25+ things to do on the Gold Coast perfect for this school holidays
Beat the boredom this school holidays by decorating a cupcake, taking a selfie with an alpaca, meeting the Cookie Monster or learning to juggle. Here's 27 fun-filled free or low cost Gold Coast activities. SEE THE FULL LIST >>>
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BEAT the boredom this school holidays by joining one of the many fun-filled activities planned throughout the Gold Coast.
There's an activity for everyone in the family from laser skirmish, arts and crafts, to a rainforest walk, learning parkour and getting up close and personal with Australia's favourite native wildlife.
Here's 27 things to do this school holidays.
Meet and greet Sesame Street
Keep a look out each day throughout the Centre for Elmo and Cookie Monster. Photos with Elmo and Cookie Monster available daily.
WHERE: Level 1, The Oasis, 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
WHEN: 11am, from June 28 – July 4
COST: Free
CONTACT: oasisshoppingcentre.com.au
Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk
Explore the Gold Coast’s greenery during this 1.5km forest floor trail which includes the Skywalk Bridge, the 40m Skywalk Cantilever and the Cedar Creek Viewing Platform.
WHERE: 333 Geissmann Dr, North Tamborine
WHEN: 9.30am – 4pm, seven days a week
COST: From $9.50
CONTACT: 07 5545 2222
Glow Worm Caves
Take a guided tour day or night through the rainforest to the cave filled with thousands of shining glow worms. Bookings essential.
WHERE: Cedar Creek Estate, 104-144 Hartley Rd, Tamborine Mountain.
WHEN: 10am – 3pm Monday to Friday and 10am – 4pm weekends
COST: From $13
CONTACT: 07 5545 1666
Mountainview Alpaca Farm
Feed, cuddle and walk the alpacas around the vineyard before snapping a selfie with your new furry friend.
WHERE: O'Reilly's Canungra Valley Vineyards, 852 Lamington National Park Rd, Canungra
WHEN: 10am – 3pm Monday to Friday and 9.30am – 4pm Saturday and Sunday
COST: From $23
CONTACT: 0490 973 865
Thunderbird Park
Find treasure filled thundereggs formed when dinosaurs roamed the earth, play laser skirmish in the jungle, tackle the high ropes course at TreeTop Challenge, boost the adrenalin with a thrilling ride on the Canyon Flyer or play a round of golf on the championship mini-golf course and more.
WHERE: Corner of Cedar Creek Falls Rd, Tamborine Mountain
WHEN: Seven days a week
COST: From $9
CONTACT: 07 5545 7900
Crazy Cat Cafe
Have a hot chocolate or babycino with a few crazy cats. Tip: Check online to see which cats are instore when you visit. Booking recommended.
WHERE: 63-64 Centre Arcade, 3131 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
WHEN: 9.30am – 5.30pm, seven days
COST: Free entry
CONTACT: 07 5630 1110
Sunset picnic
Pack a picnic, a camera and rug up to watch the sunset over the Canungra Valley.
WHERE: Hang Glider Launch and Lookout, 294-298 Main Western Rd, Tamborine Mountain
WHEN: Dusk
COST: Free
CONTACT: N/A
FULL DIGITAL ACCESS: JUST $1 A WEEK FOR THE FIRST 12 WEEKS
Kids’ Olympic Games
Watch your little ones go for gold. Fun for all abilities as kids compete in archery, basketball, soccer, weightlifting and athletics. Celebrating the upcoming Olympic Games. Bookings essential.
WHERE: Ground floor outside Myer, Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach Waters
WHEN: 10am – 9pm, June 26 – July 11
COST: Free
CONTACT: pacificfair.com.au/events/pf-games
Circus Workshop
If you have ever wanted to learn how to juggle then this is the workshop for you. Come and go as you please and learn new skills like spinning plates, hula hoops and flower sticks! No bookings required.
WHERE: Next to the Bouncy Pillow, Broadwater Parklands, Marina Parade, Southport
WHEN: 11am – 3pm, June 26
COST: Free
CONTACT: 07 5581 1615
Drumming and Dancing
Families will be taken on a fun, vibrant and engaging African journey providing inspiration to get your body moving and grooving. Enjoy the physical rhythm and emotional benefits of drumming and dancing.
WHERE: Ed Hardy Park, The Esplanade End of Kelly Avenue, Miami
WHEN: 2 – 3pm, June 27
COST: Free
CONTACT: 0431 726 300
Dance TikTok-inspired Jam
This workshop will turn your child’s obsession into a fun and active class where they can learn from experienced dancers and teachers. Find the inner dancer in you and learn the moves that are taking the world by storm.
WHERE: Justin’s Park, The Esplanade, Burleigh Heads
WHEN: 9.30 – 10.30am, June 28
COST: Free
CONTACT: 0430 304 083
Dumpling wrapping class
Our friendly team will teach your kids how to wrap their own dessert dumplings. After they are wrapped, we will cook them for you and then serve them for your kids to eat.
WHERE: The Oasis, 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
WHEN: 10.30am June 28 and July 3
COST: $10
CONTACT: admin.beerstadium@harajukugyoza.com
Wildlife Encounters
Your curiosity about the natural world will come alive as you meet face to face with some of our country’s stunning wildlife. The many types of wildlife you may encounter include snakes, possums, turtles, lizards, crocodiles, owls and flying foxes. Bookings essential.
WHERE: Burleigh Heads
WHEN: June 29
COST: Free
CONTACT: eventbrite.com.au/o/city-of-gold-coast-naturallygc-program-13649190170
Decorate a cupcake
In this workshop each child will receive a cupcake and fun things to decorate it with and a small milkshake to enjoy with their cupcake on completion.
WHERE: The Oasis, 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
WHEN: 10.30am, June 30, July 1, July 7 and July 8
COST: $10
CONTACT: madisonscafe.com.au
Gladiator Games
Bring the whole family to this action packed session of fun challenges, games and activities! Test your skills with a throwing obstacle course relay racing, run the gauntlet games, pool noodle jousting and a new capture the flag challenge using inflatable obstacles to make and use as decoys. Bookings essential.
WHERE: James Overall Park, Brighton Parade, Southport
WHEN: 9.30am – noon, June 29
COST: Free
CONTACT: eventbrite.com.au/o/geckosports-31843723569
Hotel for Frogs
Learn about the species of frogs living in your backyard and help to build a frog hotel that will stay in the garden. This is a kids workshop suitable for ages 6 to 12. Bookings essential.
WHERE: Currumbin
WHEN: 10am, June 30
COST: Free
CONTACT: eventbrite.com.au/o/city-of-gold-coast-naturallygc-program-13649190170
Retro Games
Keep the whole family entertained with old fashioned retro games in a party atmosphere. Have fun with the kids doing three legged races, egg and spoon, hula hooping and so much more. For all ages. Bookings essential.
WHERE: Pattern Park, Old Burleigh Rd, Broadbeach
WHEN: 9 – 11am, July 1
COST: Free
CONTACT: facebook.com/followthefungc
Pottery Clay Workshop
Create your very own cute hedgehog plant pot out of air dry clay. You will learn hand building techniques to create your own design. Parents/carers are required to stay with children under 8 years. For ages 6 and over. Bookings essential.
WHERE: The Chroma Kids, Community Recourse Centre, 20 Mattocks Rd, Varsity Lakes
WHEN: 9 – 10am, July 1
COST: $5
CONTACT: eventbrite.com/e/copy-of-make-your-own-hedgehog-plant-pot-pottery-clay-workshop-tickets-157736789985
Face painting
Priceline Pharmacy at The Oasis is offering kids face painting and glitter bar for a gold coin donation for our Sisterhood Charity. The team is also holding a colouring competition and a jellybean guessing competition and half price ear piercing.
WHERE: Priceline Pharmacy, The Oasis, 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
WHEN: July 1 - 2
COST: Gold coin donation
CONTACT: 07 5592 3767
Creatures of the Dark
Turn on your night vision and join us for a night time adventure on a light one hour walk spotting some of Australia’s most iconic animals. The walk will be followed by a half hour wildlife show, so you’re guaranteed to see some amazing wildlife up close. Moderate fitness required. For ages 5 and over. Bookings essential.
WHERE: Arundel
WHEN: 6 – 7.30pm, July 2
COST: Free
CONTACT: eventbrite.com.au/o/city-of-gold-coast-naturallygc-program-13649190170
Family SUP Lesson
Families will have fun learning stand up paddling and water safely in a safe environment. By the end everyone will be cruising the water and playing games. Parents and grandparents are encouraged to get involved. Bookings essential.
WHERE: Budds Beach, Reserve River Dr, Surfers Paradise
WHEN: Noon, July 3
COST: $15
CONTACT: govertical.com.au
Teen Yoga
Learn how to practice yoga, breathing and relaxation exercises so you can sleep better, have more energy, improve your skin and go after the things you want in life. Bookings required.
WHERE: Kirra Community Centre, Garrick St, Kirra
WHEN: 3 – 4pm, July 5
COST: $12
CONTACT: 0467 645 858
Touch Football
Touch football is a fun, fast and easy sport to play. This session is for kids that have never played. They will learn how to step, catch and grip the ball, and we’ll wrap up with a fun game. For ages 6 and over. Bookings essential.
WHERE: Cos Zantiotis Park Complex, Jacob Dr, Labrador
WHEN: 9 – 10am, July 5
COST: Free
CONTACT: mitch@palmbeachtouch.com
Acting for Screen Holiday Masterclass
ZigZag Theatre's Acting for Screen Masterclass is suitable for ages 13 - 18 years who are wanting to expand their skillset into acting for film and TV. Bookings essential.
WHERE: Gold Coast
WHEN: 9am – 4pm, July 7
COST: $110
CONTACT: 0477 843 134
Reptile and Scales
Your curiosity about all things scaly and coldblooded will come alive as you come face-to-face with some of our native reptiles. All ages welcome. Bookings essential.
WHERE: Varsity Lakes
WHEN: 9.30 – 10.30am, July 8
COST: Free
CONTACT: eventbrite.com.au/o/city-of-gold-coast-naturallygc-program-13649190170
Arts and Crafts
Combine seed pods, leaves, twigs, fronds and other wonders of nature to make something special. All materials supplied from the gifts of nature in the Botanic Gardens. Suitable for ages 5-12. Bookings essential.
WHERE: 230 Ashmore Rd, Benowa
WHEN: 9am, July 9
COST: Free
CONTACT: eventbrite.com.au/o/city-of-gold-coast-naturallygc-program-13649190170
Junior Wildlife Carers
Discover how to encourage wildlife in your own garden. Learn about Biodiversity and how easy it can be to share your home with many different species, what types of homes they need, and how can you provide this in your garden. Join in with some nature journaling, help to colour in rescue pouches and do some animal craft. Bookings essential.
WHERE: Upper Coomera
WHEN: 9am, July 10
COST: Free
CONTACT: eventbrite.com.au/o/city-of-gold-coast-naturallygc-program-13649190170
Parkour Adventure
Be challenged with custom made obstacles to tackle in an outdoor parkour course. Learn the best techniques so you can make your way around the course quickly and efficiently. Run, jump, climb, roll, vault and leap obstacles in your way! For ages 6 and over. Bookings essential.
WHERE: Deodar Park, 2 Omao Avenue, Burleigh Waters
WHEN: 9.30 – 11.30am, July 11
COST: Free
CONTACT: aapes.com.au/goldcoast/
20 things to do on Gold Coast during school holidays
September 25, 2020
ALL aboard! An iconic Gold Coast train is back in action and the Smith family are beyond excited.
Gold Coasters said goodbye to the Pacific Fair train about 10 years ago but after a revamp, it has returned for the Queensland spring school holidays.
↓↓ SCROLL DOWN FOR OUR LIST OF TOP 20 IDEAS ↓↓
Mum Michelle Harris-Smith said she was excited to share her favourite Coast attraction with her three daughters, Grace, 6, Isley, 5, and Holly, 3.
“I have fond memories of the train before I had kids and I am excited to now share it with my girls,” she said.
“We are looking forward to some special time here and also have some surf lessons at Currumbin Alley. Two weeks will fly by.”
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From the early 1980s to the early 2000s, the Pacific Fair train carried passengers on a scenic tour around the shopping centre.
Part transport, part in-house advertising, the train stopped outside Kmart and provided the fastest way to move around for just 50c a ride.
From Saturday to October 4, the freshly-painted blue train will be free to ride and take customers on a 10-minute journey around the centre.
Other Pacific Fairground activities on offer include a teacup ride, sideshow alley crazy mirrors, bean bag toss, strongman cutouts and rubber ducky fishing ponds.
TOP 20 SPRING SCHOOL HOLIDAYS IDEAS
1. CARNIVAL FUN
Pacific Fairgrounds Carnival, Pacific Fair, Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach.
10am-2pm, Saturday, September 19 to Sunday, October 4.
Enjoy a range of classic carnival games and rides like the teacup ride, sideshow alley crazy mirrors, bean bag toss, strongman cutouts and rubber ducky fishing ponds where you can win heaps of prizes.
Plus, for a limited time, the Pacific Fair train is returning for kids to take a ride.
Free entry, bookings essential.
2. SELFIES AT NEON PARADISE
Paradise Centre, Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise.
9am-9pm, Saturday, September 19 to Monday, October 5.
Snap yourself in front of Neon Paradise, a giant, 4m-wide, 2m-high ultra-vibrant selfie backdrop in the heart of Surfers Paradise. A DJ will be spinning tracks 5-8pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Free, no bookings required.
3. ARCADE FUN AT TIMEZONE
Paradise Centre, Surfers Paradise.
9am-12am daily.
Live life in the fast lane with a healthy dose of competitive arcade gaming.
Until October 13, get a $75 game play credit when you load $50 or get $110 game play credit when you load $70.
No bookings required.
4. HAVE FUN AT CRAZY CAT CAFE
Surfers Paradise Boulevard, opposite Waxy’s Irish Pub and upstairs tram side in the Centre Arcade, Surfers Paradise.
10.30am-5.30pm, Monday to Friday, and 9.30am-5.30pm, Saturday and Sunday.
Have a hot chocolate or babycino with a few crazy cats. Tip: Check online to see which cats are instore when you visit.
Booking recommended.
5. HIRE AN ELECTRIC BIKE/SKATEBOARD FROM CROOZE
116-118 Bundall Road, Bundall or Main Place, Broadbeach.
9am-5pm, Monday to Saturday; 10am-3pm, Sunday.
Rent and ride an e-bike, e-scooter and e-skateboard. It’s the perfect way to have fun with your friends for a few hours or even a week.
6. KIDS TAKE OVER MINI-FEST
HOTA, Home of the Arts, 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise.
These school holidays explore a jam-packed program for kids who love stories. Learn how to write and illustrate your own book, get creative and enjoy storytelling, dance and song at the popular kids mini-fest.
Wednesday, September 30 to Friday, October 2.
It will include:
Mini reporter program
This September over we start our new journalism program just for kids with our Mini
Reporters, as Kids Take Over “The Waves” – news for kids, by kids. Our special hosts are
up-and-coming reporters Cameron Camenzind, Ainslie Orcullo Ryan, Willow Plumb
and Felix Hooper. Together they will be writing up a storm, interviewing, reporting and
documenting on topics and issues important to kids.
Stories through performance
10am-1pm, September 30 to October 2. Cost $10.
This three-day stage craft workshop explores stories in music and performance. You’ll be
introduced to a famous operetta and learn skills in vocal techniques, rewrite lyrics into a
storyline of your own and transform the operetta into a one-of-a-kind performance on the last
day where you’ll bring your story to life.
The performance will take place on the final day of the workshop.
Suitable for ages 8+. Lunch not included.
Write like an author
10am-11am, September 30 to October 2. Cost $10 (includes lunch).
Dreaming of being a writer? Learn tips and tricks from award-winning children’s author Brian
Falkner as he takes you on a journey into creating characters and storylines that are
engaging and imaginative. Bring along a story that you’ve already started or create a brand
new one.
Draw like an artist
11am-12pm, September 30 to October 2. Cost $10 (includes lunch).
Want to become an artist or a book illustrator? In this drawing workshop, you’ll learn how to
create, develop and draw awesome pictures and characters that help your story come alive.
It’s true that a picture can tell 1000 words.
And if you attend our Write Like An Author workshop taking place directly before this
session, you’ll be well on your way to having a book ready for publishing.
Suitable for ages 8–14.
Story surprise
With Lauren and Anthony
10am-10.45am, September 30 to October 2. Cost $10 (includes lunch).
Join the HOTA Kids News Studio, as mini reporters cross live to Melbourne with
special guests Lauren and Anthony – hosts from Story Surprise. This jam-packed 45-minute
interactive craft and performance workshop is all about telling stories, crafting characters,
singing and dancing. Each day a new story from local artists will come alive as stories are transformed into engaging performances and craft sessions. Suitable for ages 8 and under.
Stories and songs
10.30-11.30am, September 30 to October 2. Cost $10 (includes lunch).
Play School presenter and award-winning songwriter Lucas Proudfoot presents a musical
storytelling experience through song and dance. Bring along a picnic blanket – but be ready
to dance and sing in the great outdoors, by the lake and under the trees.
Suitable for ages 8 and under.
Mini detectives
11.30am and 1.30pm, September 30 to October 2. Cost $10 (includes lunch).
Have you ever solved a crime?
The year is 1953 and the most famous pooch in the world, Masterpiece the poodle,
mysteriously vanished without a trace. After weeks of failed investigations, Detective Louis LeBlanc is on the case of the kidnapped canine. Join the chase, question the suspects and sniff out the secret of the missing pup by catching the corrupt culprit first, or will you be barking up the wrong tree? It’s up to you to find all the clues and help Detective Louis LeBlanc to solve the mystery. Suitable for ages 5 and above.
Drums of the Pacific
Stories through Dance
1-2pm, September 30 to October 2. Cost $10 (includes lunch).
Get ready to get physical and learn the traditional dances of the pacific. This high energy
workshop will have you moving, stomping, and chanting to the rhythmical beats of the tribal
drums while taking you on a journey into different cultures with dance and stories passed
down through generations.
Suitable for all ages.
Astro kid film screening (G)
11am, September 30 to October 2. Free, maximum four people per transaction.
Following the destruction of their spaceship, ten-year-old William gets separated from his
parents while travelling through the galaxy. As his rescue capsule lands on a wild and
unexplored planet, he befriends the friendly robot Buck and kooky alien Flash. Together they
adventure through the wild and mysterious planet, discovering its wildlife and beauty but also
the dangers that lie beneath!
Rated (G) – very mild themes. Duration 89 minutes.
7. MAKE TROLL-THEMED ICE-CREAM
TGI Fridays, Robina Town Centre, Robina
Two sessions daily, 10:30am or 11.15am, Monday, September 21 to Friday, September 25.
A 30-minute session where kids can choose from a range of magically inspired toppings, including fairy floss (troll hair) and sprinkles (warts) to design their own ice-cream creation.
$10 entry, bookings required at https://bit.ly/35Kmj6f
8. DIY LUSH BATH BOMB MAKING WORKSHOPS
LUSH, Robina Town Centre, Robina.
Sessions will be held daily at 9am, 11am and 1pm, September 28 to October 2.
Kids can get hands-on making their very own bath bomb using the same ingredients that Lush use to make their secret recipe range. .
Bookings are essential at https://bit.ly/3mx92nO
9. MAKE A JUICE ON A BIKE
Boost Juice Bike, Robina Town Centre near Cotton on Body, Robina.
Bookings required online at https://bit.ly/2EcbFtR
If you struggle to motivate the kids to exercise regularly and eat more fruit, Boost Juice might have the answer with the Boost Juice Smoothie Bike Challenge. Kids can hop on board to pedal their way make their own perfect smoothie
$5 per person and bookings required. Suitable for participants aged 6 years and above.
10. PLAY VIDEO GAMES AT ZERO LATENCY
34 Smith St Motorway, Southport.
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday – 12pm-9am; Saturday, 10am – 7pm.
The venue allows eight players, with HP headsets and equipment, to roam a 200sq m virtual arena and play six games. It also has car-racing simulators. Bookings required, around $45 per person.
11. HULA HOOPING WITH REBEL SPORT
The Promenade, Robina Town Centre
10.30am, 11am, 11.30am and 12pm, Monday, September 21 to Wednesday, September 23.
Join in for some good old-fashioned hula-hooping with our friends from Rebel Sport and receive your very own free hula-hoop to take home. Come along and let your children enjoy some outside activities these school holidays.
Bookings required and costs $5.
12. HEAD TO ZONE BOWLING
Robina Town Centre, Robina.
Sunday to Thursday, 10am-10pm, Friday and Saturday, 10am-11pm, Wednesday, September 16 to October 13.
Zone Bowling’s popular passes are back featuring the mega fun zone pass and the mini fun pass. Passes start at $22.90 for one game of bowling or laser tag, shoe hire, 15 minutes arcade time play, 100 power tickets and $10 return voucher.
13. HAVE AN ALPACA PICNIC
Monday to Friday, 10am-3pm; Saturday, 10am – 4pm.
Mountview alpaca farm, 852 Lamington National Park Rd, Canungra.
Make furry friends at Mountview Alpaca Farm, on the grounds of O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards. Bookings recommended.
14. FIND THUNDEREGGS
Thunderbird Park, Corner Tamborine Mountain and Cedar Creek Falls roads, Tamborine Mountain.
Open seven days a week.Contact 07 5545 7999.
Find treasure-filled thundereggs formed when dinosaurs roamed the earth, play laser skirmish in the jungle, tackle the high ropes course at Treetop Challenge, boost the adrenaline with a thrilling ride on the Canyon Flyer, enjoy a horse trail ride or play a round on the championship mini golf course. Bookings recommended.
15. HAVE A DAY AT MRS FROST’S KITCHEN
A paddock-to-plate picnic/long lunch day at Mrs Frost’s Guanaba farm. Call Julie Frost on 0414 783 564 for more information.
16. HAVE FUN WITH GIANT INFLATABLES
GC Aqua Park, Broadwater Parklands (opposite Australia Fair Shopping Centre), Southport.
9am – 5pm (last session at 4pm), Monday to Sunday from Saturday, September 19.
Roll around like a hamster, jump around on multiple trampolines, slide down the largest slides and play ball on our huge arena.
Prices: 50-minute aqua sessions, $20 per person; 100-minute sessions, $30 per person. Party packages from $25 per person.
17. INDOOR SKYDIVING
iFLY Gold Coast
3084 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise.
Monday to Friday, 10am-7.30pm; Saturday and Sunday, 8:30am-7pm;| public holidays, 8.30am to 7pm.
It’s a great way to experience the rush of free fall without jumping from a plane.
They also have FREAK virtual reality gaming, which combines cutting-edge multi-player games, incredible 4D effects and curated physical spaces.
18. WILD TRAMPOLINE FUN
BOUNCEinc, 5 Sunlight Dr, Burleigh Waters.
Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm; Saturday, 9am-9pm; Sunday, 9am-6pm.
The mega trampoline venue has huge performance tramps and bubble soccer and a crazy X-park.
19. PAMPERED PRINCESS BRAID BAR LAUNCH PARTY
Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina.
11am-1pm, Saturday, September 19.
Pampered Princess Braid Bar will celebrate its grand opening at Robina Town Centre with free glitter braids and glitter make-up for all.
The braid bar will then be open seven days a week. Walk-ins welcome or book online at https://www.pamperedprincess.com.au/
20. BE A NINJA FOR A DAY
9am-5pm daily, Stunt Park, 7027 Southport Nerang Rd, Nerang.
This action session is available on Saturdays for adults and children, as young as two years old. Price: $39 per person.
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