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School’s out, fun’s in: discounts and activities for days!

Snow much to explore at Dreamworld this winter(fest).

European Eats at Winterfest, Dreamworld (image supplied)
European Eats at Winterfest, Dreamworld (image supplied)

If you’re all about getting the most bang for your buck, then you’re in for a treat! Dreamworld is giving you a chance to eat guilt-free loaded fries and ice cream (so lap it up, people). It’s not like we needed extra enticement to visit Dreamworld – any excuse, right?! But with a free $50 food and beverage voucher up for grabs (plus a bunch of new rides and attractions), snagging those passes for the school holidays just got a whole lot sweeter. Snow kidding!

Winterfest at Dreamworld (image supplied)
Winterfest at Dreamworld (image supplied)

For a limited time, Dreamworld is throwing in $50 food and beverage vouchers when you purchase select passes to visit their park. If making decisions leaves you feeling frosty, unfortunately, you have many; you can literally use the voucher on any food or beverage in the park (including the limited-time Winterfest European menu). We suggest you try everything. Problem solved. You’ll find us at Candy Nut and Fudge.

Winterfest at Dreamworld (image supplied)
Winterfest at Dreamworld (image supplied)

Watch your winter dreams come true at Winterfest
Experiencing a winter wonderland in the state of sunshine? Now, that’s a privilege only Dreamworld can offer! From June 29 to July 14, we sun-kissed folk can experience a glistening snowy wonderland sans the sub-degree temps!

Watch the kids go wide-eyed as snow falls throughout the park and enjoy a host of family-friendly activities including indoor ice-skating or tobogganing on the outdoor ice slide! The cosmopolitan adventure doesn’t stop there, in fact, it only begins there. Dive, $50 voucher first, into Dreamworld’s exclusive limited-time European-inspired menu to experience everything from fried chicken delights to moreish apple crumble bites, the humble Cobb Loaf or mouth-watering brisket ribs.

Dreamworld pass holders can claim one free ice skating session. Winterfest is free with any Dreamworld entry.

Winterfest at Dreamworld (image supplied)
Winterfest at Dreamworld (image supplied)

11 spectacular new rides and attractions for the entire family!
Who is giving out the award for the greatest family fun park of all time? No one? Okay, we will. The ultimate destination for family adventure just got upgraded from ‘amazing’ to ‘extraordinary’. Now open, just in time for the school holidays (parents rejoice), Dreamworld has gifted us with 11 new rides and attractions to keep every family member entertained, from bubbas to grandparents alike! Soar on the Dreamworld Flyer with the whole family, or head to Kenny and Belinda’s Dreamland for a kiddies blast.

Winterfest at Dreamworld (image supplied)
Winterfest at Dreamworld (image supplied)

Limited time only: Dreamworld After Dark: Snowy Nights
It’s coming in hot (but cold), and leaving quick! For two nights only, experience the all-new Dreamworld After Dark: Snowy Nights. Come for the frost-ivities (that’s short for frosty magical adventures) and stay for the warm Italian hot chock and cinnamon-dusted churros! The snow-enchanted evening will take you from thrilling rides and ice activities to live shows and snowfall under the stars. It’s a not-to-miss!

Tickets for After Dark: Snowy Nights are just $10 for pass holders (Plus, invite your friends and family and SAVE $20 per ticket with an exclusive pass holder offer) or $49 for non-pass holders. Saturday, June 29 and Saturday 6th July.

Where: Dreamworld Pkwy, Coomera QLD 4209
When:
29th June – 6th July 2024

Words by Chelsea Ipsen

STORY SPONSORED BY DREAMWORLD

Kenny & Belinda, Winterfest at Dreamworld (image supplied)
Kenny & Belinda, Winterfest at Dreamworld (image supplied)

Your ultimate winter school holiday survival guide

Surface Festival, Miami (image supplied)
Surface Festival, Miami (image supplied)

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.

Skate Fest, Pacific Fair (image supplied)
Skate Fest, Pacific Fair (image supplied)

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 (image supplied)
Robina Town Centre (image supplied)

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

Skate Paradise, Paradise Centre (image supplied)
Skate Paradise, Paradise Centre (image supplied)

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

NaturallyGC holiday programs (image supplied)
NaturallyGC holiday programs (image supplied)

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

Magical Circus, SkyPoint (image supplied)
Magical Circus, SkyPoint (image supplied)

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 Outback Springs Gemstone Panning (image supplied)
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Outback Springs, Gemstone Panning (image supplied)

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

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary (image supplied by Destination Gold Coast)
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary (image supplied by Destination Gold Coast)

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

Winterfest, Dreamworld (image supplied)
Winterfest, Dreamworld (image supplied)

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

Parade at Movie World (image supplied)
Parade at Movie World (image supplied)

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 Magician 3D Trick Art ArtVo, Robina Town Centre (image supplied)
ArtVo Magician 3D Trick Art ArtVo, Robina Town Centre (image supplied)

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

Day on the Lawn activities, Farm & Co (image supplied)
Day on the Lawn activities, Farm & Co (image supplied)

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

7 un-brrr-lievably good winter experiences on the Gold Coast

Fiery Winter Warmers at Sirromet Winery (image supplied)
Fiery Winter Warmers at Sirromet Winery (image supplied)

At roughly this point in the frosty season, the balmier days of strappy sandals and summer dips feel but a distant memory. Sure, we here in the Sunshine State can get a bit dramatic whenever the temps dip below 20°C, but when it comes to keeping ourselves busy in the chilly months our outlook needn’t feel bleak.

Currently cranking up the fire pits and busting out the warming fare, some of GC’s finest are bunging on some un-brrr-lievably good experiences to coax us from the comfort of our domiciles. So skip the hibernation – here are some of the hottest activations to be had on the Gold Coast this winter.

Firepits at Garden Kitchen & Bar, The Star Gold Coast (image supplied)
Firepits at The Lawn, Garden Kitchen & Bar, The Star Gold Coast (image supplied)

Garden Kitchen & Bar at The Star Gold Coast
If anyone knows how lure us from our hovels (and/or über chic dressing down and slipper ensemble) – it’s The Star Garden Kitchen Bar. Don your cosiest layers (the ones acceptable to be seen in outside the house, that is) as they bust out all the essentials for those chilly winter evenings, with warming winter food and bev specials (hello, Braised lamb shoulder and molten-centred Chocolate fondant!), fire pit packages and live entertainment. The Lawn will be cranking up the fire pits under the stars, with packages fit for crews of up to six – inclusive of charcuterie box, bottle of Pepperjack Shiraz and chocolates. Ahh, our spirits are lifted already.
Where: The Star Gold Coast, Casino Drive, Broadbeach

WinterSun, Cali Beach, Surfers Paradise (image supplied)
WinterSun, Cali Beach, Surfers Paradise (image supplied)

WinterSun Cali Beach
The temps might be dipping, but in no way are the party vibes! Cali Beach Club’s perennial fave winter-themed festivities never fail to revive our flatlining calendars, and this year might just be their coolest yet. WINTERSUN will see Surfers’ pool-studded rooftop party precinct transform into an immersive Swiss Alps-eqsue wonderland. Delivering the ultimate day session every Friday–Sunday throughout winter, bliss out with beats and poolside sips, soaking up the balmy GC days. But the party is just getting started – by night, ballooning into ‘Australia’s largest inflatable nightclub’ with inflatable igloos, fire displays and more. What better way to shake off the seasonal morbs than a dose of vitamin D-ancefloor? Who’s pumped?!
Where: 21a Elkhorn Ave, Surfers Paradise

Coomera Lodge Igloos (image by Red Stockholm)
Coomera Lodge Igloos (image by Red Stockholm)

Coomera Lodge Igloos
If the prospect of a spot of riverside revelling on those nippy winter evenings isn’t exactly enticing, Coomera Lodge Hotel has got you covered (literally). The open air beer garden will again transform into an igloo wonderland for the season, so that we may live our best winter lives carousing in total comfort. Nab one of four decked out domes and hunker down by the river with cocktails and charcuterie, complete with comfy seating and twinkling lighting. Each of the igloos can be booked for a minimum spend of $37.50pp, which includes a selection of hot & cold charcuterie and a drink.
Where: 160 Maudsland Road, Oxenford

Baked Camembert w/ confit garlic, chilli, rosemary & honey, Carafe Wine, southport (image supplied)
Baked Camembert w/ confit garlic, chilli, rosemary & honey, Carafe Wine, southport (image supplied)

Carafe Wine
Of course, we can always count on our stalwart neighbourhood sipper to warm the cockles of our heart, and the Carafe Wine crew is taking zero chances when it comes to keeping morale high this winter. In addition to keeping us plied with sustainable, tap-to-table vino on demand, they’ll be stoking up the fire pits and a freshly unveiled selection of satisfying small plates to warm us from within. Fresh from the tanks and into your carafe, resident wine whizz/owner Archie will hook you up with something spesh to sip, with moorish bites like Wood fired pizzas and molten Baked camembert to share (even if a little grudgingly).
Where: 49 Johnston St, Southport

Fire pits at Robina Pavilion (image supplied)
Fire pits at Robina Pavilion (image supplied)

Robina Pavilion
We don’t care how old we are, opportunities to stuff our faces with freshly-toasted marshmallows over an open fire are outrageously far and few between. Thankfully the return of Robina Pavilion’s ever-popular Fire pits by the Lake sessions are back and doing their darnedest to turn this toasty past time erasure around. For select dates across winter, beat the winter chill by booking your group of up to six for your own fire pit sesh every Friday–Sunday night. The booking fee of $250 is redeemable on your choice of food and bev, so sip cocktails, nosh on cheese boards and your fave winter warmers and char til heart’s content with complimentary marshmallows and fire pit attendant included. Not to fan the flames, but bookings are limited people!
Where: 229 Ron Penhaligon Way, Robina

Winterfest, Dreamworld (image supplied)
Winterfest, Dreamworld (image supplied)

Dreamworld
Bigger, better and more brrrr-iliant than ever, ain’t ‘snow way we’re missing out on Dreamworld’s Winterfest. Bringing thrills, spills and chills, we’re predicting a high chance of wholesome family fun with Euro inspired eats, scavenger hunts, interactive winter-inspired activities and some extra snowy surprises in store. Glide across the full-sized, pop up ice skating rink, then defrost with a little help from some warm cinnamon churros (that’s our story, and we’re sticking to it). While all ages will have an absolute (arctic) blast tobogganing down the ice slide. And not to date ourselves here, but, if you can’t use this opportunity to bust out all your favourite Cool Runnings quotes, when can you? Feel the rhythm! Feel the rhyme!
Where: Dreamworld Pkwy, Coomera

Fiery Winter Warmers at Sirromet Winery (image supplied)
Fiery Winter Warmers at Sirromet Winery (image supplied)

Sirromet
Surrounded by lush rolling hills and an unending supply of locally-made vino – who among us isn’t perpetually down for a sneaky Sirromet trip (doubly so when it’s someone else’s turn as deso driver). Add in your very own personal fire pit, crackling under the twinkling night sky, and you’ve got yourself just about the cutest and cosiest date night going (bestie dates count too!). For $189, Sirromet will take care of all the heavy lifting, with a generous hamper for two filled with charcuterie-style provisions to feast upon and signature mulled wine to sip. Once you and your nominated partner-in-wine are done whiling the night away by the fire, you then get the insulated Sirromet cups and picnic blanket (plus fond mems) for keeps! Wine not, we say! (Bookings required).
Where: 850-938 Mount Cotton Rd, Mount Cotton

Words by Kellie Leader

7 things to do on the Gold Coast with kids

Warner Bros. Movie World (image from Destination Gold Coast)
Warner Bros. Movie World (image from Destination Gold Coast)

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!

Warner Bros Movie World (image supplied)
DC Rivals Hypercoaster, Warner Bros Movie World (image supplied)

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.

The BRO, WhiteWater World, Coomera (image supplied)
The BRO, WhiteWater World, Coomera (image supplied)

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.

Infinity Attraction, Surfers Paradise (image courtesy of Destination Gold Coast)
Infinity Attraction, Surfers Paradise (image courtesy of Destination Gold Coast)

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!

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary (image supplied by Destination Gold Coast)
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary (image supplied by Destination Gold Coast)

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.

Timezone, Paradise Centre (image supplied)
Timezone, Paradise Centre (image supplied)

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.

Sandbox VR (image supplied)
Sandbox VR (image supplied)

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.

Gold Coast Aqua Park (image supplied)
Gold Coast Aqua Park (image supplied)

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.

Putt Putt Mermaid Beach (image supplied)
Putt Putt Mermaid Beach (image supplied)

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.

Dig It, Tamborine Mountain (image supplied)
Dig It, Tamborine Mountain (image supplied)

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

Alpaca selfie (image by @alpacasa.nl)
Alpaca selfie (image by @alpacasa.nl)
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