15 Things To Do With Kids on the Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is one of Australia's top family destinations, and for good reason. Beyond the obvious theme parks, there's a surprising depth of activities for kids of all ages - from wildlife encounters and rainforest walks to water parks, markets, and hidden rock pools. Whether you're a local family looking for weekend ideas or visiting on holiday, this guide covers the best of what the Gold Coast has to offer.

Theme Parks

1. Dreamworld - Coomera

Australia's biggest theme park delivers on scale. Dreamworld combines thrill rides for older kids and teens with DreamWorks Experience and Wiggles World for the little ones. The Tiger Island wildlife exhibit lets kids get close to native and exotic animals. It's a full-day outing with enough variety to keep all ages entertained from opening to close.

Best for: Ages 2-16. Younger kids love Wiggles World and the ABC Kids area, while teens chase the big coasters like Steel Taipan. Facilities: Multiple food outlets, baby change rooms, pram hire, locker storage, first aid, shaded rest areas throughout the park. Tip: Buy tickets online in advance for significant savings. Arrive at opening time and head to the back of the park first - most families start at the front, so you'll have shorter queues.

2. Sea World - Main Beach

Sea World combines marine animal encounters with rides and shows in a waterfront setting. Kids can watch dolphin and seal presentations, walk through the shark tunnel, and meet penguins in the Penguin Encounter zone. The rides range from gentle carousels for toddlers to the Vortex and Jet Rescue coasters for thrill-seekers.

Best for: Ages 1-14. Toddlers love Nickelodeon Land, while primary-school kids are fascinated by the marine life presentations. Facilities: Restaurants and kiosks throughout, baby care centre, pram hire, accessible pathways, gift shops. Tip: The dolphin presentation is the highlight - get there 20 minutes early for the best seats. Splash zone seating at the front is fun for kids on hot days.

3. WhiteWater World - Coomera

Adjacent to Dreamworld, WhiteWater World is a dedicated water park with wave pools, lazy rivers, water slides, and the Pipeline Plunge slides that are genuinely thrilling. The Wiggle Bay section for younger children has shallow pools, gentle slides, and water play features designed for toddlers and preschoolers. On a hot Gold Coast day, there's nowhere better.

Best for: Ages 2-16. Wiggle Bay is perfect for under-5s while older kids and teens tackle the high-speed slides. Facilities: Change rooms with showers, locker hire, food outlets, sunscreen stations, shaded areas, first aid. Tip: Bring your own towels and reef-safe sunscreen. The combo ticket with Dreamworld offers much better value if you're spending two days on the coast.

Wildlife and Nature

4. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary - Currumbin

A Gold Coast institution since 1947, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is home to koalas, kangaroos, crocodiles, and a huge variety of native birds. The daily lorikeet feeding is iconic - hundreds of rainbow lorikeets descend on visitors holding nectar plates. Kids can hand-feed kangaroos in the open paddock and cuddle a koala for a photo (Queensland is one of the few states that still allows it).

Best for: Ages 1-12. Toddlers love the kangaroo feeding, while older kids enjoy the birds of prey show and the tree-top challenge ropes course. Facilities: Cafe, picnic areas, gift shop, pram-accessible paths, baby change rooms, free parking. Tip: Arrive before 10am to see the animals at their most active. The lorikeet feeding happens at 8am and 4pm - the morning session is less crowded.

5. David Fleay Wildlife Park - Burleigh Heads

A quieter, more educational alternative to Currumbin, David Fleay is run by the Queensland Government and focuses on native wildlife conservation. Walking trails wind through bushland habitats where you can spot platypus (one of the few places on the Gold Coast to see them), cassowaries, quolls, and glider possums. It's a peaceful, low-key experience that feels more like a bushwalk than a commercial attraction.

Best for: Ages 3-12. Older kids who are interested in Australian animals and conservation will get the most out of it. Facilities: Picnic area, toilets, educational signage, wheelchair-accessible boardwalks on main trails. Tip: Visit in the cooler morning hours for the best chance of spotting the platypus. It's small enough to cover in 2 hours, so pair it with a beach visit at nearby Burleigh.

6. Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk - Mount Tamborine

Escape the coast and head to the hinterland for a walk through the rainforest canopy. The Skywalk features a 1.5km path including steel bridges suspended up to 30 metres above the forest floor. Kids are fascinated by the perspective - looking down into the canopy and spotting birds, lizards, and insects from above. The rainforest air is noticeably cooler, making it a welcome break from coastal humidity.

Best for: Ages 4-14. Kids need to be comfortable walking for about 45 minutes. Not suitable for prams on the elevated sections. Facilities: Cafe at the entrance, gift shop, toilets, paved paths at ground level, eco-education centre. Tip: Combine with a visit to Gallery Walk in Tamborine Village for lunch and the famous fudge and cheese shops. Allow half a day for the full hinterland experience.

Beaches and Water

7. Tallebudgera Creek - Tallebudgera

This is the Gold Coast's best-kept secret for families with young children. Where Tallebudgera Creek meets the ocean, there's a wide, shallow, calm-water lagoon that's perfect for toddlers and non-swimmers. The water is flat and clear, the sand is soft, and there's good shade from the surrounding Norfolk pines. It's everything a family beach should be, without the surf.

Best for: Ages 0-10. The calm, shallow water makes it safe for babies through to primary-school kids learning to swim. Facilities: Free parking (arrive early on weekends), toilets, BBQ areas, picnic tables, lifeguard patrol in season. Tip: Get there before 9am on weekends to secure parking and a good spot under the trees. Bring a shade tent for extra sun protection.

8. Burleigh Heads Beach and Headland - Burleigh Heads

One of the Gold Coast's most beautiful beaches, Burleigh has a protected northern end that's calmer for kids, while the headland walk offers a short bushwalk with ocean views. The walk around the headland takes about 30 minutes and passes through rainforest where you'll see brush turkeys, water dragons, and possibly echidnas. The beachfront precinct has excellent cafes and gelato shops.

Best for: Ages 2-14. Younger kids enjoy the calmer northern end of the beach, while older kids love the rock pools at the base of the headland. Facilities: Patrolled beach, playgrounds, picnic areas, cafes and restaurants, public toilets, outdoor showers. Tip: Walk the headland track first thing in the morning when it's cool, then hit the beach for a swim. Grab fish and chips from one of the Burleigh esplanade takeaways for a classic Gold Coast lunch.

Indoor Activities

9. Infinity Attraction - Surfers Paradise

A unique sensory experience that's part maze, part art installation. Infinity features 20 themed rooms with mirrors, lighting effects, sound, and special effects that create mind-bending illusions. Kids are genuinely amazed by the infinity mirror rooms and the darkness maze. It's different from anything else on the Gold Coast and makes for a memorable hour.

Best for: Ages 5-16. Younger children may find the dark sections unsettling, but most kids aged 5 and up love the challenge and the visual effects. Facilities: Air conditioned, accessible entrance, gift shop, centrally located in Surfers Paradise with plenty of nearby food options. Tip: Visit on a rainy afternoon when the beaches aren't an option. Allow about 60-90 minutes. It's compact but kids often want to go through twice.

10. iPlay - Pacific Fair, Broadbeach

Located inside Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, iPlay is an arcade and entertainment centre with bowling, laser tag, dodgem cars, rock climbing walls, and hundreds of arcade games. It's a reliable wet-weather option that appeals to a wide age range. The laser tag arena is multi-level and genuinely fun for older kids and teens.

Best for: Ages 4-16. Younger kids enjoy the simpler arcade games and mini bowling, while teens gravitate towards laser tag and VR experiences. Facilities: Located within Pacific Fair so full access to food court, bathrooms, and shopping. Air conditioned, accessible. Tip: Load a game card rather than using coins - you get bonus credits and it's easier to manage a budget. Set a spending limit before you walk in.

11. TopGolf - Oxenford

Not just for adults, TopGolf has become a popular family activity. The driving range bays use trackable golf balls and digital scoring that turns hitting balls into a game - think ten-pin bowling meets golf. Younger kids can use lighter clubs and the game modes adjust for skill level. The venue also has a mini golf course that's great for under-10s.

Best for: Ages 5-16. Kids as young as 5 can play with the right club size. The mini golf is suitable from age 3. Facilities: Full restaurant and bar, climate-controlled hitting bays, mini golf course, event spaces, parking. Tip: Book a bay in advance, especially on weekends. The family-friendly hours are typically mornings and early afternoons before the after-work crowd arrives.

Parks and Outdoors

12. Broadwater Parklands - Southport

A massive foreshore park with playgrounds, water play areas, a swimming enclosure, BBQ facilities, and wide open green spaces. The playground has a pirate ship, flying fox, climbing nets, and swings - it's one of the best free playgrounds on the Gold Coast. The Broadwater itself offers calm water for paddleboarding, kayaking, and swimming in the netted enclosure.

Best for: Ages 0-12. Something for every age group, from the fenced toddler playground to the water sports for older kids. Facilities: Free parking, BBQ areas, toilets, playground, swimming enclosure, water play splash pad, cafe nearby. Tip: Pack a picnic and make a half-day of it. The splash pad and swimming enclosure mean you don't need to worry about surf conditions. Bring bikes or scooters for the paved paths.

13. Putt Putt Mermaid Beach - Mermaid Beach

A Gold Coast family tradition, Putt Putt Mermaid Beach has three themed 18-hole courses set among tropical gardens, waterfalls, and fun obstacles. The courses range from easier (Waterways) to challenging (Fun Run), so you can pick based on your children's ages and patience levels. It's relaxed, affordable, and takes about an hour per course.

Best for: Ages 3-14. Even very young children can have a go on the easier holes, and the tropical garden setting keeps everyone in good spirits. Facilities: Kiosk with snacks and drinks, toilets, shaded sections on each course, well-lit for evening play. Tip: Play in the late afternoon when the heat drops. The courses are lit at night and evening mini golf has a great atmosphere - a fun family activity after dinner.

14. Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre - Burleigh Heads

A meaningful cultural experience at the base of Burleigh Headland. Jellurgal offers guided walks led by Aboriginal guides who share Dreamtime stories, bush tucker knowledge, and the history of the Yugambeh people. Kids learn about traditional tools, plant uses, and the spiritual significance of the headland. It's an enriching experience that you won't find at the theme parks.

Best for: Ages 5-14. Children old enough to listen to stories and ask questions get the most from the guided walks. Facilities: Small visitor centre, gift shop with Indigenous art, guided walk departures from the centre, toilets. Tip: Book the guided walk in advance as group sizes are limited. Wear walking shoes and bring water. It pairs perfectly with a Burleigh Headland walk and beach visit.

15. Currumbin Rock Pools - Currumbin Valley

A short drive inland from the coast, the Currumbin Rock Pools are natural swimming holes in Currumbin Creek surrounded by boulders and rainforest. Kids can swim in the clear freshwater pools, jump off low rocks (supervised), and spot turtles and fish. It's a completely different experience from the beach - peaceful, shaded, and free.

Best for: Ages 3-14. Younger children should stick to the shallower pools. Older kids enjoy the deeper sections and rock jumping. Facilities: Free roadside parking (limited), no formal facilities - bring everything you need including water and snacks. Tip: Arrive early on weekends as parking is extremely limited. Wear water shoes for the rocky creek bed. Avoid after heavy rain when the water level rises and currents become unsafe.

Tips for Gold Coast Family Visits

• Sunscreen is non-negotiable - the Queensland sun is fierce, even on overcast days. Reapply every two hours and use SPF 50+.
• Theme park combo passes save serious money if you're visiting multiple parks - compare the Village Roadshow and Dreamworld multi-park options.
• Explore the hinterland - the beaches are amazing but the Gold Coast hinterland (Tamborine, Springbrook, Lamington) offers waterfalls, rainforest walks, and cooler temperatures.
• Avoid school holidays if possible - theme park queues triple during Queensland school breaks. If you must visit, go mid-week.
• Rent a car - the Gold Coast is spread out and public transport between attractions is slow. A car gives you flexibility to hit beaches, hinterland, and parks in one day.
• Pack for all conditions - afternoon storms are common in summer. Bring a light rain jacket and a backup indoor activity plan.

Explore more family-friendly activities in our full Gold Coast things to do guide for updated listings and reviews.