School Holiday Activities Gold Coast
Explore the Gold Coast during these school holidays with our HUGE list of fun things to do in Gold Coast for kids!
Of course, we are blessed to be right on the entertainment capital of Australia with numerous theme parks and beaches to explore. There is definitely no shortage of things to do here!
We have compiled a list of school holiday activities on the Gold Coast along with cheap school holiday activities, free school holiday activities and seasonal holiday activities for when you’re looking for things to do on the Gold Coast during the Easter and Christmas school holidays.
Weather taken a turn? Then you’ll enjoy our list of Gold Coast rainy day activities for kids!
Whatever the budget or the weather, there’s an activity in the Gold Coast for the entire family!
Code Camp activities
Beat the school holiday boredom by enrolling your child into Australia’s top-rated holiday camp, Code Camp! Here, kids aged 5-13 can learn how to code and exercise their creativity in our STEM-based programs. Our online camps and in-person camps are full of fun, ranging from Roblox Legends where kids work in groups to create "choose your own adventure" games, to our DJ Camp for those budding DJs who want to master the basic of mixing and producing their own music!
School Holiday Activities
The city of Gold Coast is bustling with holiday activities for kids! There’s no need to stress about how to keep your kids entertained these school holidays. Simply bookmark and share this list with all your friends because it’s the ONLY one you will need!
We have searched high and low for the BEST school holiday activities and things to do in Gold Coast for kids and teens. We’ve listed what to do, where to go and what’s on for kids in the Gold Coast including completely FREE activities.
Ready to find out what’s on in your area these school holidays? Keep on scrolling!
Your guide to school holiday activities in Gold Coast
- 10 Fun free school holiday activities Gold Coast
- 7 Cheap school holiday activities Gold Coast
- Gold Coast rainy day activities for kids
- Easter holiday activities in Gold Coast
- Christmas holiday activities in Gold Coast
- Other fun things to do in Gold Coast with kids
- Australia’s favourite school holiday program - Code Camp!
10 free school holiday activities Gold Coast
Finding free school holiday activities can be a challenge. Luckily, there is no shortage of fun, FREE things to do in Gold Coast with kids:
1. Currumbin rock pools
One of Gold Coast’s best kept secrets is the Currumbin Rock Pools. This hideaway oasis in the Gold Coast Hinterland is a natural swimming hole where families can go to escape the heat, take a dip or relax on a shady spot along the banks taking in the natural sights and wildlife.
2. Picnic at Tamborine Mountain
Mount Tamborine is well-know for it’s natural beauty like the Curtis Falls rainforest track and The Knoll. Wherever you are on the mountain, you will find a picturesque spot to pull over and have a picnic and a play. Other attractions at Mt Tamborine include the Glow Worm Caves, the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk and Thunderbird Park; where kids can go fossicking for Thundereggs!
3. Beach day
It’s no secret that the Gold Coast is home to some of the best beaches in Australia! For a kid-friendly beach day, head to Tallebudgera Creek or Currumbin Creek. These inlets are well sheltered and are safe to swim in as there is no surf/big waves. There are also ample picnic tables, BBQs and amenities and kids can also hire a paddle board!
4. Bundall Farmer’s Market
Featuring over 80 market stalls, Bundall Farmer’s Market at HOTA is packed with fresh produce and homemade goods as well as free kid-friendly activities and entertainment. While there, explore the nearby sculpture walk and adventure trail - a key location for an iconic family snap!
5. Palm Beach Pirate Playground
Easily one of the best playgrounds on the Gold Coast, Palm Beach’s Pirate Park is sure to please the kids these school holidays! The main attraction is the giant pirate ship complete with slides, flags, climbing nets, lookouts, hide-and-seek barrels and swings. There are also bridges and planks and a giant rock cave with hidden tunnels!
6. Art Roll
Roll through the displays of street art as you ride, scooter or skate on this free self-guided art trail! Admire local artists’ work spread across the City -- tour the closest suburb in an hour or two, or check out the whole coast over a few days. Find out more here!
7. HOTA - Home of the Arts
HOTA gallery is free to visit, making it a great spot to take the kids and look at the abundance of artwork, sculptures and exhibitions indoors and out. There is a free children’s gallery with changing exhibitions; most recently ‘Dumpling Dreams’ and ‘World Upside Down’ both of which encourage kids to interact with the displays and to stretch their imaginations.
8. Broadwater Parklands
The Southport Broadwater Parklands is a large community park located in Southport. The park has many different areas for children and barbecue areas for families. Some main attractions include a spiral tower with over 4 levels of interactive play equipment as well as a carousel, trampolines, diggers and an elevated sand table designed as a 'fish and chip shop' that can accommodate wheelchairs.
9. O’Reilly’s Tree Top Walk & Wishing Tree Walk
O'Reilly's Tree Top Walk allows you to walk through a canopy of flowering and fruiting trees covered by vines 15-16 metres above the rainforest floor! Suitable for all ages, this world’s first suspension bridge provides the opportunity to observe life in the rainforest canopy at close range.
10. Canungra Tramway Trail
Lahey's Canungra Tramway Tunnel is a heritage-listed tunnel on Lahey's Tramway at Canungra. This short rail trail runs through a 90 m-long rail tunnel that you can walk or cycle through. It was part of a large-scale, privately constructed and operated tramway that was started with a survey in 1900. Trust us, the kids will find it fascinating!
7 Cheap school holiday activities Gold Coast
If you have a little cash to spare these holidays, then you’re in luck because there are loads of cheap activities to do in Gold Coast that won’t break the budget!
1. Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre
Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre is the Gold Coast's only dedicated Aboriginal cultural centre. They run guided walks including the Jellurgal Little Explorers walk during school holidays where children can explore the magic of the “Dreaming Mountain”, Jellurgal (Burleigh Headland), with an art workshop included.
2. Artvo Gold Coast
ArtVo Gold Coast is an interactive 'trick-art' gallery situated within Robina Town Centre shopping centre. It is fun for all ages and with all-day entry and a variety of different zones where kids can get photos of themselves fighting a dragon, coming face to face with King Kong, and taking a magic carpet ride!
3. Ripleys Believe it or not!
Ripleys Believe It Or Not Surfers Paradise is an iconic Gold Coast attraction for all ages. The museum houses over 350 unbelievable artifacts and dozens of interactive displays including a 7D moving theatre, the world’s tallest man, meteorites, a laser obstacle course, art gallery and the all-new Funzone!
4. Surf World
SurfWorld in Currumbin is Australia’s largest collection of surfboards and surfing memorabilia. So, if you have kids who love surfing, this is a must-see!
5. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is the ultimate holiday adventure for the entire family. The Gold Coast's most popular tourist destination, the sanctuary is home to all of Australia’s favourite animals including koalas, kangaroos, dingoes and the crowd favourite - lorikeet feeding! (which is free!)
6. Infinity Attraction
Laugh and scream in an extraordinary series of around 20 multi-sensual environments filled with unique special effects, atmospheric sound fields, ultra groovy music and amazing, spectacular illusions that appear to go all the way to infinity. It's fun for all ages over eight.
7. Skypoint Observation Deck
Get the ultimate view of the Gold Coast from up high on he Skypoint Observation Deck! The deck is 230m above sea level, located atop the iconic Q1 building in Surfers Paradise. Family day tickets are available, and you can even grab a bite to eat at the bistro & bar.
Gold Coast rainy day activities for kids
While Queensland may be known as the sunshine state, sometimes rain can damper school holiday plans. If that’s the case, try these fun rainy day activities in Gold Coast:
1. Holoverse Dinosaur World
Holoverse Dinosaur World in Surfers Paradise gives kids the chance to become immersed in holograms that they can interact with and walkthrough. Pick holographic grass to feed a Brontosaurus, fly through the air with Pterodactyls and watch baby dinosaurs hatch! Experience 10 different scenes in a hologram room for the dino lover in your family.
2. Bounce Inc Trampoline Park
BOUNCE Inc Trampoline Park Gold Coast is a massive indoor play zone full of wall-to-wall trampolines. Located in Burleigh Heads, there are various bounce zones to suit all ages and abilities and it’s a great place to take the kids to burn some energy over the holidays! Parents can even sit back and watch all the fun from the mezzanine level cafe.
3. Holey Moley mini golf
Tee up 18 unique and crazy holes on the Holey Moley mini golf course located in Surfer’s Paradise. The course is laid across a range of indoor multi-sensory rooms. There’s also a Strike bowling room, karaoke bar and a gourmet food cafe to satisfy hungry tummies.
4. Game Over
Game Over has three adventure activities under one roof including an indoor go-kart track, artificial rock climbing wall and a high-tech laser tag arena! You can also test your golfing skills in the 9 hole Mini Golf Course. The centre also includes a selection of arcade machines including racing games, shooting games, the latest in sports simulators and the innovative new lazer maze game.
5. Escape Hunt
The Escape Hunt Experience Gold Coast is the first live escape game on the Gold Coast where you gather clues and solve puzzles in order to solve the mystery and escape the room. It is exciting, challenging, educational and fun for all ages and ability levels. You can even play from home!
Gold Coast rainy day activities for kids
While Queensland may be known as the sunshine state, sometimes rain can damper school holiday plans. If that’s the case, try these fun rainy day activities in Gold Coast:
1. Holoverse Dinosaur World
Holoverse Dinosaur World in Surfers Paradise gives kids the chance to become immersed in holograms that they can interact with and walkthrough. Pick holographic grass to feed a Brontosaurus, fly through the air with Pterodactyls and watch baby dinosaurs hatch! Experience 10 different scenes in a hologram room for the dino lover in your family.
2. Bounce Inc Trampoline Park
BOUNCE Inc Trampoline Park Gold Coast is a massive indoor play zone full of wall-to-wall trampolines. Located in Burleigh Heads, there are various bounce zones to suit all ages and abilities and it’s a great place to take the kids to burn some energy over the holidays! Parents can even sit back and watch all the fun from the mezzanine level cafe.
3. Holey Moley mini golf
Tee up 18 unique and crazy holes on the Holey Moley mini golf course located in Surfer’s Paradise. The course is laid across a range of indoor multi-sensory rooms. There’s also a Strike bowling room, karaoke bar and a gourmet food cafe to satisfy hungry tummies.
4. Game Over
Game Over has three adventure activities under one roof including an indoor go-kart track, artificial rock climbing wall and a high-tech laser tag arena! You can also test your golfing skills in the 9 hole Mini Golf Course. The centre also includes a selection of arcade machines including racing games, shooting games, the latest in sports simulators and the innovative new lazer maze game.
5. Escape Hunt
The Escape Hunt Experience Gold Coast is the first live escape game on the Gold Coast where you gather clues and solve puzzles in order to solve the mystery and escape the room. It is exciting, challenging, educational and fun for all ages and ability levels. You can even play from home!
Easter holiday activities in Gold Coast
Easter on the Gold Coast offers up plenty of activities for kids. Here are our favourites:
Meet the Easter Bunny at Pacific Fair
The Gold Coast's unmissable shopping & dining destination of Pacific Fair regularly hosts Easter-themed activities for kids of all ages! This past year, kids were treated to a visit from Easter Bunny itself and got to participate in an easter egg hunt! Check out your local shopping centre for easter-related activities that you can bring your kids to.
2. Easter egg hunt
There are easter egg hunts scattered all over the Gold Coast during Easter! Harbour Town’s Aussie Easter Egg Hunt is always a hit, with kids invited to find eggs and claim instant win prizes! The Hop On Hop Off Easter Egg Hunt courtesy of Hopo Gold Coast Ferries is also a great Easter family day out where kids can enjoy free easter eggs, workshops and a self-guided easter egg hunt.
3. Easter on the Esplanade
The bunnies will be coming out of their burrows for the Easter on the Esplanade event, at the Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets. Enjoy Easter-themed decorations, local handmade gifts, Easter treats and activities for kids including live music.
4. Easter in Surfer’s Paradise
Over the Easter Long Weekend Surfers Paradise comes alive with Easter themed events and activities that are perfect for all ages. See the Easter Bunny make his rounds, and maybe even score a chocolate egg!
Christmas holiday activities in Gold Coast
What better way to celebrate Christmas school holidays than on the Gold Coast?! This time of year the GC comes alive with Christmas spirit with a range of activities for kids of all ages.
Christmas in Surfer’s Paradise
It’s time to get into the festive spirit and treat yourself, by heading down to the beachside to enjoy Christmas in Surfer’s Paradise! From the Christmas Twilight Market to seeing the Christmas lights at Cavill Mall as they turn the city into a magical wonderland! There will also be carol singing on the beach at one of the biggest Christmas events on the Gold Coast, Carols on the Beach followerd by a spectacular fireworks display and a number of live entertainment.
2. Christmas in the Park
A magical family Christmas event, Christmas in The Park at The Park Coomera will include family favourite festivities including carols, performances, live music, a ballon show, Christmas raffle and a visit from Santa and Rudolf!
3. Alicia Street Christmas Fair
Come down to Alicia Street, South Port for a traditional family Christmas fair! This free family festivity will feature live music, market stalls, inflatable fun, local restaurant specials, games & activities, food stalls PLUS a visit from Santa Claus.
4. Movie World White Christmas
Celebrate the wonder and excitement of White Christmas at Warner Bros. Movie World! There are a whopping 27 attractions including a Christmas parade, gingerbread decorating, an ice skating rink, a Christmas buffet, Santa’s Village, adventure activities AND the chance to meet and get a photo with Santa Claus!
Other fun things to do in Gold Coast with kids
The Gold Coast is jam-packed with fun things to do! Here are even MORE activities for kids to do on the Gold Coast over the holidays:
1. Mount View Alpaca Farm
Not only can you get up close with Alpacas, but you can also feed them, take a selfie with them and enjoy a picnic basket from the vineyard surrounded by your new fluffy friends! Don’t forget, from October to March each year they have their summer haircuts! So check out their new looks at the farm in these months!
2. Hydrofoil lessons
Gold Coast Hydrofoil Tours offer a 2 hour lesson/guided tour on the beautiful canals of the Gold Coast on top of electric powered boards equipped with a mast and wing.
3. GC Aqua Park
Ninja warrior, but on the water! The kids will be having the time of their lives on this floating inflatable obstacle course located in Broadwater Parklands. Race your friends across 600 metres of awesome aqua park obstacles, some of the highest and largest in Australia!
4. Theme parks
What would school holidays on the Gold Coast be without a trip to one of the many theme parks?! Movie World, Dreamworld, Sea World, Wet ‘n’ Wild, and WhiteWater World offers kids and families endless fun, thrills and laughter. You will also often find holiday specials including discounts and pop-up attractions over the school holidays.
5. Australian Outback Spectacular
The Australian Outback Spectacular is an Australiana dinner and show package featuring many Australian animals, songs and bush tucker against a backdrop of interactive displays and light shows. The show is located between Warner Bros. Movie World and Wet'n'Wild Water World.
6. Aquaduck
Aquaduck Gold Coast is the Orginal Duck Bus, 1hr Gold Coast City Tour Departing From Surfers Paradise Driving Straight into the Water! Enjoy Aquaducks entertaining commentary, & watch while your kids get to drive!
7. Tropical Fruit World
The Gold Coast's Tropical Fruit World is a highly popular attraction featuring hundreds of varieties of unique fruit species that you can learn about and taste! Book a farm tour and finish the day enjoying the delicious seasonal menu at the cafe before picking up some keepsakes from the gift shop.
8. Build-a-Bear workshop
Build-A-Bear Workshop is a beary special place where new friendships are brought to life! Here, kids can find their new special friend or custom-build their own bear. There’s also weekly workshops, fun activities and craft projects as well as a Bear hospital where you can take your teddy bear to be repaired!
Australia’s favourite school holiday program - Code Camp!
Why are kids around Australia saying that Code Camp is “the BEST school holidays EVER!”? – because it’s a place where they can learn, be creative, socialise with other like-minded kids and above all HAVE FUN! With over 90 locations around Australia, find your nearest Code Camp here. Hurry - Code Camp spots fill up fast! Sign up now and book your spot.
Find your closest Code Camp here and be sure to sign your kids up as our Holiday programs are always super popular!
Find a camp near you
All of our in-person locations have:
- At least one fully-trained primary school teacher with first aid certification
- COVID-Safe plan