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Back to Nature
These family friendly activities provide kids with the chance to connect with nature and feel the joy of running free in the great outdoors.
Astra Lumina
O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat
Perched high in the lush Gold Coast hinterland, O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat is the ultimate family escape into nature. Kids can wander through the magical treetop walk, spot colourful birds and curious wallabies, and discover hidden waterfalls on easy rainforest trails. From hands-on wildlife encounters to after-dark glow worm adventures, there’s no shortage of “wow” moments. It’s the kind of place where screens are swapped for fresh air, freedom and family fun. Book a stay in beautiful self-contained villas and immerse your familiy in natural wonder.
Tamborine Mountain Glades
At Tamborine Mountain Glades, families can unplug and soak up the great outdoors with a perfect mix of adventure and downtime. A sparkling creek runs right through the property, setting the scene for splashing, paddling and good old-fashioned play. Kids will love digging for treasures at Thunder Egg Mining, getting hands-on at mini-excavator park Dig-It, or exploring the rainforest on a peaceful bush walk. It’s a back-to-nature escape that balances excitement with those little moments of calm that families crave.
Mountview Alpaca Farm
Nestled in a lush valley of the Gold Coast Hinterland, Mountview Alpaca Farm is a place of pure joy, where cuddly alpacas and stunning scenery steal the show. Families can wander the grounds and adjoining vineyards, feed and walk their own alpaca, and soak up the fresh country air. For the ultimate treat, grab a gourmet picnic basket from O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyard and enjoy lunch by the creek with your new fluffy friends. It’s a picture-perfect day out that blends nature, animals and a little bit of indulgence.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a must for families wanting a true Aussie animal adventure. Start the day with an unforgettable Breakfast with the Koalas, then wander through the sanctuary to hand-feed kangaroos and meet cheeky rainbow lorikeets that swoop in for a snack. With interactive shows, wildlife encounters and plenty of space for kids to explore, it’s both educational and endlessly fun. This is where little animal lovers (and big ones too!) make memories that last a lifetime.
Paradise Country
Paradise Country is where the Gold Coast goes full Aussie farm fun. Kids can bottle-feed baby animals, meet friendly farmyard favourites, and watch working dog and sheep shearing shows that bring the outback to life. Families can stay overnight in rustic farmstay cabins or glamping tents, waking up to kangaroos grazing just outside the door. It’s the perfect mix of hands-on adventure and laid-back country charm, just a stone’s throw from the city.
Treetop Challenge
Let kids take their confidence to new heights on Treetop Challenge. With ziplines, rope bridges and climbing courses that weave between the canopy it’s the ultimate mix of fun, fitness and fresh air. There are kid-friendly courses for young climbers and trickier ones to tackle for teens and adults, so the whole family can join in the action. It will test their strength, stamina and balance and tick off the risk-taking urge that all kids have too (in a completely safe environment). There are two venues to choose from. One in the grounds of Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary where you can zipline over the crocodile enclosure, and one in the stunning rainforest setting at Mount Tamborine.
Aquatic Adventures
According to kids, a day in the water is a day well spent. Splash, swim, surf and slide at these aquatic attractions that will keep everyone from water babies to big kids active and happy from sunrise until sunset.
Wet’n’ Wild
Wet’n’Wild is the ultimate splash zone for families who love a good thrill mixed with plenty of chill. Thrillseeking teens can race down giant waterslides or tackle attractions like the Tornado and Black Hole, while younger ones can bob along in the wave pool, play in the H2Oasis splash zone or float the day away on Calypso Beach. With endless ways to cool off under the Queensland sun, it’s a guaranteed family favourite.
Arro Jet Boating
White Water World
WhiteWater World is a sun-soaked wonderland made for family fun. From splash pads and mini slides perfect for little ones to giant thrill rides for the brave, there’s something for every age (and courage) level! Toddlers and kindy kids will love the Wiggle Bay water play area and the shallow end of the Cave of Waves. Older adventurers can take on the high-speed plunges on the Super Tubes Hydrocoaster or ride the rush of The Triple Vortex, plus plenty more of adrenaline-inducing fun. It’s the kind of place where squeals and laughter echo all day long and the smell of sunscreen scents the air. Dreamworld and WhiteWater World sit side by side so combine the two for a full-on day of theme park fun. (NB: This park closes down for the cooler months but will be back with a splash on September 13, 2025)
GC Aqua Park
GC Aqua Park in Southport is like a giant floating playground that guarantees giggles, splashes and stacks from start to finish. Kids (and parents!) can bounce, slide, swing, climb and race their way across inflatable obstacle courses on the Broadwater. Lifeguards keep a close watch, so it’s safe as well as seriously fun. It’s high-energy, water-soaked family entertainment on one of Gold Coast’s most spectacular waterways. There are a number of ticket options including an All Day Pass, but $40 for 100 minutes makes for budget-friendly family fun!
Surf Lessons
Surf lessons on the Gold Coast are the perfect way for families to dive into the local lifestyle. With calm, beginner-friendly beaches like Currumbin and Greenmount, kids can safely catch their very first waves under the guidance of expert instructors. Parents can join in the fun or cheer from the sand as the little ones pop up on their boards with big smiles. It’s active, sun-soaked, and a memory-making must-do for any Gold Coast holiday. On the north end of the Gold Coast book a lesson with Get Wet Surf School at The Spit. Down south try Surf Easy at Currumbin Alley.
Beach Days
Of course, one of the biggest drawcards on a Gold Coast family holiday is the beach. There are plenty of beaches that are great to take the kids. Pack your Cool Cabana, towels and togs and some buckets and spade! Add an eski filled with snacks and drinks and you’re good to go. Find a spot between the flags and settle in for a blissful day of good, old fashioned fun that doesn’t cost a cent. Splash around in the shallows, boogie board in the white wash, build elaborate sand castles and enjoy unplugged, unstructured and unforgettable family bonding time of the best kind.
That’s how you Get Up and Gold Coast with kids along for the ride. Looking for more family fun? Check out all the things to do in Surfers Paradise.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Experience Gold Coast acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are situated, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region.
We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continuing connections to the lands, waters and their extended communities throughout Southeast Queensland.