HINT: There's LEGO larger than you.
HINT: There's LEGO larger than you.
Australia’s first official LEGO store opened at Dreamworld in early 2016 with fans lining up outside overnight to be the first to experience the magic.
They weren’t disappointed and the stand-alone store has proved popular ever since with everyone from children to adults enjoying the experiences on offer.
While there are many reasons to make the drive to the LEGO Store at Dreamworld, here are the top five:
1. BIG LEGO
There are life-sized LEGO creations. That’s right, a LEGO genius somewhere in the world has spent countless hours putting together a seven-foot-tall Incredible Hulk, two Stormtroopers and, in honour of the Gold Coast and Dreamworld, a giant tiger, koala and blonde surfer guy. The life size models are iconic to Dreamworld and the Gold Coast were built by Ryan McNaught, here in Australia. They must been seen to be believed.
2. MAKE A LEGO MAN
There’s a Make-Your-Own Minifigure station where, as the name suggests, guests can choose from hundreds of pieces of LEGO to put together their very own LEGO person.
3. CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE
A world famous Pick a Brick wall is a floor to ceiling, four sided structure made up of hidey holes with every colour and shape of LEGO piece under the sun. Use the wall to create a new toy or to add some extra pizazz to something you’ve already made.
4. LOTS OF LEGO
There are almost five tonnes of LEGO pieces available throughout the store with everything from tiny Superman key rings complete with a red cape, to a stunning Disney castle with themed rooms from favourite movies.
5. RELIVE YOUR CHILDHOOD
As an adult, it will take you back to the wonder of childhood and for the kids, a world of opportunity awaits.
Weekend sorted, get building.
HOURS: 9am to 6pm daily.
LOCATION: Dreamworld Parkway, Coomera.
Words and photos by Kirra Smith.
Parents of the GC, look no further for inspo-a-plenty.
School holidays. Two words that can strike fear and dread into the hearts of parents far and wide. But fear not mums, dads, grandies et al, you’re reading this which means you’ve got this (fist pump emoji… and a wine glass emoji for good measure. Maybe two).
Now the next couple of weeks don’t need to be totally heckers – just filled with a good balance of physical, mental, and creative activities to bust boredom and preserve sanity (yours that is). And with the majority of suggestions on this list not costing anything more than the fuel to get there, just shut up and (don’t) take my money!
So, pull up your calendar app, hatch some srsly cool plans, and make some memories with your mini-me’s.
Skateboards at the ready! Skatefest is back at Pacific Fair from 28th June to 6th July, and this year it’s bigger than ever. Think a 3-metre-high half pipe in The Resort, pro skaters and Olympians on deck, and $5,000 in prizes up for grabs.
Little shredders can join daily Skate Skool and Design Skool sessions, while older kids and grown-up fans can catch half pipe takeovers with skating stars like Rome Collyer, Pedro Day, Tommy Fynn and Chloe Covell. There’ll be open skate nights, pro demos, and Q&As too.
Plus, to celebrate NAIDOC Week, there’ll be a Welcome to Country and Smoke Ceremony at 11am on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th July in The Resort. And on Thursday 10th July from 9:30am–2:30pm, Little Paccas Kids Club members can join Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre for ‘Jarjum’ Boomerang painting sessions, an interactive, creative way for kids to learn about Aboriginal culture.
Bookings are essential. Spots fill faster than a kickflip – don’t miss it!
Where: 2 Hooker Boulevard, Broadbeach Waters
From 7th – 12th July, Paradise Centre is turning up the fun with a monster-sized lineup of activities – and we mean that quite literally. Meet the Rockstar Monster, a 3-metre-wide interactive LED sensation that mirrors your moves in real-time. Think giant digital dance partner meets Gold Coast’s Got Talent. It’s the first of its kind in Australia and only at Paradise Centre!
But that’s just the opening act. There’s free face painting daily, pop-up dance shows, kids painting and mini figure workshops (hello, tiny dragons), plus tasty masterclasses from Enzo Cucina (pizza!), Grill’d (burgers!) and Krispy Kreme (doughnuts!). Hungry? Parents, rejoice – plenty of Kids Eat Free deals on offer too.
Catch all the action on Level 1, and bring your best dance moves. The Rockstar Monster is waiting. Find all the info here.
Where: 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Got a dino-obsessed kiddo and a wild child who loves animals? You’re in luck – Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is going full prehistoric these school holidays with Jurassic July, running from 28 June to 20 July.
Step into a world of life-like dinosaurs, hands-on crafts and dino-mite live shows – all included with your entry. Don’t miss the two Dino Days on 28 June and 5 July, packed with face painting, giveaways, dino dress-ups and meet-and-greets with baby dinosaur puppets Stella, Razor and Chompa.
Plus, Currumbin is bringing the fun and the learning with a series of animal-packed, educational school holiday programs designed to spark curiosity and connect kids with nature. Choose from:
Whether your little legends love dinos, dream of becoming zookeepers or just want to get their hands dirty, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has your school holidays sorted.
Where: 28 Tomewin Street, Currumbin
Hold on to your HOTA’s, things here are packed with wonder.
First up, marvel at CLOUD PLAY, a stunning 530sqm kinetic sculpture by international artist Patrick Shearn of Poetic Kinetics, created exclusively for the Gold Coast and exhibited at HOTA this winter. This mesmerizing artwork moves like a flock of birds or a school of fish, made up of tens of thousands of ribbons carrying heartfelt messages from the community completing the sentence, “I’m grateful to call the Gold Coast home because…”
Next, for families with older kids (8+), don’t miss The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale, running from Friday 4th to Sunday 13th July. It’s a breathtaking theatrical journey perfect for lifelong fans and new audiences alike.
Finally, spark little imaginations with Anna Carey’s Magic + Memory: make me a home in the Children’s Gallery, running until April 2025. Explore oversized miniature house models where play and daydreams collide in a whimsical world that feels like home – only bigger and more magical.
Where: 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise
Make school holidays magical at Whisker’s Magic School at Harbour Town! Running daily from 11am to 2pm, kids can learn four incredible magic tricks in a fun, hands-on workshop that sparks imagination and wonder.
Each budding magician also scores a take-home magic kit valued at $49.95, so the magic doesn’t stop when the session ends.
Workshops run every 30 minutes and cost just $5 per child. Located next to Villeroy & Boch. Bookings essential.
Where: 147 Brisbane Road, Biggera Waters
Australia Fair is serving up double the fun with two free family-friendly events that’ll keep kids busy and buzzing.
First up, from 30th June to 6th July, let the little ones burn off that holiday energy at the Mighty Marathon Dash Zone. Located on the Ground Floor, Centre Court, this high-energy obstacle course is all about speed, agility and non-stop fun. No bookings needed, just turn up and dash it out.
Then, from 7th to 11th July, dive into the deep blue with HIDE & SEA, a free interactive marine life experience. Get up close with amazing sea creatures, meet marine experts and discover jaw-dropping ocean facts daily from 10:30am–2:30pm.
Where: 42 Marine Parade, Southport
There’s snow chance we’re missing Dreamworld’s coolest Winterfest yet! Don your beanie and head on down between 28th June–20th July for one brrrr-illiant blizzard of family fun. Glide across the pop-up ice rink, zoom down the icy tube slide, and warm up with hearty European eats at the Winterfest food stalls. Little ones will love Belinda’s Arctic Adventure, a chilly indoor walkthrough filled with frosty friends.
For the ultimate foodie experience, grab the Winterfest All Day Dining Pass – two savoury dishes, two sweets, and two drinks to keep you fuelled for a day full of fun.
When the sun sets, the Winterfest Night Market heats up with tasty treats and live entertainment.
Where: Dreamworld Parkway, Coomera
Feeling a little blue these school holidays? In a good way? Round up the crew and head to The Strand at Coolangatta for a Smurf-tastic week of free fun to celebrate the release of the brand-new Smurfs movie!
From Tuesday 8th to Saturday 12th July, the Level 1 activity zone outside Timezone is transforming into a Smurfs Free Activity Centre, open daily from 10am–1pm. Expect epic giveaways, themed crafts and all the good vibes for little legends of all ages.
Each day brings something new – from decorating Smurf frisbees and sipping from custom cups to crafting your very own Smurf house snack. Book ahead to secure your spot or try your luck with a walk-in!
Where: 72-80 Marine Parade, Coolangatta
Holy smokes, Batman! The ultimate battle between good and evil is back at Warner Bros. Movie World from 30 June to 20 July. These school holidays, Main Street transforms into a DC showdown, with Super Heroes and Super-Villains taking over the park.
Meet all your fave characters from the DC Universe—including a few new faces—and don’t miss the daily DC Super Heroes Parade at 5pm, where even Krypto the Superdog makes an appearance.
Feeling heroic? Dress the part and join the action in your best cape or mask.
Where: Pacific Mwy, Oxenford
Smurf the holidays away at Smurfette’s Garden, a free craft-filled event running 8th–12th July near Aldi at Stockland Burleigh Heads. Each day from 10:30am – 1:30pm, kids can dive into hands-on fun inspired by the new Smurfs movie—think flower crowns, Smurf mood bracelets, and painting mini terracotta pots. Activities change daily, so there’s always something new to create. No bookings needed—just drop in and get Smurfy!
Where: 149 W Burleigh Rd, Burleigh Heads
NaturallyGC holiday programs are FREE and specifically designed to connect kids with nature and encourage outdoor play and learning. The Totally Wild vibing workshops cater to all interests and ages with a range of nature-based activities on offer across the holidays. There’s Wand crafting and Potion making classes, native Wildlife Encounters, cubby building workshops, and more… but get a wriggle on, the popular sessions book fast! Find the whole program here.
Where: Various Gold Coast locations
In-house guests at The Langham Gold Coast are in for a treat these school holidays, with an exclusive winter program running from 5th–20th July. Designed for families staying at the resort, the schedule includes both paid and complimentary experiences, from pizza making and kids’ fitness classes to arts & crafts and a Kids Club Disco Party.
Parents can join in the fun or relax guilt-free thanks to 24/7 Kids Club access and babysitting services on request. Don’t miss the complimentary Family Yoga in Style, the perfect way to unwind together in luxe Langham style.
Where: The Langham, Surfers Paradise
When: 5th–20th July
Wands at the ready! Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience has officially arrived in Queensland, casting spells over Sirromet Winery.
For the first time in the Sunshine State, fans of all ages can step into the Wizarding World with an after-dark light trail through an awe-inspiring forest filled with magical creatures, iconic moments from the films, and enchanting displays that bring the magic to life.
At the end of the trail, explore a themed village where you can sip on butterbeer, feast on magical treats, and stock up on official merch from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts movies.
It’s the ultimate winter outing for Potterheads, families, and anyone ready for a little after-dark wonder.
Where: Sirromet Winery, Mount Cotton
When: Until 27th July
