Parents of the GC, look no further for inspo-a-plenty.
Parents of the GC, look no further for inspo-a-plenty.
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.
Thunderbird Park
Kiddos, it’s time to graduate from the sandpit to the driver’s seat at Dig It, Australia’s first mini excavator park for kids. The latest adventure drawcard at Thunderbird Park, prep your little peeps (and yourself) for real excavator machinery and construction-inspired activities where they are IN the driver’s seat! #Gulp. The two-hour (approximately) sessions start at $45 per child (accompanying parent is free), and there is no age limit. Bookings are required.
Where: Corner Tamborine Mountain Road & Cedar Creek Falls Road, Tamborine Mountain.
Pacific Fair
Calling all adventurers! At Pac Fair, explore The Adventure Camp where kids can navigate an obstacle course, conquer a rock-climbing wall, hit a bullseye with archery, and even make s’mores! All activities will take place from 24th June until 9th July between 10am to 2pm at various locations around the centre. It’s all free and no bookings are required, except for the s’mores making workshops which require pre-registration.
Where: 2 Hooker Boulevard, Broadbeach Waters
Stockland Burleigh Heads
Do your kids fancy themselves as miniature foodies and LBH, you can’t fight genetics #IGotItFromMyMama. Let them have a crack at Stockland’s Food Workshops, where your small folk can learn a new recipe each day. Happening daily from Tuesday 27th June until Saturday 1st July from 10am until 1pm, you may even get a night or two off chef duty! Entry is free* however bookings are essential. *Conditions apply
Where: 149 West Burleigh Road, Burleigh Heads
Paradise Centre
Our gnarly friends at the new you-beaut Paradise Centre are putting on four action-packed days of skateboarding thrillz with Skate Paradise from Thursday 29 June to Sunday 2 July. We’re talking a 7m x 5m skate ramp, semi pro skate shows, breakdancing performances, awesome workshops for kids aged 4 to 12 (no experience necessary), plenty of giveaways, and so much more radness. Mum, you can stock up on some srsly cool threadz and dine up a storm at the beachfront precinct. Everybody wins! Skate Paradise is free. Skateboarding workshops are currently fully booked but head to Paradise Centre’s website and get yourself (or your little sk8r) on the waitlist.
Where: 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Robina Town Centre
Pack your creativity and prepare for take-off these school holidays at Robina Town Centre with Jnr Jetsetters! Little explorers can design their own UV postcard to be printed and developed with a UV light station. Perhaps your young travellers would prefer to get creative and design their own personalised luggage tag, or maybe they’d thrive doing either (or both!) but in a sensitive session offering a low-stress, sensory-friendly environment? All workshops are $5 per person, running at various days/times over the holidays, and bookings are required.
Where: Robina Town Centre, Ground floor (outside Myer & Kookai), Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina
Naturally GC
NaturallyGC holiday programs are specifically designed to connect kids with nature and encourage outdoor play and learning. The workshops cover a range of nature-based activities and are suitable for everyone. Events include Little Ecologists, Totally Turtles, Fabulous Frogs, Discover Dolphins, Creatures of the Dark, Bugs Gone Wild, Nature’s Art and Craft, Indigenous Experience – Arts and Culture, and many more. Workshops are free, scheduled on various days, and registration is required.
Where: Various Gold Coast locations
The Oasis
It’s all happening these school holidays at The Oasis with a range of promotions and activities for winter.
Madison’s Café & Patisserie always delivers the (sweet) goods and these holidays are no exception. Kids and families are invited to decorate a cupcake with a winter theme these school holidays. Cupcake decorating classes at 2pm on Thursday 29th June and 3rd July. Bookings are essential.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Full-day Wild Adventure programs at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary ALWAYS book out fast, and this is year is no exception. 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. Perfect for children from 6 to 12 years of age, all Wild Adventure programs include a diverse range of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives and cultural immersion opportunities. Programs are $69 per person and bookings are essential (most booked out already!).
Where: 28 Tomewin Street, Currumbin
The Strand Coolangatta
The Strand is inviting us (well our kids, but by default that means us) to indulge our sweet tooth and yeah, you had us at sweet. Step into 12 days of crafts, games, and non-stop fun with The Chocolate Factory from Monday 26th June – Friday 7th July from 11am – 2pm. Whip up crafts inspired by your favourite chocolatey treats where your imagination is the only limit and enjoy laughter-inducing games. It’s free and bookings are not required.
Where: 72 – 80 Marine Parade, Coolangatta
HOTA
If a drop-in workshop floats your boat, set sail for HOTA. Firstly, kiddos can get creative with 2D and 3D form to produce a unique hanging cloud mobile inspired by Samuel Leighton-Dore’s artwork with ‘Cloudy with a Chance of Craft Supplies’. Maybe creating a dual collage of themselves inspired by artist Maria Kozic’s ‘Manster ‘Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde’ and ‘Dracula’ is more their vibe with Face Jam Portraits, or even Paper Bead Pets where they learn how to make small pet sculptures, keyrings, bracelets and other sculptural objects. Dates and times vary but it’s all FREE! Registration is required.
Where: 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise
Dreamworld
It’s Winterfest time again from Saturday 24th June till Sunday 16th July and we’re chilled thrilled! Think glistening snow, the srsly slippery fun of ice-skating in a full-size ice rink, tobogganing and sliding down the giant ice slide, and finish it all off with some toasty European food like waffles, pretzels, fudge, German snags, mulled wine, and more! BRRRing it on! Also, newsflash incoming; The Giant Drop will be back up and running for the school holidays! Winterfest access is included in the Dreamworld entry ticket price.
Where: Dreamworld Parkway, Coomera
Wrner Bros. Movie World
DC Super Heroes and Super-Villains returns to Warner Bros. Movie World as a limited time only special event! Be a part of the villainous fun with action-packed shows, entertainment, and an epic daily parade at 5pm. Access is included in the Movie World entry ticket price. From 24 June – 16 July.
Where: Pacific Mwy, Oxenford
Nature Play Passport
Adventure is calling with Destination Gold Coast’s Nature Play Passport! You don’t need to travel far to have fun when you can explore your own backyard! Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to take off on a Gold Coast themed adventure with your mini-me. Grab a copy of the Nature Play Passport and complete the missions and outdoor learning activities in the great outdoors.
Where: Get your passports here
Yatala Drive In
Kick it back old-school and pile into the family car for a night out at the drive-in. Screening hotly anticipated new releases including Spiderman: Across the Spider-Verse, The Flash, Elemental, and The Little Mermaid, there’s a flick for everyone. And bonus – pyjamas, Spidey or Arial costumes are totally acceptable attire! Tickets are $40 per carload (up to 6 people) for one film and must be pre-booked.
Where: 100 Stapylton Jacobs Well Road, Stapylton
Words by Bianca Trathen.
Imagine flying through the air without a care in the world and nobody strapped to your back with a HD Camera filming your every (terrified) facial expression.
Enter iFLY – a giant glass wind tunnel in the heart of Surfers Paradise allowing people of all ages and abilities to do exactly that.
Basically, you lean gently into the tunnel and are held in the air by winds of up to 170kph as if you’re flying.
It’s exhilarating, adrenaline pumping and not at all scary, each flight is equivalent to a 14,000-foot sky dive and the best part is, there’s no falling.
Wind speed is controlled based on each flyers weight and size and everyone gets a minimum of two flights. Book into the special High Fly sessions and experience a trained instructor whizzing you up to the top of the tunnel on your second flight!
Flying through the air not your thing? Feel free to sit in the viewing area and take photos of other people attempting to master the art and the impressive instructor demonstrations.
Popular with everyone from the local skydiving community to visiting families and those simply looking to try something unique, iFLY is also a great core fitness workout and the perfect physical activity no matter the weather.
So whether you’re three or 103, if you long to feel the wind in your air but aren’t too keen to leave the comfort of an airplane, you’re in luck.
Hours: Daily from 10am to 10pm.
Address: 3084 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise, QLD.
Words by Kirra Smith.
SPECIAL OFFER:
iFLY is holding their first birthday bash on February 11th. There’ll be face painting, a colouring competition, helium balloons and 30% off for first time flyers.
Book online using the promo code WEAREONE.
It’s right under our nose, but sometimes we forget how many activities there are for the small, medium, and big kids (aka us) in good ‘ole Surfers Paradise. And we’re not just talking about the beach, but a myriad of other cool stuff to keep them entertained and whinge-free these school holidays.
Here are ten ideas to help fill the blanks in your school holiday schedule, with some old faves and a few newbies thrown in for good measure. The best part is not only will you score ‘cool mum’ kudos from the kids, but you’ll get a kick out of them too!
Timezone
I mean, does this place really need an introduction? We’ve all racked up many-an-hour at Timezone in days gone by, and your mini-me’s will love it as much as you did. Probably more, because it’s levelled up its epic-ness in recent times. With arcade games, bowling, mini bowling, mini golf, laser tag, and bumper cars, it’s actual kid heaven…with a touch of nostalgia for us.
Where: Paradise Centre, Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Holoverse
This new hi-tech entertainment centre using holograms which look oh-so-real will make you feel like you’re in a Star Wars flick! Pick hologram grass to feed a dinosaur, swim with life-sized holographic whales, compete against your kiddos in holographic sports, play holographic arcade games, and more! Special shoutout for their birthday party packages #theshizzle.
Where: Paradise Centre, Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Infinity
To infinity and beyond! Challenge their sense and ignite their imaginations with a unique and mind-blowing 30-minute journey into spectacular, interactive, futuristic maze-like worlds of wonder! This walk-through experience is choccas with unique special effects, emotive atmospheric sound fields, sensuous aromas, awesome tunes and amazing illusions. Suitable for kiddos aged 8 and above. Get an exclusive 15% off here.
Where: Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre, G31/3240 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Ripley’s Believe it or Not
This iconic home-grown ‘odditorium’ – now with over 300 exhibits and artefacts – is out of this world! A highlight is the new state-of-the-art Ripley’s 7D Moving Theatre where you feel every twist and turn as you compete against your seatmates. Enjoy a Ripley’s LaseRace, find out just what happens to your body in space, make friends with a life-sized R2-D2™ and more. Click here for a special offer.
Where: Cavill Mall, Surfers Paradise
The Wax Museum
Fancy some famous people watching? There’s no better place than The Wax Museum, home to the largest collection of wax figures in the Southern Hemisphere. Super realistic replicas of celebs, nursery rhyme characters, scientists, explorers, villains, world leaders, and even the crown jewels await (#RIPQueenElizabethII)! For the big kids (if you’re game) check out The Chamber of Horrors (shriek!!). Fancy a discount voucher? You’re welcome.
Where: 56 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Quack’r Duck
Is there any such thing as a kid who doesn’t go loco when they spot the big duck cruising down Ferny Ave? Imagine if you actually took them on said duck #eeep. Check out the pristine beaches and landmarks by road, then experience the thrills as the duck splashes into the Broadwater! Admit it – you’ve always wanted to do it too…. Grab a special offer here.
Where: 7 Elkhorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Fox in a Box
Ever wanted to break out of prison (without actually going to prison)? Or break into a diamond-filled vault in a bank? Or perhaps work out how to open a mysterious chest and unlock its contents and the secret within? You can do all of this and more at Fox in a Box! The rooms are recommended for ages 10 and above, but everyone is welcome to play. Good times!
Where: Level 1/3173 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Padlock’d Escape Rooms
Boasting ten immersive rooms themed to perfection, a visit to Padlock’d Escape Rooms is a great way to ditch reality for a bit (an hour to be exact…) and put your mind to the test. You’ll have a blast and the kids will be tuckered out from all that clue finding, code cracking, and puzzle solving #missionaccomplished. Recommended for ages 10 and above but all ages welcome.
Where: 3177 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Eclipse Escape Rooms
With five diverse, highly immersive, and technologically advanced rooms with insane special effects, bespoke props, and unique storylines leading up to an unforgettable grand finale, what’s not to love? Puzzle solving is designed to be fun and rewarding, with different levels of difficulty available. Kids as young as five can join in the fun, plus babies in prams are welcome in some rooms #StartEmYoung!
Where: Level 1, Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre, Surfers Paradise
Surfers Paradise River Cruises
Kids get as pumped about boat rides as we do, so why not jump on a morning, midday, afternoon, or sunset cruise with Surfers Paradise River Cruises! Friendly guides will point out landmarks and homes of the rich and famous around our glitter strip’s waterways, whilst you kick back with the kiddos enjoying complimentary snacks. And mum/dad – there’s a bar…. Cheers! Get 10% off your cruise here.
Where: 63 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Words by Bianca Trathen.
Hoisting the kidlets into the back of the car to grab a feed can be a varied experience. And by varied, we mean #traumatic. But not at these Surfers Paradise restaurants which are tried and tested by many-a-small person, with a double thumbs-up both from kids and therefore, parentals.
Here’s our rundown on the glitter strip places to take the rug rats for a tanty/whinge-free meal.
Misono
If there’s one thing that’ll delight the kids (and the big kids), it’s teppanyaki! Situated in JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, Misono’s teppan experience brings an inescapable energy and thrill from the highly skilled teppan chef’s intricate knife work and interactive theatrics. Make sure you have your smart phones at the ready to capture every catch….or not (spillage is part of the fun). There’s also a live sushi bar to discover and psst mum and dad – there’s even a sneaky whisky bar for ‘ron!
Where: JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Wahlburgers
Designed with good times in mind, the kids will go wild for Wahlburgers! The burger chain and sports bar baby of Hollywood superstars ‘Marky’ Mark, Donny, and the wider Wahlburg clan, expect high-quality, simple, down to earth eats! In addition to burgers there’s breakfast, salads, loaded sides, wings, calamari, dessert, shakes and spiders and so much more. It’ll give the whole family Good Vibrations!
Where: Paradise Centre, 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
TGI Fridays
Tasty American Burgers, good friends and good times. It doesn’t matter how old or young you are, it’s always a recipe for smiley faces. Serving up your all your fave dishes from the US of A right off the grill, we’re talking starters to share, wings, fresh mex, burgers, wraps, salads, ribs, steaks, desserts and a cracking kid’s menu. I mean, who wouldn’t want to go to a place where it’s always Friday?
Where: Paradise Centre, 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Steampunk
Kids will love the Victorian-era décor, friendly service and most importantly, wide variety of all the chow our small people dream of. The usual suspects like woodfired pizzas, loaded chips, burgers, steaks and ribs etc all make an appearance on the menu, plus there’s a kiddywinkle menu suitable for those up to 16. They’ll go loco for the supershakes and if you’re in a rush (isn’t EVERY parent), you can skip the queue and order via the app! Genius.
Where: 3113 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Longboards Laidback Eatery and Bar
If the kids are hungry, do not pass go, do not collect $200 – go to Longboards. One thing’s for sure, both you and your ankle-biters will leave choccas (no other meals required). The burgers here are legendary and dad, if you wanna impress the fam, give the 30 minute Phat Bastard Challenge a crack for your chance to win a $150 tab prize. There’s a kids menu to boot, plus $3 play packs to keep them entertained. Sold!
Where: Q1 Resort & Spa, Corner of Hamilton Avenue & Northcliffe Terrace, Surfers Paradise
El Camino Cantina
Mexican is the new Maccas in terms of universal appeal for kids, and El Camino is forever Mexcellent. Slinging tacos, nachos, loaded nachos, fajitas, wings and sombrero-filled party vibes, there’ll be no whinging whatsoever from the small folk. Head on down for $2 Taco Tuesdays, 10-cent Wing Wednesdays and half-price Fajita Thursdays. How spec-taco-ular!
Where: 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
BMD Northcliffe Surf Club
Ok, so we all know kids love surf clubs – especially award-winners like BMD Northcliffe. For a start, it’s absolute beachfront making a pre or post-meal dip super duper easy. There’s plenty of room in the spacious restaurant, filled with sunlight by day and boasting a magical outlook by night, a stunning deck, and one of the best surf club menus you’ll ever find. All Little Nipper meals come with a small soft drink and a gelato. Winning!
Where: 51 Garfield Terrace, Surfers Paradise
Vapiano
Vapiano is Italian for kid-foody-heaven and whilst that’s a fib, it still rings true. We dare you to find a kiddo (and parent for that matter…#Don’tTellThePT) who doesn’t love a meaty, hearty pasta or a palette-pleasing pizza and yeah, nah, it’s not possible. Choose from the kids’ menu or the standard menu for small people with a BIG appetite! This is no impasta friends.
Where: Soul Boardwalk, Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Hogs Breath Café
The very pinnacle of family-orientated eating venues has to be the original and much-loved Hogs Breath Café. You’ll find consistently yummy and unassuming food served up in a friendly atmosphere, setting the benchmark high for other family restaurants to follow. Your little ones will be loving life with their own (sizeable) Hogster’s Kids Menu, which offers uncompromised value for money as each dish comes with its own drink and even dessert. Sorted!
Where: Soul, Building T2/9 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Crazy Cat Café
This cute setup is the purrfect place to drop by for an afternoon pit stop and, of course, to mingle with some feline friends. Apart from a mob of the friendliest cats you ever did meet, the hefty café style menu offers a host of appetising treats to boot. Worth noting is the venue’s setup which also has a separate section for those who want to witness the cats at paw’s length – a great option for the kiddies who need a slow introduction to the furry ones.
Where: 3131 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Pancakes on the Rocks
There is no mistaking; pancakes are a good time, every time, particularly when they’re being pumped out of specialty restaurant, Pancakes on the Rocks. Based in the heart of Surfers Paradise, they are a dead-set family vibe. All about family dining, you can’t go wrong with the obvs (pancakes), plus there are pizzas, salads, crepes, and the now famous beef and pork ribs. Littlies will adore this joint. Cross our hearts.
Where: 31 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
Words by Bianca Trathen.
