At some point during the week (usually Monday for us) you get sick of preparing meals, decide to throw in the tea towel, and round up the rugrats so one of our fine establishments can handle that exhausting little song and dance. Only to be faced with a whole new issue – the prospect of taking the munchkins out for munches #cuepanic

To save you the ‘find-something-everyone-can-eat-without-too-many-tears’ (namely yours) struggle entirely – we’ve collected our very favourite purveyors of good vibes, welcoming atmospheres and of course, bulk ice cream and chippies.

So without further ado, here is a list of family-friendly Gold Coast restaurants to treat you and your cherubs to some chow, so you can have a reprieve from slaving over the stove for a night.

From north to south.

The Wattle Hotel
A hidden gem in Upper Coomera, The Wattle Hotel is the perfect playground for parents and kiddies. The adult menu is filled with all your fave pub-style dishes while the littlies menu has all their favourites for $12 bucks including a drink and dixie cup – a barg and a half, especially when you consider the inbuilt perk of those blissful sounds of serenity (the kind only a Cheeseburger could buy). 10/10 kids also agree the whopper playground is the bees knees (ok, so that stat is more of an educated guess, we hope you can let it ‘slide’…) Gather the kiddies and get down and see for yourself.
Where: 1 Reserve Road, Upper Coomera

Charis Seafoods
Found in Harley Park, Labrador, Charis Seafoods offers a family-friendly atmosphere with a sweet view to boot. Enjoy your fish and chips by the Broadwater while the kids play in the park or swim in the lagoon. There’s a huge variety of seafood on offer and everything is of the freshest and highest quality. This Gold Coast icon is also renowned for its pelican feeding at 1:30pm daily where close to a hundred pelicans gather for their special feed of fish!
Where: 371 Marine Parade, Labrador

Historic Rivermill
Less restaurant, more full-blown adventure day – Historic Rivermill might be an overachiever, but either way a meal at this beaut spot will delight you and your little people. The outlook from the cafe is breathtaking with views to the bushland beyond and plenty of space, including a cute ‘lil playground, for the kids to explore.

This pretty riverside spot boasts its own petting zoo, so the animal encounters are a must-do for the munchkins. Feed the turtles or alpacas, and and don’t sweat it when your little people grow peckish, of course the cafe boasts plenty of yummy goodies for the human-folk too. Including coffee, which we absolutely will require after herding the critters (we’ll let you decide which we’re referring to). Do yourself a favour and take a drive out there with the whole family.
Where: 950 Beaudesert-Nerang Road, Mt Nathan

Southport Sharks
For families, the beloved Frenzy’s buffet will be the first (and second, and third…) port of call as a sacred eats place adored by all – but especially our mini salad dodgers. There’s also a stacked kids zone – including a rock climbing wall, mini basketball court and theatrette – that will be a slam dunk among all, as the small ones frolic supervised, and you kick back and enjoy a frosty beverage. Plus there’s a stunning fish tank (with real sharks) which is always a winner among the little ones. Frenzy’s is open breakfast, lunch and dinner, with à la carte and buffet options seven days a week.. aka any old time you’re struck by the urge to escape the kitchen.
Where: Olsen Ave and Musgrave Ave, Southport

Café Catalina
Found in Southport, overlooking the Broadwater is Café Catalina, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Pop in for a bit to eat, treat yourself to some tapas and a wine or two, let the kids enjoy some tasty Spaghetti Bolognaise off their designated kids menu and then wander down to the giant playground and let them run rampant before bedtime. It’s win win.
Where: Broadwater Parklands, 10/11 Gold Coast Highway, Southport

TGI Friday’s
With all of the epic US-style eats you could hope to demolish in one sitting, TGI Friday’s at Robina Town Centre, and overlooking the ocean in the refreshed Paradise Centre at Surfers – is the perfect place to take the family for a night out. With everything from their famous ribs and burgers plus a kids menu packed with goodies like Macaroni Cheese, Chicken Fingers and a Cheeseburger to name a few, everyone will leave happy and very satisfied.
Where: Robina Town Centre, Robina and Level 1, Paradise Centre Beachfront Dining, 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Outback Steakhouse
Outback Steakhouse has a casual atmosphere and plenty of good vibes for everyone to enjoy. Meaty morsels like Perfectly seared steaks, Burgers and Ribs make up much of the adult’s menu, but for your mini-me’s there’s also plenty of kid-endorsed options like Chicken fingers, Mac & Cheese and Mini ribs, 2,4,6,8.. bog in, don’t wait! All the kid’s meals start from just $9 and include a drink, pretty sweet ‘eh?
Where: Pacific Fair, Hooker Boulevard, Broadbeach

Mermaid Beach Surf Club
Surf clubs are family friendly on principle but the Mermaid Beach Surf Club in particular has got the goods in the form of a playroom that will keep the kids entertained for hours. Some of us here have been in there and can attest it’s a good time. Of course, they have lots of child-friendly menu options AND on Monday nights kids eat free with any main meal purchased. How good.
Where: 172 Hedges Avenue, Mermaid Beach

Mermaid Beach Tavern
These days we’re treated to some next level Tavs, Pavs and Clubs, having broken free of the former beer dungeon status we once associated with our friendly local – and we only need to look as far as Exhibit A: Mermaid Beach Tavern to prove our point. This stunner of a spot is 10’s all round – easy on the eyes, plenty of space and classic pub-style eats that appeal to the whole family.

Putt wait, there’s more… the Putt Putt Meal deal takes this outing from good to great. Enjoy a round of Putt Putt and grab an adult main meal for just $15 and a kids meal for $10.
Where: 2500 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

Miami Marketta
Less a restaurant, more a market-style dining situation is Miami Marketta – and relaxed eats is kind of the whole objective when we’re talking feeding the oft-rambunctious rugrats. Open Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights with food stalls and (often) live music, kids absolutely adore running around, dancing and eating all the things. Same. There’s a ridiculous array of next-level desserts and a bar so that’s pretty much all your bases covered we think. Always a fun time.
Where: 23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami

Robina Pavilion
Anyone else sensing a theme here? Key to chillaxed eats with kids in tow = proximity for perambulating outside a must. And Robina Pav has this in spades – you and your rowdy rascals can revel on the lakeside lawn or on the sun drenched deck – rain, hail or shine – thanks to the retractable roof. Good news if you also ‘like piña coladas’ (we do) but not so much ‘getting caught in the rain’ (hard pass).

So regardless of whatever whack weather our trusty BoM app is advising – gather your boisterous brood, chow down on some classic pub nosh and throw back a couple’a bomb Pavilion Coladas while the dishes do themselves… ah, life’s goooood.
Where: 229 Ron Penhaligon Way, Robina

Woodchoppers Inn
Family owned since 1995, Woodchoppers Inn launched a reimagined menu in 2017 to bring North American BBQ to the Gold Coast. Complete with a dedicated kids play area and kids menu, including the likes of Spaghetti and Meatballs and Margherita Pizza – we’d be envious, but we’re too busy tucking in to a 6hr BBQ pork short rib stack, tbh. All kids meals can be upgraded with a drink and ice cream for $2, which we think you’ll agree is pretty good bang for your buck. The entire family will love the perfectly smoked and seared dishes, and the plethora of beers and hand-crafted spirits will go down a treat with the grown ups.
Where: 64 Railway Street, Mudgeeraba

Burleigh Town Hotel
We here on the GC sure do love getting around an all-rounder, and not that we’re superficial or anything – but a tidy $4.5 mil revamp has skyrocketed this spot in the popularity stakes (though the steaks are top notch, also) among locals – and *especially* parents.

Of the sprawling space – a perk particularly favoured among families is the spacious open-air area, with plenty of space for the kids to roam (run wild). With a bistro, beer garden x2, patios and pergola’s aplenty, you can basically take your pick – then promptly perch up and partake in one of the favourite past times of parents everywhere: sit-ervising (or sip-ervising, as the case may be). This is livin’.
Where: Tsipura Drive, Burleigh Heads

The Collective
A well known family-friendly spot on the highway in Palm Beach, The Collective has a HUGE menu for the kids with five types of cuisine on offer including Mexican, Greek, Asian, American and Italian eats. Everything is reasonably priced and the bar is pumping out some of the tastiest cocktails around for Mum and Dad’s enjoyment. Highly recommend for a night out with the team.
Where: 1128 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

Dune Cafe
Enjoy everything the Gold Coast stands for at Dune Cafe. There’s beautiful views, a laidback atmosphere, top quality local produce and delicious coffee plus it’s found right at Palm Beach Parklands where there’s plenty of space for the kids to run around, Currumbin Creek for a quick dip and the huge Pirate Park playground will provide hours of entertainment while Mum and Dad kick back.
Where: 945 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

Currumbin RSL
Sitting pretty (and we do mean pretty – she’s not like a regular RSL, she’s a cool RSL) right on the banks of Currumbin’s beloved Creek, families flock to this spot in droves. It’s hard to determine if the bigger draw card is the stunner of a creekside outlook or the mix of contemporary and crowd-pleasing bites (the ice cold beers surely don’t hurt either).

Treat the raucous ones to a bambino meal upgrade, and even the fussy eaters will be rapt with a Cheeseburger or Chicken nugs, soft drink and gelati cup or cone (+ obligatory fries and tom sauce, of course – anything less would be unhinged). To appeal to the adults (and it really, really does) – Sticky Chilli Koji Chicken Wings, Hawker Style Bao Buns, and, if you wanna keep it classic, Chicken Parmigiana. With a fully-fenced park adjacent, you’re on to a winner here.
Where: 165 Duringan St, Currumbin

Pasture & Co
Parents, carers, and all other wranglers of tiny humans, add Pasture & Co to the rolling list of – and, we defy any millennial that can resist channelling their inner Dixie Chicks as they read this – *wide open spaaaces*-adjacent havens that have it all. And by that we mean, delicious food and satisfying sips that we can savour (a) at a leisurely pace (b) at their intended temperature and (c) in relative peace while the cherubs burn off some of that circus-vibing energy (aka the holy grail).

While this one is technically more of a café–restaurant hybrid, every Friday & Saturday arvo the fully licensed weekend menu and extended 7pm trade kick in, which certainly lends itself to the latter as far as kid-friendly dinners are concerned (bc while we love them inexplicably – we also want them fed, and in bed no later than 7.31pm, thankyouverymuch). Perch up with Pizzas and Milkshakes for them, House buffalo wings and Chilli marg for you – happy days.
Where: 639 Currumbin Creek Rd, Currumbin Valley

Words by Kellie Leader.

We’re known to be a bit of a fun-loving bunch here on the GC, and any local worth their weight in salt(y hair) knows that Surfers Paradise is the MVP when it comes to fun. But there’s more to Surfers than just beach and suddenly we’re thinking about Ryan Gosling #MyJobIsJustBeach. Whether you’re a big kid at heart, an actual kid, or somewhere in between, the newly zhuzhed Paradise Centre is the GOAT for good times.

Timezone
I mean, if you haven’t been to Timezone at the Paradise Centre as an ankle biter, on a date, with a mate, or to wow the mini-me’s, sorry but you can’t sit with us. A local institution in its own right, this rite of passage has been serving up adrenaline-pumping good times for four decades. Bust a move in a dance-off, race your friends on a virtual track, challenge the fam to a laser tag battle, or play a round of mini golf but don’t forget, pack a spare pair of socks in case you get a ‘hole in one’…. #punstoppable.

FREAK VR
If you like escape rooms, FREAK VR’s virtual reality escape room is the (un)real deal. Here you don’t just play the game, you become the game with mind-boggling 4D effects and totally out of this world physical spaces. Test out your teamwork skills, immerse yourself in other dimensions, and get ready to embrace your inner FREAK (in a strictly ‘non-Only Fans’ kinda way of course…).

MANIAX Axe Throwing
Nothing says fun like chucking axes at a wall, plus it’s like a therapy sesh complete with ocean views and a Viking-themed bar #quadfecta. Sporting a custom-built axe hall and 15 throwing lanes, learn a badass new skill and grab a pic sitting on the mighty warrior’s throne for the ‘gram. Promising ‘axe-factor’ for days, chop chop and book your crew in stat.

Zone Bowling
Bowling is like pizza – even when it’s not great, it’s still pretty great. So, when you experience the awesomeness of Zone Bowling, you’ll agree it’s right up everyone’s ‘alley’, and guaranteed to ‘strike’ a chord with even the most decerning bowler (no ‘pins’ intended). Featuring 12 interactive bowling lanes, a cafe and a bar, channel your inner Jeffrey Lebowski and head to Zone.

Holoverse Dinosaur World & Aquarium
LBR, dinosaurs never get old, so for a fun family day out, birthday party, or team building activity day, it’s Holoverse for the win. Obvs a hit with the small folk, there’s also an M-rated section and once again, #NoOnlyFans. The first of its kind on the planet, get acquainted with monsters or dinosaurs, take a deep dive into the big blue, experience what it’s like to fly, and play both action sports and arcade games. Roarsome!

Go Ride A Wave
Learn a gnarly new skill to flex, which will most likely improve your physical flex by default (bonus points), at Go Ride A Wave. This renowned surf school specialises in daily beginner surf lessons, with group and private lessons available on request, all on our world-famous Surfers Paradise Beach. And just like that, we’re back to Ryan Gosling again….. #beachoff.

When: Check website for each venue’s operating hours
Where: 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Words by Bianca Trathen.

STORY SPONSORED BY PARADISE CENTRE

If the mere thought of the phrase ‘I’m bored’ (honourable mention also to ‘I’m hungry’), is enough to involuntarily send your eyeballs rolling off their very axis, chances are you’ve probably heard it on repeat since (what feels like) the beginning of time, aka every weekend and school holiday in recent memory. It’s a time honoured tradition, children complaining that there’s nothing to do, while parents instantly blank on every fun activity option they’ve ever known, like a quiz show guest faltering under the pressure of the bright studio lights.

So we’re here to tell you, #ICYMI one of the Coast’s most tried and true boredom buster destinations recently got a major upgrade meaning more fun for well, everyone. Because if it’s been a while since you last ventured in for a nostalgia fix at the HQ of all-round fun and Surfers icon, Timezone, you might be bowled over to learn that along Zone Bowling recently opened right next door #convenient. Already boasting activities galore, with laser tag, glow in the dark mini golf, bumper cars, and more arcade games than you can poke a token at (showing our age), throw in a slick bowling joint and it’s 10’s all round for the actual kids, and the big kids alike #winnersallround.

Which is excellent news for parents who felt our intro strike a chord, but also for all you fun Aunty’s and Funcle’s trying to win ultimate cool-points with the niblings, through to Gigi’s, Grandads, Godparents and everyone in between. And why let the kids have all the fun, we reckon Timezone has long been underrated as the ultimate date night destination that’s guaranteed not to strike out. Bring the fun back to date nights we say!

Zone Bowling Surfers Paradise boasts 12 interactive bowling lanes decked out with alllll the mod cons in some pretty swanky surrounds, which quite frankly couldn’t be any further from the dungeon-chic bowling alleys of our youth #stillfuntho #corememories.

The spacious, modern dining area is way more luxe than it has any right to be, providing the perfect post or pre game pit-stop for friends and fam to gather, kick back and rib each other about their bowling skills (or lack thereof). Thankfully, the fare is every bit as good as we remember, with all the family friendly classics like burgers, loaded fries, pizzas and hot dogs set to go down a treat for all ages. Of course, after working up a thirst, a milkshake or ice-cream spider will go down a treat for the littles – while the adults can swing by the bar to indulge in a range of delicious cocktails.

And the final strike of genius – there’s a range of special passes to choose from, giving guests access to activities across both Zone Bowling and Timezone #gameon. We don’t know about you guys, but we’re suddenly in the mood to play a good old-fashioned game of crocodile whack-a-mole #ow #nowi’mangry.

And with school holidays around the corner (yes, again) keep your eyes peeled for the top secret Winter offer coming soon for some slam-dunk holiday entertainment. Who doesn’t love the opportunity show the young’ns how it’s done and flex our mad Daytona USA skills.

So for more fun than you can pac-man a joystick at, channel your inner Mario Kart and zoom on down to Surfer’s one-stop-shop for games, good times, tasty treats and wholesome family fun.

Where: Timezone & Zone Bowling Surfers Paradise, Paradise Centre, Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise
When: 9am – 12am daily.

Words by Kellie Leader.

STORY SPONSORED BY TIMEZONE & ZONE BOWLING.