The Gold Coast is an amazing place for kids. There is so much more to offer than just theme parks and great playgrounds.
Here is a list of amazing school holiday activities for kids this summer, there’s plenty of free things included too.
Mount Tamborine
Thunderbird Park is no longer a well-kept secret as more parents discover that this rainforest adventure playground is a great place to take the kids.
The park offers a range of different activities to suit all interests. You can fossick for thunder eggs that have been lying in wait since the time of the dinosaurs, go horse riding, play mini golf, or you could simply walk and explore.
If you fancy something a bit more challenging there is Laser Tag or the Treetops Challenge Ropes course. Older kids will love being able to fly through the trees.
There is a café and they even have overnight stays if you felt like an extended break.
Mt Tamborine Botanical Gardens are often overlooked in favour of their more famous cousin but they are worth a day out.
The gardens feature a diverse range of exotic and native fauna. There are plenty of great picnic spots and the gardens are certainly worth a stroll through. Kids will love the Japanese gardens, the ducks on the lake and checking out the sundial.
The gardens are free to enter but donations are appreciated.
Thunderbird Park Take a horse trail ride through the rainforest
Thunderbird park Flying Fox at rope Course
Thunderbird Park Ropes Course
Mount Tamborine Botanical Gardens
Southport
While the Commonwealth games are still 3 years away those of us lucky to live on the Gold Coast can benefit right now from this world class facility. If you want a change from the beach then this is a great place to keep cool this summer.
The Gold Coast Aquatic Centre features six pools including a competition pool, a learn-to-swim pool, children’s splash pool, and diving pool. Also onsite is a fully equipped gym, indoor/outdoor café, crèche, and more.
The Gold Coast’s world class Broadwater Parklands has long been a favourite with families. They are expanding soon but there are still a variety of things to do here.
Most popular with families is the Central Precinct where the rock pools, playground and café are located. The rock pools feature marine themed equipment, and are great for splashing in and exploring. Or the kids can play at the excellent playground which features a bouncy pillow.
The Food Truck Feast is on again this year so a night of food, fun and fireworks could be a great way to spend New Years Eve. It is all happening on 31 December from 5pm to 9pm on The Great Lawn.
Check out our New Years Eve events and fireworks guide
Air Factory
Air Factory
Air Factory
Air Factory: Zorb Soccer
Gold Coast Aquatic Centre
Gold Coast Aquatic Centre
Air Factory
$41 million Gold Coast Aquatic Centre
Burleigh
Air Factory Trampoline Park is great for kids who have days’ worth of pent up energy to expend. There are different zones so there will be something to suit everyone.
The main arena is the park Air Zone which features over 40 interconnected trampolines. You need to be over 110cm tall to enter but there is a Mini Air factory for those kids aged 2-6 or who are under 110cm tall.
There is a also a Pro Zone for those who are serious about their trampolining, a dodgeball zone, a monster air bag and a bubble soccer zone.
Like most play centres socks are required and there is a café for snacks and treats and coffee for the parents. A ticket for the main area is $16. Other prices vary.
Air Factory have their first year anniversary coming up and are having a beach party on Saturday 19 December. There are two session times and the cost is $20pp.
Read more about Australia’s largest trampoline park here
If trampolines are not your thing but your kids like the idea of jumping around then try Inflatable World. A large inflatable playground where the kids (and adults!) can let loose and play.
Socks are a must as is supervision of your children. In fact Inflatable World encourages parents to have fun with their kids. There is a café to refuel afterwards.
Spectators are free. Prices start at $7 for kids under 7.
Burleigh Heads National Park is a wild natural headland that kids will love exploring. On a walk through the park you will encounter rainforest, grasslands, mangroves and more.
After a walk you can relax at Echo Beach or view the splendour from Tumgun Lookout. There is an information centre if you are not sure where to start.
The National Park is free to explore.
Read about the top five long and short bushwalking trails on the Gold Coast
Air Factory: Zorb Soccer
Currumbin Sanctuary
Currumbin Sanctuary
Inflatable World Wrecking Ball
Inflatable World
Burleigh Heads National Park
Bureigh Heads National Park - Tallebudgeera creek
Bureigh Heads National Park - Tallebudgeera creek
Currumbin
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a great destination all year round but this school holidays the kids can enjoy Blinky Bill shows as well as the usual attractions. Nestled in 27 hectares of eucalyptus and rainforest the park is a must do for Gold Coast families.
Park highlights include feeding and patting kangaroos, the free flight bird show and the lorikeet feeding. Or for something more challenging try the Treetops Rope Challenge course.
You can also choose to do the Segway adventure or have an animal photo or encounter.
Read about the amazing work the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Hospital does.
Currumbin Rock Pools
The rock pools have long been a favourite for families. Glorious views and cool water that is easy to paddle in make it a great way to cool down and relax over summer.
There are picnic tables and sheltered areas or there is a café just across the road if you forget to pack something yourself.
The Pools are part of a National Park and are free to visit.
Find out where to find waterfalls on the Gold Coast.
Notable mentions
Bounce Inc Trampolining – Robina
There is more to Robina than just shopping. Yes it is more trampolining fun. It certainly seems to be the rage at the moment but why not? Active kids can pretty much go crazy at these places while you rest with a cuppa.
Here we have more than 50 interconnected trampolines and giant air bags with slam dunk areas, wall running and dodgeball courts. They say it is all about jumping high and landing soft.
Bounce grip socks are required and bookings are recommended. General access price is $16.
Drax 4 Kids – Surfers Paradise
Do your kids love all things ghoulish and a little bit creepy? Kids can have the full theatre experience with a toned down Dracula’s event made just for them. Every Saturday from 12-2pm Dracula’s turns it on just for kids (aged between 5 and 12.)
Featuring the animatronic ghost train, interactive games, a disco and more.
Tickets are $32 and includes party treats and unlimited soft drinks. There are adult food platters available as well as a range of spooky themed cakes.
Drax 4 Kids is having a special school holiday show on Thursday 7 January 2016.
There are plenty of must-see places to take the kids this summer, so start planning and these school holidays will be a breeze.
View the City of Gold Coast’s School Holiday Program
Related Articles
For more Gold Coast events check out our What’s On Calendar. You might also like to read:
Gold Coast on a budget (fun things to do under $20)
Free outdoor activities you can do with your kids on the Gold Coast
Gold Coast top five long and short bushwalking trails
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