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Your summer school holiday survival guide

Step one: save, screenshot, and plaster this list to every surface.

Girl with lollypops (image supplied)

Ah, summer school holidays, our old foe.. we meet again. Six magical, memory-filled.. very long weeks of slogging it out keeping the mini-me’s entertained (and your sanity intact, ideally)… some days, it really do be feeling like an endless summer.

Never fear, parents, carers, ‘funcles’ and ‘faunties’ – we got you. But like, not like, in a ‘child minding’ way (soz), more in a ‘thoughts, prayers, and compiling the best school holiday activities on the Gold Coast into one handy list’ kind of way.. aka, this very bible of boredom busters you have clicked upon.

Screenshot it, send it on, stash it for safe keeping and stick it to all your most important surfaces (fridge door, namely). At some point (right around day three, lbh) your (mildly exhausted) future self will be eternally grateful.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Goat Encounter (image supplied)
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Goat Encounter (image supplied)
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a school holiday favourite for good reason. From hands-on holiday programs for kids aged 5–16 years to animal encounters, shows and the always-popular Feed the Rainbow Lorikeets at 8am and 4pm daily, there’s plenty to keep little wildlife lovers entertained. Add in the Treetop Challenge zipline, park train and Outback Adventure Precinct and you’ve got a full-day winner.

Until 24 December, the sanctuary also hosts Wild Christmas, transforming the park into a festive family escape. Expect Christmas photo ops without the shopping centre chaos, surprise elf sightings, and meet-and-greets with Blinky Bill, Nutsy the Koalas and the Christmas Fairy, all included with day tickets (and free for National Trust members).

When the sun goes down, Astra Lumina Gold Coast lights up the sanctuary with a magical, after-dark walking trail through the bushland (ticketed separately).
Where: 28 Tomewin St, Currumbin

Children's Gallery, HOTA (image supplied)
Children's Gallery, HOTA (image supplied)
HOTA

Hold on to your HOTA’s, because the Gold Coast’s cultural hub is serving up a dreamy school holiday win for little creatives. This summer, the Children’s Gallery is home to Cloudy with a Chance of Art, a playful, imagination-fuelled exhibition that turns daydreaming into an art form. Running until 1st February, the sky’s the limit as kids explore cloud-inspired artworks by some of Australia’s most celebrated artists, alongside hands-on, interactive activities designed to spark creativity.

It’s not just about looking either, this immersive experience invites little visitors to imagine, create and play, with sky-themed activities that’ll keep tiny hands busy and minds buzzing (all in blissful air-conditioning, no less). Best of all, entry is completely free. No bookings, no tickets, just drop in anytime between 10am and 4pm.

While you’re there, make a day of it. Let the kids roam the outdoor play spaces, cool off by the lake, grab a bite at HOTA Café, or catch a family-friendly flick at HOTA Cinema. A summer must-do for curious kids and culture-loving parents alike.
Where: HOTA, 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise

Dive into Paradise, Paradise Centre (image supplied)
Dive into Paradise, Paradise Centre (image supplied)
Paradise Centre

Paradise Centre is making waves these school holidays with a summer lineup designed for maximum fun in the sun. From 3–11 January, spend $50 in one transaction and take on the Beach Locker Challenge, where you can unlock a locker packed with epic prizes including pool rings, sunnies, bags, vouchers and more (find it daily from 1pm–4pm near Newsextra).

There’s also Ping Pong Paradise, serving up free table tennis action daily from 9am–8pm in the beachfront precinct – paddles, balls and bragging rights all sorted. Keep an eye out for the lively lifeguard duo, making a splash daily from 1pm–4pm, and don’t forget to swing past the Pop-up Sunscreen Station for free sunscreen and neon zinc, open 11am–2pm from 3–11 January.

And if all else fails, the rag-tag entertainment gang – Timezone, Zone Bowling and Padlock’d, have never let us down yet.
Where: 2 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise

School Holiday fun at Sanctuary Cove (image supplied)
Sanctuary Cove

Sanctuary Cove is turning up the summer vibes with five days of free(ish) family fun in the Marine Village from Monday 19 to Friday 23 January (10am–2pm daily). Expect inflatable chaos on the waterfront, with the Wipeout Challenge running 19, 21 & 23 January, and the Radical Run Race taking over on 20 & 22 January, perfect for kids who need to burn off that school holiday energy.

How to play? Simply spend $20+ at any Sanctuary Cove retailer and show your receipt to score a turn on the inflatables. Then stick around for waterfront dining, boutique shopping and all the breezy marina vibes.
Where: The Marine Village, Sanctuary Cove, Hope Island

Hooray for Hollywood, Movie World (image supplied)
Hooray for Hollywood, Movie World (image supplied)
Warner Bros Movie World

Need a break from all that festive cheer (and obsessively vacuuming up tinsel that just. keeps. coming)? Might we suggest tinsel town for a refreshing change of pace. On select dates until 23 December, experience White Christmas, with the park’s biggest parade, festive characters, magical precincts and rides under the stars, Movie World style.

Then, as the school holidays roll on, Hooray For Hollywood returns to the streets of Warner Bros. Movie World from 28 December to 18 January. Expect their biggest-ever Movie Magic Parade, glitzy street entertainment and cameos from an all-star cast, including classic characters and all your (we mean… your kids’) favourites.

And if you needed one more excuse to visit, the SCOOBY-DOO! Spooky Coaster has just reopened open. Case closed.
Where: Warner Bros Movie World, Pacific Mwy, Oxenford

Rollerama, Carrara Markets (image supplied)
Rollerama, Carrara Markets (image supplied)
Rollerama

Get ready to roll into Rollerama, the GC’s roller-skating rink at Carrara Markets. This vibrant addition to the markets transformed the existing events arena into a permanent roller-skating haven.

Picture disco lights, graffiti walls, and a live DJ, creating an electric atmosphere with over 500 pairs of light-up roller skates available for hire. Lace-up for 2-hour skating sessions every Friday and Saturday night, plus daytime fun on Saturdays and Sundays alongside the regular markets.

Calling all parents: Rollerama is the ultimate school holiday destination with skate sessions every weekday. Plus, they’re open Monday to Friday from 9am to 3pm during school holidays.

No need to book. Just roll up on the day or secure your spot online. Let the good times roll!
Where: Carrara Markets, 2 Market Street, Carrara

Active & Healthy holiday program, City of Gold Coast (image supplied)
Active & Healthy holiday program, City of Gold Coast (image supplied)
Gold Coast Active & Healthy Program

Oh, how we (and by association, our eternally ‘bored’ offspring) love the City of Gold Coast’s array of free and low-cost activities on offer thanks to the Gold Coast Active & Healthy Program. There’s stacks of stuff going down daily for all ages, so jump on their website and compare calendars stat (pro tip, filter by ‘school holidays’). Get amongst everything from junior park runs, colour blast obstacle courses and summer dance parties to hip hop workshops (one our own kidlets can attest to).
Where: Various locations across the Gold Coast

Abseiling with Quick Jumps at Gold Coast Recreation Centre (image supplied)
Abseiling with Quick Jumps at Gold Coast Recreation Centre (image supplied)
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! Dates from 5th January.
Where: 1525 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

NaturallyGC holiday programs (image supplied)
NaturallyGC holiday programs (image supplied)
NaturallyGC Kids

The NaturallyGC Kids school holiday program gives your intrepid adventurers the chance to explore.. and dare we say… learn (shhh).. about the Gold Coast’s natural environment, with a range of range of nature-based activities on offer. Book them in for heaps of free workshops, and switch screen time for green time with deep dive sessions such as ‘Mini marine biologists’, ‘Little Twitches’, ’Koala Kids’ and ‘Scaly Reptiles’ all on offer. It’s giving Totally Wild (#iykyk, 90’s kids).
Where: Various locations across the Gold Coast

Children sports (image supplied)
Child with basketball (image supplied)
KDV Sport School Holiday Camps

As always, there’s action packed adventure days a plenty happening at KDV Sport School Holiday Camps. Kiddos aged 5–13 are catered for, with more options than you can poke a tennis racquet at – mini golf, tennis, dodge-ball, swimming, basketball, table tennis, padel tennis, arts & crafts, talent shows, rock climbing aaaand *pauses dramatically to inhale* cricket all on offer. We’re exhausted just reading all that. The kids will be begging to go back and try them all.
Where: 221 Nerang Broadbeach Rd, Carrara

Christmas Activities at The Strand, Coolangatta (image supplied)
Christmas Activities at The Strand, Coolangatta (image supplied)
The Strand at Coolangatta

Celebrate the Christmas season, Coolangatta-style, at The Strand, with festive fun for the whole family (yes, even your four-legged besties). This December, the centre is turning up the holiday cheer with a calendar of free, family-friendly experiences designed to make Christmas shopping a little more magical.

For the first time ever, Santa will be visiting The Strand until 24 December, giving families the chance to snap a festive photo while ticking off the Christmas list. There are also special Paws & Santa Claus sessions on 11, 13, 19 and 21 December, so your furry friends don’t miss out on the fun.

Kids can get hands-on at Santa’s Bake House from 20–24 December, with a free in-centre Christmas cookie decorating workshop popping up on the ground floor, the perfect sweet treat to keep little elves entertained.
Where: The Strand at Coolangatta, Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Gingerbread Village, Broadbeach (image supplied)
Gingerbread Village, Broadbeach (image supplied)
Broadbeach Mall Gingerbread Village

Unil 24 December, Broadbeach Mall transforms into a magical Gingerbread Village, serving up free family fun and festive cheer beside The Oasis Shopping Centre.

By day (10am–3pm daily), book into festive workshops featuring gingerbread cookie decorating, Christmas crafts and storytime theatre. At night (5pm–8pm daily), meet Santa and his elves, snap a free Santa selfie and post your wish list at Santa’s Post Office.

Don’t miss Movies Under the Stars at Kurrawa Park on Friday 19 December, with a free screening of Arthur Christmas from 7pm.
Where: Broadbeach Mall, Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach

Rainy Photo from torwaiphoto
Rainy Photo from torwaiphoto
Rainy day activities

Although our city is known for sunshine, the weather gods have been known to frown upon us with iffy conditions in summer. Although including this in our list makes sunshine inevitable, so you’re welcome. In the event of rain, to prevent your kiddos from suffering dreary weather moods #theworst, check out our list of things to do indoors when it’s raining on the Coast.

Words by Belinda Symons

10 kids activities in Surfers Paradise

There’s more to the glitter strip than glitter!

Timezone (image supplied)
Timezone (image supplied)

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 (image supplied)
Timezone (image supplied)

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, Surfers Paradise (image supplied)
Infinity, Surfers Paradise (image supplied)

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

Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditorium ( image supplied)
Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditorium ( image supplied)

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

Quack'R Duck (image supplied)
Quack'R Duck (image supplied)

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

Padlock'd Escape Rooms (image supplied)
Padlock'd Escape Rooms (image supplied)

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.

Surfers Paradise River Cruises (image courtesy of Destination Gold Coast
Surfers Paradise River Cruises (image courtesy of Destination Gold Coast

15 free things to do on the Gold Coast

Live your best Gold Coast life on a budget.

The Undercurrent - Burleigh Singlet (image supplied)
The Undercurrent - Burleigh Singlet (image supplied)

There have been about 53 public holidays of late, meaning more time for activities and more money going out of your wallet. Meanwhile, the sun is shining (most of the time) and it’s almost summer, so there are still plenty of good times to be had.

Thankfully we have the answer, FREE THINGS TO DO on the Gold Coast. They do say the best things in life are free!

Bike crawl to Burleigh
There are many sweet spots to cruise along on the Gold Coast. Start at Kurrawa Park in Broadbeach and head south to the hill at Burleigh Heads. You’ll mostly be on the Esplanades but there are bike lanes on the roads for max safety. Wear your helmet.

Sunset at Burleigh Hill
Everybody’s favourite picnic spot. Roll out a blanket and kick up your heels for one of the best sunset views on the Gold Coast. People watching is at an all-time high here too if that’s your thing. Take some sport-related things to throw/kick and join in with the rest of the revelers.

Burleigh Hill (image courtesy of Destination Gold Coast)
Burleigh Hill (image courtesy of Destination Gold Coast)

Cruise through the markets
The Coast is home to lots of epic markets including beachside ones at Surfers Paradise, Coolangatta and Broadbeach, the ever-popular Village Markets at Burleigh Heads State School every second Sunday and the HOTA markets every Sunday. So many goodies.

Stroll through the national park
We are lucky enough to boast some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the world (if we do say so ourselves). Take a stroll over Burleigh Hill through the national park and around to Tallebudgera Creek and then return on the Oceanview path. Make sure to keep an eye out for breaching whales.

Tallebudgera creek (image supplied)
Tallebudgera creek (image supplied)

Paddle in Tallebudgera Creek
The water in Talle Creek is all of the absolutely stunning shades of blue and green and it’s truly a sight to behold. Swim out into the middle, float around on your back and think about how lucky you are to experience it.

Check out The Spit
Main Beach is home to a spot called The Spit which is home to a dog beach and a sweet pier-style situation so you can both make lots of hairy new friends and take some sweet snaps to remember it all.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary (image supplied)
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary (image supplied)

Feed the birds
Okay, so this one is almost free but well worth the gold coin donation. Head to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and feed the hundreds of lorikeets who gather there twice a day (8am and 4pm). They’re beautiful and loud and it’s an amazing experience.

Splash at Currumbin Rock Pools
Just a short drive from Currumbin are the Currumbin Rock Pools, complete with a jumping rock and little waterfalls to splash around in. It can get busy but it’s a relaxing spot to spend an afternoon.

Take a hike
Actually. There are TONS of hikes you can take around the Gold Coast from short little easy ones (yes please) to more challenging, mountainous ones and all with absolutely stunning views and lots of natural goodness to soak up.

Springbrook National Park (image by Sebastian Hans, unsplash)
Springbrook National Park (image by Sebastian Hans, unsplash)

Swim in a waterfall
Also just a short drive from Currumbin are Cougal Cascades, a collection of beautiful waterfalls you can swim under and take pretty pics of. You can also laze about in the rock pools and slide down the rocks themselves. It’s a delight. There are plenty more around too.

Slide into a playground
The Gold Coast is home to many epic playgrounds for kids. Most of them have tables and BBQ facilities, so pack an esky and make a day of it. The perennially popular Pirate Park in Palm Beach has just had an upgrade and it’s now bigger than ever.  Other unmissable parks include Bim’bimba Park, Pimpama, named the 2020 Best New Park in Queensland and the new Broadwater Parklands North with a 5 storey slide!

Pirate Park Playground, Palm Beach (image by City of Gold Coast)
Pirate Park Playground, Palm Beach (image by City of Gold Coast)

Find the frog
Down south a little further, there’s a stunning walk around the ocean from Coolangatta to Snapper Rocks. Go in search of the big green frog on your way, he’s overlooking a secluded little beach called Froggies (for obvious reasons).

Gaze at local art
The Gold Coast is home to several art galleries showcasing our talented local artists plus, of course, some from further afield. Find 19 Karen in Mermaid Beach, Dust Temple in Currumbin and the impressive contemporary HOTA Gallery in Bundall. Grab your Nikes, a LIME bike, skateboard, scooter, or your choice of wheels and hit the trail of the Gold Coast’s best street art with Art Roll. Their easy-to-navigate maps will have you rolling to the best street art by suburb.

HOTA Gallery exterior (photo by John Gollings)
HOTA Gallery exterior (photo by John Gollings)

Frolic on the beach
We’re lucky enough to be home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. From Surfers Paradise to Snapper Rocks, the options are endless and each one more beautiful than the last. Don’t forget water and sunscreen of course, that Gold Coast sun is unrelenting.

Make your way up the mountain
Mt Tamborine is only a 40 minute drive from the Coast and the views from up there are next-level. Not only that, there are more beautiful walks than you can poke a stick at, waterfalls and the main street is a sight to behold in itself. Plenty of shops to scope out if you’ve got some spare change too.

Curtis Falls (image supplied by Tourism & Events Queensland)
Curtis Falls (image supplied by Tourism & Events Queensland)

Enjoy, friends, those should keep you going for awhile.

Words by Kirra Smith

12 places on the Gold Coast for kids birthday parties

Coz there ain’t no party like a kid’s club party

Infinity Attraction birthday parties (image supplied)
Infinity Attraction birthday parties (image supplied)

Organising your mini-me’s birthday party triggers a rollercoaster of emotions; excitement, anticipation and pure joy…laced with a dose of fear, dread, and general trepidation. The sugar. The screaming. The inevitable tantrum. And don’t even get us started on the politics of who to invite….#sendwine.

Well, we’re here to help you keep your cool and focus on the fun stuff with our list of fail-proof, kid-pleasing, parent-sanity-preserving places to host the ultimate bday celebration.

#MayTheForceBeWithYou…

Hijinx Hotel (image supplied)
Hijinx Hotel (image supplied)
Hijinx Hotel

Looking for a party with extra oomph this year? Look no more, coz Hijinx Hotel, the ultimate immersive experience, has you covered. Play a set of super fun Hinjinx Hotel Challenger Rooms (five rooms in total), eat a yummy main and side (with an option to add-in extra noms), plus sip on soft drink or water and experience a totally ‘ungeneric’ celebration. The best part? You can relax while a party host takes care of all the action #hearhear! From $39 per whipper snapper, it’s worth every cent.
Where: Corner of 3197 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Level 1 Elkhorn Ave, Surfers Paradise

Slideways Go Karting (image supplied)
Slideways Go Karting (image supplied)
Slideways Go Karting

Watching the kids race around a track channelling their inner Lewis Hamilton having an absolute hoot of a time is a vibe. Slideways boasts a three-storey indoor drift kart track and is the perf party destination for kids aged 7 to 13 (minimum height 120cm). For $90 per person with no less than five kidlets, you’ll get 20 mins of go karting, 10 arcade tokens, a balaclava, an ice block, a bottle of H20, and two-hours in the function room. Side-note, feel free to use our special discount here.
Where: 10 Spencer Road, Nerang

Paradise Resort

Celebrate your child’s next party in paradise. Literally – this place is actual paradise for kids. Paradise Resort is a sprawling fun-packed venue, with so many options for birthday parties we’d be here till Christmas listing them all. As a guide, a basic three-hour Ice Skating Party for five kids will set you back $150, whereas a two-hour Pamper Parlour Party for a minimum of eight kiddos is $520. Or you can mix and match the above, and add in waterpark, laser tag, and climbing wall to name a few.
Where: 122 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Kids playing at Paradise Resort (image supplied)
Kids playing at Paradise Resort (image supplied)
iPlay

We dare you to find a kid who doesn’t go all kinds of gaga for gaming and nope, they don’t exist. That’s why iPlay is a winner winner kid’s party dinner.

Coomera iPlay: For $25 per child (minimum of 8 guests), your small people will score two hours of partying, including one-hour unlimited arcade (yellow) and redemption (red) games, 2 x (purple) prize games, 300 x tickets per guest, and a whopping 500 tickets for the bday kid! Food platters are also available.

Harbourtown iPlay: For $25 per child (minimum of 8 guests), the kids will lap up one-hour of arcade time, unlimited red and yellow swipers, three purple swipers, 200 tickets per child and a $5 return voucher for the party kiddo. Line those hungry tums for $12 each with food supplied from Crafty’s! Save some for mum and dad!
Where: Westfield Coomera, 83-121 Foxwell Road, Coomera & Harbour Town Premium Outlets, 147 Brisbane Road, Biggera Waters

Putt Putt Mermaid Beach
Putt Putt Mermaid Beach (image supplied)
Miniature Golf

Who doesn’t love a game of golf, mini or otherwise? It’s a sure-fire winner for all ages, including the youngins who love nothing more than a golf birthday party! We’re pretty lucky here on the Gold Coast as we are spoilt for choice whether it’s the mini variety with Holey Moley in Surfers or Putt Putt Mermaid Beach’s three themed 18-hole courses. Or enjoy less screen time, less green time at Top Golf with a hosted kids party. Shot!
Where: Various

Timezone at Paradise Centre (image supplied)
Timezone at Paradise Centre (image supplied)
Timezone

Ahhh the flashbacks of living it large as a kid at Timezone. And let us tell you, absolutely nothing has changed, with our mini’s going weak at the knees at the mere mention of the ‘T’ word. At Surfers Paradise Timezone, there are three party packages priced from $29.90 per head. Between 2.5 and 3 hours in duration, they include everything from game time to a dedicated party host, with the two more expensive options also serving up kid’s meals. At Timezone Coolangatta and Robina, there are similar packages so parentals, it’s a no-brainer!
Where: Paradise Centre, Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise, Robina Town Centre, 1 Robina Town Centre Dr, Robina and The Strand, Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Infinity Attraction, Surfers Paradise (image courtesy of Destination Gold Coast)
Infinity Attraction, Surfers Paradise (image courtesy of Destination Gold Coast)
Infinity Attraction

Get the party started at Infinity, an incredible journey through a world of illusion. Think of a futuristic, maze-like world of wonder with unique rooms and sensory overloads that will have you and the kids feeling as though you’re in a dream. Prices start from $190 for a minimum of 10 children, or paired with tasty eats from Betty’s Burgers from $350 (min 10 children), parent of the year status incoming! Should we mention that you can get 10% of adult and child entry here?!  Go on and make your little one’s year!
Where: Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre, G31/3240 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise

Other World HQ, Surfers Paradise (image supplied)
Other World HQ, Surfers Paradise (image supplied)
Escape Rooms

Locking the kids up for an hour – are you sure it’s not our birthday? Just joking kiddos…sort of. Small folk love a good escape room, plus they’ll use their brains trying to figure out how to get un-locked #bonus. Sounds like the perfect party plan to us – especially when we have a 10% discount at Padlock’dFox in a Box, and a 15% discount at Other World HQ.
Where: Padlock’dParadise Centre, Surfers ParadiseFox in a Box Gold Coast Escape Rooms – Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise, Other World HQ – 3107 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise.

Bella's Wonderland, Southport (image supplied)
Bella's Wonderland, Southport (image supplied)
Bella’s Wonderland

Love a good play centre? Chances are your small people do too and this one is humungous, plus its beautiful modern design will make for some srsly instagrammable pics. Think on-trend curves, pastels-a-plenty, and a darn good menu to boot. Offering an array of party packages including the Mini Birthday Bash ($299 for five kids), Bella’s Fun Fiesta ($580 for ten kids), and the hum-dinga Dream Discovery Bash ($880 for 12 kids), this one’s a keeper.
Where: 48 3/15 Jackman St, Southport

Rollerama, Carrara Markets (image supplied)
Rollerama, Carrara Markets (image supplied)
Rollerama

This one’s for the nostalgic parents who long for their minis to enjoy the roller rink parties of yesteryear #OhTheMems, and wept uncontrollably when the local roller rink shut up shop #StillScarred. Well, we have news for you! Rollerama is a huge new roller-skating arena, now a permanent attraction at Carrara Markets! The perfect spot for a fun-fuelled birthday party, it’s wheely good fun for all ages.
Where: Events Arena precinct, Carrara Markets, Corner of Gooding Drive & Manchester Road, Carrara

The Craft Parlour, Miami (image supplied)
The Craft Parlour, Miami (image supplied)
The Craft Parlour

Pretty as a picture, The Craft Parlour takes the mess factor away, whilst allowing your birthday girl or boy and posse to craft away till their hearts’ content! The summery enclosed backyard and beautiful studio has plenty of room for kids to dance, relax, and craft away, and it’s BYO food, drinks, and cake. Mama’s, feel free to pack a yummy cheese platter and bubbles for any parents who may stay for the sesh #AnyExcuse.
Where: 87 West Burleigh Rd, Burleigh Heads

Helensvale Aquatic Centre

If you’re looking for an inexpensive crowd-pleasing way to celebrate your kiddo’s birthday, nothing says “party” quite like a pool party! There most popular option for good reason is the three-hour Inflatable Pool Party from $20 per child, which side note; will also wear them out #tick! Or, for the littler littlies, how about a two-hour Splash Park Party from $15 per head. Both are for a minimum of ten kids, have the option to add catering, or BYO food and drinks. Yes mum and dad, we said BYO!
Where: Rugby Lane, Helensvale

Words by Bianca Trathen

 

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