inviting creative minds aged 8-12 years for an awesome ARTCATION – a six-day crash course on all things art and culture! With a different focus every day, the multi-day program is the ultimate vacation care with an artsy twist. For $60 per day, kiddos can catch the whole week or take their pick of topics such as ‘Junior Engineer Coding’ and ‘Music Mashups’.
Where: 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise

Dreamworld
There’s snow chance we’re missing Dreamworld’s coolest Winterfest yet! Don your beanie and head on down between 29 June– 4 July for one brrrr-illiant blizzard of family fun. Have a blast with ice slide tobogganing, interactive winter-inspired activities, scavenger hunts, and some extra special snowy surprises. Glide across the full sized, pop-up ice skating rink, then warm up with some with some satisfying Euro-inspired fare.
Where: Dreamworld Parkway, Coomera

Warner Bros. Movie World
Holy smokes, Batman! Get in on the all-star action this winter school holidays as DC Super Heroes and Super-Villains descends upon Warner Bros. Movie World. Main Street will become the ultimate goodies vs baddies battleground, with appearances and shows from all the most legendary havoc-makers and justice-defenders. Keep your eyes peeled as you cruise around your favourite attractions for meet and greets with Batman, Robin, The Joker, Harley Quinn, and more.
Where: Pacific Mwy, Oxenford

ArtVo
Fun-filled school holidays antics are a glow at ArtVo this June! If your mini’s can never resist the chance to clown around, booking a spot at one of the Circus School sessions on Tues 25, Wed 26 or Thur 27 June be a no brainer. For $20 per child (use code CIRCUS), tickets include entry and interactive 45 min class covering all the big top basics – juggling, twirling, ball and balance skills, along with entry to the interactive ArtVo exhibit when you’re done!

The fun doesn’t stop there, with an epic Glow Room Dance Party going down from 11am – 12pm daily. Use code FUN to nab kids’ tix for $20 with a paying adult. Talk about having a ball!
Where: Robina Town Centre, Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina

Farm & Co
Fun times for the whole fam are on the menu at Farm & Co these winter holidays! With Kids Eat Free Fridays on until 30 August, why load up your crew and hit the road for a day of farm-style frolicking. Make a day of it with a farm pass, then finish with the ultimate family-friendly dining experience at Farm & Co Restaurant. Kiddos can free range on the restaurant lawn with a new kids’ play area to explore, while the parentals are treated to farm-to-plate dining at its finest.

Can’t get enough of Cudgen’s crisp country air? Pack the picnic blanket and head back on Sunday 30th June for the ‘Day on the Lawn’ festivities. Hosted on the last Sunday of every month, kick back in the sunshine with lawn games, live tunes and crafty activities for the kids. Entry starts at $5 and word to the wise, tickets for this day out sell lickety split!
Where: 529 Cudgen Rd, Cudgen

The Strand
Got a budding baker on your hands? Definitely donut miss the The Strand’s free winter-themed treat workshops these school holidays! From Monday 1 July – Wednesday 10 July, they’ll be bringing the (baked) goods with complementary Cookie & Doughnut decorating between 11am – 2pm daily. Let your mini master chef go to town on the icing, sprinkles and snowflakes someplace other than your house, and, if you’re lucky might even let you share in the spoils without having to invoke #MumTax privileges. Plus, you could also score one of 4x $100 Baskin-Robbins vouchers for your trouble. Sweet!
Where: 72-80 Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Words by Kellie Leader

At roughly this point in the frosty season, the balmier days of strappy sandals and summer dips feel but a distant memory. Sure, we here in the Sunshine State can get a bit dramatic whenever the temps dip below 20°C, but when it comes to keeping ourselves busy in the chilly months our outlook needn’t feel bleak.

Currently cranking up the fire pits and busting out the warming fare, some of GC’s finest are bunging on some un-brrr-lievably good experiences to coax us from the comfort of our domiciles. So skip the hibernation – here are some of the hottest activations to be had on the Gold Coast this winter.

Garden Kitchen & Bar at The Star Gold Coast
If anyone knows how lure us from our hovels (and/or über chic dressing down and slipper ensemble) – it’s The Star Garden Kitchen Bar. Don your cosiest layers (the ones acceptable to be seen in outside the house, that is) as they bust out all the essentials for those chilly winter evenings, with warming winter food and bev specials (hello, Braised lamb shoulder and molten-centred Chocolate fondant!), fire pit packages and live entertainment. The Lawn will be cranking up the fire pits under the stars, with packages fit for crews of up to six – inclusive of charcuterie box, bottle of Pepperjack Shiraz and chocolates. Ahh, our spirits are lifted already.
Where: The Star Gold Coast, Casino Drive, Broadbeach

WinterSun Cali Beach
The temps might be dipping, but in no way are the party vibes! Cali Beach Club’s perennial fave winter-themed festivities never fail to revive our flatlining calendars, and this year might just be their coolest yet. WINTERSUN will see Surfers’ pool-studded rooftop party precinct transform into an immersive Swiss Alps-eqsue wonderland. Delivering the ultimate day session every Friday–Sunday throughout winter, bliss out with beats and poolside sips, soaking up the balmy GC days. But the party is just getting started – by night, ballooning into ‘Australia’s largest inflatable nightclub’ with inflatable igloos, fire displays and more. What better way to shake off the seasonal morbs than a dose of vitamin D-ancefloor? Who’s pumped?!
Where: 21a Elkhorn Ave, Surfers Paradise

Coomera Lodge Igloos
If the prospect of a spot of riverside revelling on those nippy winter evenings isn’t exactly enticing, Coomera Lodge Hotel has got you covered (literally). The open air beer garden will again transform into an igloo wonderland for the season, so that we may live our best winter lives carousing in total comfort. Nab one of four decked out domes and hunker down by the river with cocktails and charcuterie, complete with comfy seating and twinkling lighting. Each of the igloos can be booked for a minimum spend of $37.50pp, which includes a selection of hot & cold charcuterie and a drink.
Where: 160 Maudsland Road, Oxenford

Carafe Wine
Of course, we can always count on our stalwart neighbourhood sipper to warm the cockles of our heart, and the Carafe Wine crew is taking zero chances when it comes to keeping morale high this winter. In addition to keeping us plied with sustainable, tap-to-table vino on demand, they’ll be stoking up the fire pits and a freshly unveiled selection of satisfying small plates to warm us from within. Fresh from the tanks and into your carafe, resident wine whizz/owner Archie will hook you up with something spesh to sip, with moorish bites like Wood fired pizzas and molten Baked camembert to share (even if a little grudgingly).
Where: 49 Johnston St, Southport

Robina Pavilion
We don’t care how old we are, opportunities to stuff our faces with freshly-toasted marshmallows over an open fire are outrageously far and few between. Thankfully the return of Robina Pavilion’s ever-popular Fire pits by the Lake sessions are back and doing their darnedest to turn this toasty past time erasure around. For select dates across winter, beat the winter chill by booking your group of up to six for your own fire pit sesh every Friday–Sunday night. The booking fee of $250 is redeemable on your choice of food and bev, so sip cocktails, nosh on cheese boards and your fave winter warmers and char til heart’s content with complimentary marshmallows and fire pit attendant included. Not to fan the flames, but bookings are limited people!
Where: 229 Ron Penhaligon Way, Robina

Dreamworld
Bigger, better and more brrrr-iliant than ever, ain’t ‘snow way we’re missing out on Dreamworld’s Winterfest. Bringing thrills, spills and chills, we’re predicting a high chance of wholesome family fun with Euro inspired eats, scavenger hunts, interactive winter-inspired activities and some extra snowy surprises in store. Glide across the full-sized, pop up ice skating rink, then defrost with a little help from some warm cinnamon churros (that’s our story, and we’re sticking to it). While all ages will have an absolute (arctic) blast tobogganing down the ice slide. And not to date ourselves here, but, if you can’t use this opportunity to bust out all your favourite Cool Runnings quotes, when can you? Feel the rhythm! Feel the rhyme!
Where: Dreamworld Pkwy, Coomera

Sirromet
Surrounded by lush rolling hills and an unending supply of locally-made vino – who among us isn’t perpetually down for a sneaky Sirromet trip (doubly so when it’s someone else’s turn as deso driver). Add in your very own personal fire pit, crackling under the twinkling night sky, and you’ve got yourself just about the cutest and cosiest date night going (bestie dates count too!). For $189, Sirromet will take care of all the heavy lifting, with a generous hamper for two filled with charcuterie-style provisions to feast upon and signature mulled wine to sip. Once you and your nominated partner-in-wine are done whiling the night away by the fire, you then get the insulated Sirromet cups and picnic blanket (plus fond mems) for keeps! Wine not, we say! (Bookings required).
Where: 850-938 Mount Cotton Rd, Mount Cotton

Words by Kellie Leader

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.