It’s not hard to find things to do on the Gold Coast with kids. This incredible stretch of coastline is family-fun on overdrive. It has theme parks, incredible golden sand beaches and loads of local markets. But we’ve also found a few of the more low-key and local attractions that Holidays with Kids readers rave about. Here’s our list of the best things to do on the Gold Coast with kids.
1. Surfers Paradise Beach
Although the Gold Coast includes 20 different beaches along its 57-kilometre swathe of coastline, it’s Surfers Paradise that is one of Australia’s most famous.
Known for its golden sand and highly distinctive skyscrapers, families can enjoy a swim between the flags before heading into Surfers itself. There are heaps of places to grab a bite to eat, or check out some of the 100 stalls at the weekly beachfront markets.
2. Wet’n’Wild
Get wet and get wild. From the gravity-defying AquaLoop to the tight turns of the Constrictor, the attractions at Wet’n’Wild are not for the faint of heart.
Little kiddies will love the Junior Zone, which includes mini thrill rides, eight slides and a giant tipping bucket. The whole family can enjoy a fab finish to the day by cruising around Calypso Beach, the park’s lazy river.
3. Dreamworld & WhiteWater World
Enjoy the most action-packed and adrenaline-pumping rides at Australia’s biggest theme park. Take on the nine epic thrill rides of Dreamworld, starting with the twisted Serpent Slayer, which sends riders spinning at 3.8 G-forces.
Or come face-to-face with the big cats on Tiger Island. Little ones can join Dorothy the Dinosaur and friends for a wiggly song and dance show before having a splash at Wiggle Bay and the Pipeline Plunge. Sky Voyager is the Southern Hemisphere’s first flying theatre.
WhiteWater World’s top water slides include the Super Tubes Hydro Coaster and Little Rippers.
Buy your tickets through Klook and save 10% using promo code NEWBIE10 until 17 July 2024. Valid for new customers only.
4. Sea World
Sea World offers animal adventures for kids and adults alike. Swim with the dolphins, score a smooch from a seal or get among the sharks… if you dare. Sea World’s latest standout attraction is Polar Bear Shores, the only exhibit in Australia where you can see the world’s largest land carnivore, the polar bear, up close.
5. Warner Bros. Movie World
Meet your favourite stars and superheroes and watch the spectacular shows at Warner Bros. Movie World. Let the kids loose in the Kids’ WB! Fun Zone or experience adrenaline-pumping rides such as The DC Rivals HyperCoaster, opening in October. The new coaster will be the Southern Hemisphere’s tallest, longest and fastest, reaching speeds of 115-kilometres per hour.
6. Save with a Village Roadshow multi-day pass
Buy a Movie World, Sea World, Wet n’ Wild Gold Coast multi-day pass with Klook for a package deal. Plus save 10% using promo code NEWBIE10 until 17 July 2024. Valid for new customers only.
7. Explore land and sea in Quack’rDuck’s amphibious vehicle
Join Quack’r’Duck on a unique land and sea experience on board a modern and environmentally friendly amphibious vehicle, the Quack’rDuck duck bus.
The special 1-hour sightseeing adventure takes you and your family around Surfers Paradise over land and through the sea. During the tour, you’ll drive past some of the main attractions of Surfers Paradise. You’ll then drive down a boat ramp, splashing into the water where the duck bus seamlessly becomes a duck boat.
Sail through the Gold Coast canals and the Broadwater, experiencing awesome Surfers Paradise sights. This is the ultimate land and sea adventure, suitable for the whole family.
Tours run six times daily and cost $45 for adults and $35 for children. Family tickets are available too. Book online or find out more at quackrduck.net.au.
8. Hire a babysitter and enjoy some time to yourself
It’s always important to have some time to yourself too and the Kiddo app connects parents to fully verified and Working With Children checked babysitters, nannies and NDIS workers for children instantly. Parents will have peace of mind knowing bookings are covered by insurance and an independent review and rating system. Made by an Aussie mum, Kiddo is available in all capital cities, perfect to use at home or when travelling. It is free to join, quick and easy to register – connecting you to carers for your Kiddos instantly.
9. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Cuddle a koala, walk a wombat, get slippery with a snake or hand-feed a kangaroo. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is dedicated to conserving Australia’s indigenous, natural and historic heritage and culture. As well as seeing hundreds of native animals, kids can also get their hearts pumping in the Tree Top Challenge, which includes 80 aerial adventures including 11 insane zip-lines.
10. ArtVo Gold Coast
Put yourself in the picture at ArtVo Gold Coast, an immersive, ‘trick-art’ gallery, that will have you in hysterics. It is one of the most mind-bending things to do with kids on the Gold Coast. This immersive art gallery is filled with hand-painted larger-than-life murals. Each one is an optical illusion.
Make sure you have your camera ready so that you can capture the moment the kids come face-to-face with wild animals, fight a dragon, and surf the ultimate pipeline.
ArtVo is suitable for all ages, large and small groups and those with disabilities.
