Slay the school holidays.
Slay the school holidays.
School’s out and the fun is officially in! September school holidays are the perfect excuse to round up the kids and make the most of the Gold Coast sunshine (and beyond). From animal encounters and creative workshops to beachfront movies and magical adventures, there’s plenty to keep little hands and big imaginations busy.
We’ve done the hard work for you and rounded up the best family-friendly activities for these holidays. Ready, set, play!
Paradise Centre
The only assignment for kids during these school holidays at Paradise Centre is FUN! The epic lineup of kid-friendly shenanigans starts with spring crown decorating, followed by pizza and burger-making masterclasses and hair-braiding workshops!
Next, we’ve got dazzling fire and light shows with the option to pull up a table at one of our fav beachfront restaurants for a front row seat with a feed! There’s also plenty of prizes up for grabs! Click here for all the details.
Where: Corner of Cavill Avenue & Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
When: Saturday 20th to Saturday 27th September
HOTA
Forget boredom- HOTA’s iconic Kids Take Over is back, bringing an Intergalactic world full of shows, activities and adventures! Perfect for kids aged 3 to 11, the imagination-sparking festival is bursting with free and ticketed workshops and creative experiences.
Don’t miss the world premiere of Into Space, where interstellar adventure meets Cirque du Soleil spectacle in a high-energy fusion of acrobatics, aerials, and storytelling! Click here for all the details.
Where: HOTA, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise
When: Monday 22nd September to Saturday 4th October 2025
Surfers Paradise People’s Esplanade Pop-Up
Surfers Paradise is transforming into the ultimate school holiday playground with a pop-up that has something for everyone. Families can pull up a beanbag for ‘Movies on the Esplanade’ (think, Barbie and Kung Fu Panda 4), get groovy at ‘DJ Skool’, learn the latest viral moves at TikTok-inspired dance classes, or strap on skates for Rock n Slide Skate Workshops.
With so much action happening beachside, it’s non-stop fun for kids while parents soak up that glorious Gold Coast sunshine. How’s that?!
Where: The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
When: 6th September to 5th October
Pacific Fair
School’s out and the Kids Summer Club is taking over Pacific Fair these holidays with free activities for the whole family from 27 September to 5 October. Kids can get crafty in the Bucket Hat Customisation Workshops, designing their own stylish hat to take home (bookings essential). Over at The Resort, the fun continues with beach games galore, while The Boulevard transforms into a mini golf course where little putt putt pros can test their skills.
It’s all happening daily from 10am to 4pm, so whether your crew is into craft, games, or golfing, Pacific Fair has the holidays covered. Bookings required for bucket hat workshops.
Where: The Resort & The Boulevard, Pacific Fair
When: Saturday 27th September to Sunday 5th October from 10am – 4pm daily
The Langham Gold Coast
The Langham Gold Coast is rolling out its very first Spring School Holiday Program, running from Thursday 25 September and packed with fun, creativity, and adventure for kids – and a little luxury downtime for parents.
Little guests can dive into a line-up of activities including energetic fitness classes, arts & crafts, face painting, balloon twisting, and even a Kids Club disco party. Budding chefs will love the Little Chef Pizza Making Class with Executive Chef Mark Marshall, while mini artists can unleash their inner Junior Picasso. Families can also stretch it out together with complimentary Family Yoga in Style sessions. And for the sweet tooths? Don’t miss The Great Lolly Chase!
Best of all, the program is open to the public, so local families can join in the fun without booking a stay.
Where: The Langham, Surfers Paradise
When: From Thursday 25th September to Sunday 12th October
Sanctuary Cove
Sanctuary Cove is turning up the school holiday fun with the return of the Cove Kids Food & Fun Pass – your all-in-one ticket to 10 days of epic activities and tasty eats for just $25 per child, per day! We’re talking pony rides, bubble soccer, rock climbing, skateboarding workshops, a pizza-making party, and even a live magic show (yes, with a real bunny meet-and-greet).
Each pass also comes with a kids’ meal at one of the village’s fave foodie spots like Pablitos Mexican, Rise Bakery, Rose Gelateria, Cove Tavern, Chim Thai, Bistro 19, and Native Harvest. Stress-free, screen-free, and seriously fun – this one’s a no-brainer for families these holidays.
Where: The Marine Village, Sanctuary Cove, 4601 Masthead Way, Hope Island
When: Monday 22nd September to Friday 3rd October
QT Gold Coast
QT Gold Coast is bringing the flavour (and a little fright) these school holidays! Kids can become Mini Master Chefs at the Pizza Edition workshops, rolling dough and topping both a savoury and sweet creation before slurping a milkshake. Classes run Thursday 25 September and Friday 3 October, 11am–1pm, for $35 per child.
From 1 October, things get spooky with the Trick or Tea – Halloween QTea. Think Dracula’s Eyeball arancini, ghostly choux pumpkins, salted caramel eyeballs, and pandan scones – plus a Blood Moon Brew for grown-ups. $69 for adults, $39 for kids (5–12).
Where: QT Gold Coast, 7 Staghorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise
When: Mini Master Chefs – 25th September and 3rd October and Trick or Tea – 1st October to 2nd November
Broadwater Parklands
With wide open lawns, splashy water zones, and a playground that’s basically a castle, kids can run, jump, and explore to their heart’s content while parents soak up the views of the Broadwater. The parklands are also packed with family‑friendly events to keep the holidays buzzing.
From giant bubble play sessions that will have kids giggling for hours, to circus workshops, there’s always something fun to do. And when the sun starts to set, it’s time for one of the holiday highlights: Movies Under the Stars. Pack your picnic rug, grab the family and friends, and settle in on the lawn for the September screening at 6:30pm.
Why not make a night of it with some freshly cooked fish and chips from the Fish Shak and a delicious ice cream to top it all off? This September, the feature is The Minecraft Movie.
Where: Broadwater Parklands, Marine Parade, Southport
When: Tuesday 23rd September to Saturday 4th October
Dreamworld
There is no easier way to put a smile on a kid’s face than saying, ‘Who wants to go to the theme parks?!’ Wicked rides, water slides, roller coasters and ice cream (to keep the good times rolling). However, Dreamworld has something bigger in store for this spring holiday. It’s time to dust off your Akubra hat for Dreamworld’s Country Fair!
It’s the ultimate celebration of all things country. Also, THE place to have ALL the family fun these school holidays. The beloved ‘Belinda’s Barnyard Buddies’ petting zoo is returning alongside a hale stack of country-themed entertainment, American-style eats, and show bags.
Where: Dreamworld Parkway, Coomera
When: Saturday 20th September to Monday 6th October
Stockland Burleigh Heads
These school holidays, step into The Big Bad Zone, a mischief-filled world inspired by The Bad Guys 2! Kids can crack the safe to win prizes, tackle spy games and challenges, and get creative at the rocket crafting station. Every child scores a prize, and 50 lucky spies will win a family movie pass to see The Bad Guys 2. No bookings required.
Where: 149 W Burleigh Rd, Burleigh Heads
When: Tuesday 30th September to Saturday 4th October from 10:30am – 2:30pm
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Spring has officially sprung at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, and it’s bursting with colour! For the first time ever, the sanctuary is bringing Spring Bloom to life from 20th September to 20th October 2025. Wander through the Outback Springs precinct, now transformed into a magical floral wonderland filled with hundreds of blooms, real-life fairies, and nature-inspired fun for the whole family.
Kids will love the daily activities, from fairy meet-and-greets to spring-themed crafts and face painting, while live shows like Swing into Spring with Nutsy and Dino-Mite Explorers keep little eyes wide with wonder. All this fun is included with a General Admission ticket, so you can explore, play, and make magical memories surrounded by flowers, wildlife, and springtime cheer.
Where: 28 Tomewin Street, Currumbin
When: Saturday 20th September to Monday 20th October
Australia Fair
Build your very own cuddly best friend?! Sign us up! Australia Fair’s Teddy Bear Workshop is guided by friendly hosts to help kids choose, stuff, and accessorise their very own bear to take home. Perhaps they already have a cuddly best friend, not to worry! They can bring Ted along for a check-up and repair by the on-site nurses. All proceeds raised will fund much-needed medical equipment for the Gold Coast Hospital Foundation.
Where: 42 Marine Parade, Southport
When: Monday 22nd September to Friday 26th September
Naturally GC
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 Painting in Nature 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
Gold Coast Recreation Centre
Gold Coast Recreation Precinct is shaking up school holiday fun with half-day sessions of outdoor adventure activities for kids aged 8+. This isn’t the usual holiday entertainment – it’s an opportunity to ditch the couch, step out of the comfort zone, and dive into activities like Canoeing, Kayaking and Abseiling with Quick Jumps, all in supportive and fun environment. Bookings are essential, and at just $37.45 per child, spots won’t last long. Give your kids a holiday experience they’ll never forget!
Where: 1525 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
When: Wednesday 24th September to Tuesday 30th September
Harry Potter – Forbidden Forest Experience
Accio adventure! Harry Potter fans, your time has come, for a Forbidden Forest Experience! Happening in Brisbane as we speak; a host of mystical adventures, from an illuminated woodland trail filled with mystical creatures to spellbinding soundscapes- there are so many wizarding surprises in stall! Expect a magical night out the whole family will be talking about long after the holidays.
Where: Sirromet Winery, 850 Mount Cotton Road, Mount Cotton
When: Until Sunday 5th October
Words by Chelsea Ipsen and Belinda Symons
Life's a carnival at Paradise Centre!
It’s officially September and that means school holidays are just around the corner. Already?! We were just thinking the same… Thankfully, the guys over at the Paradise Centre have you sorted with loads of entertainment that’ll keep kids of all ages (yes, including the adult ones) occupied for hours – or days – on end. From 16th September to 1st October the Paradise Centre has carnival fun covered with free family fun as well as the classics you know and love.
FREE Circus Carnival Fun
Need to keep the kids busy on a budget? Well, there’s something on pretty much every day. Yes, you read that right. Every. Day. Catch the roving circus and carnival inspired entertainers making their way around the centre or if you want a sneaky treat, there’s free fairy floss or popcorn on offer but we take no responsibility for the impending sugar rush #soznotsoz. If a beachside boogie is more your vibe there’ll be special DJ performances to take you into the evening where fire twirlers will work their magic and light up the night.
Spin It To Win It
You’ve got to be in it, to win it, right? Well just in case you needed more of a reason for a fun or fashion spree, when you spend a combined total of $70 at participating retailers, you’ll get your moment to spin the giant wheel of wonders and a chance at winning a massive range of prizes from gift cards to skateboards and so much more. You’re welcome.
Doughnut Decorating at Krispy Kreme
All this excitement is bound to work up an appetite, and that’s where Krispy Kreme comes in. These holidays, Krispy Kreme is offering a fun and flavour filled experience that’s perfect for kids of all ages. Get your creative juices flowing as you design your own delish doughnuts. It’s a chance to unleash your inner pastry artist and savour every sweet bite. The best part? You get to enjoy your delicious creations afterward!
Bookings are essential.
Don’t Have An Axe To Grind at Maniax
If you’re looking to channel your inner lumberjack, Maniax is the place to be. Axe-throwing is the name of the game here, and it’s a thrilling experience that will challenge your precision and aim. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-timer, it’s a surefire way to get your adrenaline pumping. Gather the big kids (ages 11 and up) for some healthy competition – guarantee you’ll be surprised at who the superior axe thrower is.
Get Freaky at FREAK VR
Step into a world of virtual reality at FREAK VR. Explore new realms as FREAK VR combines cutting-edge multi-played games with some of the best 4D effects we’ve ever seen. Battle dragons or explore alien planets – whatever tickles your fancy really. If you’re looking to escape the real world for a little bit (guilty), this will bring family fun to a whole new dimension.
Crack the Code at Padlock’d
There’s always someone in the fam who thinks they’re an amateur detective, so why not put them to the test at Padlock’d. Brand new to Paradise Centre, opening just in time for the school holidays, here you can crack the code at one of their escape rooms with a huge range of challenges for all skill levels whether you’re a seasoned pro or novice. Team up with the fam for an adventure that will test (and potentially trigger) you as you race against the clock to solve your very own mystery.
Let The Good Times Bowl
Bowling – what’s not to love? It’s a classic family favourite, but the team at Zone Bowling have given it a fresh spin with glow-in-the-dark lanes, tasty treats and funky beats to keep the good times bowling… we mean rolling. With loads of lanes, you’ll be able to bring your family, and your friends family and even your neighbours family if you really want for all the fun.
No Time Like Timezone
For a dose of nostalgia and a heap of fun, head to Timezone for some serious arcade vibes. They’ve got all the classics you know and love from video games and car racing through the classic whack a Croc and so much more. If you want to get in the team spirit, laser tag is on offer as well as bumper cars so you can hash it all out on the rally floor. Families and friendships will be on the line when the competitive streak kicks in (there’s always one) but don’t forget, no one likes a sore loser 😉
Where: Paradise Centre, 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
When: Saturday 16 September to Sunday 1 October
Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski.
STORY SPONSORED BY PARADISE CENTRE
