Paradise Centre is the MVP for family fun.
Paradise Centre is the MVP for family fun.
If your idea of a perfect family outing is somewhere between “I want to sip a margarita in peace” and “please, someone tire these kids out before 3pm,” then Paradise Centre in Surfers Paradise is your golden ticket. Sitting pretty just metres from the beach, this place has mastered the art of family fun – with a side of epic eats, get-your-dopamine-hit gaming, and maybe even a cheeky axe throw. And that’s just the beginning….
Let’s kick things off like all good family adventures: with food. Brekky or brunch, specifically, with insta-worthy beach views that’ll make your feed light up like a Taylor Swift ticket drop. Head to Crepe Addict or beachside to La Playa for eggs your way, smoothies that somehow vanish in two sips, or even channel your inner Joe Jonas for some trusty cake by the ocean.
Now, if your kids are allergic to boredom, Paradise Centre has the ultimate antidote: the world’s largest Timezone. They’ll froth over the new Colour Grid – a glowing digital playground that’s Queensland’s first. Choose your adventure from the touch screen, then step, jump, and race your way through a shifting grid of pressure-responsive colour tiles on the floor and walls.
And of course, there’s all the arcade classics from your youth to bring back the mems. Nothing like watching your child school you at air hockey to keep your ego in check.
Once you’ve racked up enough tickets to redeem something large, loud, and destined to be broken within 24 hours, it’s time to get competitive at Zone Bowling. All ages, all skill levels welcome – and no judgement when you break out the bumpers (we’re looking at you parents!).
Got tweens or teens who think they’re too cool for school (or family fun days)? Challenge accepted. Let them channel their inner Viking at MANIAX Axe Throwing (ages 11+, axes optional for parents who prefer spectating). It’s a safe, supervised way to throw sharp objects and a perfect outlet for your angsty adolescents.
Need to cool things down? Hit the surf (literally) with a beginner-friendly lesson at Go Ride A Wave. It’s fun, safe, and gives you serious “I’m a Cool Mum” (or Dad) points. No TikTok reel can compete with the thrill of standing up on your first wave – even if it’s only for 0.7 seconds.
With all that action, the fam’s bound to be hangry. Refuel at The Sporting Globe (sports on screen, share plates on table, happiness in belly), or indulge in burger royalty at Wahlburgers or Grill’d – where even mini hands get max satisfaction. And if your child doesn’t end up wearing at least 20% of their meal on their face, did it even happen?
When it’s time for a breather (and maybe a sneaky shop), the retail therapy here is kid-approved and parent-pleasing. From surf and street staples like Surf Dive N Ski, Vans, Platypus and Factorie, to toy treasure troves like Mr Brix and Kiki Koala, which doubles as a cafe, you’ll find everything from cool kicks to toys, games, books, and the cutest Aussie animal merch you ever did see.
As the sun sets, don’t pack up just yet – grab a cocktail at Surfers Paradise Beer Garden while the kids can go head-to-head in an oversized battle of Jenga or Connect Four. (Fair warning: the competitive spirit is contagious).
Ready to wrap things up? TGI Fridays has your back – especially Monday through Thursday, when kids eat free with any adult meal. Extreme unicorn milkshake? Yes. Sugar crash? Also yes. Worth it? Absolutely. And if their sweet tooth is still not satisfied, grab a delicious dessert from Gelato Messina or a legendary Frosty® from Australia’s first Wendy’s.
Of course, no family day should end with traffic tantrums and sand in the car, so why not stay the night at Novotel Surfers Paradise? It’s just steps from all the action, and you can wake up ready to do it all again (after coffee – and make it a double shot – at one of the many beachside watering holes).
So, pack the sunscreen, gather the troops, and head to Paradise Centre, where the only meltdown you’ll experience is from a soft-serve cone.
To learn more, go here.
Where: 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
When: Hours vary depending on venue. Check website for more details.
Words by Bianca Trathen
STORY SPONSORED BY PARADISE CENTRE