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.

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.

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

Escape Rooms

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.