12 Gold Coast School Holiday Activities for Kids
Who doesn't love school holidays? It means quality time to spend together as a family, the potential of taking a little getaway or simply making the most of a 'staycation' at home - especially if you're a Gold Coast local! The only downside can be trying to keep the kids entertained day in, day out, especially over the long summer school holidays.
While there's a wide range of fun activities you can do at home such as crafts, cooking, spring cleans, sleepovers and outdoor play, there's no shortage of benefits of getting out and about and experiencing the awesome Gold Coast sights that are often reserved for tourists.
If you're looking for Gold Coast school holiday activities, then you will love our list of fun family activities! The Gold Coast is pumping with an impressive collection of things to do for kids, sure to keep cries of "I'm bored" at bay.
And if you happen to be visiting the Gold Coast over the school holiday period from interstate or overseas, then this list is the perfect way to experience the best of the Gold Coast's attractions during your family holiday and enjoy some summer school holiday fun.
Quack’rDuck land and sea tour
When you're a kid, there's nothing more exciting than a bus that turns into a boat! Give the kids a quack-tastic time aboard the Quack'rDuck amphibious duck bus for a land and sea adventure they'll never forget.
The Quack'rDuck is a fun way for the family to see famous Gold Coast sights and learn about the Gold Coast's hidden treasures. Ahoy!
The Quack'rDuck sets off the street-side for a unique view of Surfers Paradise, before touring past the Gold Coast's beautiful beaches. Watch the excitement crank up a notch when the Quack'rDuck waddles over to the water's edge and takes a splash into the Broadwater.
The Quack'rDuck is hands down the best way to sightsee with kids on the coast and enjoy some school holiday fun. Grab the kids a duck hat and whistle, and ask for the kids' quiz!
Fossick for Thundereggs on Tamborine Mountain
Get your hands dirty fossicking for thundereggs that have been lying in wait since the time of dinosaurs.
Thunderbird Park on Mount Tamborine is home to the world's largest thunderegg mine, located in the Gold Coast Hinterland. Uncover thundereggs from prehistoric lava before cutting them open to see what beauty awaits inside.
Thunderbird Park offers an awesome selection of Gold Coast school holiday activities, all in a beautiful rainforest setting.
Make it a day trip and check out the canyon flyer zipline, the treetop rope challenge, laser skirmish and mini golf.
Library fun
When it's too hot outside, head indoors for some educational fun.
The Gold Coast's libraries have a full program of fun activities for kids during school holidays. Science-mad kids will love the street science stage show, the coding with robots workshop, and the circuit workshop.
Join joke club, astronomy club, or magic club and keep an ear out for Lego tales.
Learn about nature
The NaturallyGC program for kids aged six and up is a free to low-cost program giving kids the chance to explore and connect with nature.
Check out the Beach Butterflies activity, the Rocky Shore Guided Tour led by marine biologists, and the Currumbin Alley Discovery Tale.
Or grab your torch and head out after dark for the Creatures of the Dark nighttime adventure. These activities are great for budding explorers and those looking for outdoor activities.
Gold Coast Broadwater Parklands
Southport's waterfront Broadwater Parklands is a 3km winding, water wonderland for kids located on Marine Parade, opposite Australia Fair.
With shallow pools, fountains and waterfalls, plus a brand-new playground, the kids will have a ball. While you're there, check out the world-class Gold Coast Aquatic Centre with six pools on offer. The awesome Gold Coast Aqua Park is also located here, featuring a fun water-based inflatable water park and obstacle course that will entertain for hours.
After all that splashing around, the kids will be hungry! Enjoy a picnic lunch or BBQ on the waterfront, or get something from the local cafe or fish and chip shop.
The Gold Coast Broadwater Parklands make for a fun family day out.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Get up close and personal with native Australian animals at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.
Experience the thrill of the wild lorikeet feeding, cuddling a koala, and roaming with kangaroos in the walk-through enclosure.
The free flight bird show, sheep shearing, croc show and Aboriginal dancing experiences are a must!
It's a great day out for the whole family.
Indoor Play Centres
Need an indoor activity to escape the weather? Let the kids burn off some energy at one of many amazing indoor play centres around the Gold Coast. From trampoline centres to indoor rock climbing, high ropes, laser tag and soft play centres (for the younger ones), this is a great way to get the kids to let off some steam while you sit back and enjoy a coffee or snack.
Did we mention many of these centres have an indoor cafe as well? When it comes to rainy day activities, one of these indoor centres will be your best friend.
Burleigh Heads National Park
Take a family-friendly 1.2 km ocean-view walk through Burleigh's national park from Tallebudgera Creek to Burleigh Heads.
Keep an eye out for scrub turkeys, birds and lizards on this 30-minute walk. Once you're done, sit atop Burleigh Mountain among the pandanus trees to enjoy the ocean breeze, natural beauty and spectacular view.
Watch the surfers at Burleigh Beach, search for whales, or play in the playground at the bottom of the mountain.
Currumbin Rock Pools
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and head to the Currumbin rock pools for a dip in the crystal-clear water.
The kids will love climbing, exploring and jumping off the rocks at this popular swimming hole.
Enjoy a picnic lunch in the lush green surroundings after the kids have worked up an appetite.
Stand-up paddle boarding
Stand-up paddle boarding isn't just for grown-ups. Let the kids test out their balance with this fun water activity.
The calm waters of Currumbin Beach and Tallebudgera Creek are the best spots for kids to learn. Make a day of it and bring a picnic basket, some beach games and enjoy a day at the beach.
Visit Surfers Paradise
Cavill Mall comes alive during the summer school holidays as this is when many visitors flock to the Gold Coast to enjoy a family holiday and soak up some sun.
While the summer holidays are perhaps the busiest, Surfers Paradise is a family favourite year-round thanks to the temperate weather and incredible range of fun activities and cheap school holiday activities. Often you'll find a range of school holiday programs and entertainment for kids, and if not don't worry - Surfers Paradise has so much to see and do, you'll most likely make a return trip!
Spend a few hours at Timezone, go ten-pin bowling, visit Ripley's Believe it or Not or Infinity, browse through the Surfers Paradise beachfront markets, visit the world-famous Surfers Paradise beach or get a bite to eat.
You might see roving street performers and buskers, play a round of putt-putt at King Tutt's, hire a scooter or simply meander through the buzzing streets and enjoy some gelato!
Go Shopping
Head to one of the larger shopping centres and the kids will be well-entertained - especially if you're after more rainy-day activities. Get some shopping done at Robina Town Centre while the kids enjoy a few hours at Timezone, have a game or two of ten-pin bowling, visit the cinema or visit the incredible ArtVo art installation.
Pacific Fair also has a large cinema to help you escape the heat, plus EMF JNR - a kid's play centre that usually offers a kid's school holiday program. Westfield Coomera and Helensvale also put on a range of kid's activities during the school holidays.
Book the Duck Bus Tour
There are loads of Gold Coast school holiday activities guaranteed to wow the kids. Also, have a read of the 5 best water activities on the Gold Coast.
We recommend booking a Quack’rDuck tour first, then enjoying all the amazing tourist attractions the Gold Coast has to offer
