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Top Things To Do in Gold Coast With Kids

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Top Things To Do in Gold Coast With Kids

It's no secret that the Gold Coast is a family holiday paradise. There's sun, there's sand, there's incredible shopping and dining, and there are seemingly endless entertainment options to keep the kids (both little and big) ecstatic the whole time.

Even better, Broadbeach and its surrounds seamlessly cater to grown-ups and children simultaneously. Let them play in the shallows while you bask on the sand, indulge in a day at Pacific Fair, or set them up with cosy room service in the hotel while you enjoy a night out at The Star.

If you’re looking for all the best things to do in Gold Coast with kids, here’s a guide to the best spots for making unforgettable family memories.

Why the Gold Coast is Perfect for Families

We know the Gold Coast is a treasure trove of iconic beaches, but it's also home to exciting immersive experiences and family-friendly attractions, all wrapped up in one fun-packed destination.

Beach Days & Sunshine

With over 300 days of sunshine each year, the Gold Coast is perfect for outdoor adventures. We can't predict the weather, but it's a pretty safe bet that if you visit between May and December, you'll be in the clear.

The Gold Coast's wettest month is typically February, with showers and some overcast weather expected from December to April. But keep in mind that this is summer in Australia, meaning there's also plenty of hot, bright sunshine to go around during this busy period.

Kids will love the calm waters of Kurrawa Beach, just a 5-minute walk from Dorsett Gold Coast, where they can play safely while parents enjoy a moment of peace by the water. Other beautiful beaches along our stretch include:

Easy To Get Around

Speaking of distances to popular beaches, transport is a key perk of visiting the Gold Coast with kids. The city’s accessible public transport options, including the Gold Coast light rail (G:link) and beachside buses, make navigation easy.

Broadbeach South Station is almost right next to our hotel, under a 10-minute walk away. From here, the G:link takes you to major kids' activities Gold Coast-wide, including Surfers Paradise, Main Beach and the Broadwater Parklands. The buses from this stop also travel to must-do family experiences like Sea World, Burleigh, and the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

Due to its tourist attractions and local day trip appeal, the Gold Coast is also a major hotspot for ride shares. Whatever app you use, it'll be easy to snag a ride during the day and night.

Related: How to Get to Broadbeach From Gold Coast Airport

Must-Do Gold Coast Attractions with Kids

Three young girls and a ranger feed a kangaroo at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

The Gold Coast is home to some of the best family-friendly attractions in Australia. Whether you’re looking for thrills, wildlife encounters, or interactive fun, these must-see spots are perfect for kids:

Theme Parks Galore

No family trip to the Gold Coast is complete without a visit to the theme parks, famously known as the best things to do in Gold Coast with kids (and adults). 

Dreamworld, Warner Bros. Movie World and Sea World offer an exciting mix of thrill rides, live shows and animal encounters that will keep the whole family entertained. Plus, they’re all under 30 minutes’ drive away from Dorsett Gold Coast.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

For a day out in nature, the gorgeous Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a must. Kids can get up close with Australia’s unique wildlife, from koalas and kangaroos to crocodiles and birds. 

New to the park is Astra Lumina, a dazzling lightscape that enchants Currumbin after dark from Wednesday to Saturday. This cosmic light and sound immersion connects you with nature on an enchanting walk through the bushland. It’s one of the best Gold Coast attractions for kids, and well worth the $25 tickets.

With animal shows, wildlife encounters, and a treetop adventure park, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a spectacular experience for the whole family.

GC Aqua Park

If your little ones are Ninja Warrior fans (or if they’re just in love with jumping, bouncing and climbing) the GC Aqua Park has to be on your itinerary.  

Located at the nearby Broadwater Parklands, this sprawling inflatable water park has slides, ramps and obstacle courses that float on a kind of mini-theme park island close to shore.

It’s widely thought of as one of the best summertime kids’ activities Gold Coast has—and adults are of course welcome to join in the fun.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not!

For something a little different, check out Ripley’s Believe It or Not! in Surfers Paradise. This interactive museum is full of strange and quirky exhibits, from optical illusions to oddities from around the world.

  • Feel Far Out: Touch a meteorite from Mars, meet an R2-D2™ replica made with screen-used parts, and try on gloves to experience working in space like astronauts.

  • Admire Odd Art: Explore one-of-a-kind pop art, like portraits of royalty made from toys and life-sized gorillas built from tire rubber—totally peculiar and fascinating.

  • Lose Yourself in the Funplex: Shatter your senses in the Vortex Tunnel with its illusions and light show, or get hands-on with interactive displays in the Funplex for endless fun.

Ripley’s is a must-see for kids in love with the strange, the curious, and the downright fun, making it an unforgettable stop on your Gold Coast adventure.

Timezone Surfers Paradise

In the same vein as Ripley’s, Timezone in Surfers Paradise is the place to be on rainy GC days or just for some good old-fashioned arcade fun (meaning parents will likely get just as competitive as kids!).

Located in Cavill Mall on the iconic Caville Avenue strip, the Surfers Timezone venue is one of the largest and most exhilarating in this iconic crowd-favourite chain. Let the little ones run wild with arcade games, laser tag, mini bowling, bumper cars and more.

If you visit, we recommend the kids try ColourGrid, a high-speed and super colourful game of speed that tests reflexes as they try to hit the right tiles and keep up with the game’s quick changes. They’ll recognise pop-culture mini games like ‘Red Light, Green Light’ and ‘Escape the Lava’.

Outdoor Family Adventures

A family enjoys the view from the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk

Credit: Skywalk Tamborine

If you’re searching for outdoor things to do in Gold Coast with kids, you won’t have much trouble—the only challenge will be deciding what you can fit into your trip, and what has to wait till next time.

From famous beaches and hinterland hikes to quaint swimming holes and lush rainforest walks, these outdoor activities are perfect for making memories together:

Beach Days at Kurrawa & Tallebudgera Creek

No family trip to the Gold Coast is complete without a day at the beach. Kurrawa Beach, just a short stroll from Dorsett Gold Coast, is perfect for families with its calm waters and great facilities. 

The beach sits next to Kurrawa Park, complete with playgrounds, picnic spots and a peaceful boardwalk. You can also grab a bite to eat at Kurrawa Surf Club, one of the best casual and kid friendly restaurants Gold Coast has to offer.

For a more relaxed beach experience, head to Tallebudgera Creek, where you can paddle in clear waters or enjoy a peaceful picnic on the sand. Drive there in 25-30 minutes, or catch the 700 bus from Broadbeach South Station and arrive in half an hour.

Burleigh Headland Walk & National Park

For a family-friendly hike with stunning views, the Burleigh Headland walk is a must. It’s an easy-to-moderate walk that takes you through beautiful bushland, with views of the coastline that will take your breath away.

There are a few trails and loops we recommend once you’re in the area:

  • Oceanview Walk: This takes you around the rocky headland from Tallebudgera Creek, where you’ll be treated to incredible views of the coastline and the remarkable sight of six-sided basalt columns formed by ancient volcanic activity.

  • Rainforest Circuit: Wander through the park’s living museum of plants along the Rainforest Circuit, surrounded by eucalypt forests, pandanus groves and mangroves. Keep an eye out for native wildlife like water dragons and seabirds.

  • Whale Watching & Tumgun Lookout: In winter and spring, head to Tumgun Lookout for the chance to spot humpback whales migrating along the coast. They’re not always there, but hang around for a while and you might just be lucky enough to spot one!

Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk

Want to experience the region from above? One of the most iconic and memorable Gold Coast attractions for kids (and adults) is the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk in the heart of the hinterland. 

This elevated 1.5km treetop walkway takes you through lush rainforest, offering a unique perspective of the area’s flora and fauna. It’s long enough to occupy them, but not so long that they’ll be begging for piggy-back rides halfway through. 

Make a pitstop at the Rainforest Eco Gallery to see the huge 11-foot fish tank, along with local rainforest animals and reptiles. Take a breather and enjoy a light snack at Birdwing Café, which overlooks the hinterland and keeps little tummies happy.

Related: 5 Breathtaking Waterfalls on the Gold Coast You Must Visit

Rainy Day & Indoor Options

Two boys look at a rainbow exhibit in HOTA

Credit: Tourism & Events Queensland

Even when the weather doesn’t cooperate, there’s no shortage of indoor activities to keep the kids entertained on the Gold Coast. In fact, they’ll be excited if a gloomy day comes across, because it provides the perfect excuse for a day at one (or more) of these fabulous indoor things to do in Gold Coast with kids:

Pacific Fair & Oasis Shopping Centres

When it’s raining (and even when it’s not), there’s no better option than a spot of Gold Coast retail therapy. A 10-minute drive or 23-minute bus ride from Dorsett Gold Coast is the one and only Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, the largest shopping mall in Queensland and the fourth largest in all of Australia. 

Browse the wide range of designer and casual stores, enjoy seemingly endless dining options (with plenty of kid friendly restaurants Gold Coast loves), and give smaller tots a play break in the kids’ play area.

Closer to the hotel (just a 10-minute walk away) is Oasis Shopping Centre, a perfect mix of beachside chill and glam boutique shopping. There’s designer stores, homewares, fragrance outlets, gift shops, and everything in between. Not to mention the many cafés and restaurants lining the strip, ideal for hungry families and chilled coffee breaks.

Infinity Attraction

One of the longest-standing and most popular Gold Coast attractions for kids, Infinity is an indoor maze of illusions and special effects that will captivate the entire family. 

Perfect for rainy days, Infinity takes you on a 30-minute journey through mind-bending puzzles and multi-sensory play environments filled with music, soundscapes, light shows and special effects. Some of the stand-out features include:

  • The Time Tunnel, a unique mind-warping experience;

  • The Electron Room, which appears to have no floor;

  • Inter-Dimensional Space, which allows you to leap into bizarre depths;

  • The Laser Zone, which has seemingly infinite light ‘lasers’ in all directions.

*Keep in mind that this attraction is most suitable for kids aged 8 and up, but younger children are welcome when accompanied by an adult.

HOTA (Home of the Arts) is your one-stop shop for some of the most immersive, creative and playful art and theatre experiences on the Gold Coast. With a mission to bring art, entertainment and culture together, HOTA offers a range of activities for all ages, with plenty of family-friendly experiences (many of which are free).

The new Children’s Gallery hosts immersive exhibits for hands-on exploration. Commissioned artists transform the space throughout the year into all kinds of imaginative play zones—the most recent being Anna Carey’s Magic + Memory: make me a home, a spellbinding immersion into miniature houses and rooms for little ones to play in and create their own art.

Explore what's on at HOTA during your visit to the Gold Coast.

ArtVo Gold Coast

One of the best rainy day things to do in Gold Coast with kids is ArtVo. Australia’s first immersive ‘trick art’ gallery, this interactive 3D exhibit allows you to become part of the artwork. 

Located in Robina Town Centre (around a 20-minute drive from Dorsett Gold Coast), this 8-room world of optical illusions and giant murals invites you to fight dragons, step up to King Kong, and surf Burleigh Beach-worthy waves—all inside the perfect photo op artworks.

Different from other, more traditional galleries and exhibits, ArtVo encourages kids and adults to touch the art. Rather than ‘don’t touch,’ it instills an ‘all interactions welcome’ policy that little ones will fall in love with.

Kid Friendly Restaurants on the Gold Coast

A family enjoys street food at Miami Marketta

Credit: Tourism & Events Queensland

After a busy day of exploring, you’ll need to refuel. Luckily, the Gold Coast has plenty of family-friendly dining options that are perfect for a relaxed meal out. Here are our top picks for kid friendly restaurants Gold Coast:

The Star Gold Coast

1 Casino Dr, Broadbeach

A Gold Coast icon and must-visit while you stay with us, The Star Gold Coast offers a variety of family-friendly dining options, with something to suit everyone. We recommend:

  • Garden Kitchen & Bar: Relax and unwind in a casual, welcoming atmosphere.

  • The Food Quarter: A bright and contemporary space with a fresh coastal palette, you'll discover a variety of individual eateries in The Quarter serving up everything from roasts and Eastern cuisines to pizza and classic burgers.

  • Harvest Buffet: A wide range of cuisine options combined with all the fun of a buffet-style eatery.

  • Cucina Vivo & Uncle Su: For a more upscale experience with family-friendly options and a warm, inviting environment—perfect for families with tweens and teens who appreciate the finer foods in life.

Miami Marketta

23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami

Offering more than most kid friendly restaurants Gold Coast has on its menu, Miami Marketta is a creative and culinary precinct bursting with delicious flavours, fun experiences and a lively atmosphere that the whole family will love.

Open from Wednesday to Saturday, this bustling, open-air space serves up a wide variety of dishes from global street food vendors. With seating for 1,200 people, there’s plenty of room for everyone, and the four onsite bars serve boutique wines, locally brewed beers, and specialty cocktails for the adults.

Kids will love the lively, interactive vibe, with free live music performances on the Cargo stage featuring blues, jazz, and alternative artists. It’s a fantastic spot to relax, enjoy great food, and let the little ones explore the safe, covered laneway. 

Kickin’ Inn

15 Victoria Ave, Broadbeach

Don’t let the Kajun seafood cuisine put you or the kids off—Kickin’ Inn is a child-friendly haven. The menu is extensive, the atmosphere is lively, and best of all, kids under 8 eat free 7 days a week. 

For older kids and picky eaters, the designated kids’ menu should please most palates. They can tuck into boneless chicken and chips, battered fish, crumbed calamari, or napolitana pasta. 

Surf Clubs

Gold Coast surf clubs are known for their laid-back vibe and family-oriented menus. In short, they provide some of the tastiest, easiest kid friendly restaurants Gold Coast has to offer. 

Pair your meal with unmatched ocean views and friendly service at one (or more) of these top GC surf club restaurants and cafés:

After a day at the beach or exploring, they’re the perfect place to enjoy a hearty meal with a side of ocean views.

Stay & Play at Dorsett Gold Coast

A couple swims in Isoletto Pool Club at Dorsett Gold Coast

Looking for the best kid friendly accommodation Gold Coast has? Located in the heart of Broadbeach and with elegant yet engaging facilities, Dorsett Gold Coast is where comfort, convenience, and fun meet to cater to the whole family.

  • Spacious rooms for families: Dorsett Gold Coast offers family-friendly connecting rooms for ease and peace of mind. With flexible room configurations and two separate bathrooms, it’s perfect for families looking for comfort and convenience during their stay. 

  • Isoletto Pool Club: Cool off and relax at the stunning Isoletto Pool Club, featuring a 12-meter-long viewing wall overlooking Broadbeach. Kids can splash around while parents unwind in cabanas or enjoy a refreshing drink from the pool bar.

  • Close to beaches and playgrounds: Located just minutes from Kurrawa Beach, Dorsett Gold Coast is ideal for beach days. Broadbeach Park and nearby playgrounds also provide great spots for kids to play and explore after a fun day.

  • Prime location for attractions: Dorsett Gold Coast is centrally located with easy access to the G:link light rail, Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, and nearby attractions, making it a great base for exploring the best of the Gold Coast.

Choose Dorsett Gold Coast, the Best Kid Friendly Accommodation in Gold Coast

From the thrills of the theme parks to the beauty of the beaches, the Gold Coast is packed with things to do with kids. With a stay at Dorsett Gold Coast, you’ll be right in the heart of all the action, making it the perfect base for your family getaway. 

Book your family holiday today and make memories to last a lifetime.