The ‘gig guide’ for fam-friendly Easter fun!
The ‘gig guide’ for fam-friendly Easter fun!
Ahhh school holidays. That special time when we get to do fun things with our mini-me’s …only to run out of entertainment inspo three days in and panic #RocksInCornerWithGlassOfSav.
Never fear Gold Coast mums and dads, as we have a list of to-do’s to keep your kiddos occupied (and you sane) across the whole Easter school holidays. And wanna know the best part? The majority are free, or super cheap and cheerful!
Here we go…
Pacific Fair
Wondering what’s poppin’ at Pac Fair this school hols? Why, a Hip Hoppin’ Easter Dance Party, of course. Mark Saturday 23 March in your calendar, for a huge, all day egg-xtravaganza. The fun and free festivities include an Easter egg hunt, Easter bunny meet and greets, workshops, stacks of free chocolate, and of course, an epic groove-off with all the catchiest kid-approved tunes. Dab, no wait, Floss, erm… whatever the heck the kids are doing these days… like nobody’s watching.
Where: 2/32 Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach Waters
Robina Town Centre
Candy House
Step into the enchanting Candy House at Robina Town Centre, where the air is filled with the sweet scent of adventure. Your little ones will be captivated by interactive games and shows designed to ignite their imagination and tickle their taste buds.
Marvel at the creativity of the Candy House lolly creator as they bring sugary concoctions to life, from candy-coloured creations to inflating blueberries and dancing popcorn! Don’t miss out on the fun from Tuesday, April 2nd to Sunday, April 14th. Doors open from 10am to 2pm daily and shows scheduled every half hour. Best of all, admission is free, and no bookings are required.
Kids Night Out
Treat the whipper snappers to a parent-free arvo of living it up at the movies, and your frazzled eardrums to several hours of serenity in the process… it’s #winwin for all involved. Hosted by Robina Town Centre on the reg, this month Kids Night Out falls on Saturday 6 April, with a screening of Kung Fu Panda 4 they’re sure to be razzed about. It’ll only run you $18 per child (plus candy bar spending money, if you’re feeling generous) which includes their ticket, kids meal and 3 hours of babysitting service. Skadoosh those school hols, y’all!
Where: Event Cinemas Robina, Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina
Beachfront Surfers Markets
Who doesn’t love a night market? The vibes are high, the tunes are flowing, the intoxicating aroma of salt air, artisan candles and fried goods fills the air. This Easter weekend, Surfers Paradise Beachfront Market is summoning every-bunny for a massive, Easter edition market-fest, held across three afternoons. Friday 29th, Saturday 30th, and Sunday 31st from 4 pm to 9 pm, round up the fam for a twilight meander through stalls upon stalls of handmade gifts, desserts and a myriad of family-friendly activities. Entry is free, with a visit from the Easter Bunny to boot. Hop to it!
Where: The Esplanade, 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 Scaly Reptiles or Bugs Gone Wild for the creepy crawly fans to slither in to, Creatures of the Sea to captivate the budding marine biologists, immersive Indigenous Art and Culture sessions, and more. Register online here.
Where: Various Gold Coast locations
Paradise Centre
We can always trust Surfers’ foreshore fun purveyor to bring the school holiday action, and this Easter break, there’s some slam-dunk activities in store for your budding ballers and bakers! From Thursday 4 to Sunday 7 April, mini MVP’s will marvel as a slam dunk court magically materialises by the beachfront dining precinct – with live DJ tunes, guest appearances from big name star dunkers, and appearances from everyone’s favourite, feathery mascots from 1–4pm daily. Shoot hoops till your heart’s content with free play between 4–5pm daily, then cool off with an ice cream to finish… (and the school holiday MVP award, goes to… you!)
Also joining the all-star school holiday lineup, the ever-popular Krispy Kreme doughnut decorating workshops are back again on select dates this April. For less than a tenner per child, they’ll supply two glazed doughnuts and all the sugary necessities needed to create the dessert of their dreams. School holiday fun, eat your heart out.
Where: 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Every-bunny knows Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary’s school holiday programs are the bee’s knees, and this time around they’ve added a second age group for double the fun! Now little sis/bro no longer have to miss out on the BTS action, with the new Wild Adventurers Junior (5-8 year olds) half day sessions to complement the classic full day experience for kiddos aged 9–12. For $34.50 and $69.00 per child respectively, budding zoologists can walk on the wild side and get up close to some of the Sanctuary’s star inhabitants. Smashing! (90’s kids know).
Nutsy’s Nutbush Party is set to debut over the Easter long weekend. To kick off the festivities, the first 100 visitors through the gates on Easter weekend will receive a complimentary chocolate Bilby!
The Easter fun continues with various activities such as bonnet making on the Blinky Bill Stage on Easter Saturday. Hop along on Easter Sunday to take part in the exciting golden ticket hunt, with lucky winners receiving a free chocolate koala.
Where: 28 Tomewin Street, Currumbin
Oasis Shopping Centre
It’s all happening these school holidays at the Oasis with sweet, sugary shenanigans galore going down between Monday 25th–Thursday 28th, plus, confirmed sightings from the fluffy fellow himself.
Meet the Easter Bunny – Grab a photo with the adorable bunny on Tuesday 26th, Wednesday 27th and Thursday 28th March between 11am and 2pm.
Easter cupcake decorating – Madison’s Café & Patisserie are making Easter fun a piece of (cup)cake, with decorating workshops to delight the mini-me’s happening on 27th & 28th March. $15 per child including said cupcake and a milkshake. Sweet!
Hot cross bun decorating – Baker’s Delight: Decorate your very own HCB for free on Monday 25th & Tuesday 26th March between 10am and 12pm. ‘Rustic’ crosses, coming in hot.
Where: 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Dreamworld
We wouldn’t dream of omitting the home of all things thrills, stars and superheroes this school holidays. For an explosion of taste, scent and entertainment, Dreamworld Food Festival is back this April 6th to 21st. Bringing exciting new options to your favourite outlets, refuel post adrenalin rush with everything from American-style shakes, loaded dogs and ribs; to churros and smoothies.
Plus, for one dazzling day only, watch Dreamworld’s star-studded streets come to life dance mob style, with ‘Dance in the streets!’ brought to you by TP World Tours.
On April 13th, get on down for a captivating parade of colour, music, fun and, of course, dance!
Where: Dreamworld Pkwy, Coomera
ArtVo
Get a taste of Melbourne’s much-loved, immersive art experience, right here in Robina; where you and your brood can step into a world of larger than life murals that we’re permitted, nay encouraged, to interact with… (cue collective sighs of relief from parents everywhere). Strike a pose and grab happy snaps galore as you encounter magical creatures, mighty beasts and step back in time, with eight uniquely themed rooms to explore.
Here’s a school holiday hot tip for you, visit ArtVo ANY DAY during the QLD school holidays at 10.30am to be part of a daily Easter Egg Hunt! Plus get Adults at Kid Prices these April school holidays with the code FUN. Score!
Where: Shop 5062 Robina Town Centre Dr, Robina
QT Gold Coast
Every school break, without fail, QT Gold Coast rolls out the red carpet to keep our rugrats busy with some cracking children’s workshops… and for that we are eternally grateful. On select days during the April school holidays, round up the munchkins to bedazzle their own chocolate creation with the ‘Shake and Create’ kids Easter egg decorating classes. $25 per child includes a festive milkshake and everything they need to create their candy-covered masterpiece. Held on Easter Saturday, as well as Wednesday 3rd till Friday 5th April from 10am until 12pm.
Where: 7 Staghorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Sanctuary Cove
So, it’s Easter Sunday and you and the fam have spent the better part of breakfast sampling your spoils, but where to from here? Sanctuary Cove’s Egg-Stra Special Easter extravaganza, of course! Yep, the eggpically awesome Easter event is back again. Bringing Pony Rides, an Animal Petting Zoo, Craft Activities, Face Painting, an Egg Hunt (with a twist) and interactive Easter Shows, the Cove’s tranquil surrounds will transform into an all-out wonderland. Plus, the Easter Bunny will also be bounding in to town for the occasion… you didn’t think the fuzzy fella would miss out on all this fun, did you?
Where: 4601 Masthead Way, Hope Island
Broadwater Parklands
Spotted: The busiest bunny in town, hopping high and low throughout the Broadwater Parklands this Easter with a bounty of free mini choccie eggs! From the Great Lawn to the Rockpools, keep your eyes peeled from 11 am to 3 pm on Easter Sunday.
Or if you’ve got a little craft lover on your hands, get on down to the Broadwater on Easter Saturday (30th), and let them go ham on the messy stuff someplace other than your house. Hightail it to the vicinity of the Bouncy Pillow between 9 am–12 pm, for some free and crafty Easter fun, with Easter Egg decorating, plaster painting and wood craft to pick between. Cuute!
For the young’ns (and the young at heart) bubbles are one of life’s most glee-inducing pleasures, so we suggest you back it up at the Parklands this long weekend for a Bubble-a-palooza between 9 am–12 pm, Monday April 1st. Pop by the Bouncy Pillow for a mind blowing extravaganza of the biggest, and most shimmering bubbles you’ve ever seen.
Where: Marine Parade, Southport
HOTA
From Mon 8 – Fri 12 Apr, HOTA is treating miniature creative minds to a five-day crash course on all things art and culture. With a different focus every day, the multi-day ARTCATION fest is geared to ages 8-12 years for the ultimate vacation care with an artsy twist. For $60 per day, your kiddos can take their pick of topics such as ‘Hip hop songwriting’ and ‘Acting for camera’, or hit all five days and save $20.
In one whacky and wonderful coming together, Renaissance in Bricks invites Lego lovers, young and old, to create a classical art-inspired creation of their own, using the universally beloved bricks as their medium. For $20 pp (supervising adult free if not participating) re-imagine the world of painting and sculpture by whipping up a masterpiece. Two sessions available, Sun 14 Apr. Brick on!
Where: 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise
Broadbeach Bricks
Haven’t got your brick fix this school holidays? The FREE, family-friendly Broadbeach Bricks Lego spectacular is back after last year’s sell-out success and promises five days of brickin’ good fun. From Tuesday April 9th to Saturday April 13th, gather the fam and create core mems with workshops, activations, and demonstrations and and building bliss. With daily Treasure Hunts, one-hour building workshops hosted by LEGO® Masters Australia (Season 2) runners-up Andrew and Damien, and a spectacular, collaborative Dragonfly build taking shape over several days, this epic event is sure to be another smash hit!
Where: Broadbeach Mall, Victoria Ave, Broadbeach
Harbour Town Premium Outlets
Hopping by Harbour Town over the Easter long weekend to indulge in a spot of shopping or noshing? Word on the street is the Easter Bunny will be in the Harbour Town haus on March 30 & 31 from 11am-2pm. Let the littlie’s in on this intel, and buy yourself some sweet time to smash out those errands while they keep a lookout for the fluffy guy. Cuteness, fuzzy cuddles and high-five’s for all!
Where: 147 Brisbane Road, Biggera Waters
Beauty & The Beast
Ok, so this one’s not on the GC, but it’s so magical we recommend you take a trip up the M1. Experience the magic of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast the Musical at QPAC with added midweek matinee shows on Thursdays and Fridays during the April school holidays.
Plus, the popular 4-ticket bundle offer, which saves guests $20 per ticket, has been extended for the holiday period. This offer is valid for all midweek matinees, midweek evening, and Sunday evening performances from April 2nd to April 14th. Secure your tickets now for performances running until May 19, 2024, exclusively here.
Words by Kellie Leader.
Tiny human wranglers of the GC, let us set the scene: the school holidays have barely begun, your kids are already climbing the walls and the vibe resembles that of a WWE showdown. At this point you’re fairly certain time is ticking backwards – you need to pull a rabbit out of your hat, fast.
Enter, ArtVo – an interactive, all-ages approved trick art exhibit, and the ultimate boredom-busting ace up your sleeve. Guaranteed to not only cure cantankerous moods but blow your brood completely out of the water… cue confetti, adoration and applause (okay, so more like a muttered ‘thanks bro’, if we’re lucky). Queensland’s first trick art exhibit, invites you to not merely marvel at, but star in a variety of interactive, perspective-bending scenes, such as gravity-defying magic acts and even a larger-than-life King Kong encounter – all of which provide plenty of frame-worthy photo ops along the way.
The enchanting exhibit promises a whole new way to experience the traditional art gallery, and they’re certainly not beating their chest here, guys! Following in the footsteps of Melbourne’s ever-popular ArtVo experience – our own location, tucked conveniently inside Robina Town Centre, is only the second attraction of its kind in Aus. Nestled right by The Kitchens (#convenient) for those who seldom frequent that end of town, the existence of Robina’s resident art attraction hidden within may have slipped your radar entirely. Praise be, parents – because who doesn’t love discovering a brand new kiddo-approved contender in our midst?!
Unlike traditional art galleries, at ArtVo, guests are not only welcome, but encouraged to explore and interact with a mind-bending array of hand-painted murals. Inside the refreshingly fam-friendly art exhibit, there are eight uniquely themed rooms to discover, such as a whimsical, Fairytale Wonderland and a 3D Glow Room to really make those faces light up.
Along with untold amounts of fun, staff are on hand to ensure a truly unforgettable experience, providing plenty of hot tips and assistance to snap the most mind-boggling pics. Strike a pose as you seemingly sprout wings, encounter your favourite heroes, or have a ship-load of fun stepping back in time with Titanic – with something that will appeal to every age and interest, the sky really is the limit for hilarious hijinks, here.
While we reckon ArtVo is the perfect #anytime activity to keep in your arsenal for everything from birthday parties to (literal and figurative) rainy days, with Easter school holidays coming in hot, they’re gearing up to take it to a whole new level. With all-day entry and free entry for kids under 5 already included as standard; these school holidays they’ll be doubling down on the bang for your buck even further with ‘Adults at Kids Prices’ admission (a $10pp saving!). Say what… an attraction that’s actually on special for the school holidays – how’s for that for affordable family fun? But the fun doesn’t stop there. Visit ArtVo ANY DAY during the QLD school holidays at 10.30am to be part of a daily Easter Egg Hunt. Hop yeah!
And don’t despair, the budget-savvy fun at this optical spectacle doesn’t stop there. Once the school holidays are said and done, we’ve got it on very good authority that ArtVo also will be launching an exclusive mid-week special offer. An especially enticing development for anyone with pre-school aged ankle biters, so keep those eyes peeled on their socials for updates.
And who doesn’t love creating core mems without breaking the bank… Gold Coasters, ‘art’ you glad you can count on us to bring you all the hottest school holiday happenings?
Adults at Kids Prices $20 Tickets | Use the code: FUN on the ArtVo website
Free entry for kids under 5 years
Where: Robina Town Centre, Shop 5062 Robina Town Centre Dr, Robina. Located on the Ground Floor at Robina Town Centre Near The Kitchens, across from Cotton On and next to Lush
When: Monday–Friday 10am–4pm, Saturday & Sunday 10am–5pm. Open all Easter Weekend and School Holidays (except Good Friday).
Words by Kellie Leader.
STORY SPONSORED BY ARTVO GOLD COAST
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. Click here for your discounted Archie Bros fun bundle.
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 Cabaret show
Dracula’s, The Pink Flamingo 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. Pink Flamingo welcomes hundreds of guests each week and is home to three resident productions; Zirque La La, Ripped and Forbidden. Get your 20% off discount code 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, The Pink Flamingo, Corner of 88 Surf Parade & Victoria Ave, 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. Click here to grab your 20% discount on tickets.
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.” Not technically an Escape Room, but if you’ve got some rage to unleash try Rage Cage in Southport. Click here for a discount.
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.
Sucker for a sando? Rhetorical question. Specifically, the NY-style, pastrami and pickle stuffed variety frequenting delicatessens from Brooklyn to Manhattan – you know, the ones usually only found at the other end of a 20 hour red eye? *Cue major fomo*
Well, ‘donut’ despair, peckish folk, George’s Deli is here – and they come bearing delicious (suspiciously sub-shaped) gifts. Get your first look at the new, sandwich-slinging kid on Kingscliff’s block…
Bringing handmade donuts, coffee and cold-cut loaded subs to the coastal township’s beach-studded main drag – George’s signifies the delicious debut for double-threat chef power couple, Johnny Ang and his wife Jerrika. Rounding out the venue’s ragtag trio of Reuben-slinging chefs, the husband and wife team are joined by Johnny’s sister, a skilled chef in her own right, to keep the portable treat offering ticking along. Cripes – talk about kitchen chops, can you imagine the killer spread this lot would bung on at family dinner?
Doling out handheld bites to Marine Parade’s beachfront perambulators, the compact menu melds beverages and baked-goods infused with Filipino influences, with classic New York-inspired sandwiches. Inspired by her travels abroad, Jerrika was the driving force behind the deli fusion concept. First uncovering her appreciation for the delicatessen staple (and the unique and vibrant foodie culture, obviously) following a stint in the US to complete her apprenticeship.
The couple, who had their meet cute cheffing aboard a cruise ship, bonded over their shared passion for culinary innovation. Later embarking on an opportunity based in Casuarina, Johnny and Jerrika quickly caught feelings for the locale’s knockout looks, laidback vibe and people. They’re only human, right?
For their first ever culinary venture, the crew engaged the services of local experts Kobi Concepts and Coakers Building to handle the interior direction and fit out, respectively. Going for a cool, retro deli aesthetic (insert sparkly emoji – the millennial equivalent of jazz hands, here) peppered throughout George’s interior are rustic tiles, pops of red and an awning window that opens wide to the surf beyond. Basically, we predict this ultra-cute sando spot is set to be some pretty hot real estate among southern punters.
Originally hailing from the Philippines, the passionate foodies have also jumped at the chance to pay homage to their culinary heritage by incorporating nationally-beloved flavours from their homeland into their offering. Weaving in flavours seldom found in Australia, such as Ube, the distinctive purple yam, which you can get in Latte or house-made Donut form.
Mouth watering at the prospect of getting your mitts on those pillowy hand-crafted donuts? Well, hold on to your britches, Gold Coasters – ‘cuz we’ll really be ‘ruben’ it in as we unpack the rest of the menu.
To complement the unmissable Ube Donuts, the signature offering is centred around the short but sweet selection of signature toasties. Such as the La Cubano, made with pork ham, lechon, pickles and Swiss and the Ain’t Reuben toasties, which are both firmly in the #MustTry realm.
Be there, or be square, sandwich fans!
Where: Shop 3, 106 Marine Parade, Kingscliff
When: Monday-Thursday: 7:00am-2:00pm, Friday-Sunday: 7:00am-2:30pm
Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Mathilde Bouby.
