Summer Holiday Fun For Families

The perfect summer holiday includes a good mix of activities and adventures that will keep kids of all ages happy… and some downtime for parents too! Entertain toddlers and keep teens off their screens with this epic list of the best attractions, activities and entertainment for a fun-filled, action packed family holiday on the Gold Coast. 

 

Nature-based Fun

These outdoor experiences are good for the mind, body and soul. Get out in the sunshine and fresh air for the ultimate feel-good fun.  

Happitat Advenure Park

Opening on January 10, 2026, Happitat Adventure Park is the ultimate summer holiday playground for families, packed with excitement, energy and plenty of ways to burn off that holiday buzz. This is the world’s first cliff park, perched on a mountaintop in Lamington National Park and you can explore the sky high terrain on a thrilling zipline course that takes you soaring across the cliff face. Or ascend the Via Ferrata, an exhilarating climb that includes a wobbly bridge that will test courage and challenge kids to overcome fear. Participants must be over 120cm tall and over 40kg to join in the fun.

Location: 1696 Beechmont Rd, Beechmont

 

Thunderbird Park

Located in beautiful bushland in Tamborine Mountain, Thunderbird Park is a natural adventure playground made for exploring. Swim in freshwater creeks, take a short hike to Cedar Creek Falls, take on the challenge of an extensive high ropes and zipline course in the Treetop Challenge, play laser skirmish or mini-golf or check out the latest attraction - Dig It. Kids love diggers but it’s not often they get to drive one. At Dig It, they can take the driver's seat (under 4 can sit on a grown up's lap to participate). They’ll learn to manoeuvre the machine to stack tyres, move rocks and knock things over. All activities are age appropriate and suitable for all skill levels.

Location: Corner of Cedar Creek Falls and Tamborine Mountain Roads, Tamborine Mountain

 

 

 

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Holiday Programs

If you know any budding wildlife warriors, then the school holiday programs at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary are going to be very high on their to-do list this summer. Between January 13 - 24, there are programs for 5 - 8 year olds, 9 - 12 year olds and teens. Be a Vet for a Day, Keeper for a Day Trainer for a Day or Zoo Scientist for a Day. Kids can take a walk in the boots of a wildlife keeper, learn about the rehabilitation and rescue / release techniques for animals or have hands-on experience investigating the local ecology and insect life. During the day, participants will be able to explore the sanctuary and get up close to some animal ambassadors.

Location: 28 Tomewin St, Currumbinn

 

These brilliant play-based holiday programs connect kids with nature. hey embrace kids' imagination and creativity through child-led projects and unstructured play. Activities include raft building, cubby building, nature art and so much more! Drop off is available for kids over 6 years old - younger children are welcome to join under the supervision of a guardian.

Location: Palm Beach and Tallebudgera Valley

The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Barrier Draw 

Head down to Kurrawa Park Foreshore in Broadbeach early on the morning of Tuesday January 13 for an exciting spectacle. You’ll witness the beauty and power of thoroughbred horses thundering along the beach in The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Barrier Draw. This free event will take place between 6 - 8.30am and it’s one the kids will love watching! Grab a coffee and pastry from one of the local cafes and make a morning of it.

Location: Broadbeach

 

Beach and Water Activities

Family holidays on the Gold Coast mean plenty of beach time! From the calm, clear waters of Tallebudgera Creek, to sheltered bays where kids can learn to surf in a safe environment, there are some magical spots to have a splash. Explore the best family-friendly beaches on the Gold Coast.

 

If you're kids are keen to give surfing a go, try Go Ride a Wave in Coolangatta - friendly instructors will have them up and riding in no time in a fun and safe format.

  

 

Gold Coast Aqua Park

Located on the banks of the Broadwater in Southport, surrounded by shady parklands and playgrounds, this aquatic inflatable obstacle course is a place to bounce, splash, climb and slide the day away. GC Aqua Park is accessible and affordable, suitable for kids of all ages, and adults too. There’s a mini inflatable playground for the little kids or they can play on the sandy shore while older siblings take on the obstacles. Everyone wears a life jacket and there are lifeguard attendants keeping an eye on things.

Location: Marine Parade, Southport

 

 

 

Visit the Pirate Park

One of the best parks on the Gold Coast, the Pirate Park at Palm Beach Parklands will delight kids of all ages. Built to resemble a pirate ship, children can play over and around the main ship hull and get their imagination going as they walk the plank, fly on the flying fox, and fire the cannons. While you watch them play, enjoy a coffee and treat from Dune Cafe, which is right next door. Bring towels for a dip in the lovely lagoon right next to the playground. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

The Gold Coast has heaps of amazing parks and playgrounds for families to explore - check out some local favourites here.

Location: 945 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach 

 

 

Go For a Paddle

Stand up paddleboarding is a leisurely way to explore the waterways and Gold Coast’s creeks provide the perfect aquatic playground to try it. Hire a SUP board and spend a day splashing about on the shady banks for Tallebudgera Creek or Currumbin Creek. 

 

 

Theme Parks and Adventure Activities

A trip to these exciting attractions will rate highly on your kids' holiday wishlist. Strap in for epic fun and 

Astra Lumina

This after dark experience at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is out of this world! Astra Lumina transforms the rainforest into a shimmering galaxy of immersive wonder. Along the 1.5km trail, magical lanterns, lasers and vibrant light installations illuminate the winding pathways, while ethereal soundscapes echo through the trees and projections dance across the canopy. 

It’s a dreamy, self-guided experience that lets you explore at your own pace — linger at your favourite moments or move swiftly if little legs are in tow. Open from 5.30–9pm, Wednesday to Saturday, it’s a captivating, family-friendly adventure that you won't experience anywhere else. 

Location: 28 Tomewin St, Currumbin

 

Paradise Country

Little animal lovers are in for a fabulous day at Paradise Country where they’ll get a taste of life on an Australian farm. Kids can pet cute farm animals, watch presentations where stock riders demonstrate their skills on horseback, ride a pony and get a photo with a cuddly koala.

Marvel at the antics of the adorable meerkats and cheeky Marmoset monkeys, as well as native animals like dingoes and Tasmanian devils. To make your visit extra special, book in for a night at Paradise Country Farmstay - you’ll sleep in a beautifully decked out eco-tent and get access to a range of exclusive camping activities including animal feeding, egg collecting and campfire fun.

Location: Production Dr, Oxenford

To Infinity and Beyond

Infinity is a portal into the kaleidoscope worlds and visual illusions through a series of 20 multi-sensual rooms. Kids will have a ball exploring each room filled with amazing special effects, lasers, mirrors, groovy music, atmospheric sounds and infinite fun. This experience takes around 30 minutes - there are dark rooms and some jump scares so this experience is suitable for 8 years and up.

Location: Chevron Renaissance Centre, Surfers Paradise

 

Dreamworld

Dreamworld isthe place to be these summer holidays. A visit to Australia's biggest theme will be up there with 'best day ever' in your kid's memory. Discover Kenny & Belinda’s Dreamland, where rides dedicated to these cute koala characters include a rollercoaster that soars around twists and turns and a two-storey treehouse where kids can fire squidgy balls from air cannons, foam fountains and lookout towers. 

Bring swimmers and towels for Seabed Splash - an interactive ocean-themed water play area where kids can cool off, splash around and play in the spray. Don't miss Rivertown where epic ridse and adventures await. From the thrilling twists and turns of Jungle Rush, a world-first family coaster, to the classic charm of Murrissippi Motors.  

Location: Dreamworld Parkway, Coomera

iFly Indoor Skydiving

What has no wings but can fly? Your kid at iFly! If you have a little thrill-seeker, indoor skydiving will have then literally levitating with delight. With an experienced instructor assisting them inside a safe and controlled environment, the sky’s the limit on how much fun they can have here. (A great rainy day option too.)

Location: 3084 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise

 

Say Hi to a DC Super Hero

Make your kid’s day and take them to Warner Bros Movie World, where they can meet their favourite DC superhero (or supervillain!). Catch all the iconic characters in the daily Star Parade down Main Street. Or you might bump into Batman, Catwoman, Bugs Bunny and many other Warner Bros celebs around the park who will be ready to greet your little superhero with a smile, a high-five and a photo. 

Location: Pacific Motorway, Oxenford

 

Cultural and Interactive Experiences

Spend a delightful day exploring creativity, culture and history with these kid-friendly cultural experiences on the Gold Coast.

HOTA's Children's Gallery

HOTA stands for Home of the Arts and it’s got to be one of Australia’s most family-friendly galleries. There's even a dedicated Children's Gallery and this summer, kids and their grown ups can visit to explore a very cool exhibition - Cloudy With a Chance of Art. A curated display of sky inspired artworks by Australian artists sets the scene for play and creativity. Join in hands-on activities to keep your child's head in the clouds. Create a surreal cloud artwork; make an origami crane or fly a paper plane with Cloudio.

Combine your visit with a picnic and a swim at Evandale Parklands in the HOTA Precinct or take a ride on the HOPO Ferry to Surfers Paradise.

Location: 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise

 

Gold Coast Motor Museum

Cool, classic cars and bikes galore can be found in abundance at this amazing motor museum. There are over 75 models ranging from 1900 -1988 all meticulously restored and you’ll find everything from Holdens and Lamborghinis alongside relics from the past like horse-drawn buggies, old fashioned phones and period fashion.

Gold Coast Motor Museum is set on 12 acres up on a hill overlooking a stunning hinterland location with Stanley’s Barn Restaurant & Bar in a rustic barn right next door - the perfect spot for a relaxed lunch overlooking the Coomera Valley. This is a good one to do with grandparents - an experience that all generations enjoy. 

Location: 107 Kriedeman Rd, Upper Coomera

Puppet Show

The puppet show at Macintosh Island Theatre has been a holiday tradition for generations of Gold Coast kids. Each year, the Queensland Theatre of Puppetry put on a performance for school kids. The production is run by volunteers and some of them are kids who used to come to the shows themselves. It’s a fun experience that little kids love and it’s only $6 per person. These holidays, there will be two performances a day (9.30am and 11am) on Monday - Friday between January 12 - 23. There are no bookings - just pay at the door.  And pack a picnic as Mackintosh Island is a great spot to enjoy before or after the show with playgrounds, shady picnic spots and BBqs, just a short stroll from Main Beach.

Location: Mackintosh Island Park, Admiralty Drive, Surfers Paradise.

There's such a diverse range of things to do with kids on the Gold Coast. Embrace their natural curiosity and explore new experiences, adventures in nature and blissful beach days. Create  moments together that will become memories for your family of the best family holiday they ever had.    Need to feed the family? Check out Gold Coast's family-friendly restaurants.