Top Tips For Visiting Theme Parks With Younger Kids

Wondering whether you can take your toddler to Warner Bros Movie World? The answer is yes! Gold Coast theme parks are famous for high speed thrill rides, but young families visit for a very different experience. Little kids will love presentations and performances by their favourite characters, interactive experiences, animal encounters, aquatic playgrounds and family friendly rides. Here you’ll find some helpful tips for families visiting Gold Coast theme parks and bringing little ones along for an unforgettable day of fun. From toddlers to 10-year-olds, we’ve got the kids (and their parents) covered.

Dreamworld

Dreamworld is a great theme park to visit with little kids. There are more family-friendly rides and attractions, including some specifically designed for toddlers. In Wiggles World, toddlers can join in on a fun-filled performance from Dorothy the Dinosaur, Wags the Dog, and Captain Feathersword or meet the Bananas in Pyjamas. For those seeking a thrilling (but not too thrilling) ride, the Big Red Boat is the way to go. Another fun attraction is the wiggliest, giggliest tea party in the world, Dorothy’s Rosy Tea Cup ride, where kids can twist, twirl and spin in giant teacups, and sing along to some of their favorite Wiggles songs. 

All ages will be enthralled by the daily presentations at Tiger Island where you can witness tigers jumping, climbing, and swimming, just like in their natural habitat. You’ll also learn about the conservation projects that are being carried out to save tigers in the wild by the Dreamworld Wildlife Foundation. 

Dreamworld’s adjoining water park, White Water World, provides a super fun way for families to cool down. Head to Pipeline Plunge for an aquatic playground featuring climbing frames, slides and a huge bucket that upends over the whole set up. Or wander over to Wiggle Bay, complete with mini slides, sprays and colourful water cannons. This haven made for parents and young children – away from the hustle and bustle of the other WhiteWater World slides and attractions.

Sea World

Sea World is the spot for little ocean lovers! While some of the rides are full-on thrill rides with height restrictions, there are still numerous marine animal exhibits, shows, and interactive experiences that will capture the imagination of young children. 

If your little one is a Nemo enthusiast, then Shark Bay is an absolute must! Get ready to be mesmerised by the stunning display of colorful tropical fish, graceful rays, and sizable sharks that reside in the awe-inspiring tropical reef lagoon. This two-level exhibit allows you to view marine life from above the surface, or through huge glass windows down below, which feels like you’re scuba diving down there with them!

Not into sharks? No problem! Head over to the Little Penguin Keeper Talk, an interactive presentation where the keepers feed the adorable baby penguins and share fascinating insights into these little creatures. And when you’re ready for a rest, head to Castaway Bay - the interactive splash zone where parents can find a seat in the shade while little ones play in the spray and shoot each other with water cannons on the Battle Boats. Don’t forget to pack the towels! We also have a complete Kid's Guide to Seaworld here

Warner Bros. Movie World

Warner Bros. Movie World is a great destination for young families offering a range of fun and entertaining experiences that will keep the little ones happy and engaged all day long. There’s a packed schedule of entertainment so be sure to catch the street parades and shows, plus meet and greets with characters like Bugs Bunny, Batman, Joker, Superman and Catwoman.

There are mini-thrills galore at Movie World - check out these rides designed especialy for little kids: 

Justice League 3D - The Ride: A 3D motion ride that takes passengers on an adventure with their favorite superheroes.
Junior Driving School: A driving experience for kids aged 3-5 years, where they can navigate their own mini cars around a track.
Looney Tunes Carousel: A classic carousel ride with Looney Tunes characters.
Sylvester & Tweety Cages: Kids can ride in cages that go up and down in a gentle motion.
Yosemite Sam Railroad - take the kids on a super fun train ride on his desert railroad!

With plenty of food options catering to young children, a dedicated parents room with private feeding cubicles, change tables, and a play area to keep little ones entertained while parents take a break, ovie World truly caters to the needs of families with young children. Parents can also hire a Standard Stroller for a non-refundable hire fee of $20.00. They've also just opened a new rollercoaster!

Paradise Country 

If you have a little animal lover in your brood, make a beeline for Paradise Country for a fun and educational day out. This wildlife park, styled as an Australian farmstead, offers an excellent range of experiences for young children, including farmyard animal interactions, tractor rides and live shows featuring stock horses and riding demonstrations. There are a penty of play areas for kids to let off some steam, including a water play park and a mini train ride. The Meerkat and Marmoset Monkey exhibits allow kids to observe these cute critters up close. If you don’t want to the fun to end, book in for a night at Paradise Country Farmstay where the kids can help collect eggs, milk the cows and bottle feed baby animals in the morning. 

Wet ‘n’ Wild

Get set for splashdown at the biggest waterpark on the Gold Coast, Wet 'n' Wild! The height of some rides must look pretty intimidating to little kids but don’t worry, there are plenty of family friendly attractions to keep everyone entertained. Children will need to be over 100cm tall for kid-friendly rides like Double Barrell, River Rapids and Mammoth Falls (get the whole fam on one raft for a scream-worthy experience). But for the little ones, plenty of aquatic fun is on offer at H2Oasis - a 870m2 tropical splash zone with an array of shade and seating when you want to take a break. Wet ‘n’ Wild Junior is a splash zone with shallow pools reserved for children under 10 years of age and 140cm in height. All kids must be accompanied by an adult and must be clothed at all times. Swim Nappies are available to purchase from the Surf Shop.

Tips For Taking Toddlers to Theme Parks

Plan ahead: Before you go to the theme park, make sure to research the rides and attractions to determine which ones are suitable for young children. Many theme parks offer height restrictions, so make sure to measure your child before you go. 

Bring snacks and water: Toddlers can get cranky if they're hungry or thirsty, so make sure to pack plenty of snacks and water. Many theme parks allow visitors to bring their own food and drinks, so take advantage of this.

Take breaks: It's important to take breaks throughout the day to let your toddler rest and recharge. Many theme parks offer quiet areas or shaded spots where you can take a break.

Stay safe: Make sure to follow all the safety rules and guidelines at the theme park. For example, make sure your child is wearing appropriate footwear and is seated properly on rides.