Queensland school holiday entertainment expenses soar amid nation’s cost of living crisis

The cost of entertaining kids has skyrocketed by a third, according to an analysis of Queensland attractions. See which activities are burning a hole in parents’ pockets.

Queensland families are having to fork out almost 33 per cent more money to entertain their children these holidays compared to last year.

New data by Compare the Market reveals a 10 to 30 per cent price hike for the typical holiday boredom busters, including trips to the cinema, arcade, bowling alley and theme parks.

Compare the Market’s Chris Ford said eight of the nine popular activities analysed saw a price increase compared to last year.

“Coupled with rising fuel prices, soaring grocery costs and the worsening energy crisis, it’s proving to be an expensive time for many across the Sunshine State,” he said.

“Families looking to keep their kids’ boredom at bay can expect to pay even more than they did in 2021.”

Stacey Warwick and Mark Evans with their sons Theo 6, and Jet 9, in the ocean tunnel at SeaLIFE Mooloolaba.

Kingston Park Raceway experienced the most significant price hike of the attractions, with a 33.3 per cent increase.

A single-day admission to Movie World in Oxenford on the Gold Coast jumped more than 11 per cent ($10) from last year’s price, while an online admission ticket to the Sunshine Coast’s SeaLIFE aquarium in Mooloolaba increased by almost 28 per cent ($9.80).

The Victoria Park Putt Putt Mini Golf Course at 309 Herston Rd, Herston, was the only attraction of the nine that didn’t see a price hike, remaining at $14.

Mr Ford encouraged families to hunt for deals or check out websites ahead of visits as a way to save.

“Whether you’re taking your little ones to see the latest animation blockbuster or planning to bowl the day away with your brood, plan ahead of time and pay as little as possible,” he said.

“A difference of a few dollars can really add up – especially if you’ve got multiple children.”

Kingston Park Raceway has increased its price by 33.3 per cent.

Attraction	Price in 2021	Price in 2022	Price difference	Percentage change
Movie World single day pass child	$89	$99	^$10	^11.23%
Zone Bowling 1 game	$15.90	18.90	^$3	^18.86%
Single child skater ice skating session at Iceworld	$18	$19	^$1	^5.55%
Sea Life Sunshine Coast General Admission online	$35.20	$45	^$9.80	^27.84%
Cineplex cinemas standard child ticket	$5.50	$7	^$1.50	^27.27%
Child one-day admission to the Skypoint Observation Deck on the Gold Coast	$19	$21	^$2	^10.52%
Kids Putt Putt at Victoria Park	$14	$14	0	0
TimeZone 30 Minutes of Time Play	$20	$22	^$2	^10%
Kingston Park Formula Fun Karts Power Pack	$45 (April 2021)	$60	^$15	^33.33%