37 Of The Best Things To Do With Kids On The Gold Coast
Harmony Lee
Contributor | Urban List Gold Coast
On the hunt for things to do with kids, Gold Coast style? You're in luck. With a week left of Queensland school holidays, there's no shortage of events at hand.
This world really is a magical place—yet somewhere between work, grocery shopping, and cleaning out the veggie drawer, it’s easy to forget that. That is, until a child comes into your life. And then all kinds of things feel all new and fun again, including a whole swag of things on the Gold Coast.
I recently became a faunty (that’s a fun aunty, FYI) for the first time, and let me tell you—kids see the world with a kind of joy and wonder that’s completely contagious. Suddenly, clouds become dragons, and spotting a rainbow feels like winning the lottery. So I'm also experiencing the Gold Coast with this childlike spirit, and there's certainly a lot to squeal with glee about.
Of course, my niece's wide-eyed wonder only lasts until she gets bored, and then it’s my job to become an entertainment director on zero notice. If you're in this same boat, no stress. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, faunty or funcle, I’ve pulled together 33 of the best things to do with kids on the Gold Coast/Kombumerri Country to help you make the most of the magic (and ward off the meltdowns, if only for a while).
Best Things To Do With Kids At A Glance
- Easter Holiday Specific Things To Do With The Kids
- Social Things To Do With Kids
- Hands-On Activities To Do With Kids
- Outdoor Things To Do With Kids
- Museums And Galleries To Visit With Kids
- Animal Experiences To Do With Kids
- Indoor Things To Do With Kids
April Holiday Specific Things To Do With The Kids
Explore Aka Sorbie's Saltwater Heart Kid's Exhibition At HOTA
7 March - 18 August
Artist Lisa Sorbie has made her presence well and truly known in the children's gallery with ervibrant expression plastered across walls. Purposefully crafted for the kids gallery, this Saltwater Heart Exhibition invites curiosity to inspect sealife, island cubbies to crouch inside and story trees to relax beneath.
Teach the little tackers about First Nations culture, through a celebration of the natural environment this 7 March through to 18 August, 2026.
A School Holiday Program With A Touch Of Luxury At The Langham
3 - 19 April
Image Credit: The Langham | Supplied
The Langham Gold Coast is stepping into spring with its very impressive Easter school holiday program, running from 3 April through 19 April. Designed for little guests and families alike, the program is brimming with activities from pizza-making classes with the hotel’s Executive Chef to arts and crafts, face painting, and even a Kids Club disco.
Parents aren’t forgotten either, with family yoga, beach volleyball, and plenty of time to soak up The Langham’s luxury while the kids play. With experiences open to the public and something for everyone, it’s set to be a great place to spend this school break.
Feast At Dreamworld's Street Food Festival
4 - 19 April
If you've ever taken the little ones to Dreamworld's night food market, that's basically an entree version of this foodie extravaganza. Dreamworld's Street Food Festival features three flavour-packed zones, this food festival runs right through to 19 April 2026. There are European, Latin American and Asian arenas to taste your way around.
With a $28 Globe Bites Pass, you'll be privvy to three food items and a drink, or the Feast Pass allows you to induldge in four dishes and two drinks. Perfect for little mouths that want a little bite of everything. Best bit? You get to finish them all.
Have A Roarsome Day Out At Dinofest
13 - 19 April
Missed out on Dinofest's last activation? You're in luck. This prehistoric experience is back again Monday 13 April through Sunday 19 April, 2026. There are 10.30am, 1pm and 3pm sessions perfect for every nap schedule. Dino Fest is best suited to kids under 9, and it's gotten rave reviews.
In Nerang's Country Parklands, you'll experience 30+ life-size dinosoars that genuinely look real. There's dino bone digging, feel-a-fossil encounters and dino tattoos that just scream cool dude or gal. Adult tickets are $28 and kids come in at $26, under 2s are free.
Build Towers At Broadbeach Bricks
13 April - 17 April
LEGO lovers? Guilty as charged. There's something seriously addictive about building and click-clacking those tiny bricks together. And I'm yet to find a kid that isn't all abour towers and tiny LEGOs. So Broadbeach's Bricks 2026 Easter Holiday edition is honestly a foolproof outing.
This fourth annual event runs Monday 13 April through Friday 17 April in the Broadbeach Mall, where you'll find a MegaCity themed bonanza, where kiddos and parents alike are welcomed to take on the challenge. Head along to contribute to the ever-growing megacity build that'll continue through the week.
Daily free workshops with LEGO Masters Season 2 runners-up Andrew and Damien are imagination-inviting hives for little minds. Registration for these is essential. There are treasure hunt prizes to be won and a whole lot of skyscrapers, roads and landmarks ready to come together these holidays.
Drop In And Do Art At HOTA
13 - 17 April
ICYMI: HOTA is an infinite well of kid-friendly activities. And that's before we chat about the fenced playground, swimmable lake and wandering bike path around a series of sculptures. Their April school holiday art program is free, and welcomes all ages to drop in from 10am til 2pm. Running the week of 13 - 17 April, 2026, art activities change daily aligned with HOTA's free exhibition program.
Kid's In Conservation Wildlife Explore at Botanical Gardens
14 April onwards
Gold Coast Botanical Gardens are an idyllic locale to explore with kids all year long. Though the native wildlife spotting adventure kicking off these Easter Holidays makes it next level. Join the guided explore that kicks off at 9.30am for an hour on Tuesday 14 April, 2026.
Learn all about how these animals have adapted and what they need to survive. This is a perfect outing for kids 5-11 where every 'but why' is welcomed, actually it's encouraged. Best part is, once the tour's complete you can make your way around the Bushfood garden for snacking, the sensory garden to feel and smell, or the Lake for prime turtle-spotting.
It's part of the NaturallyGC Kid's School Holiday Program which is primming with creepy crawly, reptile, waterways and creatieve workshops suited to kiddos of school age.
Train Up To Be A Ranger At Paradise Country
15 & 17 April
Wildlife warriors rejoice, these April School Holidays, Paradise Country's Ranger For A Day experience is elite. Taking kids behind the scenes to see the real-life world of a ranger, 6-13 year old can work alongside Wildlife Keepers with daily tasks like feeding, enrichment and encounters.
It's $95 for pass holders or $115 a pop for non-pass holders, though this does include Paradise Country admission, morning tea and lunch. Participants will be supervised by a designated Paradise Country team member, while parents kick back somewhere else. The day runs 9am-2pm, and has availability on 15 and 17 April, 2026.
Be Dazzled By Bluey's Big Play The Stage Show
15 - 17 April
Australia's encore tour of Bluey's Big Play The Stage Show kicks of at HOTA these April School Holidays. Bluey and Bingo use cleverness and games to try and get Dad off the beanbag. Which, may give your littel ones some ideas through the impressive puppetry work.
After the show, kids of all ages are welcomed into a game of 'Keepy Uppy' with balls and bubbles which sounds like honestly a combination of the best two things ever in the eyes of kids.
There are 9.30am and 12.30pm shows Wednesday 15, Thursday 16 and Friday 17, with tickets starting at $64.90, and babies in arms under 18 months free.
Enjoy The Teddy Bear High Tea at Citrique
18 April
This is the most adorable Easter holiday activity in the calendar, in my opinion. Citrique's Teddy Bear High Tea runs its debut these holidays within The Marriot. The activation features a darling high tea buffet, and a teddy bear keepsake. Pull up a seat at the table from 12.30pm until 2.30pm on Saturday April 18, 2026 with your little one for a truly memorable experience.
Tickets are $105 per adult, and $60 for children aged 4 to 12. Aduts receive a glass of sparkling wine on arrival, and kids receive their own special drink too.
Embrace Gold Coast Harmony Festival
18 April
Broadwater Parklands is the ultimate school holiday locale, with its onsite splashpad, cafe, bike track, jumping pillow and waterways. On Saturday 18 April, 226 from 11am you're invited to celebrate the colourful divercity of our city.
Expect food stalls, traditional dances, free kids activities, workshops, live music and activations right through to 4pm. Catch the G:Link Tram in to avoid any parking delays and lap up all that Harmony Festival has on offer.
Social Things To Do With Kids
Play Groups
Various locations
For kids from around one year old right up until 5, the Gold Coast offers a range of things to do with other kids. I've found that play groups are a great way for the kids to meet other kids, to have an adult conversation, and even squeeze in a coffee. There are heaps scattered right across the Gold Coast, and Play Matters will show one close to you during the school term, or Benevolent Society during school holidays.
I've personally checked out Varsity Lakes Community Resource Centre playgroup which offers shaded outdoor play and a coffee cart. It's on multiple days of the week and the quality of the toys is actually incredible. Labrador's Benevolent Society play group has options for a range of ages, and can vary from soft play to water play. The community here is strong and there's activities like pram pushes in addition to regular playgroups.
Kids Dance Classes
Nerang & Helensvale
Inclusive Dance Academy is headed by Miss T who is a ray of sunshine and a whole heap of fun. She offers a babywearing dance class and kids dance too, which is suited for little ones up to 5 years old. The community spirit here is strong and you'll likely end up hanging with everyone from class at The Surrounds FunnyBone Cafe after class. Parents, grandparents and new friends alike head here to get active and get chatting. It's one of my favourite things to do on the Gold Coast with kids and there's a playground just outside to make a day of the outing.
Bush Kindy
Various locations
It's one thing to find something to do with the kids on the Gold Coast. It's another to truly immerse yourselves in the beauty of our landscape, including the people in it! Bush kindy's like Starting Strong and Birdwings offer experiences to sign up to on a term basis. The best part is, you're locked into weekly outings and if it's things to do with the kids on an ongoing basis you're after, this is my pick for the best way to get messy and meet peeps in one.
Active & Healthy Programs
Various locations
Whether it's throwing a footy with other kids as a toddler, circus arts for older kids or squad runs on the southern side of the Gold Coast. The Active and Healthy program offers so many free and cheap things to do with kids on the Gold Coast. I'm actually so impressed with the range of activities, like Calm and Confident mindful activities, and the free FUNdamentals rugby program for kids 2 to 6. Make new friends and get active at the same time. It's a win for everyone.
Hands-On Activities To Do With Kids On The Gold Coast
DIG IT
Cedar Creek Falls Rd, Tamborine Mountain QLD 4272
Image Credit: DIG IT | Supplied
Tamborine Mountain's mini excavator park is one for the kids ready to graduate from the sandpit and into a driver’s seat. This outdoor construction zone, DIG IT at Thunderbird Park features real CAT mini excavators. It's freaking cool.
After a quick training session, they’ll get to dig in the dirt using the excavator, smash towers with a wrecking ball, attempt to hook a croc and more. At $65 per child for a two-hour session, it's a pretty immersive experience that'll get talked about for yonks I reckon.
Step Inside The Upside-Down At House Down Under
Image Credit: House Down Under | Supplied
House Down Under has flipped the Gold Coast on its head, now open at Pacific Fair just in time for the spring school holidays. Australia’s first inverted house lets visitors wander ceilings, dance on furniture, and snap surreal photos in rooms like an upside-down bathroom, lounge, and kids’ play area.
With unlimited time inside and tips from friendly staff, it’s a fun, creative experience for families and friends alike. Tickets start at $19 per person, with kids under four free, making it a playful and affordable day out.
Go Karting
Various Locations
Whether you've watched one too many Fast & Furious movies, need a unique weekend activity, or simply have a need for speed—go-kart racing has your adrenaline fix covered.
You can take it easy around the track or put on a helmet and transform into Daniel Riccardo, tearing up the Monaco circuit with the whole family. At Urban List, we’ve got you covered with our list of the best go-kart spots on the Gold Coast.
Thunderbird Park
Cedar Creek Falls Rd, Tamborine Mountain QLD 4272
Not just a magnificent mountain resort nestled on the border of Tamborine, Thunderbird Park also plays host to some of the Gold Coast’s most unique family-friendly challenges, best suited to older kids.
TreeTop Challenge is Australia's largest Zipline attraction where you can literally spend days immersing yourself in nature, experiencing the Canyon Flyer Australia's largest Zipline Tour and the amazing High Wire Courses TreeTop Challenge and TreeTop Challenge Juniors (for ages 4 to 8).
Mini Golf And TopGolf
Various Locations
Our city’s mini Greg Normans and Karrie Webbs (they're pro-golfers in case you were wondering) have an abundance of off-course golfing options available right here. Mini golf is fun for the whole family, and there are plenty to choose from, with Holey Moley, Putt Putt and Boulders and Badlands just three of the most beloved.
TopGolf is a great option for kids who prefer giving the ball a good ol’ whack instead of just putting along. Here is our full list of the Gold Coast's best mini golf spots.
Theme Parks
Various Locations
Image Credit: MovieWorld | Supplied
For things to do with kids, Gold Coast delivers a whole swag of theme parks. Yes, some of the most famous Gold Coast landmarks are our slides and rides. Whether you’re getting drenched to the core at Whitewater World or Wet n Wild, riding the heart-stopping Joker roller coaster at MovieWorld or oohing and aahing over the dolphin show at Seaworld. It's like taking a kid to the candy shop, but instead of lollipops there's loop-de-loops.
Try petting some baby animals at Paradise Country or getting your rainbow ice cream on at Dreamworld. Keen to know more? Here is our full list of the Gold Coast's best theme parks for kids.
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Outdoor Things To Do With Kids On The Gold Coast
Skate Parks
Various Locations
Ramps, pipes, bowls and jumps. There are always plenty of skate parks on the Gold Coast where kids from beginners to experts can let the good times roll. Northern offerings include Upper Coomera Adventure Parklands, Viney Park, Rufous Whistler Park and Runaway Bay Sports Precinct.
If you’re looking for a central location, it’s hard to go past Arthur Earle Park in Nerang, Discovery Park in Helensvale or Brockman Park in Pacific Pines. Our southern friends are definitely not forgotten, with Miami playing host to arguably the largest and best skate park on the GC: Pizzey, with Varsity, Elanora, Tugun, Palm Beach and Coolangatta Skate Parks all ramping up the fun as well.
Gold Coast Aqua Park
Broadwater Parklands Marine Pde, Southport QLD 4210
You might've noticed a gigantic inflatable world atop Broadwater Parklands' waterways and wondered what it was all about. Well, it's actually a kids' dream locale for an adrenaline-pumping day out. With giant slides, floating castles for ages 3-5 and ages 5 and up allowed on the main park, you'll join in too at Gold Coast Aqua Park if the kids are under 10 as parental supervision is required. There's life guards on duty and prices start at $25 per person.
Outdoor Playgrounds
Various Locations
Gold Coast has a crazy amount of green space. From the hundreds of parks to choose from, you might want to head to one with an epic playground. My pick's the massive Broadwater Parklands because it's right by the water, has play options for toddlers to older kids, BBQs, rolling hills and even a path dotted with coffee spots.
Then again, the Pirate Park in Palm Beach is another must-visit when looking for things to do with kids on the gold Coast. There's the dog beach right by, a cafe just up and a meandering path for scooter rides by the see.
Country Paradise Parklands hasn’t been around for long, but it’s already cemented its reputation as being one of the best playgrounds going, and Kurrawa All Abilities Playground in Broady is one of the biggest, for sure.
Gold Coast Beaches
Various Locations
Image Credit: Snapper Rocks | Brooke Darling Photography
This one seems obvious, but I really couldn’t not include it. If you’re looking for three Fs (free, fun and family-friendly—or is that four Fs?), then a top thing to do with the kids is head to one of the Gold Coast’s epic beaches.
In my opinion, it's Currumbin Alley, North Burleigh, Tallebudgera Creek Beach and Palm Beach Parklands are some of the better offerings for a day out with kids. In particular, Tallebudgera Creek on the inland side of the Gold Coast Highway (Murlong Park to be precise). It's way quieter, has grass, shade, a bit of sand and zero waves. There are showers and a toilet block and a long path for strolls. It's genuinely my go-to for a long day at the beach without the sunburn but with plenty of ball kicking and water frollocking.
Kayaking and SUP
Various Locations
Ask any kid and they'll say anytime of year is perfect for. swim on the Gold Coast. These little tackers have no fear, or maybe just heaps of bravery. So for a all-round winner for more adventurous things to do with kids on the Gold Coast, snap up some SUP or kayak hire and head out onto one of the many Gold Coast waterways for a peaceful, sun-filled day out.
And in case you were wondering, here are the best Gold Coast kayaking spots.
Gold Coast Waterfalls
Various locations
Did you know we have a whole bunch of idyllic waterfalls on the Gold Coast? It's actually wild how many natural swimming holes and pools we have right at our fingertips. Here's Gold Coast waterfalls you can actually swim under. While not everyone of them is suitable to take the little ones to, my pick would be Cougal Cascades (just be sure to divert their eyes as you pass the natural slide and head to calmer waters upstream). Round the trip off with a visit to Pasture and Co on your way home for a bite to eat and a roll in a meadow. Ah, to be a kid again.
Currumbin Creek Rockpools
1206 Currumbin Creek Rd, Currumbin Valley QLD 4223
For strong swimmers and adventure lovers, Currumbin Rock Pools is an isyllic day out with the kids. There's a grassy area for picnicing (and undercover picnic tables in case of rain), a beautiful stream and natural pool perfect for wading in. It's a hinterland experience with the little ones, without the long hike through a forest. Actually, it's right next to the road so when they ask 'are we there yet' you can wink and point to the spot just outside the car.
Feed The Pelicans
371 Marine Pde, Labrador QLD 4215
If you're on the Northern end and looking for things to do with the kids Gold Coast delivers with this pretty exciting experience. Set on the foreshore, each day at 1pm pelicans are fed by the folks at Charis Seafood. It's equal parts incredible and slightly terrifying to see so many birds flock to the shore for their fill. There's a gladiator style activity course a bit futher up the path and a playground right next door. My recommendation would be to head here for a fish and chips lunch before the feeding so your car park's locked in, just keep an eye out for hungry swans. These guys are kind of bold with their lack of personal space.
Museums And Galleries To Visit With Kids On The Gold Coast
HOTA & HOTA Gallery
135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Gold Coast’s thriving cultural precinct HOTA, Home of the Arts, is not just for grown-ups, you know. HOTA hosts a range of family-friendly shows and events all year 'round.
It actually has its very own dedicated children's gallery, which hosts regular programming dedicated to the creative little ones among us, more often than not free, as well. Plus, you can throw a kids' cinema party there—how fun!
ArtVo Gold Coast
Shop 5062 Robina Town Centre Dr, Robina QLD 4226
In the age of social media, ArtVo is a fun and creative way to spend an afternoon with the fam, and get some cool snaps to prove it as well. I love stepping into a world of optical illusions, and the larger-than-life murals allow everyone to face to face with King Kong, fight a dragon and surf the ultimate pipelines. Even as an adult it's a real thrill here for me.
Stretching over six huge rooms, you can walk through a variety of different zones, each with its own spectacular theme. Best yet, it’s all day entry, so you can take your sweet time getting the perfect pic. It’s a day out with a difference and I'm all about it.
Animal Experiences To Do With Kids On The Gold Coast
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
28 Tomewin St, Currumbin QLD 4223
Image Credit: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary | Supplied
The ever-popular Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is both a passionate rescue and rehabilitation organisation and a fun family day out with all manner of encounters on offer. I'm a personal fan of checking out the koalas, hand-feeding friendly kangaroos, and witnessing the thrill of bird feeding in a picturesque setting. Honestly, the avery here is pretty impressive, just watch out for the cheeky parrots that might try to swoop you on entry.
Heading here with big kids? The TreeTop Challenge has you navigating through the treetops on thrilling zip lines and rope bridges. I love that this place has a unique blend of natural beauty and wildlife encounters. And I'm always impressed with how long it keeps the kids entertained for. Faunty win.
There are actually a binch of school holiday programs here suited for 5 - 16 year olds which range from ranger adventures, to zookeeping for teens and bee workshops.
Outback Springs
28 Tomewin St, Currumbin QLD 4223
Image Credit: Outback Springs | Supplied
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary’s new multi-million dollar outback-themed precinct ‘Outback Springs’ offers brand new animal encounters where families can come and get up close to some Nigerian dwarf goats, fluffy bunnies and guinea pigs.
The 20 minute encounters are inclusive for those with wheelchairs and special needs and include a fully hosted experience with Keepers introducing the animals and candid photographs taken with them. We loved the gemstone panning experience but then again the bush tucker gardens and morning llama walks are pretty sweet too. This is my fave new thing to do with kids on the Gold Coast, and if you've done a bunch with them, chances are it's one of the few places you're yet to experience. More details here.
Wildlife Encounters
Burleigh Heads, Carrara & Main Beach
Get up close and personal with some of Australia’s sweetest native fauna at one of the Gold Coast’s wildlife encounter opportunities. Whether it’s hiring a wildlife encounter at your own home (or venue of your choosing), or heading out, there are plenty of ways for kids to enjoy critters while learning something new, as well.
David Fleays Wildlife Park in Burleigh is a heritage-listed site that is home to many native animals, birds, plants and ground-breaking research. Butterfly lovers will be in seventh heaven at Gold Coast Butterflies, one of the most heartwarming things to do with the kids on the Gold Coast.
Indoor Things To Do With Kids On The Gold Coast
Indoor Play Centres
Various Locations
Image Credit: Bella's Wonderland | Supplied
On the days when the weather isn’t so amazing outside, you might end up with a climbing-the-walls situation. Fortunately, that’s when indoor play centres come into their own. Doodlebugs in Miami is a longstanding Gold Coast institution, with an interactive train, cannonball zone and separate toddler’s area. Whereas, Bella’s Wonderland is a huge space with an imaginative storytime vibe, a range of playgrounds and even dress-up rooms. iPlay Adventure in Coomera and Chipmunks in Robina are also terrific options. Though my pick for the best is First Harvest Coffee, which has serioulsy good coffee and a neat little playground, right next to EMF Junior Nerang if you want a two-play centres one stine kind of vibe. Here's all of our favourite indoor playgrounds.
Ice Skating
Bundall & Surfers Paradise
Oddly enough, our steamy, sticky and just straight up warm-most-of-the-year city has a hefty list of ice skating rinks. So many that we actually did a whole roundup on where to find them.
While curious, it may be that we have so many, they’re actually a godsend when looking for something different to entertain the kids, rain, hail or shine.
Gold Coast Libraries
Various Locations
I'm a big fan of paying a visit to Gold Coast Libraries and enjoying a modern, comfortable vibe with plenty of kids’ books, reading spaces and fun computer opportunities for the little ones, year-round.
That’s without even taking into account their packed annual calendar of free events, including but not limited to storytimes, reading clubs, puppet shows, arts and crafts, film trivia, sculpture, rhyme time and more. The library's latest ads of 'we also have books' is a cheeky summary of how much there is to do. And you'll likely find an easy coffee spot nearby, like at the Helensvale library locale.
Looking for more things to do with the little ones? Check out more:
- 50 Free (Or Cheap) Things To Do
- The Gold Coast's Best Family-Friendly Accommodation
- The Best Gold Coast Waterfalls
Main image credit: HOTA | Supplied
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