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

Looking for ways to keep the ankle biters entertained on the Gold Coast? Too easy!

Whether your little legends are bouncing off the walls (literally), exploring the great outdoors, or just looking for a bit of magic, we’ve got you covered.

Here’s a rundown of kid-approved activities that’ll keep the young (and young at heart) entertained all day long. Plus, don’t forget to check out our discounts page, where you can score vouchers for a bunch of these fun-filled spots and save a few bucks while you’re at it!

Theme Parks
Let’s be real, the Coast’s theme parks are basically our crown jewels, and visitors can’t get enough of them. Movie World brings the magic with themed rides, roaming movie stars, and cartoon characters you’ll want a selfie with. Dreamworld? Big thrill energy with rides that’ll have you screaming your lungs out. Then there’s Sea World, where stunning sea creatures and jaw-dropping live shows steal the spotlight. Let’s not forget WhiteWater World – the ultimate water-filled oasis! Open seasonally, it’s a mix of chill and thrill, with something for everyone. Wet’n’Wild is all about epic waterslides and the massive wave pool that feels like summer in a nutshell.

For a side of Aussie charm, The Australian Outback Spectacular delivers with stunning special effects, a heartwarming outback tale, and some truly beautiful animals. And if you’re keen to be whisked into authentic Aussie farm life, head over to Paradise Country – Australia’s premier farm experience. It’s as hands-on as it gets, with interactive experiences like tasting traditional billy tea, learning to make damper, and soaking up the excitement of the Ram Parade and Sheep Shearing Display in a historic shearing shed.

Trampolines, adventure features, and airbags galore make BOUNCE an adrenaline playground where kids can perfect flips and unleash their inner acrobat.

A 30-minute sensory journey awaits at Infinity Attraction, with futuristic maze-like worlds full of illusions, mesmerizing soundscapes, and groovy vibes that are perfect for kids over eight and anyone seeking a touch of magic.

Packed with curiosity, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! offers 15 interactive galleries and over 300 fascinating artifacts, with the Impossible LaseRace adding an extra thrill as visitors shimmy through a maze of laser beams like spies.

History, fantasy, and a touch of fright combine at The Wax Museum, where wax celebrities, the eerie Chamber of Horrors, and replicas of the Crown Jewels make for a memorable visit.

For larger-than-life optical illusions, ArtVo in Robina Town Centre provides endless photo opportunities, letting kids step into wild scenarios and themed zones where the art seems to come alive.

Indoor skydiving at iFLY Gold Coast lets you soar like a bird in a 365-degree glass tunnel, offering packages for first-timers and seasoned flyers looking for an unforgettable rush.

Hair in need of a little extra sparkle? H&H Hair Braiding (at Pacific Fair and Surfers Paradise) and Surfers Paradise Hairwraps are the dream team for colorful wraps and braids – an absolute hit with little girls who want to channel their inner princess or mermaid vibes!

Animal Encounters
For wildlife enthusiasts, the Gold Coast has animal experiences that’ll make your heart melt.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a sprawling 27-hectare haven where kids can feed kangaroos, cuddle koalas, and catch incredible shows like the Wild Skies Free Flight Bird Show. Don’t miss the Lost Valley for encounters with exotic animals.

David Fleay’s Wildlife Park is a quieter gem in Burleigh Heads, offering intimate encounters with Queensland’s unique flora and fauna. Spot the platypus, meet nocturnal creatures, and chat with passionate rangers.

Arcade Adventures
The arcade offerings on the Coast are next-level, with Broadbeach’s Level Up Arcade offering a mix of classic games and virtual reality arenas, plus a prize redemption system that’s sure to win over the kids.

Bumper cars, laser tag, glow-in-the-dark mini golf, and over 250 arcade games make Timezone in Surfers Paradise and Coolangatta a sensory overload of fun in the very best way.

High ropes, Clip ‘n Climb courses and an arcade combine at iPlay Adventure, delivering a mix of challenges and pure fun that has something for everyone to enjoy.

Escape Rooms + VR
Escape rooms and virtual reality adventures are the perfect mix of brain-teasing fun and high-stakes excitement. It’s like a race against time — and let’s be real, no one is ever quite as good at solving puzzles when there’s a countdown looming! But hey, whether you’re celebrating a victorious escape or drowning your sorrows in a glass of wine, it’s definitely a win for family fun. Who knew unlocking mysteries could come with so much drama?

Eclipse Escape Rooms, Escape Hunt, Padlock’d and Fox in a Box all offer themed challenges that’ll have your family working together to solve mysteries and escape in time.

Meanwhile, Sandbox VR and Other World HQ are redefining virtual reality experiences with cutting-edge tech and immersive fun. Sandbox VR takes things up a notch with a haptic vest, motion sensors, and VIVE Focus 3 headsets, putting you in the heart of the action like never before.It’s a thrilling, real-time group adventure that goes beyond what home VR systems can offer. At Otherworld HQ, prepare to step into realms of exciting, unconventional games. Featuring the Saboteurs Arena, you’ll need strategy and skill to outwit your friends and enemies in this high-stakes adventure.

Prepare to get wet
Cool off with these water-based adventures that’ll have the whole family splashing with joy.

Located in Broadwater Parklands, Gold Coast Aqua Park is an inflatable paradise packed with slides and obstacles.

For those looking to catch a wave, Hang Ten Surf Co provides surf coaching with friendly instructors who are passionate about helping the whole family ride the waves like pros.

If you’re after a unique adventure, Aquaduck offers a fun blend of city and river cruising on the Gold Coast’s amphibious icon. Kids even get the chance to take the wheel and feel like the captain!

For an adrenaline rush, Paradise Jet Boating and GC Jetboating and Parasailing both deliver thrilling spins and slides through the Broadwater.

Smack some golf balls
If your little ones love a good game of golf, the Gold Coast has no shortage of fun places to swing a club. Putt Putt Mermaid Beach is an iconic local spot with three awesome 18-hole courses, each offering its own unique challenge. Plus, they have neon glow balls to light up your night-time putting!

TopGolf is a year-round winner, with indoor bays and plenty of food options to keep your energy up while you perfect your swing.

Day Trip Fun
If you’re looking to explore a little further afield there are plenty of fun activities for the kids that are only a short drive away.

Dig It Mini Excavator Park at Thunderbird Park lets kids graduate from sandcastles to operating real excavators. With construction-inspired activities and safety-first operators, it’s the ultimate hands-on experience.

Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk offers breathtaking views and a chance to stroll among the treetops. It’s an easy walk suitable for families, with photo ops aplenty.

Over at Mountview Alpacas, kids can hand-feed these fluffy friends while parents kick back with a coffee or wine in hand. It’s a win-win situation.

Words by Belinda Symons

Sometimes dinner and drinks just doesn’t cut it when it comes to the Hunger Games-style arena that is the Gold Coast dating scene and since Valentine’s Day is quickly creeping up on us again we’re here to help you up your game.

Here are 9 out-of-the-box ideas you’re welcome to steal when you next need to impress the potential love of your life. 

See some live music
Is watching live music not the best thing you can possibly do? Even better if you’re with someone you don’t know that well when there’s a strong possibility of running out of things to talk about. There’s also unlimited opportunities to bust out your best dance moves and impress the hell out of anyone with eyes. At a safe distance of course. Check out our list of live music venues on the Gold Coast here.

Go scuba diving
Underwater activities are an excellent date choice in that they offer the perfect opportunity to not talk and, on the flip side, will be a great story to tell the grandkids should you get to that point. Plus, you know, there’s plenty of pretty marine life to get up close and personal with and being immersed in the ocean will help you chill out should you be suffering from some form of fear – of the first date or great white shark varieties perhaps.
Where: QLD Scuba Diving, Mariners Cove Marina, 60 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach

Taste wine and cheese
What could be better than eating as much cheese and tasting as much wine as is humanly possible with the object of your affections? Nothing, that’s what. Have a little look through our list of wineries that are within a 45 minute drive of the Gold Coast here. That’s a top date idea if ever we’ve come up with one.

Drive in movies
How romantic is setting up a sweet snuggle spot in the back of your car, filling it with snacks and enjoying a movie marathon in (relative) privacy under the stars. If that sounds like your jam, the Yatala Drive-In is your next date night adventure. It’s open seven nights a week and you can choose to do a Double Feature night and sometimes there are sing-a-longs.
Where: 100 Jacobs Well Road, Stapylton

Take a cooking class
Cooking together is a fun way to learn something new while also having a laugh at how hard it actually is to shake a cocktail while looking semi-cool. There are several fun cooking classes on the Gold Coast that offer everything from Chocolate Desserts to Spanish Paella so you’re guaranteed to take home some new skills that you can use on your next date. Genius. Check them out here.

Play all the games
Guys, 20 years later, Timezone is still one of the greatest places around. What could be better than racing your date on the Formula One track or whacking weird animals with giant sticks? It’s a laugh a minute. If you’re any good, you can impress ‘em with a giant stuffed animal they’re sure to keep forever. Just makin’ memories.
Where: Timezone Coolangatta – The Strand, 72-80 Marine Parade, Coolangatta
Timezone Surfers Paradise – Paradise Centre, Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Walk through the trees
Getting high on a first (or second or third) date probably isn’t a great idea, unless of course it involves getting amongst the trees on a 15-metre high suspension bridge. Which of course, is a thing, at Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk in the hinterland. There’s a 40 metre cantilever bridge high above the creek and rainforest which is the perfect excuse for holding onto someone REAL tight.
Where: Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk, 333 Geissmann Drive, Mt Tamborine

Watch whales
This one might be a little later in the year, but plan a future date to see everyone’s favourite sea-dwelling creatures when they make their way back down south with their tiny (but also giant) babes in tow. You could pack a picnic and perch yourselves on one of many local headlands or, for guaranteed up close viewing, book yourselves onto a whale watching boat and prepare to have the best date ever. Spirit of the Gold Coast offer epic tours when the season kicks in.
Where: Anywhere you can see the sea OR 60/70 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach (for a tour)

Go ice-skating
If you’re a lover of snow and ice and all things winter, but live here with the rest of us in South-East Queensland, all your prayers have been answered in the form of Gold Coast Iceland in Bundall (who knew). Take your mate for a few spins around the ring while adorably holding hands and pretending you’re in NYC’s Central Park.
Where: 15 Strathaird Road, Bundall

Words by Kirra Smith.