Slay the school holidays.
Slay the school holidays.
Attention Gold Coast parents, because the September school holidays are upon us, and we are here to help. Not physically because #tiring but with this very article you’ve clicked on.
Get ready to embark on a whirlwind adventure of fun-tastic activities that will leave your kids grinning from ear to ear (and you, well, probably in need of a well-deserved nap). From crafty escapades to wild entertainment, we’ve rounded up a bunch of activities that will make you the superhero of school holidays (cape optional, but highly encouraged). Here they are listed north to south.
Dreamworld
Promising to put a little spring in your step these school holidays, Dreamworld’s Spring County Fair is the ultimate celebration of all things spring. The return of the beloved Belinda’s Barnyard Buddies petting zoo will serve as the perfect nawwww-filled distraction from the zoo-vibing energy of your own crew, in addition to the spring-fair chill vibes of acoustic live music, American-style eats and showbags. Plus, who could forget that winning Dreamworld combo of action-packed rides, slides, wildlife and entertainment.
Where: Dreamworld Parkway, Coomera
Warner Bros. Movie World
Brissy’s own indie pop darlings Sheppard take on Movie World’s Main Street strip these school hols, with daily shows from 16 September to 2 October (exc. 23 September). Jam out to the band’s best pop-bops during a 15-minute performance, followed by an exclusive opportunity to meet the band during an autograph signing session afterwards. Of course that won’t be your only brush with fame, with encounters and antics from all our fave WB super heroes (and super villains).
Plus, leaving without an obligatory visit to the DC Rivals Hypercoaster? You’ve got to be joker-ing.
Where: Pacific Mwy, Oxenford
HOTA
Slay the school holidays with HOTA’s mini-fest Kids Take Over (and hey, better them than us, amirite), an assortment of free and ticketed workshops designed for kids and by kids. Aimed at mini-me’s 12 and under, take on exhibits such as Art, Writing and DJ workshops, Lego Battle or Fluffy – an interactive space where mess making and hands-on creativity are encouraged with joyful mountains of recycled shredded paper to explore (and more). Also catch SING on the HOTA Lawn big screen for Family Movie Night Under the Stars on 29 September, with food and drinks available – sounds like a pretty good excuse to take the night off dinner to us. Lessgo!
While you’re there check out the latest HOTA Children’s Gallery exhibition, “Colour Your Imagination – Just Add Books”. Created by renowned artist Victoria Reichelt, it’s a vibrant, immersive experience celebrating the magic of libraries. Dive into a world of giant books and cozy reading nooks. It’s a perfect blend of art and literature, offering interactive activities to spark children’s love for both.
Where: 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise
Paradise Centre
The Paradise Centre is going to feel verrrry aptly named indeed, once you discover the host of freebies on offer to keep your kiddos from climbing the walls (and, in turn, allowing you to retain a modicum of sanity). Taking the already certified school hol bangers like Zone Bowling, Timezone and family axe-throwing at Maniax on offer, Surfers epic HQ of entertainment is dishing out a whole bunch carnival inspired fun times.
Say Cirque de So-long to the boredom, with enchanting antics of roving circus entertainers, free face painting, fairy floss and popcorn, with DJ’s to bring the vibes and fire twirlers to light up the night.
Oh, and with the munchkins are happily entertained, if you happen to treat yourself (or the groms, growing like weeds always) to a little retail therapy while you’re there, don’t forget the Shop, Spin & Win promo from 16-24 September – spin the giant wheel for a chance at prizes like skateboards, gift cards and more (Combined min spend $70 at participating retailers). Either way, it will be a winning day out! For more information go here.
Where: 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Gold Coast Active & Healthy program
The City of Gold Coast crew has pulled out a fully stacked line up of boredom busters and fam friendly fun for the young and young at heart with the Active & Healthy spring holiday program. For the kiddos who love themselves a wheely good time there’s the Mountain Bike Confidence For Kids workshop along with the Active & Healthy Skateboard Workshop for your budding groms aged 3 and up. There really is something for every age and interest with Family park pilates sessions, kayak lessons, painting workshops, junior park runs, and even Bubble Disco Dance Party, which suds like a poppin’ good time to us!
Where: Various times/locations across the Gold Coast
Level Up Arcade
Ready to level up your fun? Get ready for a wicked new virtual reality arena that’ll totally blur the line between the real world and the digital universe. We’re talking three mind-blowing games, from mastering the kitchen chaos to battling it out with your pals and taking on zombies like a boss! Sessions are avaialbe every day on the half hour from 9am – 10pm. Whether you’re rolling solo, with your squad, or your fam, it’s the ultimate day out. Level Up Arcade’s mission is to keep you entertained and they’re totally nailing it. #GameOn
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
NBL Blitz
For the junior (and senior) sport fans, the fortuitously timed return of the NBL Blitz is sure to be a school holiday slam dunk. Games tip-off on Saturday, September 16 and run until Friday, September 22, giving mini bball fans (and their selfless supervisors) a week-long opportunity to enjoy all the pre-season action of the best basketball league in the world (outside the NBA ofc!) Kids tix are also a score starting from $10 bucks, so #gameon, we say!
Where: Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, 2684-2690 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach
Pacific Fair
Behold, the magical properties of a #crafternoon for curbing the school holiday stir-crazies, +100 bonus points when the all the mess also takes place somewhere other than your dining room table. Enjoy free flower pot painting, flower crown making and clay crafting workshops being hosted at Pacific Fair from 16 September to 1 October. Word to the wise, the savviest of small human wranglers are always super quick to snap up these coveted workshops, so get in quick. We’ve heard the legends at our fave shopping destination are hoping to open up some more spots so make sure you add your name to the waitlist.
There’s also the Giant Flower Garden to discover and explore in partnership with SWELL Sculpture Festival, with a larger than life installation of Trumpet Flowers in an exhibition of light, colour and sound.. and the best part? No tix required. How bloomin’ good.
Where: Pacific Fair, Hooker Boulevard, Broadbeach
Robina Town Centre
School holiday boredom got your munchkins feeling blue? Brighten their day with a trip to Robina Town Centre to check out the Colourama activities on offer this September. There are 4 interactive activity zones, plus live shows every hour with a bunch of vibrant colour experiments to inspire your budding scientists.
Give the fridge door a break and let your little creators loose on a work of art they can wear with the tint your own shirt workshops, for $5 per person it sounds like a pretty sweet deal to us (bookings are required). Orange you glad you found this epic list?
Where: Robina Town Centre, Ground floor (outside Myer & Kookai), Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Tame the tiny beasts, er, we mean.. little darlings with a truly memorable walk on the wild side thanks to the full-day Wild Adventure programs at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Choose from the likes of Zoo Scientist for a Day, Animal Trainer for a Day, Vet for a Day, and Wildlife Keeper for a Day. Umm, excuse me, can we go too?
Unfortunately for our inner-10-year-old selves, no, these unique experiences are exclusively for the young, wild and free aged 6 to 12 years of age, programs are $69 per child and bookings are essential (and always fast to book out!)
The school hols also coincide with Koala month, so there’s still plenty of fun for young and old with Koala Keeper Talks and Krafting with Koalas for $20 – complete with Koala cuddle photo, how unbe-leaf-ably cuuuute?
Where: 28 Tomewin Street, Currumbin
Gold Coast Recreation Centre
Gold Coast Rec Centre is pulling out allll the school holiday stops with half day and full day sessions of action packed thrills and spills for the munchkins aged 5+. Think Bodyboarding, High ropes, Canoeing, Giant swing, Surfing, Archery tag and Stand up paddle boarding… it’s true, kids really do get to have all the fun. But only if you remember to book, bc bookings for all sessions are essential, with morning sessions running 9am–12pm for $36.25, and full day 9am–3:30pm for $77 per child.
Where: 1525 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
The Strand at Coolangatta
The Strand is spoiling our little ones (and us, lbh) with some srsly cool shop and drop action thanks to Kids Flicks: Free Movies & Kids Minding at The Strand. The best bit? The screenings are totally free, so you might as well shout them to an obligatory trip past the candy bar looking like the #bestparentevaaa before you shop it up in style (and by style we mean, the sweet serenity of being sans bickering for a few hours). Choose from showings of Ruby Gillman: Teenage Kraken, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, or Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie. How paw-some?! Childhood us and our well-worn VHS copy of Beauty and the Beast are not envious at all.
Where: 72 – 80 Marine Parade, Coolangatta
Words by Kellie Leader.
It’s officially September and that means school holidays are just around the corner. Already?! We were just thinking the same… Thankfully, the guys over at the Paradise Centre have you sorted with loads of entertainment that’ll keep kids of all ages (yes, including the adult ones) occupied for hours – or days – on end. From 16th September to 1st October the Paradise Centre has carnival fun covered with free family fun as well as the classics you know and love.
FREE Circus Carnival Fun
Need to keep the kids busy on a budget? Well, there’s something on pretty much every day. Yes, you read that right. Every. Day. Catch the roving circus and carnival inspired entertainers making their way around the centre or if you want a sneaky treat, there’s free fairy floss or popcorn on offer but we take no responsibility for the impending sugar rush #soznotsoz. If a beachside boogie is more your vibe there’ll be special DJ performances to take you into the evening where fire twirlers will work their magic and light up the night.
Spin It To Win It
You’ve got to be in it, to win it, right? Well just in case you needed more of a reason for a fun or fashion spree, when you spend a combined total of $70 at participating retailers, you’ll get your moment to spin the giant wheel of wonders and a chance at winning a massive range of prizes from gift cards to skateboards and so much more. You’re welcome.
Doughnut Decorating at Krispy Kreme
All this excitement is bound to work up an appetite, and that’s where Krispy Kreme comes in. These holidays, Krispy Kreme is offering a fun and flavour filled experience that’s perfect for kids of all ages. Get your creative juices flowing as you design your own delish doughnuts. It’s a chance to unleash your inner pastry artist and savour every sweet bite. The best part? You get to enjoy your delicious creations afterward!
Bookings are essential.
Don’t Have An Axe To Grind at Maniax
If you’re looking to channel your inner lumberjack, Maniax is the place to be. Axe-throwing is the name of the game here, and it’s a thrilling experience that will challenge your precision and aim. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-timer, it’s a surefire way to get your adrenaline pumping. Gather the big kids (ages 11 and up) for some healthy competition – guarantee you’ll be surprised at who the superior axe thrower is.
Get Freaky at FREAK VR
Step into a world of virtual reality at FREAK VR. Explore new realms as FREAK VR combines cutting-edge multi-played games with some of the best 4D effects we’ve ever seen. Battle dragons or explore alien planets – whatever tickles your fancy really. If you’re looking to escape the real world for a little bit (guilty), this will bring family fun to a whole new dimension.
Crack the Code at Padlock’d
There’s always someone in the fam who thinks they’re an amateur detective, so why not put them to the test at Padlock’d. Brand new to Paradise Centre, opening just in time for the school holidays, here you can crack the code at one of their escape rooms with a huge range of challenges for all skill levels whether you’re a seasoned pro or novice. Team up with the fam for an adventure that will test (and potentially trigger) you as you race against the clock to solve your very own mystery.
Let The Good Times Bowl
Bowling – what’s not to love? It’s a classic family favourite, but the team at Zone Bowling have given it a fresh spin with glow-in-the-dark lanes, tasty treats and funky beats to keep the good times bowling… we mean rolling. With loads of lanes, you’ll be able to bring your family, and your friends family and even your neighbours family if you really want for all the fun.
No Time Like Timezone
For a dose of nostalgia and a heap of fun, head to Timezone for some serious arcade vibes. They’ve got all the classics you know and love from video games and car racing through the classic whack a Croc and so much more. If you want to get in the team spirit, laser tag is on offer as well as bumper cars so you can hash it all out on the rally floor. Families and friendships will be on the line when the competitive streak kicks in (there’s always one) but don’t forget, no one likes a sore loser 😉
Where: Paradise Centre, 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
When: Saturday 16 September to Sunday 1 October
Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski.
STORY SPONSORED BY PARADISE CENTRE
