If you’re looking for kid-friendly activities to make your kids’ holiday unforgetatable, the Gold Coast has a range of family-friendly activities available. The Gold Coast is famous for its canals, beautiful beaches, and places to surf. You can also find exciting theme parks like Dreamland and SeaWorld. Also, there are hiking trails and places to see Australian wildlife. So, if you are planning a holiday trip with your family to the Gold Coast, we have curated a list of fun and thrilling activities you can experience with your kids. You can enjoy outdoor activities, play in the sea, go on a hot air balloon ride, and more. It’s a great way to have fun away from screens and get some fresh air.
1. Enjoy Thrilling Rides In Dreamworld
Dreamworld is Australia’s biggest theme park and offers more than 40 rides. Located on the Gold Coast in Queensland, it is a theme park and a zoo, making it the ultimate playground for your kids. There are exciting rides that will make your kids really happy and excited. They can try rides like Serpent Slayers and The Claw. There are big roller coasters and super fun water slides that will make your kids scream with joy. One of the tallest and fastest drop towers in the world is here too, called “The Giant Drop.” Beyond the rides, Dreamworld offers captivating live shows featuring beloved characters like Po from Kung Fu Panda.
Your children can immerse themselves in the magic of these performances, adding a touch of joy to their day. If your kids have a soft spot for animals, Dreamworld has something for them too. They can marvel at majestic tigers and explore a diverse range of wildlife in the park’s zoo. It’s an educational and entertaining experience that allows children to connect with the natural world.
| Name | Dreamworld |
|---|---|
| Website | https://www.dreamworld.com.au/ |
| Phone Number | (07) 5588 1111 |
| Opening Hours |
Monday: 10:30 am–4 pm Tuesday: 10:30 am–4 pm Wednesday: 10:30 am–4 pm Thursday: 10:30 am–4 pm Friday: 10 am–5 pm Saturday: 10 am–5 pm Sunday: 10 am–5 pm |
| Entry Fees | https://www.dreamworld.com.au/tickets |
| Address | Dreamworld Pkwy, Coomera QLD 4209, Australia |
| Directions | https://goo.gl/maps/Qvo2hP8an2sMf8Si9 |
2. Discover The Wildlife At Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Visit the iconic wildlife sanctuary and discover the nature and wildlife of Australia with your kids. Spread out over a wide area of 27 hectares, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is among the largest sanctuaries in the world. Here, you can witness more than 800 different wildlife species while enjoying the serene, lush, green nature. Your children may get close to some wildlife animals, explore a rainforest, and gain fascinating information about a broad variety of animal species. They can also see kangaroos, koalas, and other wildlife performers.
Additionally, they provide interactive educational activities like the Extinction Trail, a virtual reality tour that transports guests to the time of dinosaurs and lets them roam the earth with them. This amazing trip will enable you and your children to connect with nature while learning about Australia’s unique animals.
| Name | Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary |
|---|---|
| Website | https://currumbinsanctuary.com.au/ |
| Phone Number | (07) 5534 1266 |
| Opening Hours |
Monday: 9 am–4 pm Tuesday: 9 am–4 pm Wednesday: 9 am–4 pm Thursday: 9 am–4 pm Friday: 9 am–4 pm Saturday: 9 am–4 pm Sunday: 9 am–4 pm |
| Entry Fees | https://currumbinsanctuary.com.au/tickets-and-encounters |
| Address | 28 Tomewin St, Currumbin, QLD 4223, Australia |
| Directions | https://goo.gl/maps/vjSsiaW2Bwk1r62Q9 |
3. Visit Warner Bros. Movie World
If your kids love theme parks, then you definitely do not want to miss out on Warner Bros. Movie World. This theme park boasts a plethora of thrilling rides, games, stalls, and live performances. Allow your children to see their favourite characters, such as Superman and Looney Tunes, and to watch fantastic shows.
The Superman Escape ride, which accelerates from zero to 100 mph in less than two seconds, is one of the many rides available to children that will make their hearts race with excitement. There are many family-friendly activities available if you have young children. After experiencing the exhilarating rides, you can also explore gift shops and indulge in delectable refreshments at local cafés and restaurants.
| Name | Warner Bros. Movie World |
|---|---|
| Website | https://movieworld.com.au/ |
| Phone Number | 133 386 |
| Opening Hours |
Monday: 9:30 am–5 pm Tuesday: 9:30 am–5 pm Wednesday: 9:30 am–5 pm Thursday: 9:30 am–5 pm Friday: 9:30 am–5 pm Saturday: 9:30 am–5 pm Sunday: 9:30 am–5 pm |
| Entry Fees | https://movieworld.com.au/tickets |
| Address | Pacific Mwy, Oxenford QLD 4210, Australia |
| Directions | https://goo.gl/maps/PWf4qy2GN1kMMAzZ6 |
4. Adventure At Thunderbird Park
| Name | Thunderbird Park |
|---|---|
| Website | https://www.thunderbirdpark.com/ |
| Phone Number | (07) 5545 7900 |
| Opening Hours |
Monday: 8 am–5 pm Tuesday: 8 am–5 pm Wednesday: 8 am–5 pm Thursday: 8 am–5 pm Friday: 8 am–7 pm Saturday: 8 am–7 pm Sunday: 8 am–5 pm |
| Entry Fees | https://www.thunderbirdpark.com/book-with-us.html |
| Address | Corner Tamborine Mountain Rd &, Cedar Creek Falls Rd, Tamborine Mountain QLD 4272, Australia |
| Directions | https://goo.gl/maps/A4sjt8WHWPsvZqtL6 |
5. Explore Cultural Cuisines at Miami Marketta
If you’re a family of food enthusiasts, you’re in for a treat at Miami Marketta on the Gold Coast. This bustling street food market is a delightful destination that not only offers scrumptious food but also a lively atmosphere perfect for families. As you visit this night market with your kids, you can embark on a culinary adventure by sampling a wide array of international cuisines and tasty snacks. Miami Marketta is a melting pot of flavours, with food vendors representing different nationalities, making it a fantastic place for kids to expand their taste buds and explore global cuisines.
With a seating arrangement for up to 500 people, this market is family-friendly and opens its doors from 5 to 10 p.m. every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Whether your little ones are craving noodles, pizza, Korean delights, or Thai treats, Miami Marketta has a culinary adventure waiting for every food-loving family. It’s a wonderful way to introduce your children to diverse flavours in a fun and engaging atmosphere on the Gold Coast.
| Name | Miami Marketta |
|---|---|
| Website | https://www.miamimarketta.com/ |
| Phone Number | (04) 8859 0599 |
| Opening Hours |
Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 5–10 pm Thursday: Closed Friday: 5–10 pm Saturday: 5–10 pm Sunday: Closed |
| Entry Fees | Free |
| Address | 23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami QLD 4220, Australia |
| Directions | https://goo.gl/maps/xCLsJocnxkZuQhsU7 |
6. Go For A Whale Watching Cruise
When it comes to whale watching on the Gold Coast, there are plenty of options to choose from. Sea World Cruises Whale Watching is one of the whale-watching cruise operators on the Gold Coast. Sea World Cruises Whale Watching offers a remarkable and educational experience for families with kids. The Gold Coast is a prime location for witnessing the incredible migration of humpback whales, and Sea World Cruises provides an exceptional platform for this adventure.
With Sea World Cruises, your kids can get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures while learning about their behaviors, habitats, and the importance of marine conservation. It’s a breathtaking adventure that will leave a lasting impression on your kids and create cherished memories of observing these giants of the sea in their natural habitat. So, if you’re seeking a family-friendly activity on the Gold Coast, the whale-watching experience is an excellent choice that combines education, excitement, and the opportunity to connect with nature.
| Name | Sea World Whale Watch |
|---|---|
| Website | https://seaworldcruises.com.au/ |
| Phone Number | (07) 5539 9299 |
| Opening Hours |
Monday: 8 am–6 pm Tuesday: 8 am–6 pm Wednesday: 8 am–6 pm Thursday: 8 am–6 pm Friday: 8 am–6 pm Saturday: 8 am–6 pm Sunday: 8 am–6 pm |
| Entry Fees | https://seaworldcruises.com.au/daily-cruises/gold-coast-whale-watching/ |
| Address | Sea World Cruises Terminal, Seaworld Dr, Main Beach QLD 4217, Australia |
| Directions | https://goo.gl/maps/N9Kpo2vYP8AWKfHX6 |
7. City Ride and River Cruise With Aquaduck
| Name | Aquaduck Gold Coast |
|---|---|
| Website | https://www.aquaduck.com.au/ |
| Phone Number | (07) 5539 0222 |
| Opening Hours |
Monday: 8:30 am–5 pm Tuesday: 8:30 am–5 pm Wednesday: 8:30 am–5 pm Thursday: 8:30 am–5 pm Friday: 8:30 am–5 pm Saturday: 8:30 am–5 pm Sunday: 8:30 am–5 pm |
| Entry Fees | https://aquaduck.rezdy.com/aquaduck-gold-coast-1hr-tour |
| Address | Aquaduck, Circle On Cavill Shopping Centre, Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217, Australia |
| Directions | https://goo.gl/maps/7yQkFNTn4MpTkcE37 |
8. See Amusing Art At ArtVo
This art gallery in Gold Coast is a must-visit if your kid loves doing art and is imaginative. ArtVo is an interactive art gallery that turns traditional art viewing into a playful and engaging experience. This art gallery’s 1400 square metre space is divided into various zones, each of which has a different theme. Kids can step into different themed zones filled with optical illusions and three-dimensional paintings. They become part of the art, posing for photos that create surreal and amusing images. You can not only touch the art but also have the opportunity to take amusing pictures while striking a pose in front of it. This family-friendly activity offers a creative and entertaining way to spend time together while allowing your kids to explore their imaginations.
| Name | ArtVo Gold Coast |
|---|---|
| Website | https://www.artvogoldcoast.com.au/ |
| Phone Number | (07) 5639 6109 |
| Opening Hours |
Monday: 10 am–4 pm Tuesday: 10 am–4 pm Wednesday: 10 am–4 pm Thursday: 10 am–4 pm Friday: 10 am–4 pm Saturday: 10 am–5 pm Sunday: 10 am–5 pm |
| Entry Fees | https://tickets.artvoillusions.com.au/eventperformances |
| Address | Shop 5062 Robina Town Centre Dr, Robina QLD 4226, Australia |
| Directions | https://goo.gl/maps/1PEFQWq1q7y2i6Lf9 |
9. Daring SkyPoint Climb
If you’re looking for an exciting adventure that you and your kids can enjoy together on the Gold Coast, consider the SkyPoint climb. Children and adults alike can enjoy this thrilling, unique experience at the SkyPoint Observation Deck; however, this activity is not for kids under the age of 12.
Your family’s adventure will begin with safety instructions and the fitting of special climbing gear designed for comfort and security, including full-body harnesses. Using a fast elevator, you’ll ascend to the 77th floor, where you’ll exit the building through a fully enclosed glass airlock. Outside the building, a short step ladder will lead you to a 240-meter summit that’s safe for kids to climb. From this high point, you can take in breathtaking views of the coastline, the glistening ocean, the golden sand beaches, and the lush tropical mountains. This adventure not only offers excitement but also the opportunity for family bonding and exploration of the beautiful Gold Coast skyline.
| Name | SkyPoint Observation Deck |
|---|---|
| Website | https://skypoint.com.au/ |
| Phone Number | (07) 5582 2700 |
| Opening Hours |
Monday: 7:30 am–9 pm Tuesday: 7:30 am–9 pm Wednesday: 7:30 am–9 pm Thursday: 7:30 am–9 pm Friday: 7:30 am–9 pm Saturday: 7:30 am–9 pm Sunday: 7:30 am–9 pm |
| Entry Fees | https://skypoint.com.au/tickets/ |
| Address | Level 77, q1 building/9 Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217, Australia |
| Directions | https://goo.gl/maps/d8xx2AMm8bRZqqDv6 |
Conclusion
The Gold Coast offers a wealth of exciting and family-friendly activities that serve a variety of age groups and interests, ensuring that both you and your kids have a memorable weekend or vacation. Whether you’re seeking thrilling adventures like whale watching, educational wildlife encounters, or unique culinary explorations at places like Miami Marketta, the Gold Coast has it all. The SkyPoint climb offers breathtaking perspectives for anyone seeking daring thrills. Additionally, you can explore this lovely coastal city from both land and water with the Aquaduck city and river tour. The Gold Coast truly stands out as a top destination for families wishing to make long-lasting memories with their children because of its wide range of alternatives.
