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.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary’s ‘Wild Adventures’ school holiday programs are almost always a sell out – for good reason. For $72 pc, budding zoologists 9 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 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. Celebrate the festive season with 12 magical days at HOTA’s A Sprinkling of Christmas until the 21st December! Packed with fun for all ages, this holiday extravaganza features Santa photos, festive flicks, and plenty of cheer. Make it a family outing with a picnic-style lunch under the Terrace Christmas tree, complete with one of HOTA’s delightful Christmas hampers.

While you’re there, don’t miss Anna Carey’s Magic + Memory: make me a home in the Children’s Gallery, running until April 2025. Step into a world of imagination with oversized miniature house models crafted by Gold Coast artist Anna Carey, where play and daydreams collide. It’s a magical escape that feels just like home—only bigger and more whimsical!
Where: HOTA, 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise

Robina Town Centre
Round up the family and tell your friends – from January 13 to 26, little wranglers can saddle up for some free, rodeo-themed fun at Robina Town Centre’s Robina Rodeo. Lasso some entertainment into the school holidays by learning line dancing moves and customising cowboy hats as part of the boot-scootin’ line-up of activities found stationed outside of Myer and Kookai on Ground Level from 10-2pm daily. The Boot Scootin’ Boogie line dancing classes will commence from January 13 to 19, teaching kids how to stomp and shuffle to the rhythm of upbeat country music, while Cowboy Hat Customising will take place from January 20 to 26, putting kids in charge of creating and decorating their very own cowboy hats to take home. Activities are available daily from 10am – 2pm, alongside free games including lasso throw, tin can toss and hobby horse riding. Friendly staff will be available to help guide children through the dancing and art activities, ensuring everyone can wrangle themselves a mighty good time. Yee Haw!

When & Where:
Dates: Boot Scootin’ Boogie – January 13 to 19 | Cowboy Hat Customising – January 20 to 26.
Time: 10am – 2pm Daily
Cost: Free – No bookings required. Walk-ins welcome!
Where: Ground Level, Outside Myer & Kookai, Robina Town Centre, Robina

Rollerama
Get ready to roll into Rollerama, the GC’s roller-skating rink at Carrara Markets. This vibrant addition to the markets transformed 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. Plus, they’re open Monday to Friday from 9am to 3pm during school holidays.

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

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 from 27 December – 19 January. 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
Paradise Centre is serving up a summer of fun with Game, Set, Match, running from 30 December to 20 January! Whether you’re a table tennis pro, a music enthusiast, or just here for the good vibes, this is your go-to summer destination. Swing by the beachfront dining precinct daily from 12pm-6pm for free table tennis sessions—paddles, balls, and plenty of competitive spirit provided. DJs will keep the energy high every Wednesday to Saturday from 2pm-6pm, so you can groove while you dine.

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

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 and summer dance parties to hip hop 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+ full day ($77) sessions are available from Monday 6th 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’, ‘Little Twitches’, ’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

The Strand at Coolangatta
The Strand at Coolangatta is bringing the holiday cheer with Festive Fun, a Christmas calendar packed with free events and activities to delight the whole family! With activities running throughout December, enjoy a heartwarming lineup of workshops, performances, and festive fun designed to make lasting memories with loved ones.

Mark your calendars for the Voice Weaver Choir’s soulful a cappella performance on 14 December. Feeling crafty? Kids can unleash their creativity at the North Pole Bake House Workshop from 20–24 December, while the Coolangatta Ukulele Group wraps up the festivities with their cheerful holiday tunes on 22 December.

With something for everyone, The Strand is your go-to for festive fun this silly season. Don’t miss out—come make your holiday season merry and bright!
Where: The Strand at Coolangatta, Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Oasis
The Oasis in Broadbeach is bringing the festive magic to life this holiday season with activities for everyone. Kids can decorate mini gingerbread houses at Madison’s Café & Patisserie on Wednesday 11th December, Thursday 12th, Wednesday 18th and Thursday 19th December at 3pm. Cost is $25 per child and includes a frosty milkshake.

From December 19-21, enjoy free Christmas entertainment and face painting from 11am-2pm, featuring festive singers and performers.

Don’t miss the Oasis Scavenger Hunt, running December 14-22, where the Broadbeach Mall transforms into a gingerbread village. Celebrate the season with fun, prizes, and festive cheer!
Where: The Oasis, 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Pacific Fair
Get ready for a stress-free shopping spree at PAC Fair this Christmas with their Cinema Childcare sessions from 16–22 December!

For just $10, kids aged 3–12 can enjoy a magical movie experience at Event Cinemas. Little moviegoers will watch Christmas favorites like Inside Out 2, Moana 2, Elf, and The Grinch, all while munching on popcorn and sipping juice under the watchful eyes of certified childcare professionals. Perfect for parents needing a break and little ones seeking some festive fun! Bookings are essential, and kids must be toilet-trained. Sign-in starts at 9:15am daily, with pick-up times varying by movie. Don’t miss out—secure your spot now!
Where: Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach

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 and Belinda Symons

The Gold Coast is renowned for sunny weather, but it is also home to some pretty impressive thunderstorms and humidity! To avoid any bad weather frustrations here’s a list of 13 things to do on the Gold Coast when it’s raining.

Arcades
This one is a no-brainer, Timezone has been on the Gold Coast since… forever and is the perfect activity for when you can’t be at the beach. The recently refurbished Timezone Surfers Paradise boasts a bumper car track on a 200 sqm track, an open plan prize shop filled with enticing toys, lollies and collectibles, a laser tag arena to get your adrenaline pumping, an onsite café. Oh and don’t forget Zone Bowling right next door!

The ultimate triple threat, Hijinx Hotel, Archie Brothers and Holey Moley in Surfers offer the perfect opportunity to while away a rainy day. With immersive game rooms, all your fave arcade games, bumper cars and mini golf, this epic entertainment precinct is a game-changer for fun-seekers Located under the supremely popular Cali Beach, Surfers Paradise.
Where: Paradise Centre, 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise and 3197 Surfer Paradise Blvd, Elkhorn & Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise

Infinity Attraction
Infinity Attraction in Surfers Paradise is a crowd pleaser, a super fun activity to do with your friends! Infinity’s maze is both challenging and mind blowing. It’s an extraordinary series of 20 multi- sensory environments filled with unique special effects, emotive atmospheric sound fields, sensuous aromas, ultra-groovy music and spectacular illusions that appear to go all the way to infinity! Get 10% off entry with our coupon code (“infoinsidegc”) here.
Where: Shop 31, Chevron Renaissance, Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise

Go see a show
Dracula’s and Australian Outback Spectacular all offer nights of total entertainment! Drac’s combines burlesque, contemporary music, comedy and dining, all in one incredible venue! But be aware, Drac’s is MA15+ show, so leave the kids at home and get ready to be entertained! 10% off the Dracula’s show here. The Australian Outback Spectacular is a family friendly Australiana dinner and show package featuring many Australian animals, songs and of course bush tucker.
Where: Dracula’s, Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach and Australian Outback Spectacular, Pacific Motorway, Oxenford

The Star Gold Coast
The Star Gold Coast is an adult’s playground and the perfect entertainment destination for those bad weather days. You can have a feast at one of the award-winning restaurants, watch a show or concert at the theatre or just see and be seen with your friends.
Where: The Star Gold Coast, Casino Drive, Broadbeach

Miami Marketta
Every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 5pm onwards you can be part of Miami Marketta’s food stall craze. Mouthwatering food stalls, shopping and live music all in one spot and all undercover. It’s the perfect rainy-day date-night spot.
Where: 23 Hillcret Parade, Miami

Shooting
Southport Indoor Pistol Club is a good time if you’re keen to experience real firearms and ammo without needing licenses or previous experience. They offer rifles, pistols, shotguns to tactical weapons, from small to very large, the hardest thing you have to do is pick one! Click here for their latest discounted offer.
Where: Southport Indoor Pistol Club, 1/76 Ferry Road, Southport

Catch a movie
Keen to channel your inner movie buff and check out the latest blockbuster flicks? Perhaps you’re arty and prefer international films from arthouse and foreign productions? Or, maybe you just want to take the kids somewhere where they’ll actually sit still for a couple of hours these school holidays? All roads lead to one destination… and that’s the Dendy Cinema in Southport’s Queen Street Village.
Where: Queen Street Village, Nerang Street, Southport

Ripley’s Believe it or not!
Believe it or not, but Ripley’s is a great indoor attraction for you, your family and yes, even your friends. It’s a museum full of odd, unique and incredible artefacts, art, photographs and stories of the 200+ countries Mr Ripley has visited over the years. They’ve just added several new attractions, read about them here. Click here for an exclusive offer.
Where: Cavill Mall, Surfers Paradise

The Wax Museum
The Wax Museum is one of the longest-standing attractions on the Gold Coast. Head in for a guided tour and discover some of the more gruesome torture methods that were used in ancient times. Or prepare to be starstruck, get up close and personal with some of Hollywood’s biggest names or grab a photo with royalty. For 10% off entry, click here.
Where: 56 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Shopping
Rain = the perfect excuse to go shopping undercover. The Gold Coast is a haven for indoor shopping centres, so if you’re in Broadbeach hit up Pacific Fair Shopping Centre or The Oasis Shopping Centre, if you’re in Surfers Paradise, the Paradise Centre or Australia Fair Shopping Centre in Southport.

Escape Rooms
Get a group of friends together, ditch the mobile phones for an hour and go have some fun! Choose from Escape Hunt in Southport or Fox in a Box, Eclipse Escape Rooms and Padlock’d in Surfers Paradise. Note that you will have to use your brain. 60 minutes to use the clues provided to solve the puzzles and escape! Click here for discounts. The newly opened Other World HQ in Surfers provides an unparalleled and thrilling escapade. The first experience introduced is Saboteurs, which invites individuals into the real-life world of “Among Us.”
Where: Southport and Surfers Paradise

Go Karting
Slideways Go Karting Centre in Nerang is Go Karting is just 10 minutes from Surfers Paradise is a uniquely designed track and surface to allow karts to drift and get Slideways! Their go kart track is indoors and not affected by the weather – open rain hail or shine! They have 20 European state-of-the-art Sodi karts, powered by de-governed, 9hp, four stroke Honda kart engines, which means it will take some skill to achieve a good lap. Get 20% off a 20 minute session here.
Where: 10 Spencer Road, Nerang

Head to a day spa 
Sometimes a little self-love is needed, particularly when it’s raining and you want to be all cosied up inside. A day at the spa sounds like heaven to us, check out our list of faves here.

Words by Kirra Smith.