The dinosaur that sits atop the Holly Brooke Carter playground at Bob Huth Park in Ashmore has long been an institution. Standing tall and watching over everyone who drives past, it’s a much-loved local landmark, and kids can’t help but get excited when they spot it on arrival.
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26 in ’26 – your A-Z guide to the Gold Coast in 2026
Keep the adventures going all year long with this 26 in ‘26 guide! The ultimate A–Z of activities across the Gold Coast, Tweed and surrounds. From splash pads and playgrounds to wildlife encounters, hinterland walks and iconic food stops, this list is full of tried-and-tested ideas for days out with the family.
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Logan Gardens Splash Pad and Playground
Cool off at Logan Gardens, with a free splash pad, shady water play, a brilliant treehouse playground and plenty of space to picnic and play. Perfect for an easy, budget-friendly family outing.
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Farm & Co, Cudgen
Sunflowers, a playground, wide open spaces and the happiest free-range chickens. Farm & Co at Cudgen is the perfect slow-down spot for families — wander the farm, meet Hank and Peppi, then finish with coffee, cake or a long lunch under the trees.
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Kings Forest Playground, Cudgen
If you’re happy to venture a little south of the border, Kings Forest Playground at Cudgen is a Tweed playground that truly delivers. With an impressive multi-level play tower, a thoughtfully designed toddler area and a brilliant pump track for bikes and scooters, this park caters beautifully to kids of all ages. It’s the kind of playground that makes the drive completely worthwhile.
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Bamboo Down Under, Wongawallan
Bamboo Down Under at Wongawallan is a garden centre with a difference. The perfect weekend outing, here you can explore a species garden, meditation garden, labyrinth, sensory garden and bamboo tunnel, and get bamboozled in the bamboo maze!
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Icy Spicy, Pimpama
Icy Spicy Cafe Pimpama serves up 28 ice cream flavours inspired by Indian street food and global favourites — all pure vegetarian, egg-free and gelatine-free. From adventurous scoops like Pink Guava with Salt & Chilli (my absolute favourite!) to kid-approved classics like bubblegum and popping candy, there’s something for every palate. Add in momos, falooda, chaat, a kids corner and plenty of seating, and you’ve found a family-friendly Gold Coast gem worth visiting.
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Kids Eat Free – Gold Coast
I've searched high and low and compiled a comprehensive list of all the kids eat free restaurants and cafes on the Gold Coast for you!
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Natural Bridge, Springbrook National Park
A short rainforest walk with a big payoff, Natural Bridge at Springbrook National Park is one of the Gold Coast hinterland’s most family-friendly adventures. This easy one-kilometre circuit winds through ancient Gondwana rainforest before revealing a stunning rock arch carved by a waterfall. It's perfect for curious kids, relaxed parents, and a memorable nature escape that doesn’t require a full day.
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Flipz Academy, Southport
If you’re looking for an indoor activity that keeps kids active, challenged and genuinely excited, Flipz Academy at Southport delivers on all fronts! Combining a trampoline park, ninja course and gymnastics equipment in one space, it’s the kind of venue where kids burn energy and build skills at the same time.
