STRUGGLING for ideas on how to keep the kids entertained these school holidays?
To help you out, we’ve put together a list of the best kid-friendly activities happening on the Gold Coast.
Go Burum at Talle
These school holidays go burum – meaning outside in the local Yugambeh language – at the Tallebudgera Active Recreation Centre for an experience like no other. Drop off the kids or join in the fun yourself. More information here!
Rock climbing and giant swing
When: June 30th, July 4th, July 7th, July 11th – 1pm to 4pm
Cost: $25 for 3 hours
This is for kids who love a real adrenalin rush. Let them challenge themselves a 10-metre high rock climbing wall modelled on a cliff face in Bulgaria. Then they can strap on a helmet and harness, be hauled either 5 or 20 metres for a giant swing.
Walk the tightrope
When: July 1st, July 8th – 9am to 12pm
Cost: $25 for 3 hours
Daredevils can take on the high ropes course if they dare. This is a great activity for kids because it combines team work with individual skill development. Participants will get to climb and traverse elements that are 10 metres off the ground.
Go Surfing
When: July 3rd, July 10th – 9am to 12pm
Cost: $25 for 3 hours
If your child wants to be the next Joel Parkinson, why not treat them to some professional surf lessons these school holidays. Coaches will teach kids how to safely and successfully negotiate the white water and stand up on a board.
Canoeing to David Fleay’s Wildlife Park
When: July 2nd, July 9th – 9am to 3pm
Cost: $50 for 3 hours
Kids who love animals will enjoy this one. They’ll get to enjoy a paddle along the picturesque Tallebudgera Creek, and will get to see fish, stingrays, sea eagles, and even dolphins in their natural environment. They will then stop off for a delicious BBQ lunch before a ranger guided tour of the David Fleay’s Wildlife Park
Active & Healthy Holiday Program
Where: Various Gold Coast locations
When: June 28th to July 13th
Cost: Low-cost or free
The City of Gold Coast has created a bumper winter school holiday program. Choose from over 150 free or low cost activities across the Coast. There are plenty of fun and inclusive options to choose from. Whether your children love the great outdoors or they are into art and craft, there is an activity to suit every age group and interest.
More info: gcparks.com.au
Have a go Circus
Where: Pacific Pines Community Hub Wajin Park
When: July 9th – 9:30am to 11:30am
Cost: Free
Let the kids runaway and join the circus. They’ll learn juggling, poi, flower sticks, hula hoops, spinning plates and clowning around. It’s suitable for all ages and is a load of fun.
More info: Call Louise Moriarty on 0417 830 040
Beach activities and nipper activities
Where: Mermaid Beach Surf Club
When: July 10th – 9am to 12pm
Cost: $10
This kids will be a bit more safe at the beach this summer after this workshop. They’ll get to enjoy beach games as well as learn how to spot a rip and stay safe in surf from qualified lifeguards and surf coaches.
More info: Call Trudy on 0432 908 977
Let’s Dance
Where: Pacific Fair
When: June 30th – July 5th
Cost: Free
Pacific Fair wants to get Gold Coast kids moving and grooving. Budding dancers can enter the ‘Let’s Dance’ competition, plus kids of all ages can join in dance workshops throughout the week hosted by some of Australia’s best dancers, including finalists from ‘So You Think You Can Dance’.
More info: pacificfair.com.au
Get moving with the Looney Tunes
Where: Pacific Fair
When: July 7th – July 11th
Cost: Free
Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and Tweety Bird are on a mission to “Get Active”. They will perform at Centre Stage daily at 11am and 1pm and help educate kids of all ages on how important a healthy and active lifestyle is. Between 11am and 2pm, kids can also design their very own sipper cup at the Looney Tunes Craft Village in the Children’s Play Park.
More info: pacificfair.com.au
Kids in the Kitchen
Where: Robina Town Centre
When: June 30th to July 4th – 10am to 1pm
Cost: Free
Young budding chefs are invited to head to the Food Markets these school holidays for exciting daily cooking workshops. This is perfect for the little ones, who will learn how to make kitchen favourites such as Tiny Teddy Cars and Kitty Cat Rice Crackers.
More info: robinatowncentre.com.au
See The WotWots Live
Where: Nerang Mall – Cnr Gilston Road and New St
When: Tuesday 8th July – Saturday 12th July
Cost: Free
The WotWots live show brings to life all the amazing adventures from the popular ABC4 television series. The kids can sing and dance along as SpottyWot and DottyWot zoom around the stage to their favourite songs celebrating the diversity of the animal kingdom. The show is on daily at 11am and 1pm, with a meet and greet at 12pm.
More info: Call 5527 3799
Meet The Avengers
Where: Harbour Town Shopping Centre
When: June 30th – July 4th
Cost: Free
The Avengers are set to assemble at Harbour Town these school holidays with a line up of free entertainment. Kids can get a photo with their favourite superhero outside Target Outlet at 12:00pm daily and see them show off their skills in a special sideshow alley stage show, outside Reading Cinemas at 11:00am and 1:30pm daily.
More info: harbourtowngoldcoast.com.au
Elmo & Cookie Monster LIVE on Stage
Where: Australia Fair
When: July 7th to July 12th
Cost: Free
Come and see everyone’s favourite Sesame Street characters Elmo & Cookie Monster live on stage daily at 11am! Plus the kids will get the chance to meet the characters after the show at 12pm and 1pm.
More info: australiafair.com.au
Angry Birds Interactive Zone
Where: Australia Fair
When: June 30th to July 5th
Cost: Free
Do your kids love the Angry Birds game? Let them experience the famous game like never before at the ultimate Angry Birds Zone. They’ll also be able to meet the famous ‘Red Bird’!
More info: australiafair.com.au
All aboard at Sanctuary Cove
Where: Sanctuary Cove
When: July 7th to July 13th
Cost: Free
If your children love trains and boats, head along to the marine village. Check out the trackless train from 11am to 2pm daily and cruise along the Coomera River aboard the 1955 heritage MV Kilkie ferry from 11:00am to 1:30pm daily.
More info: sanctuarycove.com