Things to do on the Gold Coast with Kids


This is a Guest Post written by Mae Demdam.

Most parents may think of a vacation with kids less as a vacation, and more as an opportunity for your kids to experience something exciting. That’s pretty noble, but parents deserve to have a great vacation, too. If you plan on visiting the Gold Coast make sure to add some of these fun, budget friendly things to your list. It’s fun for you and your kids.

Surfers Paradise Gold Coast is one of the most beautiful shorelines in Australia.

With 70 km of coastline, 300 days of sunshine and plenty to do for families, it is no wonder it’s one the top family friendly holiday destinations. There is so much to see and is guaranteed to please everyone at every age.

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5 Family Friendly Activities to do on the Gold Coast with Kids

The Rockpool at Southport.

Gold Coast with Kids

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Hands down, one of the coolest splash parks around. It has plenty of places to jump, splash and swim. Budget saving tip: There is a picnic and BBQ area on site. Pack a [easyazon_link identifier=”B00L4EJQ88″ locale=”US” tag=”allyann232-20″]picnic basket[/easyazon_link] with lunch and find a shady spot to have a picnic. The parks include a jumping pillow, a public pool and plenty of kids to run and splash and burn off steam.

Address: Marine Parade, Southport QLD 4215, Australia. Hours: Monday – Sunday 6am – 6pm Phone:+61 7 5581 6984 Cost: Free, Parking is $1.50/hr

Currumbin Rock Pools.

Gold Coast with Kids

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Sure, the Gold Coast boast over 72 km of beaches, but a favourite secret place locals go are to these rock pools. The pools are surrounded by bush and the water comes in straight from the hills. The water is refreshingly cold in the summer, but crystal clear. You’ll find waterfalls and rock slide to plunge into water.

Family Tip: This is a great spot to learn about local wildlife and trees.

Sculpture Walk

Gold Coast with Kids

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This walk includes 49 art pieces by local and international artists.

Family Tip: Surfers Paradise sky line is in the background, offering lots of picture opportunities.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not

Gold Coast with Kids

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Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Surfers Paradise is a self-guided adventure where you explore relics and treasures from around the world. This museum has nearly 9,000sqm to explore, you will discover 350 genuine artefacts, amazing stories of history and adventure, you will be enchanted by magic, mystery and pure oddities.

Budget Tip: Book your tickets online and save $5 off admission. Adult admission is $22 and kids $12

Tree Top Challenge

Gold Coast with Kids

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This is for the adventure loving family. Tree Top Challenge is a High Rope Adventure Park that has 80 Tree Top Challenges. There are 11 zip lines, ranging from mild to thrills, where you zip line over crocodiles.

They have a bundle package for 2 adults and 2 children for $160.

Choosing mostly free activities allows you to splurge on special things such as the Tree Top Challenge. Another tip is to give each child a budget for souvenirs. Giving them the freedom to pick a gift to take home without constantly having them ask for stuff helps them be in control of their money and choose to spend it more wisely.

Accommodation Tip: When looking for accommodation, do your research! There are multiple hotels on the main strip, many of which have a variety of Summer Specials, be sure to check websites as some specials aren’t advertised within the hotels. Our recommendation is the Crown Plaza Surfer’s Paradise and their Family Getaway Special featuring accommodations for two adults and a child (add adjoining rooms for bigger families) and includes Full Buffet breakfast and admission to TimeZone Family Entertainment Centre.

Surfer’s Paradise is a prime destination for a family-friendly vacation. With stretches of beaches, beautiful weather and a plethora of kid-friendly activities it’s the perfect place or a summer getaway.

Have you taken the kids to the Gold Coast?

What is your favourite family friendly activity?


About Mae Demdam

Mae is a writer, blogger, and world traveller with a love for the ocean, animals, good wine and great food. I recently moved to Australia and have been exploring different parts, hoping to expand to see everything it has to offer.

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