It’s right under our nose, but sometimes we forget how many activities there are for the small, medium, and big kids (aka us) in good ‘ole Surfers Paradise. And we’re not just talking about the beach, but a myriad of other cool stuff to keep them entertained and whinge-free these school holidays.

Here are ten ideas to help fill the blanks in your school holiday schedule, with some old faves and a few newbies thrown in for good measure. The best part is not only will you score ‘cool mum’ kudos from the kids, but you’ll get a kick out of them too!

Timezone
I mean, does this place really need an introduction? We’ve all racked up many-an-hour at Timezone in days gone by, and your mini-me’s will love it as much as you did. Probably more, because it’s levelled up its epic-ness in recent times. With arcade games, bowling, mini bowling, mini golf, laser tag, and bumper cars, it’s actual kid heaven…with a touch of nostalgia for us.
Where: Paradise Centre, Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Holoverse
This new hi-tech entertainment centre using holograms which look oh-so-real will make you feel like you’re in a Star Wars flick! Pick hologram grass to feed a dinosaur, swim with life-sized holographic whales, compete against your kiddos in holographic sports, play holographic arcade games, and more! Special shoutout for their birthday party packages #theshizzle.
Where: Paradise Centre, Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Infinity
To infinity and beyond! Challenge their sense and ignite their imaginations with a unique and mind-blowing 30-minute journey into spectacular, interactive, futuristic maze-like worlds of wonder! This walk-through experience is choccas with unique special effects, emotive atmospheric sound fields, sensuous aromas, awesome tunes and amazing illusions. Suitable for kiddos aged 8 and above. Get an exclusive 15% off here.
Where: Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre, G31/3240 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise 

Ripley’s Believe it or Not
This iconic home-grown ‘odditorium’ – now with over 300 exhibits and artefacts – is out of this world! A highlight is the new state-of-the-art Ripley’s 7D Moving Theatre where you feel every twist and turn as you compete against your seatmates. Enjoy a Ripley’s LaseRace, find out just what happens to your body in space, make friends with a life-sized R2-D2™ and more. Click here for a special offer.
Where: Cavill Mall, Surfers Paradise

The Wax Museum
Fancy some famous people watching? There’s no better place than The Wax Museum, home to the largest collection of wax figures in the Southern Hemisphere. Super realistic replicas of celebs, nursery rhyme characters, scientists, explorers, villains, world leaders, and even the crown jewels await (#RIPQueenElizabethII)! For the big kids (if you’re game) check out The Chamber of Horrors (shriek!!). Fancy a discount voucher? You’re welcome.
Where: 56 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise 

Quack’r Duck
Is there any such thing as a kid who doesn’t go loco when they spot the big duck cruising down Ferny Ave? Imagine if you actually took them on said duck #eeep. Check out the pristine beaches and landmarks by road, then experience the thrills as the duck splashes into the Broadwater! Admit it – you’ve always wanted to do it too…. Grab a special offer here.
Where: 7 Elkhorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Escape Rooms

Fox in a Box
Ever wanted to break out of prison (without actually going to prison)? Or break into a diamond-filled vault in a bank? Or perhaps work out how to open a mysterious chest and unlock its contents and the secret within? You can do all of this and more at Fox in a Box! The rooms are recommended for ages 10 and above, but everyone is welcome to play. Good times!
Where: Level 1/3173 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise

Padlock’d Escape Rooms
Boasting ten immersive rooms themed to perfection, a visit to Padlock’d Escape Rooms is a great way to ditch reality for a bit (an hour to be exact…) and put your mind to the test. You’ll have a blast and the kids will be tuckered out from all that clue finding, code cracking, and puzzle solving #missionaccomplished. Recommended for ages 10 and above but all ages welcome.
Where: 3177 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise

Eclipse Escape Rooms
With five diverse, highly immersive, and technologically advanced rooms with insane special effects, bespoke props, and unique storylines leading up to an unforgettable grand finale, what’s not to love? Puzzle solving is designed to be fun and rewarding, with different levels of difficulty available. Kids as young as five can join in the fun, plus babies in prams are welcome in some rooms #StartEmYoung!
Where: Level 1, Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre, Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise River Cruises
Kids get as pumped about boat rides as we do, so why not jump on a morning, midday, afternoon, or sunset cruise with Surfers Paradise River Cruises! Friendly guides will point out landmarks and homes of the rich and famous around our glitter strip’s waterways, whilst you kick back with the kiddos enjoying complimentary snacks. And mum/dad – there’s a bar…. Cheers! Get 10% off your cruise here.
Where: 63 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Words by Bianca Trathen.

What’s better than a caffeine fix? One that comes with a side of uninterrupted adult conversation while your little ones burn off energy on an epic playground. Yep, the Gold Coast has a treasure trove of cafes serving up great coffee and kid-friendly vibes in equal measure. Think slides, swings and latte art that’s almost too pretty to sip… almost.

We’ve scouted the best spots where the caps flows as freely as the fun, so parents (and child minders) of the GC can enjoy a guilt-free moment of zen while the kids go wild.

Funnybone Coffee
At this Northern Gold Coast gem, you can expect a ‘welcome to the neighbourhood’ feel, all while being located within the multi-million dollar The Surrounds Leisure Centre. Find handcrafted timber communal dining tables, cosy nooks and one of the best playgrounds going around (that’s what the kids are telling us, anyway). And you know you’re about to be served a damn delicious coffee when Blackboard Coffee is involved. There’s also a delish menu to match!
The Surrounds Leisure Centre, 6 Emerald Drive, Helensvale
When: Daily from 7am

Neptune Kiosk
The newly revamped Neptune Kiosk is serving up all the Instagram-worthy vibes you could ask for. But don’t be fooled by its good looks—this Tallebudgera Creek gem knows its way around a stellar brew, pouring smooth Marvell St Coffee that’ll make your morning. Cool off with a refreshing smoothie or treat yourself to one of their irresistible baked goodies (perfect for a little bribery, if we’re honest). And let’s be real—nothing quite compares to the pure joy of biting into a warm, cinnamon-dusted doughnut. The cherry on top? The newly unveiled Tallebudgera Creek playground right next door, offering epic views and plenty of fun for the kiddos. It’s a win-win!
Where: 1525 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
When: Daily from 5:30am

Dune Café
The delightful Dune Café is on the water’s edge and next to the beautiful Palm Beach Parklands. Where breathtaking views of Currumbin Lagoon, the iconic pirate ship playground, great coffee and a dog-friendly atmosphere come together to make the ultimate family hang out. What more could you ask for?! Good food? Yep, they have that too, their menu is stacked.
Where: 945 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
When: Daily 6am-3pm

Stones Throw
Say hello to Stones Throw: your gateway to an uninterrupted cafe meal with friends. Okay, not completely uninterrupted, but close enough. There’s a charming backyard within the cafe; a sizable one at that. Let their brilliant baristas do the heavy lifting today while you take a tree-shaded seat on the back deck. Oh, the kids? They’re already busy in the onsite sandpit and van-style cubby, living their best life. If things couldn’t get any better, they also serve top-notch eats with a solid kids’ selection to match.
Where: 9 Station Street, Currumbin
When: Daily 6am-2pm

Nobbys Shack
Whether it’s rain or shine, you’re guaranteed a few things at Nobbys Shack: a latte smoother than your best pick-up lines, slurpable smoothies, drool-worthy desserts and, of course, a playground- an adorable playground. Find indoor seating in the front and an outdoor deck area in the back. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a cafe this ideal for a classic Gold Coast summer’s day. Did we mention they do the best banana split north of the NSW border?
Where: UA/2241 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
When: Monday-Wednesday: 6:30am-5pm; Thursday-Sunday: 6:30am-8pm.

Cafe 63
Did you know one of the Gold Coast’s best playgrounds is conveniently located within Westfield Coomera? Why is it the best? Firstly, it’s smack bang in front of Cafe 63, the home to exceptional coffee from 5:30am-9pm daily (you’ve got to love extended trading hours). Then there’s the fact that it’s located within a shopping centre – it was practically made for killing multiple birds with stones. Of course, there’s the park itself, which is huge! Talk about the perfect spot for a pre or post-shop playdate!
Where: Shop 1075, Westfield Coomera, Foxwell Road, Coomera
When: Daily 5:30am-9pm

Historic Rivermill
Sip on Piazza D’Oro coffee while taking in the rustic and forest-filled surrounds of the Historic Rivermill. If it’s a nature fix you seek, you’ll find that and more at this Mount Nathan treasure. The kids will be set with animal feeding, horse riding and endless rolling greens to explore, guaranteeing hours of adventure. Of course, this gorgeous cafe is well equipped with seating, but why not lay a picnic rug beneath the Jacaranda trees? Sounds like a slice of heaven to us.
Where: 950 Beaudesert Nerang Road, Mount Nathan
When: Wednesday-Friday: Cafe 9am-1pm and Petting Zoo 9am-2pm.
Saturday-Sunday: Cafe and Petting Zoo 9am-2pm.

For when it’s raining:

Bella’s Wonderland
Caught in the rain? Well, that’s a good reason (but certainly not only the reason) to head to Bella’s Wonderful. Or, as we call it, a child’s version of heaven on earth. Picture a pastel-coloured explosion where bubblegum princes and princesses roam the land. If we’re being completely honest, we’re a little jealous. As the largest play centre on the Gold Coast, you know you’re about to get it ALL, with claw machines, a ball pit, a rock climbing wall, imaginary play, and even a mini merry-go-round! What’s more, the cafe menu is almost as impressive as the playground itself, and the coffee… let’s say they understood the assignment.
Where: Shop 48, 3-15 Jackman Street, Southport
When: Daily 9:00am-5:00pm

Words by Chelsea Ipsen

At some point during the week (usually Monday for us) you get sick of preparing meals, decide to throw in the tea towel, round up the rugrats and head to one of our fine establishments so they can handle that exhausting little song-and-dance. Only to be faced with a whole new issue – the prospect of taking the munchkins out for munches #cuepanic

To save you the ‘find-something-everyone-can-eat-without-too-many-tears’ struggle entirely – we’ve collected our very favourite purveyors of good vibes, welcoming atmospheres and of course, bulk ice cream and chippies.

So without further ado, here is a list of family-friendly Gold Coast restaurants to treat you and your cherubs to some chow, so you can have a reprieve from slaving over the stove for a night.

From north to south.

The Wattle Hotel
A hidden gem in Upper Coomera, The Wattle Hotel is the perfect playground for parents and kiddies. The adult menu is filled with all your fave pub-style dishes while the littlies menu has all their favourites for $12 bucks including a drink and dixie cup – a bargain and a half, especially when you consider the inbuilt perk of those blissful sounds of serenity (the kind only a Cheeseburger could buy). 10/10 kids also agree the whopper playground is the bees knees (ok, so that stat is more of an educated guess, we hope you can let it ‘slide’…) Gather the kiddies and get down and see for yourself.
Where: 1 Reserve Road, Upper Coomera

Coomera Lodge Hotel
If riverside hangs and room to roam are high on your priority list, Coomera Lodge Hotel delivers. With an expansive open-air beer garden overlooking the Coomera River and an undercover pavilion for all-weather hangs, it’s an easy yes for families. The menu covers all the pub classics, while the real win for parents is the rotating kids’ fun, including a petting zoo and school holiday activities that keep little hands busy while you settle in.
Where: 160 Maudsland Road, Oxenford

Hope Island Tavern
Sunny days, good vibes and an epic playground? Say less. Hope Island Tavern is a go-to for families thanks to its sprawling beer garden and kid-approved play area that keeps them entertained while you dig into wood-fired pizzas, fresh seafood or even a cheeky gelato. The kids’ menu is stacked (think battered fish, nuggets, spaghetti bolognese, and even a health bowl), and their Sunday Funday lineup offers even more reason to linger from 12pm.
Where: 93 Broadwater Ave, Hope Island

Dublin Docks Tavern
Set right on the water at Harbour Town, Dublin Docks Tavern brings relaxed family dining with a side of Irish charm. The spacious family bistro dishes up all your pub favourites- think steaks, seafood and hearty classics- alongside a kids’ menu to keep the little ones happy. Bonus points for being pet-friendly, so even the fur babies can get in on the outing.
Where: Harbour Town Shopping Centre, Biggera Waters

Charis Seafoods
Found in Harley Park, Labrador, Charis Seafoods offers a family-friendly atmosphere with a sweet view to boot. Enjoy your fish and chips by the Broadwater while the kids play in the park or swim in the lagoon. There’s a huge variety of seafood on offer, and everything is of the freshest and highest quality. This Gold Coast icon is also renowned for its pelican feeding at 1:30pm daily, where close to a hundred pelicans gather for their special feed of fish!
Where: 371 Marine Parade, Labrador

Historic Rivermill
Less of a restaurant, more full-blown adventure day – Historic Rivermill might be an overachiever, but we promise you, a meal at this beaut spot will delight you and your little people. The outlook from the cafe is breathtaking with views to the bushland beyond and plenty of space, including a cute ‘lil playground, for the kids to explore. This pretty riverside spot boasts its own petting zoo, so the animal encounters are a must-do for the munchkins. Feed the turtles and alpacas, or even go on a horse ride! Don’t sweat it when your little people grow peckish, of course, the cafe boasts plenty of yummy goodies for the human folk too. Including coffee, which we absolutely will require after herding the critters (we’ll let you decide which we’re referring to). Do yourself a favour and take a drive out there with the whole family.
Where: 950 Beaudesert-Nerang Road, Mt Nathan

Southport Sharks
For families, Frenzy’s buffet is the go-to – especially for the mini salad dodgers. Pair it with the Wobbygones Kids Club (rock climbing wall, mini basketball and theatrette), plus the LOL Crew Kids Show on Sundays from 5–7pm, and you’ve got them sorted as the small ones frolic under supervision, and you kick back with a frosty beverage. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner with buffet and à la carte options. Even better, kids eat free at Monday dinner and Saturday breakfast buffets with a paying adult, and score a half-price buffet with every full-paying adult on Sundays!
Where: Olsen Ave and Musgrave Ave, Southport

Mermaid Waters Hotel
When it comes to keeping kids entertained, Mermaid Waters Hotel has thought of everything. With both indoor and outdoor play areas- including a playground and a playroom with PlayStations- it’s a dream scenario for parents wanting a moment of peace (#guiltfree). Pair that with a dedicated kids menu (it’s an epic adventure within itself) and a solid lineup of adult options, and you’ve got a spot that ticks all the boxes for an easy family outing.
Where: Cnr Markeri & Sunshine Blvd, Mermaid Waters

Mermaid Beach Surf Club
Surf clubs are family-friendly by principle, but the Mermaid Beach Surf Club in particular has got the goods in the form of a playroom (with a jungle gym and TV) that will keep the kids entertained for hours. Some of us here have been in there and can attest that it’s a good time. Of course, they have lots of child-friendly menu options on their Nippers Menu, which include a FREE Zooper Dooper or vanilla ice cream, AND on Monday nights, kids eat free with any main meal purchased. How good.
Where: 172 Hedges Avenue, Mermaid Beach

Mermaid Beach Tavern
These days, Tavs, Pavs and Clubs have well and truly ditched their old-school beer dungeon rep — and Exhibit A is Mermaid Beach Tavern. Easy on the eyes, spacious, and serving up classic pub eats the whole family will love. Speaking of, you can feed the family (of four) dinner on a Thursday for $70 from 5:30pm. Now that’s an offer that one (one tired parent at the back end of the week) simply couldnt pass up! Putt wait, there’s more… Play a round of mini golf next door at Putt Putt Mermaid Beach, then present your voucher at the bistro to score an $18 adult meal or $10 kids meal for lunch or dinner — the perfect combo for a family outing, date night or catch-up with friends.
Where: 2500 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

Miami Marketta
Another, ‘less of a restaurant’ venue, Miami Marketta is more a market-style dining situation, which is ideal when ‘relaxed eats’ is kind of the whole objective when we’re talking about feeding the oft-rambunctious rugrats. Open Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, with food stalls and (often) live music, kids absolutely adore running around, dancing, and eating all the things. Same. There’s a ridiculous array of next-level desserts and a bar, so that’s pretty much all your bases covered, we think. Always a fun time.
Where: 23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami

Hotel CBD
Varsity Lakes’ Hotel CBD is basically a one-stop shop for family nights out. There’s an indoor playground and a dedicated kids’ room to keep the little ones busy, plus regular entertainment, including Saturday night activities and school holiday fun. Add in perks like 50% off kids’ meals on Mondays and Tuesdays, Thursday movie nights with free popcorn, and a $45 family pizza night, and you’ve got yourself a very solid midweek solution.
Where: 15/21 Lake St, Varsity Lakes

Burleigh Town Hotel
We Gold Coasters do love a good all-rounder, and this spot delivers with a slick and spacious layout – it’s a firm favourite with locals (the top-notch steaks don’t hurt either), especially parents. The sprawling set-up is a win for families, with a modern bistro, two fully serviced bars and an epic playground where the kids can roam while you settle in. From woodfired pizzas to easy crowd-pleasing bites, the menu keeps even the pickiest eaters happy- we’re looking at you, kids. There’s also a dedicated Kids Club to keep the little ones entertained (think face painting, balloon and slime making and petting zoos), and even better, kids eat free with any main meal every Monday. This is livin’.
Where: Tsipura Drive, Burleigh Heads

Currumbin RSL
Sitting pretty (and we do mean pretty- she’s not your average RSL, she’s a cool RSL) right on the banks of Currumbin’s beloved creek, families flock here in droves. Whether it’s the dreamy waterfront outlook or the lineup of modern, crowd-pleasing eats is up for debate (though the ice-cold beers certainly help). Upgrade things for the little ones with a soft drink and a single scoop of ice cream with any kids’ meal. Even better, kids eat free on Mondays with any main purchase, and the menu is fit for a small king — think la bambino pizza, tempura chicken nuggets, cheeseburgers, linguine bolognese or battered flathead. Don’t worry, grown-ups, you’re well covered too. Add in a fully fenced park right next door, and you’ve got yourself a very easy win.
Where: 165 Duringan St, Currumbin

Club Banora
Just five minutes south of Twin Towns, Club Banora is a full-blown family playground disguised as a dining spot. The outdoor Kids Zone is packed with architect-designed play equipment, mini golf, table tennis and more – aka, hours of entertainment sorted. Meanwhile, the bistro serves up all the crowd-pleasers, with kids’ meals (hello cheeseburgers, nuggets and fish bites) coming with a free ice cream. Easy win.
Where: Leisure Drive, Banora Point, New South Wales

There you have it ,folks, from playgrounds to pelicans and nuggets to next-level pub feeds, the Gold Coast is packed with family-friendly spots that make dining out with the kids way less chaotic (and way more fun). Click here for Surfers Paradise family-friendly restaurants with the ultimate seal of approval: the kids themselves.

Words by Chelsea Ipsen